How we work with dog reactivity

Everything we do is rooted in ACE (Animal Centred Education), a force-free, kind and reward based approach. We start by getting to know your dog as an individual, how they move, what they notice, and where their worry comes from. Some reactivity has a physical root, such as pain or discomfort, so we take the whole dog into account rather than only the behaviour you see on a walk.
 
From there we work at your dog's pace. We give them the space and time to feel safe, then gradually help them build a different, calmer response to the things that currently set them off. There's no quick fix and no flooding your dog with what frightens them. Progress is steady, and it lasts because it's built on your dog actually feeling better, not just holding it together. Most people start to see changes within the first couple of sessions.

What this looks like in practice

Most reactivity work starts with our Consultation Package or one of our ACE packages, which give us dedicated one-to-one time to focus properly on your dog. We conduct a 360 degree review of them including physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as their lifestyle, then work through the situations they currently find daunting, at their pace.
 
As with all of our training, we only progress when your dog is ready. We know that fitting this around everyday life isn't always easy, and that's exactly what we're here to help with. You'll come away understanding your dog far better, with practical things you can do on your own, and with the reassurance of knowing you're going about it the right way.
 ​

Help for reactive dogs near Bristol and Bath

We work with reactive dogs at our coaching centre in Hunstrete and at Tilley Farm near Bath, within easy reach of Bristol, Bath, Keynsham and the surrounding areas. If your dog finds the world a bit much at the moment, book an initial call  and we'll help you make a start. 

Alongside one-to-one consultations, our peACEful Walks at Tilley Farm offer a calmer, complementary option for reactive dogs — gentle, dog-led decompression walks on a long line that give your dog space to lower their arousal, reset their nervous system and rebuild confidence outside structured training.​

Reactive Dogs FAQs

What does ‘reactive’ mean in a dog?

A reactive dog is one who responds strongly to things in their environment, such as other dogs, traffic or people, often out of insecurity, fear, or an underlying reason such as pain or discomfort. Our work is about helping your dog read those situations differently and build a calmer, more confident response over time.

How do you work with reactive dogs?

We start with a 360-degree review of your dog, looking at their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing as well as their lifestyle, before working through the situations they currently find daunting. We work at your dog’s pace and only progress when they’re ready.

Is this group classes or one-to-one?

Reactive dog support is one-to-one, through our Consultation Package or one of our ACE Packages, so everything is tailored to your dog and goes at the right pace for them. Group classes aren’t suitable for dogs who react strongly to other dogs.

My dog has tried other training without success — can you still help?

Yes. We often work with owners whose dogs haven’t responded to other approaches. Because we look at the reasons behind the behaviour rather than just the behaviour itself, we can usually find a way forward where other methods haven’t.

How do I get started?

Get in touch and we’ll arrange an initial conversation to understand your dog and which package would suit you best.