Other Classes & Workshops-
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Many dogs struggle in public not because they “don’t know” their cues, but because they have difficulty managing arousal, stress, or big feelings around triggers like people, dogs, or busy environments.

Tackling Reactivity is designed to build foundational skills that support dogs who struggle with arousal or mild reactivity — this is not a behavior-modification or “fix-it” class. The focus is on giving handlers practical tools, clear handling strategies, and structured practice that you can continue to apply at home and in everyday life.

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The class is structured so teams first build skills in a controlled facility environment before transitioning to a real-world setting for guided learning.

Our Approach for This Class

Tackling Reactivity blends structured obedience, emotional regulation work, and practical management strategies so teams learn how to think and adapt — not just follow cues.

Training emphasizes:

• Teaching dogs to notice a trigger and choose to disengage

• Gradual, controlled exposure to challenging situations

• Clear, consistent handling and communication

• Reinforcing calm, thoughtful behavior instead of impulsive reactions

• Helping handlers read arousal, manage environments, and intervene effectively

This approach gives both dog and handler a stronger, more usable toolkit for navigating challenging situations with greater confidence and clarity.

How It Works

Tackling Reactivity is a 4-week class with a structured progression from facility-based training to real-world application.

This class includes:

• Three (3) ninety minute sessions in the training facility with your dog, where teams work on:

  • Emergency behaviors

  • Foundational skills for managing arousal

  • Home-management strategies

  • Impulse control and emotional regulation

  • Relevant obedience skills for public settings

• Training techniques introduced in these sessions:

  • Redirection

  • Disengagement

  • Counter-conditioning

  • Handler focus, timing, and awareness

• One (1) final handler-only session in a public setting (without dogs)

  • Instructors will demonstrate how to begin working through real-world triggers

  • Handlers will learn how to set up training scenarios, manage distance, and apply their tools in everyday environments

  • This session focuses on planning, timing, and decision-making rather than working dogs directly

• Weekly at-home practice guidelines to reinforce learning between sessions

Format & Pricing

• 4-week class

• Working Slot — $300 (4 spots available)
  Hands-on participation with your dog during facility sessions plus the handler-only field session.

• Audit Slot — $175 (6 spots available)
  Observe, learn, and take notes during facility sessions and attend the handler-only field session.

Who This Class Is (and Is Not) For

This class is a good fit for:

• Dogs who become over-aroused, frustrated, or mildly reactive in public

• Teams who want clearer tools for managing behavior in real-world settings

• Handlers looking to improve timing, awareness, and consistency

• Dogs who can still function in a structured group environment

This class is NOT:

• A behavior-modification or reactivity rehabilitation program

• A replacement for private training for dogs with severe reactivity or aggression