One of the most common questions I’m asked by owners of reactive dogs is, “Do you need to see him react so you can help us?” It’s an understandable question, but the answer is no — and choosing not to do this is very deliberate.  

My priority, first and foremost, is your dog’s emotional wellbeing. Reactivity is not “bad behaviour”; it is a sign that a dog is struggling to cope with something in their environment. Asking a dog to demonstrate that behaviour means intentionally putting them into a situation they find stressful, frightening, or overwhelming. That isn’t kind, and it isn’t necessary to make meaningful progress.  

When we decide to work on reactive behaviour, one of the key principles is to reduce the number of opportunities your dog has to practise the behaviour. Every me a dog reacts, the neural pathways connected to that response become stronger. In simple terms, the more often a behaviour is rehearsed, the more ingrained it becomes. For this reason, management and prevention are just as important as training itself.  

There is also a vital learning consideration. A dog who is already stressed will be flooded with stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. In this state, the brain is focused on survival, not learning. Your dog is far more likely to default to fight or flight responses rather than being able to think, process information, or respond to cues.  

For learning to take place, a dog needs to feel safe enough to access their rest and digest state. This is when the brain is receptive, curiosity is possible, and new skills can be learned and retained. If we push a dog into stress before training begins, we are setting them up to fail. Instead, I gather information through detailed discussion, history taking, and careful observation of your dog in low pressure situations. 

Training plans are then tailored to your dog’s individual needs, with gradual, controlled exposure introduced only when they are emotionally ready. This is reflected in my Deluxe Reactivity Package, where each session builds carefully on the last. We work in appropriate, thoughtfully chosen environments, introducing challenges slowly and at a pace your dog can cope with. All exposure is supervised and purposeful, with the focus on teaching your dog practical coping skills rather than simply expecting them to tolerate overwhelming situations. By progressing in this way, we help your dog develop confidence, resilience, and more appropriate responses. 

By prioritising welfare, reducing stress, and working at the dog’s pace, we create the best possible environment for lasting change — and a calmer, more confident dog.