Owning a Reactive Dog - My Personal Experience

Reactive dog owners - I see you!

I understand your frustration, sadness, embarrassment. I've been there, on the end of the lead, clueless how it began and unsure how to resolve it.

But, I've also come through it, to see the light at the end of the tunnel, to pass just one dog with no barking. I promise you it gets better with a little bit of help!

Fudge, my reactive German Shepherd. She sadly passed in 2025

For me, this was the start of my dog training career. I wanted to know more about how to help and understand my dog's behaviour.

It's not going to be an overnight fix - it's a rollercoaster, but one that's worth buckling in for!

After implementing lots of training and hard work, going out for a walk and feeling that sense of relief that you don't have to worry about other dogs approaching, because you're confident in your dog's behaviour - one of the best feelings you could ever imagine for a reactive dog owner.

Now, I help other reactive dog owners experience that same feeling. I often say to all of my dog owners - whether you're training with me for reactivity or other behaviours - small wins are still wins, and you're building a ladder towards that final goal.

If you have a question about reactivity, feel free to get in touch.

Emma, Elmtree Dogs (BSc, MSc Animal Behaviour & Training)