Kris Jones
I have attended numerous training sessions for reactive dogs in MA and RI. MJ is the best because her training is balanced and, most importantly, effective. I wish I had met her many years ago. Thank you, MJ!
In-home help for reactive dogs
Reactive Dog Training in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda & North Port
If walks have turned into something you dread because your dog barks, lunges or growls at other dogs, you’re not alone, and your dog isn’t a bad dog.
Reactivity is one of the things I help with most. I work with you and your dog at home first, where your dog can actually learn, then out on the streets and in the places where it really happens.
No crowded classroom full of other dogs. Just a step-by-step plan built around your dog.
Animal Behavior CollegeCertified Dog Trainer
International Association ofCanine Professionals 5.0 46 Google reviews
What is dog reactivity?
Reactivity is when a dog overreacts to something in their world, like other dogs, people, bikes, cars or the doorbell, by barking, lunging, growling, spinning or freezing. It’s usually driven by fear, frustration or overexcitement, not by a dog being stubborn or “bad.”
The good news: reactivity responds really well to the right training. The goal is a dog who can notice a trigger, stay able to listen to you and move on, so walks feel like walks again.
Sound familiar?
Signs your dog may be reactive
- Barking, lunging or growling at other dogs on walks
- Going over the top at people, bikes, golf carts or cars going by
- Losing it at the window, the fence line or the lanai screen when the neighbor's dog walks past
- Spinning, whining or pulling hard when they spot a trigger, and not hearing a word you say
- Freezing, hiding behind you or trying to bolt when something new shows up
- You've started walking at 5:30 a.m., picking routes and crossing the street just to avoid other dogs
If a few of these sound like your house, reactivity is a likely piece of the puzzle. During your consultation we’ll figure out what’s actually driving it, because a dog who’s scared needs a different plan than a dog who’s frustrated they can’t go say hi.
Why in-home
Why in-home training works for reactive dogs
A group class asks a reactive dog to learn in a room full of the exact thing that upsets them. That’s a lot like asking someone who’s afraid of heights to study for a test on a ledge.
In-home training starts where your dog is calm enough to think. We build the skills there first, then take them out step by step: your driveway, your street, the neighbor’s dog behind the fence, and eventually the busier places where you’d love to bring your dog.
It also means I see what really happens in your day. The 7 a.m. walk past the house with two barking dogs, the lanai where your dog patrols the yard, the golf cart that sets them off. Your plan is built around those moments, not a generic checklist.
How it works
How I help reactive dogs
Every reactive dog is different, but the plan usually follows the same path.
- 1Step 1:
Get the full picture
At your in-home consultation we talk about what sets your dog off, how close they can be before they react, their history (bites included) and what you want life to look like. If anything suggests a medical piece, like pain, I’ll suggest looping in your vet.
- 2Step 2:
Stop the daily rehearsals
Every time your dog barks and lunges, they get better at it. We’ll set up simple management, like adjusting walk times and routes or blocking a favorite window, so your dog stops practicing the behavior while we teach a new one.
- 3Step 3:
Build skills, then distance, then real life
We teach skills your dog can lean on, like checking in with you, turning away and settling, starting far enough from triggers that your dog can succeed. Then we close the gap a little at a time, out in your neighborhood and around Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda and North Port.
Training Programs
Programs for reactive dogs
Most reactive dogs do best with Dream Dog, my most complete program, with three weeks of Homeschool so we have time to dig into the harder stuff. Milder cases often fit Jump Start or Mild Manners.
Most complete
Homeschool + private lessons
Dream Dog
Best for owners with bigger goals or bigger challenges, who want the most hands-on help I offer.
- Homeschool9 training visits
- Lessons6 private lessons
- Timeline6 weeks or less
Jump Start
Perfect for busy owners who want real progress, without having to find time to train every day.
- Homeschool6 training visits
- Lessons5 private lessons
- Timeline5 weeks or less
Mild Manners
Everyday manners for the dog who's a little too much, a little too often.
- Lessons6 private lessons
- WhereIn your home
- Timeline6 weeks or less
Practicing locally
Where we practice around Charlotte County
Once your dog is ready, we’ll take training out into the real world. For reactive dogs, the right place matters more than the fanciest one.
- Start quiet. Big leashed parks with open space and good sight lines give your dog room to notice another dog from a distance and still make a good choice.
- Go early. In Southwest Florida, early mornings are both cooler and calmer, which is a win for heat safety and for training.
- Skip the dog park for now. Off-leash dog parks are busy and unpredictable, so we leave them out while we’re working on reactivity.
- Work up to the busy spots. Places like a busy waterfront walk or a restaurant patio are great goals, and we build up to them on purpose.
- Group training walks. When your dog is ready, my group training walks give them practice around other dogs in a structured, low-pressure setup.
Google Reviews
What owners of reactive dogs say
Real reviews from my Google Business profile, 5.0 stars from 46 reviews.
Kris Jones
Michele Crowley
We had a great experience with MJ at her Reactive Rover class with our Brittany Cooper. MJ has a great teaching ability of how to handle dogs. She is very knowledgeable, patient and kind. She has a great way of explaining how dogs think and why the act the way they do. We highly recommend MJ as a dog trainer.
Response from the owner
Highwater Dog TrainingThank you Michele!
Claire Poole
MJ is an amazing trainer! She is clear and communicative not only about what she is teaching, but about WHY this addresses our dogs needs and how our dogs may be interpreting our behavior. It was a “reactive dog class”, and she made us all feel safe and able to engage in every activity. I’ve been to many trainers with many dogs. She is the best!
Chandra Guthro
MJ was great. We did the reactive dog class for my hyperactive, over excited about everything one year old pointer. I trusted her process and really saw immediate results once we started practicing. She had excellent recommendations along the way the more she observed and got to know the dogs.
Response from the owner
Highwater Dog TrainingThank you Chandra! I'm so happy that the class worked well for you!
SMAC
We contacted MJ after our 6mo old coonhound/beagle mix puppy, Goose, started exhibiting reactive behaviors around new people/dogs. We were at a point where just walking around our busy apartment complex seemed overwhelming. Throughout our 8 week program we learned how to work through our pups issues, how to interpret his body language and change our handling of him accordingly. MJ not only teaches you what to do but thoroughly explains the reasons behind each of her instructions. She is an extremely knowledgeable behaviorist who has given us (and our pup) the confidence and freedom we were looking for. She not only addressed Goose’s reactivity but also leash pulling, prey drive/impulse control, and overall manners. We can now enjoy everything we wanted to as dog owners, safely introducing him to friends and family, taking him to new places and parks, and even having him enjoy the company of our closest friends dogs. We could not recommend Cape Canine Academy more!
Response from the owner
Highwater Dog TrainingThank you for the wonderful review! I can't wait to see updates of all the fun things Goose gets to go do!
Jessica Dennis
We adopted two dogs from the shelter that became very aggressive to one another when food was involved. They had attacked each other on more than one occasion and I didn't know if we'd be able to keep them both. Thanks to MJ with Instinctual Canine we can give these dogs a happy, safe home. Both dogs learned many new skills, and we learned how to manage and understand their behavior.
Questions
Reactive Dog Training FAQ
Can you help with reactivity?
Yes, this is genuinely one of the behavior challenges I see and work with most. No two reactive dogs look exactly alike, so we start by figuring out what's actually triggering the response, then build a step-by-step plan from there, one that improves how you and your dog communicate, builds real confidence, and helps both of you handle those tricky situations with a lot more success than before.
Do you train aggressive dogs?
I do. Dog-to-dog aggression, resource guarding, reactivity, and similar behavior challenges make up a big part of the work I do regularly.
Since every situation looks different, we start by talking through what's actually happening, your dog's background (bite history included), and what outcome you're hoping for, before either of us commits to working together.
I'll also be straightforward with you: certain cases involving serious aggression directed at people may genuinely be better handled by a trainer whose focus is specifically built around that. If I think you and your dog would have better odds with someone else, I'll tell you plainly and help steer you toward the right resource.
What matters most to me is that you and your dog end up with the support that's actually right for your situation, whoever that ends up being.
What's the difference between reactivity and aggression?
Reactivity is an over-the-top reaction to something your dog sees, hears or smells: barking, lunging, growling or spinning at the end of the leash. It's usually driven by fear, frustration or overexcitement. Aggression is behavior meant to make something go away or stop, and it can include biting. The two can overlap, which is why we talk through your dog's history, including any bites, before we start.
How long does it take to help a reactive dog?
It depends on your dog, how long the reactivity has been going on and how often they're practicing it right now. Many families notice walks getting easier within the first few weeks, but reactivity is usually something we improve and manage over time rather than switch off. I'll give you realistic expectations during your consultation.
Can my reactive dog go to the dog park?
While we're working on reactivity, I usually recommend skipping off-leash dog parks. They're busy, unpredictable and hard to leave in a hurry, so a reactive dog tends to practice the exact behavior we're trying to change. We'll build skills in calmer places first and decide together what's realistic for your dog later.
My dog only reacts at the window or fence. Can you help with that?
Yes. Barrier reactivity is really common in Southwest Florida neighborhoods, with dogs watching the street from lanais, sliders and fenced yards all day. We'll combine a few simple management changes at home with training, so your dog isn't rehearsing it for hours while you're out.
Do I have to be home for every session?
For private lessons, yes, since you're learning right alongside your dog. With a Homeschool program like Dream Dog, I work with your dog three times a week while you're at work, and we meet once a week so I can hand everything over to you.
Let’s Talk About Your Dog
Tell me a little about your dog and what walks look like right now. I’ll follow up to talk through what’s going on and whether we’re a good fit.
I offer in-home reactive dog training throughout Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port and the surrounding areas.
