Second Nature Behaviour — animal behaviour counselling
Menu
Dogs with stick running through the sea
logo

Reactive Dog on Walks: Help for Dogs That Bark or Lunge

We understand the difficulties when living with a reactive dog on walks, which is why we have created our Reactive Recovery Programme to provide support for reactive dogs and their owners.

Living with a reactive dog can be emotionally exhausting and, at times, overwhelming. Reactive behaviour in dogs often shows as barking, lunging, growling, or intense fear responses towards other dogs. Many owners seeking help for reactive dogs describe feeling anxious on walks, restricted in where they can go, or worried about managing their dog safely at home and in public.

If you are searching for support for a reactive dog on walks, it is important to know that reactivity is not a result of poor ownership, but a sign that your dog is struggling to cope with something in their environment.

Reactive behaviour in dogs is complex and is often driven by fear, anxiety, frustration, or previous experiences. Without appropriate help with reactive dogs, these behaviours can escalate over time, affecting both welfare and safety.

This is why support for reactive dogs on walks is best provided by a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, who is trained to assess emotional, environmental, and learning factors and to create tailored, evidence-based behaviour plans. We offer professional support for reactive dogs across the West Midlands, including Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Shropshire, Birmingham, Coventry, and Warwickshire.

Our aim is to help you better understand your dog’s behaviour, reduce stress for both of you, and support long-term positive change through compassionate, ethical behaviour support.

A brown and white dog wearing a red harness in a field.

Book a FREE Discovery Call

Book a free 15-minute phone call with one of our team to discuss how we can support you.

What the Reactive Recovery Programme Includes

The initial 2-hour behaviour assessment is conducted in your home by one of our Clinical Animal Behaviourists (CAB) or our Veterinary Behaviourist (VB). A VB is appropriate for medically complex cases.

The consultation includes a tailor-made behaviour modification plan, a VB case review (if needed), a dog training manual and liaison with your vet.

You then have the option of two 1-hour sessions on a local walk with one of our team, or you can opt for a local walk and a bundle of our ‘Calm in Company’ classes. These reactive dog classes are based near Telford, Shropshire, and are held monthly in a secure space.

Moreover, in between the sessions, you are provided with remote support and can choose between WhatsApp group and email support, or phone check-in’s as needed.

Have a look at our services table for more information.

clinical animal behaviourists providing support

All-inclusive Support for Your Reactive Dog on Walks

If your dog displays reactive behaviour towards people or other dogs, it's vital that you receive tailored support from a Veterinary Behaviourist or Clinical Animal Behaviourist. If you book a behaviour consultation with us, you receive a comprehensive behaviour modification plan and follow-up support package.

Initial Consultation

Initial Consultation

We visit you at your home in person or online, for an initial assessment generally lasting 2 hours and ideally, everyone in the household should be present.

Treatment Plan

We take a full and detailed case history.  Together we work out a treatment plan that is realistic and tailored to you and your dog's needs.

Training Manual

You receive a dog training manual and relevant information sheets, which tie in with the behaviour plan for your dog.

Report

Soon after the consultation, a report is sent to you and your vet.  This outlines the reasons behind the problem and highlights the key steps of the plan.

Follow-up Support

Vet Updates

Your vet is kept informed of how your dog progresses, and we work under their guidance.

Inclusive Follow-up Support

You have the option of arranging either two 1-hour follow-up sessions on a local walk, or you can opt for a bundle of our 'Calm in Company' classes.

Email, WhatsApp or Check-in Calls

We are available for remote support via email and WhatsApp, or via weekly check-in calls.

Vet Behaviourist Input

If a Veterinary Behaviourist's additional medical expertise is required during the case's development, we integrate their advice into the plan.

Reactive Dog Classes

Our Calm in Company classes are designed to support dogs who struggle around other dogs or people, helping them learn to feel safer and more relaxed in carefully managed social settings. These reactive dog classes take place near Newport, Shropshire, and provide a structured, supportive environment where dogs can practise calm behaviours at a pace that suits them, with welfare and safety as the top priority.

Our Calm in Company classes are available only to selected clients who have already completed a behaviour consultation and received a tailored behaviour modification plan. Not every dog will be suitable for group classes, and places are deliberately limited to small numbers to allow close supervision and individual support.

Get in touch for more information.

Megan Richardson teaching a dog to give eye contact on cue at a distance from another dog.

Book a FREE Discovery Call

Book a free 15-minute phone call with one of our team to discuss how we can support you.

Invest £1320

Get expert help now from one of our canine behaviourists.

Or

Claim on pet insurance

Did you know? You may be able to pay for our pet behaviour services through your pet insurance. We accept direct insurance claims for our pet behaviour consultations through select insurance companies.

Find out more here

Logos of pet insurers

Trixie's Story

Cockerpoo dog

Trixie, a Cockerpoo, was referred to Second Nature Behaviour for reactive behaviour on walks. She lunged and barked at other dogs, making outings stressful for her owners.

After an assessment, Zoe Demery identified Trixie’s fear of other dogs and created a tailored behaviour plan. This included adjusting walk locations to prevent overwhelm and using reward-based training to build confidence.

With guidance from an associate behaviourist and consistent practice, Trixie’s owners have made great progress and now feel more confident managing her behaviour.

Book the Reactive Recovery Programme

Get help from one of our animal behaviour experts

“As a referring vet, i want my clients to feel happy with whom I have referred them to and I can honestly say every one has been very pleased!”
Ella the vet
“As a vet, I have referred many of my patients to Zoe – she works absolute miracles on cats, dogs and parrots!”
Nicki the vet
“I cannot recommend Second Nature enough. Zoe gives both my dogs so much care and attention.”
Luke, Harry & Trixie
“Zoe has shown us how to deal with our dog’s problems.”
Benji, Dawn & Paul
“Really pleased with the outcome and what an enjoyable experience meeting with you – Ted has calmed down a lot now!”
Ted, Rob and Michelle
“Whilst Gracie is still an anxious dog, she has made incredible progress and if we are completely honest, more progress than we thought she could make.”
Gracie
“I do think that if we had not had help Echo wouldn’t be with us today, so this service has been fabulous! With the behaviour plan in place and lots of hard work from us as a family we now have a more relaxed dog.”
Echo
“We found Zoe to be extremely knowledgeable and attentive when it came to talking us through the processes we needed to follow to get our little Yorkie under control.”
Chip, James & Sarah
“I must say the advice you gave me was excellent. I would without hesitation recommend you to anybody with a problem dog.”
Riley & Paul

Read more testimonials