Living with a dog who barks, growls, and lunges at other dogs while on a leash, is growling, barking, or snapping at you, family, strangers, or friends, has trouble sharing with fellow canines, is unable to hang out with his kind without conflict, is not only stressful for their humans but also very stressful for the dog — not to mention it affects their quality of life.
We can help you address this and manage your dog’s behavior, giving you the peace of mind you deserve with our puppy training classes and more! Yes, it is possible!
Our methods are grounded in the latest canine behavioral science and tailored to suit the individual personality and needs of each dog we work with to stop excessive dog reactivity. From reactive dog group classes, board and train, day school, and private training to human aggression private training, we offer a growly dog program that best suits your goals and budget.
Undestanding Reactivity and Agression
Reactivity and aggression in dogs are often confused, but they are not the same behavior. Understanding the difference between the two is crucial for addressing each issue effectively and ensuring a positive outcome for both the dog and its owner.
Reactivity refers to an overreaction to specific stimuli or situations. Reactive dogs may bark, lunge, or growl in response to triggers such as other dogs, strangers, moving vehicles, or loud noises. This behavior is often rooted in fear, anxiety, or excitement and does not necessarily intend to harm.
Reactivity is essentially a dog’s inability to cope with a particular situation, leading to an exaggerated response. For example, a new puppy that barks and lunges at other dogs during walks might be overly excited to meet them or could be anxious and trying to keep them at bay.
Aggression, on the other hand, involves behaviors that are intended to threaten or cause harm to another animal or person when they feel they are not in a safe space. Aggression can manifest as growling, snapping, biting, or attacking. It can be motivated by various factors, including fear, territoriality, protection of resources (such as food or toys), dominance, or pain.
Aggressive behavior is more about the intent to control a situation or outcome by making the perceived threat go away.
Reactive Dog Board and Train Group Classes
Leash Reactive Dogs – All Age Groups
Walking the dog is supposed to be fun—even relaxing. But it’s hard to relax and enjoy yourself when your best friend does not feel in a safe place, growling and lunging at every dog he sees. Our certified dog trainer will guide you and your group through carefully orchestrated exercises designed to change how your dog feels about seeing other dogs while on leash—and how he responds when he does, too.
Start with the leash reactive dog foundations class and then progress to intermediate, public manners classes and our monthly membership programs. Classes are offered in Mountain View.
Board & Train for Reactive Dogs
Leash Reactive Dogs – All Age Groups
Dogs with behavior challenges need patient, consistent, and tailored training, along with a supportive and structured environment to address and modify their behaviors effectively.
Board and train is ideal for busy families or dog owners seeking a jumpstart in transforming their dog’s behavior. Your dog lives in a controlled environment with an experienced trainer to learn new skills and improve well-being, which will help you get faster results. While this can be a powerful initial intervention, collaboration between the trainer and the owner is crucial for a seamless transition and long-term success.
Reactive Dog Day School
Leash Reactive Dogs – All Age Groups
The Day School program offers all the perks of the Reactive Dog Board & Train program with the added advantage of keeping the dog home with you. The intensive, structured training allows for focused behavior modification, accelerating the learning process and building a strong bond with you and your dog.
Dogs receive consistent training and behavior modification in a controlled environment, helping to reinforce new habits and break undesirable ones. It’s a perfect way to ensure your dog gets expert attention and training while you manage your daily commitments.
School time is 8.30 AM to 2.00 PM.
Reactive Dog Private Training
Leash Reactive Dogs – All Age Groups
Private training for reactive dogs offers tailored and individualized attention to address specific behavior challenges. This one-on-one approach allows trainers to develop a customized behavior modification plan. The trainer can adapt the training pace to the dog’s comfort level, gradually exposing them to triggers while building trust and confidence. This personalized attention enhances the likelihood of successful behavior modification for reactive dogs while fostering a stronger bond between the dog and owner.
Choose from Day Training or Private Coaching.
Online Classes for Reactive Dogs
Leash Reactive Dogs – All Age Groups
The gradual, step-by-step nature of the program enables you to progress at your dog’s pace, fostering a more relaxed and positive learning experience. The virtual format also allows for easy access to a community of support, where owners can share experiences and advice, creating a sense of camaraderie in managing and improving their reactive dog’s behavior. You may learn with self-paced courses or hybrid training options, including one-on-one personalized in-person coaching or in-person group classes with your certified trainer.
Human Aggression
Puppies & Dogs – All Age Groups
Is your dog growling, barking or snapping at you, family, strangers or friends? Perhaps your dog is growling at the children over his food bowl or toys, or at you or your partner when he’s hunkered down on his bed, your bed, or the couch. Maybe it’s just one family member your dog has taken a dislike to—an uncle or grandma. Or it’s visitors who can’t come into your home without your pet feeling threatened. Or strangers on the street who try to say hello or just walk on by.
You want to enjoy peace in your house, have company over without being afraid of what might happen, and be able to take your dog out in public without problems and chaos. We understand & we can help common dogs in the Bay Area like German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Poodles, and Golden Retrievers.
What Our Clients Say
“I took several classes with D For Dog and loved all of them. I really enjoyed that many of the classes were held in different locations around town so your pup gets to practice the skills in the real world.”
Kelly L, Mom of River & Kaylee, Pitbull puppies“The one thing that sets Kaajal apart from other trainers is that she uses Positive reinforcement methods and is remarkably good at training humans in how they connect with their puppy as that sets the right foundation.”
Mikkin P, Dad of Munchkin, a Labradoodle Puppy
