– P.B., Washington, DC
You are walking your dog down the street when another dog appears. Within an instant you’re struggling to hang on to a leash attached to a snarling, barking, straining, leaping dog acting like Kujo, or as we mundanely say, a reactive dog. You’re embarrassed and afraid that your dog is truly dangerous to other dogs, and you begin to dread taking your dog out in public. You also worry that little can be done to change your dog’s behavior or that it will take a lot of time.
The goal of the Growly Dog class is to develop the skills to walk your dog on leash in public, in proximity to various dogs, without barking and lunging. The class is limited to up to five dogs and serious owners who are willing to invest sufficient time and energy to effect rapid change in their dogs’ behavior. You will receive copious guided practice in class with a knowledgeable personal coach and a variety of stimulus dogs. You will also receive handouts detailing exercises to do at home and in your neighborhood. Students are expected to make time for daily practice.
Students enrolled in this class will receive instructions two weeks before class to condition their dogs to wear halters and muzzles. Students will need to purchase a Snoot Loop halter, a front attach ring harness (unless they have one already), a muzzle, and a six-foot leash with clips at each end. Your Dog’s Friend carries some of this equipment, but you will still need to place some orders online. So, register early.
Training will begin with the first session following a brief orientation.
Instructor: Alfhild (Al) Winder (Come When Called Dog Training)
Fridays, 1:15 – 2:45pm; 5 weeks
Dates: Fri, Jan 10 – Feb 7
Fee: $215
Only up to five dogs per class – lots of personal attention!
Register at https://yourdogsfriend.dogbizpro.com/Public/Registration/Index.aspx
We use the same wait list for our weekday, weeknight, and online reactive dog classes. You can join the wait list here.
More Help for Your Reactive Dog
We have handouts on reactive dogs under behavior issues. We also have a list of positive trainers, divided by location, and veterinary behaviorists.
Upcoming Classes
Our next Growly Dog class is on Friday, Jan 10 – Feb 7, 1:15 – 2:45pm.
You can register for any of our reactive dog classes here. We use the same wait list for all three types of reactive dog class. You can join the wait list here.