Reactive Dog Classes

We currently have four options for Reactive Dog Classes. Please review each description carefully to make sure you select the appropriate class.

  • Live, Online Reactive Dog Class via Zoom
  • In-person Reactive Dog Class
  • Intensive In-person Reactive Dog Class (please see prerequisite)
  • Practical Life Skills for Reactive Dogs (please see prerequisite)

Live, Online Reactive Dog Class (via Zoom)

  • We will be using Zoom for this class, so you will need to have internet access and a smartphone or a computer.  Before your first session, your instructor will send you log-in information as well as tips on how to prepare for the class.
  • Instructors will use live demos, discussion and pre-recorded videos.
  • Includes Facebook group for students and instructors to discuss specific issues
  • Join us from anywhere!
  • Your dog will not participate live, but you will be asked to submit videos and will have homework

About this Class:

Does your dog lunge, bark, growl, or overreact to dogs, people, or other stimuli?  Our online class will teach you how to handle the difficult situations that arise when you live with or walk a reactive dog. It consists of six online webinars, and is designed to help your reactive dog become more focused and confident. Registration in the course also includes access to a Facebook discussion group where you can pose specific questions about you and your dog.

This online class is not only good for dogs that react to other dogs; it is also the only option for dogs that are reactive to people, including those coming into your home, dogs that have caused serious injury to others, or dogs spooked by trucks, balloons, bikes, or other indoor or outdoor triggers.

Instructors: Sarah Stoycos (Laughing Dog Academy) and Marnie Montgomery (Joyful Dog)
Fee: $200
Number and length of class sessions: Six sessions, 75 minutes each

In-Person Reactive Dog Class

This in-person class is not appropriate for dogs who display reactivity to humans.

Are you embarrassed when your dog barks and lunges at other dogs on walks? Wish your dog would be quiet and listen to you with other dogs around? Help is on the way! In this class, learn to replace your dog’s barking and lunging with paying attention to you while also making more positive associations with other dogs.

Instructor: Jackie Moyano (Behavior United) or Robin Shepherd (Infinite Dog)
Fee: $300
Number and length of class sessions: Six sessions, 60 minutes each

Intensive In-Person Reactive Dog Class

Prerequisite: Completion of the Online Reactive Class within the last year (see above); completion of a force-free, in-person group reactive class or a package of sessions for reactivity with a force-free private trainer; or instructor permission

This in-person class is not appropriate for dogs who display reactivity to humans.

This class is taught by two instructors, with a small class size of only three dog/handler teams, for a high instructor to student ratio and lots of individualized attention!

In this intensive class, you and your dog will build and strengthen the skills needed to work around other dogs, implementing hands-on techniques learned in the Online Reactive Dog Class. We will strategize and simulate real–life situations focusing on keeping you and your dog in your “success zone.”

Skills covered include: desensitization and counterconditioning, “look at that,” leash handling, emergency techniques.

Instructors: Marnie Montgomery (Joyful Dog) and Susan Sanderson (Joyful Dog)
Fee: $200
Number and length of class sessions: Four sessions, 60 minutes each

Practical Life Skills for Reactive Dogs

Prerequisite: Completion of a force-free, in-person group reactive class or completion of 6 sessions for reactivity with a force-free private trainer.

This in-person class is not appropriate for dogs who display reactivity to humans.

Practical Life Skills for Reactive Dogs is a basic manners class for dogs living with reactivity. Manners introduced include coming when called, stay, drop it, settle, and loose leash walking. Everyone will have their own training space with visual barriers available and used as needed.

Instructor: Jackie Moyano (Behavior United)
Fee: $165
Number and length of class sessions: Four sessions, 45 minutes each

See the Results:

Latte’s mom couldn’t take him for a walk without him making a scene every time he spotted another dog. Here he is on the last day of Reactive Dog Class.

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Upcoming Classes

Please check Schedule at a Glance for days off and the last date of class.

If the box is empty, there are no classes currently scheduled, but you can join the notification list at the bottom of this page.

Registration

Class fees help support the free programs and services provided by Your Dog’s Friend, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and supporting dog parents.

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Join the Notification List

Not ready to sign up? Waiting for a section on different dates? Join the notification list to find out about new sections. We email the list when a reactive class is scheduled.

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More Help for Your Reactive Dog

We have handouts on reactive dogs under behavior issues, as well as videos of our webinars on reactive dogs. We also have a list of positive trainers, divided by location, and veterinary behaviorists.