Below you’ll find a list of specialized classes that focus on helping dogs that are reactive, fearful, etc. Many of the classes listed here were recommended by Team DINOS , while others are listed here due to a request from a trainer who offers this type of class.
Please keep in mind that every dog is an individual and there are many types of DINOS, so what works for one DINOS family, may not work for another. Almost all of these training centers offer private lessons, so if the classes aren’t the right fit for your dogs, please consider an individual consultation. There are also many, many excellent trainers who do not offer classes. However at this time, only group classes are being listed here.
This list is only intended to be a starting place to help families connect to the various resources that may be available to them in their communities. For more information on choosing a trainer who works with reactive dogs, please see this interview.
Finally, there are quite a few classes listed that are for pit bulls only. These classes exist, not because pit bulls are different from other DINOS, but because pit bull guardians are working extra hard to change public perceptions of our dogs (that’s my little man in the photo!). Many pit bull organizations now offer free or low-cost training classes for that reason.
This list is always expanding, so be sure to check back and if you’d like to recommend a class or trainer please let me know: jessica@jessicadolce.com
Please note: Being included in this list is not an endorsement by DINOS™ or this website.
ONLINE CLASSES
The Centre for Canine Education
Your End of the Lead by Janet Finlay of Canine Confidence
S.A.N.E. Solutions for Challenging Dog Behavior from Kathy Cascade
UNITED STATES
CA Berkeley: BAD RAP Pit Ed Classes (pit bulls only in classes, great training info on website for all dogs)
CA Fresno: Instinct Professional Dog Training offers Reactive Dog classes and Treadmill lessons
CA Sacramento: Chako Pit Bull Rescue & Advocacy offers Reactive Dog classes (pit bulls only)
CA San Francisco: The SF SPCA offers Reactive Rover classes
CA San Mateo: Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA offers Shy Dogs and Bark & Lunge classes
CA San Jose: Marthina McClay, Our Pack offers Pit Bull Training Classes (all dog breeds welcome)
CA Santa Cruz County: Living with Dogs offers Reactive Rover classes
CO Boulder: The Humane Society of Boulder Valley offers a Grumpy Growlers class
CO Denver: Kari Bastyr, Wag and Train offers Reactive Rover class
DC Washington: Spot On Training offers Bully Breed Manners and Reactive Dog classes
DC Washington: Humane Rescue Alliance offers Reactive Dog Class I, II, and III
FL Naples: Train Positive offers The Reactive Dog and VIP Pit Bull classes
MA Boston area: Vera Wilkinson, The Cooperative Dog, offers Rowdy Rover classes
MA Sharon: Maplewood Dog Training offers Stop. Think. Change class for fearful, reactive, or aggressive dogs
MD Rockville: Your Dog’s Friend offers Reactive Dog Class
ME North Yarmouth: Tree Frog Farm offers Confident Canine for shy dogs
MN Golden Valley: Animal Humane Society offers Reactive Rover classes (multiple locations)
MO Blue Springs: Dog Obedience Group offers Fearful Fido class for dogs afraid of dogs and/or people
NC Cary: All Dogs Allowed offers reactive dog classes (contact for details)
NJ North: Fernando Camacho, FernDog, offers Dogs on Location class
NY Brewerton: CNY Pet Training offers Beast on a Leash classes
NY Kingston (and Amenia): Hot Fuzz Dog Training offers Reactive Rover classes
PA Carlisle: Fieldwood Training Center offers a Reactive Dog Class
PA Pittsburg: My Aunt Penny offers classes for Reactive and Fearful/Shy classes.
OH Bedford Heights: Carol Peter, Cold Nose Companions Dog Training offers a class called Chill!
OH Cincinnati: Training Tracks offers Growly Dog classes
OR Portland: Synergy Behavior Services offers Reactive Rover classes
SC Charleston: Lori Willimont Duncan + Cindy Carter of Mindful Manners offer classes for reactive dogs
TX Austin: Canine Center for Training and Behavior offers Confidence Building for Fearful and Reactive Dogs
TX Houston Dr. Lore Haug offers a Reactive Dog class
WA Seattle: Ahimsa Dog Training offers Growly Dog and Troubled Teen classes
WI Mukwonago: For Pet’s Sake offers Shy Dog classes
CANADA
Black Creek, British Columbia: Jane Neve at Canine Conduct offers Growl classes
Nelson, British Columbia: Jeanne Shaw at Love 2 Play offers Reactive Dog classes
Mount Albert, ON: Good as Gold offers Reactive dog classes
UNITED KINGDOM
Banstead, Surrey, UK: Dog socialization groups offered
Cardiff, South Wales, UK: Cardiff Canine Citizens offers Prickly Pooches classes
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