When a dog struggles with reactivity, they often have outsized, dramatic responses to everyday situations. They might raise their hackles when another neighborhood dog approaches or lunge and growl when a jogger nears. In these moments, your pup might prove quite difficult to handle.

Still, reactive dogs’ outbursts often aren’t fueled by aggression. In fact, they’re usually rooted in fear, frustration, past trauma or overstimulation. With proper support, guidance and behavior modification, your pup can develop the skills to live a calmer, more confident life. Sit Means Sit Corpus Christi is here to help you seize the opportunity.

What Reactive Behavior in Dogs Looks Like

Reactivity can take many forms and affect almost any dog. Because it can look so different from dog to dog, many professionals use what’s known as the “zones of reactivity” to help measure the severity of the dog’s condition. This chart outlines some common traits seen in reactive dogs. Recognizing where your dog falls on this scale is a first step in understanding their behavior.

Reacting to Reactive Dogs

Reactivity in dogs can become a learned habit, especially if your dog thinks their overreaction causes a “threat” to go away. It’s important to break the cycle in a way that doesn’t reinforce the dog’s behavior. That’s where Sit Means Sit Corpus Christi’s expert-led training programs come in handy.

Using proven, attention-based techniques, we’ll help your dog learn to:

• Look to you in potentially triggering situations, reinforcing the bond between dog and owner.
• Learn impulse-control cues like “look at that,” “leave it” and “settle,” along with your trusty “sit” and “stay” commands.
• Feel confident in different environments by training in a variety of settings.

By equipping your dog with the skills and structure to respond to different triggers calmly and confidently, we’ll help them feel safer choosing better behaviors and reactions. We’ll also coach you on reinforcing this progress at home, helping to build lasting trust between you and your pup.

How Our Reactive Dog Training Program Works

You want your dog’s training to be safe, effective and deliver lasting results. Our programs focus on ensuring progress from start to finish, ensuring you and your dog can continue to grow together.

Step 1 – Personalized Evaluation

In a one-on-one setting, we’ll evaluate your dog’s specific reactivity patterns to gain a clear understanding of their training needs.

Step 2 – Tailored Training Plans

We use proven methods like positive reinforcement, distance-based desensitization and confidence-building exercises to help your dog remain calm around triggers.

Step 3 – Ongoing Support

Good behavior is a lifelong journey, and our support doesn’t end when training does. We’ll be here to continue guiding you and your pup today and in the future.

Why Choose Sit Means Sit Corpus Christi?

Expert Trainers Who Get Results

With decades of combined experience training dogs of all ages, breeds and temperaments, our local team will bring a personal touch to every interaction with your pup.

Balanced, Science-Backed Methods

Our training model leverages gentle corrective measures and attention-based training to help your dog refocus, eliminate fear and build confidence.

Personalized Plans for Every Dog

We can adapt our training approach to each dog’s unique habits, ensuring your pup can learn in a way that gets to the root of their issues.

A Safe, Supportive Environment

Our Corpus Christi-area facility is perfect for training your dog in a controlled, stress-free setting. Step into our space and enjoy an environment that was made for learning.

Group Training & Day Training Options Available

Our group classes and day training programs give reactive dogs the chance to practice in diverse settings and real-world environments.

Reactivity can quickly take over a dog’s life. But with Sit Means Sit’s help, it doesn’t have to. We’ll help you nurture a calmer, more confident pup and build a lasting, lifelong bond.