Reactive Rovers
Content Included
Content covered in this course includes:
- canine body language to help you understand not only how your dog is likely to behave, but also how other dogs you bump into are likely to behave
- things that impact how dogs get on with one another
- markers
- default behaviours (settle, go sniff, auto focus on you)
- effective treat preparation
- brief discussion on diet and how it can impact dog behaviour
- trigger stacking
- decompression
- equipment to use
- desensitisation
- counterconditioning
- paws up
- peekaboo
- loose lead walking
- look at that
- behaviour adjustment training (BAT)
- managing situations versus training to create long term change
- helping your dog deal with dogs getting into their space
- muzzle training
- defensive handling
- how to keep the general public at bay
"I was thrilled to find Emma's Reactive Rovers group classes for my scared/reactive young German Shepherd. My dog was highly reactive because, for some unknown reason, he was scared of other dogs (other than the ones he lives peacefully with at home). Furthermore, whilst he is not prone to reaction around people, he was jumpy if strangers walked briskly up to him, or made sustained eye contact, which happens occasionally because he is beautiful to look at. He has never been badly treated, and his fear is just something within himself.
Reactive Rovers was an extremely safe space for him where he could see other dogs but not be forced outside of his comfort zone. This meant that gradually, over the weeks he was able to gain more confidence and start to enjoy his life rather than barking and lunging all over the place and constantly looking over his shoulder. My dog is actually such a gentle soul but was giving us both such bad representation by the reactive behaviour, which was upsetting for him and of course everyone else.
I found that Emma was able to differentiate the activities to each of the dogs in the Reactive Rovers class so that we all made progress. She is incredibly supportive and understanding, she is extremely knowledgeable. Emma is very safety conscious and whilst this was a reactive dog class, at no time was any dog or person at risk whatsoever. In fact, there was never any 'bad' reaction at the classes because the activities are designed to give the dogs confidence and stability, not destroy it.
Emma has given me all sorts of bespoke tips and tricks to use at home to ensure my dog remains happy and safe and that I fulfil my responsibilities as a dog owner when taking him out.
My dog really enjoyed the classes, became very relaxed during them and progressed to Canine College. I feel Emma really cares about her clients and all the dogs, she's never condescending, and it seems no problem is too big for her to help with. I feel it is really unique to find a group setting for reactive dogs so that what they are learning in class can more easily be applied to the outside world. I would recommend anyone that has a reactive dog, not to struggle alone but to join into the classes. The classes are not just for a German Shepherd like mine, but all sorts of dogs, all shapes and sizes."
Reactive Rovers was an extremely safe space for him where he could see other dogs but not be forced outside of his comfort zone. This meant that gradually, over the weeks he was able to gain more confidence and start to enjoy his life rather than barking and lunging all over the place and constantly looking over his shoulder. My dog is actually such a gentle soul but was giving us both such bad representation by the reactive behaviour, which was upsetting for him and of course everyone else.
I found that Emma was able to differentiate the activities to each of the dogs in the Reactive Rovers class so that we all made progress. She is incredibly supportive and understanding, she is extremely knowledgeable. Emma is very safety conscious and whilst this was a reactive dog class, at no time was any dog or person at risk whatsoever. In fact, there was never any 'bad' reaction at the classes because the activities are designed to give the dogs confidence and stability, not destroy it.
Emma has given me all sorts of bespoke tips and tricks to use at home to ensure my dog remains happy and safe and that I fulfil my responsibilities as a dog owner when taking him out.
My dog really enjoyed the classes, became very relaxed during them and progressed to Canine College. I feel Emma really cares about her clients and all the dogs, she's never condescending, and it seems no problem is too big for her to help with. I feel it is really unique to find a group setting for reactive dogs so that what they are learning in class can more easily be applied to the outside world. I would recommend anyone that has a reactive dog, not to struggle alone but to join into the classes. The classes are not just for a German Shepherd like mine, but all sorts of dogs, all shapes and sizes."
Helen Welton
2025
What you'll Get From Attending
- Life time support - you have our support during any of our working hours, not just the 6 hours we see you in person for classes! You have support throughout your whole reactivity journey
- No more fear that you don't know what to do when you see a dog in the distance. You'll know exactly how to handle the situation!
- The confidence to move forward with your dog's training during and after the course
- The start of enjoying your walks again, you may still need to be attentive to environment and train your dog but you'll know exactly what you need to do
- Reassurance that your dog's behaviour is normal and that although they may look aggressive at times that they are still the beautiful soul you know and love at home
- No longer feeling like you're alone in how your dog behaves and that your dog is the only one displaying the behaviour that causes you so much stress
- An improved relationship between you and your dog
- An invitation to follow on training, including our exclusive Reactive Rovers On The Road class, Canine College and Scent Club
- Confidence to deal with the general public without having to have stressful or awkward conversations about why your dog needs space
"We joined Reactive Rovers after months of getting nowhere with our frustration-reactive collie. She was inclined to lunge and bark at anything that moved and saw all dogs as potential playmates, making it very difficult to pass a dog in the street or elsewhere. Advice online and from TV is often contradictory and our confusion about what to do for the best led to inconsistency and inevitable failure. We were quite desperate when we found Emma and we left the course with positivity, hope and a catalogue of science-based information, strategic advice and skills to promote disengagement from other dogs or situations. Emma is a patient and knowledgeable teacher and the small-group sessons were great for putting the theory into practise, for building confidence and for answering questions - and also for watching how others performed. Afterwards, we had a much clearer plan about what we should do, and not do, and also an understanding that we were not alone with our struggles. I therefore do not hesitate in recommending Emma's course warmly and unreservedly."
Linda MacDonald
2025
"I attended Reactive Rovers with my leash reactive dog Bella last year. The course introduced some new ideas for me and reinforced that some of the things I'd been doing weren't completely wrong. Emma was brilliant throughout the whole thing, willing to offer extra help and tailor the activities within the course to each individual dog's requirements. The course reiterated to me that Bella was capable of being around other dogs without reacting which in turn gave me the confidence to continue working with her knowing that I wasn't doing everything wrong"
Attendee
2023
What you need to know
- Maximum of 4 dogs per class
- Exercises tailored to each dog and handler team - if your dog isn't ready to see another dog yet, they won't!
- 6 week course, 1 theory session (first session) and 5 practical sessions
- Includes a full Reactivity Manual with handouts on all theory discussed, handouts for each practical exercise covered and helpful training tips
- Life time support - you have our support during any of our working hours, not just the 6 hours we see you in person for classes!
- It's recommended that if your dog is reactive to more triggers than just dogs or has additional behavioural problems that you contact us prior to booking to confirm that this course is suitable for you
- If you would like to watch a class prior to attending a course yourself email us to do so
- If you can't attend any of the dates currently on the website please email us to place your name down for our waiting list
- Investment of £199 - discounts apply if you book a 121 package, our Reactive Rovers follow on course to continue your learning or are employed in any of the emergency services. Payment plans are available for this class
Find out more about Reactive Rovers On The Road here!
"... I really enjoyed the time with you and your girls, you are all very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. They say that you cant teach and old dog new tricks. I would disagree. I am definitely an OLD DOG being 60 years of age, and you proved to me that the most important need was to train me rather than my Westie, Wilber.
Wilber reacted very well to yourmethods and clearly enjoyed the sessions. If anything it was a bit of bonding time between me and Wilber. This came at a good time because we have recently added a puppy into the household... I have used everything I learned with you on Wilber and on the new puppy and it is helping a lot. You did state that it would not cure reactive problems immediately but put me on the path to gradually fix things.
Wilber is much better when he meets other dogs now and on the occasions when he reacts badly, I know how to deal with the situation."
Wilber reacted very well to yourmethods and clearly enjoyed the sessions. If anything it was a bit of bonding time between me and Wilber. This came at a good time because we have recently added a puppy into the household... I have used everything I learned with you on Wilber and on the new puppy and it is helping a lot. You did state that it would not cure reactive problems immediately but put me on the path to gradually fix things.
Wilber is much better when he meets other dogs now and on the occasions when he reacts badly, I know how to deal with the situation."
Attendee
2022
"Just thought I would let you know the training is starting to shine through in Benson... We passed 6 dogs all within line of sight at various proximities and directions to us and no barking whatsoever!!
Benson listened to commands and came and sat in front of me to get a treat and then carried on walking (on lead at all times). He did pay close attention to all of the dogs and carefully watched them two or three times as they passed us (none were touching proximity), but there was no growling and no barking!! His fear reactivity to the outside world in general is also starting to get less intense.
Thank you for all your help and support with the reactive rovers training. Looking forward to more classes in the new year."
Benson listened to commands and came and sat in front of me to get a treat and then carried on walking (on lead at all times). He did pay close attention to all of the dogs and carefully watched them two or three times as they passed us (none were touching proximity), but there was no growling and no barking!! His fear reactivity to the outside world in general is also starting to get less intense.
Thank you for all your help and support with the reactive rovers training. Looking forward to more classes in the new year."
Attendee
2021
Once you’ve signed up for a payment plan you will be contacted via email with a booking link to register for the class.
"Paw by Paw helped with our reactive spaniel a few years ago, so when we grew the family by 4 paws a couple of years later, we knew that we wanted the puppy to go to the puppy classes for the best start for him. The foundations for recall proved particularly invaluable as his teenage spaniel nose ruled his brain for a while!
Fast foward another few years to another 4 paws joining the family, again, there was no question she would do the puppy classes. A rescue this time, and therefore a bit older, classes and exercises were adapted by the PbyP team to take this into account. We lent heavily on all advice as we navigated introducing a nervous, inexperienced youngster into the big wide world. We also had a lovely time in the Hoopers classes once we had finished pups.
Paw by Paw will always be a part of our canine support network, highly recommend their classes and services. "
Fast foward another few years to another 4 paws joining the family, again, there was no question she would do the puppy classes. A rescue this time, and therefore a bit older, classes and exercises were adapted by the PbyP team to take this into account. We lent heavily on all advice as we navigated introducing a nervous, inexperienced youngster into the big wide world. We also had a lovely time in the Hoopers classes once we had finished pups.
Paw by Paw will always be a part of our canine support network, highly recommend their classes and services. "
Jo Nuttall
2024
FAQ
Most frequently asked questions and answers
There are many reasons why a dog may display reactive behaviour. Exercises throughout the course are adjusted to your dog’s specific learning experiences and motivations for their behaviour.
Yes, as long as they are safe to do so with equipment they can’t escape and preferably a muzzle (but this is negotiable). Please book a call and enquire if you’re unsure.
Yes. Many of the dogs on this course have dog friends and struggle in specific circumstances.
It depends. The course content is pitched to cover all of the dogs in the course. It’s not fair for your dog to work on greetings if that’s another dog’s worst nightmare.
If I have multiple dogs able to work on greetings then we do cover this but it is dependent on the dogs in the course. If you specifically want to cover this, I suggest that you book a call to ensure that other dogs in the course are suitable for your dog to work around.
Please enquire about other dogs on the course before booking. If I know you need a specific demographic I can pop you on a list to notify when that demographic books in.
If you need something very specific, one to one training is a more suitable option. Book a call to discuss.
They might do. Each dog has their own barrier to take breaks behind and unless we are purposefully exposing them to another dog, they won’t see one.
Some dogs still find this a challenge. If your dog really can’t cope with a course, money put towards the course can be transferred to one to one training.
In the entire time this course has run, there have only been two dogs who haven’t coped with the course and both of those dogs successfully rejoined the course after some one to one sessions.
Unsure if this course is suitable for you? Click the link below to book a call to discuss ahead of booking anything.