Stop dreading walks with your reactive dog.

Does this sound familiar?

You leave the house hoping for a peaceful walk.

Then you spot another dog coming towards you.

You tighten your grip on the lead. Your dog has already noticed them. They're staring, their body stiffens, and you know what's probably coming next.

Barking. Lunging. Pulling.

Perhaps you've started walking at quieter times, avoiding certain places or turning around whenever you see another dog.

You might even feel embarrassed when people stare or offer unwanted advice.

And perhaps the most frustrating part is that you've tried training, but when another dog appears, everything seems to go out of the window.

You don't need to keep guessing what to do. You need a plan you can actually use on your walks.

There's more to reactivity than barking and lunging

Dogs can react towards other dogs for many different reasons.

Some are worried and want more distance. Others become frustrated when they can't approach. Previous experiences, learning history, physical health and the environment can all influence how a dog responds.

That's why I don't believe in applying the same training technique to every reactive dog.

Before deciding what to teach, I want to understand what's happening and why.

The goal isn't necessarily for your dog to love every dog they meet.

It's to help your dog develop more manageable responses and give you the knowledge and skills to support them.

Introducing Resolving Reactivity

Five sessions. A structured plan. Real-world support.

Resolving Reactivity is my individual training programme for dogs whose main and only presenting behavioural concern is reactivity towards other dogs.

Instead of leaving you to figure everything out after one appointment, we'll work together across five sessions.

We'll start by understanding your dog's behaviour, build useful foundation skills, then practice those skills in carefully planned situations and on everyday walks.

Session 1 — Understand the behaviour and build your foundations

Initial behaviour assessment and training session — approximately 90 minutes

We'll discuss your dog's history, identify patterns in their reactions and consider what might be influencing their behaviour.

We'll also begin introducing practical skills, which may include:

• Recognizing early signs that your dog is struggling

• Lead handling skills for calmer behaviour

• Teaching a reliable change of direction without luring

• Building engagement and alternative responses

• Making walks more manageable through thoughtful planning

You'll leave with a clearer understanding of what we're working towards and how to begin practicing.

Session 2 — Practice in a controlled environment

Individual training session — approximately 45 minutes

Where suitable, we'll introduce a carefully managed training setup with a stooge dog.

This allows us to control important factors such as distance, movement and exposure, rather than relying on unpredictable encounters during walks.

We'll work at a level appropriate for your dog, giving you opportunities to practice the skills introduced in your first session.

Controlled setups will only be used where appropriate for your dog's needs and welfare.

Sessions 3–5 — Take your training into the real world

Three individual training sessions — approximately 45 minutes each

Now we'll work towards using those skills in the places you actually walk.

Depending on your dog's progress and individual needs, sessions may include:

• Practicing around other dogs at manageable distances

• Navigating paths and shared walking spaces

• Responding when another dog appears unexpectedly

• Developing your confidence in making decisions during walks

• Adjusting training as your dog's skills develop

Because knowing what to do in theory is one thing. Having someone alongside you while you put it into practice is another.

What are we working towards?

Imagine heading out for a walk and feeling more prepared.

You notice another dog approaching, but instead of panicking, you have options.

You know when to create distance, how to help your dog move away and which skills you've practiced together.

Your dog has had opportunities to learn different responses, and you understand how to support them when situations become difficult.

There may still be challenging days. Progress isn't always linear.

But you don't have to feel stuck repeating the same stressful encounters without knowing what to do next.

The aim is more manageable walks, better communication and greater confidence for both ends of the lead.

Why work with Tarka?

I'm a degree-qualified canine behaviour practitioner, a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and an ABTC-registered Animal Training Instructor.

I’ve been there too! my German Shepherd was highly dog reactive and tried so many one size fits all protocols and nothing worked!

My approach is grounded in understanding behaviour: what happens before it, what follows it, and what the dog may be learning from those experiences.

I look beyond the barking and lunging to consider the circumstances in which the behaviour occurs, including relevant environmental, learning and health-related factors.

Then we develop practical strategies that suit your dog and your everyday life.

I don't want to simply tell you what to do and send you away to figure it out.

I want to help you develop the skills to handle real situations, with support along the way.

What's included and how much does it cost?

Resolving Reactivity Investment — £275

Your five-session programme includes:

• An initial 90-minute behaviour assessment and foundation training session

• Four further individual training sessions of approximately one hour each

• Controlled training setups with another dog where suitable and available

• Practical support on real-world walks

• An individual training approach tailored to your dog's needs

• A concise initial action plan and guidance for practicing between sessions

Five individual appointments for £275

Sessions are arranged around your dog's needs and progress rather than following a rigid timetable.

Is this programme right for your dog?

Resolving Reactivity is designed specifically for dogs whose only presenting behavioural concern is reactivity towards other dogs.

If your dog also experiences other difficulties such as resource guarding, separation-related behaviours, handling avoidance, aggression towards people or other significant behavioural concerns, a comprehensive behaviour assessment is more appropriate.

Some dogs may also need veterinary assessment or additional professional support before or alongside training.

I'll review your enquiry to help determine which service is most suitable.

Ready to make walks more manageable?

You don't need to have all the answers before getting in touch.

Tell me a little about your dog, what happens when you encounter other dogs and what you'd like to achieve.

I'll help you decide whether Resolving Reactivity is the right starting point.

Tarka Dog Training & Behaviour — Ilfracombe, Barnstaple, Braunton and surrounding North Devon areas.