About
Reactive Dog Training Class
A calm, supportive group class designed for dogs who find other dogs, unfamiliar people or busy environments difficult.
Reactive behaviour can include barking, lunging, pulling, freezing, hiding or becoming overexcited. This does not make your dog “bad” or mean they cannot learn. It simply shows that they are struggling and need more space, clearer guidance and positive experiences at a level they can manage.
Our Reactive Dog Training Class helps you understand your dog’s behaviour while building the practical skills you both need to feel calmer and more confident in everyday situations.
What will we work on?
Each class is carefully structured around the needs and abilities of the dogs attending. Exercises may include:
Calmly noticing other dogs without needing to approach them
Engage and disengage training
Building value in the “yes” reward marker
Improving focus and voluntary check-ins
Loose-lead and parallel walking
Creating distance safely when your dog feels overwhelmed
Settle and place training
Confidence-building activities
Scent work and calming “find it” games
Muzzle training introduced gradually and positively
Helping your dog recover and refocus after seeing a trigger
Teaching owners how to recognise early signs of stress or rising arousal
We may work both indoors and outdoors, depending on the weather, the lesson and the needs of the group. Dogs are given plenty of space, and visual barriers or individual working areas can be used where helpful.
A safe and supportive environment
Dogs remain on lead and are not expected to greet or interact directly with one another. The aim is calm neutrality—not forcing dogs to become friends.
Every dog works at a distance where they can still think, take food and respond to their owner. If your dog needs more space, a break or an easier version of an exercise, that is always encouraged. Distance is not a step backwards; it is an important part of setting your dog up to succeed.
Progress will look different for every dog. We celebrate the small improvements, whether that is choosing to look back at you, settling for a few seconds, recovering more quickly or calmly passing another dog from a safe distance.
Who is this class suitable for?
This class may be suitable for dogs who:
Bark, pull or lunge when they see other dogs
Become anxious, frustrated or overexcited around dogs
Struggle to focus in busy environments
Need help learning to settle around distractions
Are nervous and need carefully managed confidence building
Have completed some one-to-one training and are ready to practise around other dogs
Need structured, controlled exposure rather than direct social interaction
This is a training class rather than a free-play or dog-social session. Some dogs may benefit from an assessment or individual training before joining so that we can make sure the group environment is the right next step for them.
What should you bring?
Please bring:
A secure, comfortable collar or harness
A standard lead
Plenty of small, high-value treats
A treat pouch if you have one
A mat or blanket for settle work
Water and a bowl
A muzzle if your dog already wears one
Please do not bring retractable leads or equipment designed to cause discomfort.
Our training approach
Best Pawtential uses kind, reward-based training without fear, force or aversive equipment. You will learn how to support your dog, reward the choices you want to see again and adapt training to their individual abilities.
There is no pressure to keep up with other dogs. You and your dog will be supported at your own pace, with practical guidance that you can continue using on walks and in everyday life.
Reactive behaviour can feel isolating, but you are not alone. This class provides a welcoming, judgement-free environment where both you and your dog can learn, build confidence and make steady progress together.
Please get in touch before booking if you are unsure whether this class is suitable for your dog.