The term 'reactive dog' is very common. It means a dog who cannot cope when a trigger is present; who overreacts to people, dogs, traffic, kids, bikes (really anything!) This can lead to dogs staring, avoiding, lunging, growling, barking, snapping and even biting towards their trigger.
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This can make dogs walks a chore, requiring owners to constantly scan the horizon for triggers, and it can be heart-breaking that others often don't see the snuggly, calm, playful, intelligent side of our dog.
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​If this sounds familiar, then you are in the right place. Together we can build your dog's resilience (strength and the ability to cope) in the often worrying world they have found themselves in.​​​
"Karen is wonderfully patient with our little terrier who is anxious around other dogs. He has come on so well with her help and we will continue with her suggestions. She is available to speak to if we have a problem which is very reassuring."
Dot with Jack the Terrier
How I can help you...
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Relax, unwind and enjoy your dog walks.
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Save money on buying different dog training equipment in the hope one works!
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Stop avoiding people and dogs when out walking and/or having visitors.
Pet Insurance
As I am a full member of the APBC many pet insurance companies will cover my fees when working on behavioural issues. Please get in touch with your company to ask. Pet insurance companies will reimburse you (often minus your excess) after our sessions are complete.
Every day I guide and support owners to help their dog overcome reactivity issues. I offer behavioural sessions where I create you and your dog a tailor-made plan to follow that fits in with your schedule to set you and your dog up for success.
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​The internet, social media, friends, family, and neighbours often give you conflicting advice leaving you confused and unsure where to start. Let me guide you all the way.
Session Goals
Goal one - we want to address the root of your dog's reactive behaviour by changing their emotions response. If your dog feels positive, calm and comfortable around their triggers reactions will reduce/stop.
This goal is achievable however I have had a reactive dog and I know life it not perfect! You and your dog will be in situations that may be too hard for your dog too soon (which causes a reaction) even despite your best efforts to set your dog up for success. Therefore, we have a second goal to ensure our training can fit into everyday life.
Goal two - to train your dog a default behaviour which is not compatible with reactive behaviour.
These goals give you a plan A and a plan B - goal one works to solve the problem, helps your dog to feel better (plan A) and goal two ensures that if a trigger is too close too soon, your dog can cope (plan B).
Together these goals give you achievable, realistic, positive results.
Want to learn about reactive behaviour and get a peek at what we will work on together? Click here for the Reactivity Introduction video.
"I was referred to Karen by my vet after my dog started reacting to cats, both at the window and on walks. I started with a online call and then a home visit. The home visit was especially helpful and reassuring that the way I was doing the training was ok. The advice I was given was excellent and the difference in his reactivity in a few short weeks is amazing. I'm sure with continued training he will improve even more.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Karen."
Shirley with Harry the Cocker Spaniel
What is Involved?
I offer a behavioural session package specifically created for reactive dogs. I will create you a tailor-made plan to follow that fits in with your schedule to set you and your dog up for success.​​​
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We normally meet every two weeks to progress the training (although this is flexible to suit your schedule).​
The Package £550*
The sessions - ​
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1.5 hour online call - talking through your dog's behaviour, what you can put in place immediately to help your dog feel calmer, less stressed and in the best mind frame possible to learn.​
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1.5 hour in-person session at your home/on a walk - working on the practical side of training - introducing different reward markers, training an alternative behaviour to reacting and starting to work on changing your dog's emotional response towards their triggers.
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1.5 hour follow-up in-person session meeting on a walk/around your dog's triggers - let's bring everything together and work in front of your dog's triggers so you can enjoy dog walks again.
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The support (yes, this is a lot as I am here to support you and your dog all the way!) -
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Information gathering from you and your vet, to help me plan and make the most of our time together.
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A written plan sent to you after each session.
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Regular check-ins between sessions to ensure everything is on track.
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Direct email/phone support for 12 weeks after our last session to address any queries, so that you have timely guidance and reassurance when you need it.
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Access to monthly group client support call (PB Connect) where you are welcome to ask me questions and listen to the monthly topic for further tips/training reminders (held on the last Thursday of the month).
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Organising a Veterinary referral, liaising with your Vet, and completing Pet Insurance paperwork.
*Travel expenses (per visit) -
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Perth City - no additional charge
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Perth & Kinross - £10 to £20
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Dundee City - £15
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Angus - £15 to £25
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Fife - £15 to £30
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Stirling - £25
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Clackmannanshire - £25
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Due to the size of these areas the above are estimates. For a quote to your location please get in touch.