Reactive Dog Training Program – St. Petersburg, FL & Beyond
Professional, positive training for dogs who bark, lunge, growl, or shut down.
If walks feel stressful, you cross the street to avoid triggers, or you are constantly on alert for what your dog might react to next, you are not alone. Reactivity is common, and there is real help available. At Animal House Academy, we specialize in force-free, positive reinforcement training that helps reactive dogs and their people feel safer, calmer, and more confident together.
What Is Dog Reactivity?
Reactivity is not your dog being “bad” or stubborn. It is your dog’s way of saying, “I am not okay right now.”
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Some dogs bark, lunge, or growl at other dogs, people, bikes, or fast movement. Others freeze, shut down, or try to escape. Underneath those big reactions is usually fear, discomfort, or frustration.
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In our Reactive Dog Training Program, we focus on:
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Understanding what your dog is feeling and why they react.
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Reducing stress and building a sense of safety.
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Teaching new, healthier behaviors that your dog can choose instead of barking or lunging.
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Our goal is not to “shut down” your dog. Our goal is to help them feel safe enough to make better choices.
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Private One-on-One Program​
Every reactive dog is different, which is why our program is built around private, one-on-one training sessions. We meet in carefully chosen environments so your dog can learn without being overwhelmed.
Together, we will:
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Identify your dog’s triggers and thresholds so you can recognize early warning signs.
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Use positive reinforcement to change how your dog feels about those triggers.
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Teach alternative behaviors such as turning to you, moving away, or checking in instead of lunging or barking.
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Build focus and attention on you, even when triggers are nearby.
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Practice real-life scenarios in a safe, structured way so you both gain confidence.
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​You will always know what we are working on, why we are doing it, and how to practice between sessions.
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How the Program Works:
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Step 1 – Reactive Dog Consultation
We start with a detailed consultation to learn about your dog’s history, triggers, and daily life. We will discuss safety, equipment, and immediate strategies to reduce stress.
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Step 2 – Customized Training Plan
Based on your goals and your dog’s needs, we create a step-by-step training plan using force-free, science-based methods. You will receive clear instructions, not guesswork.
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Step 3 – Weekly One-on-One Sessions
Over the next 4 weeks, we meet regularly to coach you, adjust the plan, and work through carefully staged setups and real-life exposure.
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Step 4 – Ongoing Support and Next Steps
You will receive feedback, homework guidance, and recommendations for ongoing practice or follow-up sessions so you do not lose momentum.
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What’s Included:
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Four sessions of one-on-one reactive dog training sessions.
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A customized training plan for your dog’s specific triggers and environment.
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Step-by-step homework with clear exercises you can practice at home and on walks.
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Email or message support between sessions for quick questions and reassurance.
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Progress check-ins so you can see how far you and your dog have come.
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Group Classes – Coming Soon!
Once your dog has built essential foundation skills through private training, they may be ready for our Reactive Dog Group Classes.
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​These small, carefully managed groups will:
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Provide safe, structured practice around other dogs and handlers.
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Help your dog generalize their new skills in a controlled, supportive setting.
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Build your confidence handling your dog in more complex environments.
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​Group classes are available only to dogs who have completed an initial reactive dog program or have been evaluated as ready.
Who This Program Is For​
This program is a strong fit if your dog:​
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Barks, lunges, growls, or snaps at other dogs or people on walks.
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Reacts strongly to specific triggers such as visitors, traffic, bikes, or noises.
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Gets overly excited, frustrated, or hard to handle on-leash.
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Shuts down, avoids situations, or seems constantly worried.
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Needs a structured, professional plan to feel more comfortable in the world.
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If you recognize your dog in any of these descriptions, you are in the right place.
Start Your Dog's Transformation Today!
Reactivity does not have to define your walks, your routines, or your relationship with your dog. With the right plan, your dog can learn to feel calmer and safer, and you can feel more prepared and confident handling real-life situations.​
Call us today at 877-797-2974 to schedule your reactive dog consultation, or click the button below to get started.