Launching 2026 Reactive Dog Classes: For Dogs With Big Feelings

Not every dog finds the world easy.

Some bark, lunge, growl or spin when they see another dog, a person, a bicycle, or even a strange sound. These are often called reactive dogs, but really, they’re dogs with big feelings who are struggling to cope.

If you share your life with a reactive dog, you probably know how hard it can be:

• Walks feel stressful instead of relaxing

• You’re constantly scanning for triggers

• Friends and family may not understand

• You might feel embarrassed, judged, or isolated

It’s easy to start avoiding walks, training and outings altogether. Unfortunately, that often means these dogs miss out on the enrichment, training and outlets they so desperately need.

In 2026, we’re launching our Reactive Dog Classes to help change that. 
Want to be added to the waitlist? Click here to fill out the form.

What Is a Reactive Dog?

A reactive dog isn’t a “naughty” dog or a “bad” dog.

Reactivity is usually a sign that your dog is:

• Overwhelmed

• Worried or frustrated

• Unsure how to cope with what’s in front of them

Their big behaviour (barking, lunging, whining, pulling) is often a big communication:
“I don’t feel safe,” or “I don’t know what to do.”

Our goal is to listen to that communication and then give both dog and human better skills to handle the world together.

Why Group Classes for Reactive Dogs?

Many guardians of reactive dogs feel they can’t attend “normal” classes because:

• There are too many dogs

• There’s pressure to do on-lead greetings

• The environment is too busy and unpredictable

Our Reactive Dog Classes are designed specifically with these dogs in mind.

Small, Supportive Groups

• Very small class sizes so you never feel lost in the crowd

• Other owners are dealing with similar struggles

• A calm, supportive, non-judgemental environment

You’re not “the difficult one” in this class. Reactive dogs are exactly who this class is for.

A Controlled Environment – No Forced Interaction

This is not a free-for-all dog social.

• There will be no off-lead play or on-lead greetings

• We use visual barriers and distance to help dogs feel safe

• Dogs will not be allowed to rush up to one another

Instead, we focus on teaching your dog how to feel more comfortable simply existing in the same environment as other dogs, without direct contact.

Over time, many dogs learn that they can be near other dogs and still feel safe – and that’s a huge win.

Individual Needs, Tailored Support

Every dog–handler team is different, so we:

• Look at your dog’s individual triggers and thresholds

• Help you understand why your dog is reacting
  

We’re here to help you navigate what can feel like a life-limiting issue, one step at a time.

What the Course Looks Like

Our Reactive Dog Classes run over 6 weeks, with one-hour sessions each week.

In each class we will:

• Introduce new skills and behaviours for you and your dog

• Practice calm behaviour around other dogs at safe distances

• Build your dog’s ability to look to you for guidance when they’re unsure

• Work on patterns and games that help your dog think instead of explode

During the week, you’ll:

• Practice the exercises at home.

• Start to see how small changes add up over time

• Gain confidence in reading your dog and supporting them

Our Goals for You and Your Dog

By the end of the course, our aims include:

• A dog who is more manageable on walks

• A dog who is more able to cope in the presence of triggers

• A dog who checks in with you and trusts you to help

• A guardian who feels more skilled, more informed and less alone

We’re not promising a “perfect” dog (because perfect doesn’t exist!), but we are working towards:

A dog who can exist more calmly in the world,
and a human who feels equipped to support them.

Is This Class Right for You?

These classes may be a good fit if:

• Your dog barks, lunges or overreacts on walks

• You avoid busy times or certain places due to your dog

• You feel lost, stuck, or ashamed about your dog’s behaviour

• You’re ready to learn, practise, and be patient with the process

If your dog has a bite history or you’re unsure whether a class or 1:1 sessions are best, we can discuss this and guide you towards the safest, most appropriate option. Fill in the waitlist form and we'll get back to you. 

Next Steps

Our 2026 Reactive Dog Classes are designed to be a gentle, supportive introduction to life with a reactive dog – with less stress and more understanding for both ends of the lead.

If you’d like to be added to the interest list follow this link or have questions about whether these classes are suitable for your dog, please get in touch. We’d love to help you and your dog move from surviving to truly living together. 💚