Does your dog bark or lunge on leash? You’re not alone. And your dog isn’t a “bad” dog for having big feelings.
Leash reactivity is unfortunately one of the most common and most misunderstood behavior problems.
We specialize in supporting high-energy, sensitive, or excitable dogs who struggle to stay cool in the face of triggers. We’ll help you understand the “why” behind the behavior and how to promote calmer dog walks without force or fear.
Finding trustworthy help for your out-of-control dog can feel daunting. Confusing terminology, conflicting advice – it’s a lot to sift through when you just want to do right by your dog.
If your dog freezes, growls, lunges, or bites, we take those cases too. Dogs struggling with anxious or aggressive behavior are especially in need of thoughtful, compassionate support.
We’ll help you build a plan for safety and comfort of everyone, and empower you to make progress around your dog’s triggers.
Although serious aggression or fear likely won’t be “fixed” overnight, there is still hope. By listening to your dog, meeting them where they are, and building confidence with triggers, it is possible to make progress and to create a more peaceful relationship for you both.
Schedule an Intro Call to discuss your dog’s needs with our certified trainer.
Rather than see-you-and-leave-you, our programs are designed to keep you moving forward with a unique level of trainer support.
A behavior professional works directly with your dog multiple times a week to jumpstart your dog's learning. Your dog makes progress even if you can't train everyday.
Bonus reservable 15-minute Zoom sessions each week, included in each package. Whether you've hit a sticking point with your dog, or just need a trainer's ear, we're there.
Check in with your personal dog trainer through a shared Training Log. Get clear next steps as soon as you're ready and troubleshooting help when you need it.
We're invested in your long-term success. Lighter-touch support options after your core package is complete help you handle any curveball life throws your way.
Our Jumpstart programs pair you with a certified trainer who works directly with your dog, taking the burden of stressful training walks off of your plate.
You don’t have to bear the weight of your dog’s behavior alone. Let your trainer pave the way to more connected dog walks.
Every client gets a plan built around their dog specifically. We'll tailor a plan for your goals and how your dog learns best.
Additional resources, insights, and how-to's that are most relevant to you and your dog
Easy communication with your trainer for quick feedback, next steps, and progress updates. No waiting a week to find out if you and your dog are on the right track.
Weekly mini-sessions reservable through Zoom. Get unstuck, get clarity, and keep moving forward between appointments.
Graduates have access to continuing packages and our Post-Grad Support membership to keep progress going long after your package ends.
“Our rescue was reactive and [Mara] has helped us get to the point that we can walk our dog around the neighborhood without stressing out that she is going to lunge and bark… We highly recommend Mara.”
All new clients begin with a 1-hour Start Right Session, at your home or virtually. We’ll get to know each other and discuss your dog’s behavior in-depth.
You’ll leave with:
Note: A free Intro call is available before booking a Start Right Session. Chat with a trainer to learn if we’re a good fit, no commitment required.
Owners ready to be their dog’s primary trainer with expert guidance along the way.
Meet with your trainer for weekly train-together sessions, at home or around town.
The real magic of behavior change happens as you practice together with your dog during each week.
While you practice between sessions, keep in touch with your trainer through your shared Training Log and bonus Trainer Chats (check-in calls).
What’s Included:
And:
Owners who love the idea of a behavior expert stepping in to do the heavy lifting and making sure every week of training counts.
Your trainer puts in training “reps” with your dog to help make sure training gets done and to accelerate progress.
While you’re busy at work (or just living life), your trainer works directly with your dog three times a week, practicing new skills.
As your dog masters each new behavior, you’ll learn how to take the reins during weekly Transfer Sessions.
We’ll meet with you throughout training, not just a handoff at the end, so you and your dog learn how to work effectively together as a team.
And:
All clients begin with a free 30-minute phone call with our trainer. Tell us about your dog, explore services, and learn if we’re a good fit.
Next, we’ll kick things off with a Start Right Session – an in-home or virtual assessment to meet you and your dog, review their behavior history, and build an action plan. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding both of your dog and the best next steps.
From here, you’re ready to embark on your training journey! You’ll start a package, learning skills for better behavior and a more joyful partnership. Post-Grad success packages are available after training to ensure long-term success.
Reactivity is an exaggerated emotional response to a trigger. While it looks intense and can feel alarming, it doesn’t necessarily mean your dog is dangerous or aggressive. We’ll help you understand exactly what’s driving your dog’s behavior at your Start Right Session, and build a plan that addresses the real cause.
For most dogs, the goal isn’t a cure, it’s positive trends. With the right behavior modification plan, most reactive dogs experience fewer reactions, faster recovery, a wider threshold, and a much calmer experience for both ends of the leash. Some dogs reach a point where their reactivity is barely noticeable in day-to-day life. Others will always need some level of management in certain situations. We’ll provide you with science-backed methods for changing your dog’s behavior, and we’ll be with you to celebrate every win along the way.
Leashes can add tension for your dog in multiple ways. If your dog is fearful of a the trigger, then leashes can amplify stress by removing your dog’s ability to flee or avoid the trigger. If your dog likes the trigger (ie people, other dogs, chasing squirrels), then the leash adds frustration by preventing your dog from accessing the thing he likes. Either way, being on-leash ratchets up the tension your dog feels, making them more likely to have a big reaction.
Leashes are important for safety, so we’re not suggesting we remove them. Instead, with a good training plan, we can teach your dog how to make calmer choices even when they are on leash.
It varies significantly depending on your dog’s genetics, history, the intensity of their reactivity, their individual personality, and the consistency of practice between sessions. Most clients start to experience fewer reactions within weeks. Significant change typically takes several months of consistent work. Dogs with long histories of repeating a behavior, or who are reacting out of fear, tend to be slower to change.
A well-fitted, comfortable body harness is our standard recommendation. When your dog feels physically comfortable, they’re in a better position to learn. A harness gives you security without adding discomfort or pressure to an already stressed dog.
If you’re currently using a prong collar, choke chain, or e-collar, we’ll help you find equipment that both supports good behavior and is enjoyable for your dog to wear.
This usually comes down to timing and threshold. If your dog is already over threshold (already in full reaction mode), they’re too overwhelmed to take food, process information, or learn anything meaningful in that moment. Treats work in behavior modification when they’re used before the reaction happens. We’ll show you exactly how and when to use rewards most effectively for your specific dog.
Possibly; We’ll help you determine this at your Start Right Session.
Some dogs’ reactivity toward people is mild enough that with a gradual introduction, they warm up to a new trainer during the Start Right Session. For other dogs, fear is severe enough that the Jumpstart format isn’t the right approach.
If Jumpstart isn’t the right fit, Coaching is always a great alternative to get started with.
Understanding your dog’s behavior is the first key step towards helping them make better choices.
Discover why your dog reacts and learn quick tips for more enjoyable walks.
This is the same vital starting information we share with all reactive dog clients after onboarding. You can access it now with no commitment.