Sending so much love to fellow reactive dog owners. It's so tough.

I have a one year-old German Shepherd. She had just recently started to become reactive to other dogs, and sometimes two people as well. I was almost in tears because I felt like I had no idea how to handle it. I tried some other techniques from other handlers that said pretty similar things to you, but at the time I just wasn’t equipped I guess. Today was a breaking point she was barking and trying to run over to a little dog, and the lady was very mad about that even though I had my dog on a lead and she couldn’t get far it was just embarrassing and I felt pretty hopeless. I looked up this video and did about 20 minutes of training with her today. And OMG. The whole “ planting the flag “ thing to claim the space worked like a charm with her. I think once I did that she realized that I was going to be in control of the area and she was so much easier to handle and it look like she was having fun trying to keep up with me and pay attention and figure out where I was going, etc. It did take some treats but I was careful not to give treats to things that didn’t deserve it like if she stubbornly refuse to do a command for a while lol. But after about 20 minutes it was like a whole different dog even around other people. I tried this in my home for about five minutes thought she was picking it up pretty good so we did it outside on the sidewalk in a pretty remote area so there wasn’t a lot of people, and then we did it in the courtyard of my property where there was around three people that came and went in the time that we were there. And she did not bark or try to run into them or anything. She was focused on me and it just felt so empowering and I’m so proud of her. I realize that this is not a one day fix and plan on keeping this going to hopefully rectify the situation and I know there’s going to be setbacks, but this just gave me the help that I needed. 💖

Perfect explanation of how reactivity starts. That's exactly how my dog's reactivity started and unfortunately I didn't understand it at the time.

I've tried so hard to replicate this with my 1½ year old, but as soon as there are other dogs I cease to exist. I wish I had people and other, calm dogs to practice with, because the occasional meeting on the village sidewalk, with dogs who are much worse than mine even, just isn't enough...

As a kid we had a dog and did the same thing .. it was terrible to go out on the street with her.. pulling barking and so on .. now watching your videos i realise that we where the problem not the dog. I feel sorry now after 30 years knowing what was wrong or right... thank you sir .

Many a time I have came home from walking the dog crying my eyes out in stress and despair at his reactivity. Often the reason was other dog owners making unhelpful comments who didn't understand as they've never owned a dog with these issues. Even hearing 'why don't you just let him off the lead?' or 'oh he just wants to play' as he's breaking my arm by pulling is extremely frustrating.

I really like how you talk about calming yourself. It's so crucial.

Thanks. I got lost in the avoidance/positive training and my dog was acting like a rabid beast in public. Switched to a prong collar, then a slip lead, and a lot of your videos, now it's world's different.

You are a brilliant communicator, not just for the dogs, more importantly, for us. Thank you for explaining how our dogs are feeling. Thank you

I don't even have a dog but I subscribed just because of this guy's loving vibe

I have a foster GSD that has excitement-based reactivity (he LOVES other dogs, but he absolutely loses his mind and barks like crazy when he sees other dogs, which is super scary to people who don't know him). Thank you for making these videos to help dog owners.

I've been spending lots of time on Fenrir and other effective "balanced' dog trainers and I'm pleased at how well it has worked with my 5 month Cane Corso puppy: she's one of those kids who love school. MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED: -Training games are super effective - she practically taught herself recall via playing fetch and her recall is really solid. (I (congratulate her without trying to get it from her, walk away - the dog will soon start tearing back and pushing the toy at you). BIG TIP WITH STRONG DOGS:- Because she's so strong, with my next puppy, I will concentrate intensely on loose leash training very early: I can't expect to win any dragging contests. Thankfully, my girl now checks in with me, is very aware and keeps a loose leash. I'm in a race against time to get this perfect with distractions before she's a big girl !!

Love your videos. Your timing, level of discipline and understanding of how a dog thinks is spot on! Being one inch tougher, no more and no less than your dog is so important to achieve the desired result. These trainings can help so many animals live their best life.

I really like your videos with the slip lead training. Has been very useful. As a development it would be great to see the reactive dog, post tune up, meeting another reactive dog, rather than a calm dog. My boy doesn't react to calm dogs, just to hyper dogs! Thanks

My puppy was anxious about other dogs, so slowly socialised him… and now he thinks EVERY dog is his best friend. So aggression isn’t an issue at all.. But I really need this video because the loose lead is my biggest challenge with this puppy…😊

Hi I'm a Care Taker for old people. They have a small dog that pulls. I watched your clip. IT WORKS. Small Molly is no longer pulling. So now her mom can walk her without pulling. THANK YOU

I have a reactive Border Collie. I've taken him to training classes, but they didn't resonate with us. I've been watching your videos for a while now and I feel that I have a better understanding of what I need to do and how to change my behaviour as an owner in order to strengthen my bond with my dog. I cannot thank you enough. I'm going to buy a slip lead and train my dog with love, so that our walks can become stress free.

You’re the best! And the video quality is wonderful to be watch and audio is super crisp. The whole team is amazing. Edit: Shout out to the dogs; Good dogs! It’s fun to watch them react, and their faces. Lol

I cannot begin to tell you how badly I needed to see this video!! I have a 186lb English Mastiff that I have taken over from the owners because of their jobs. He’s hands down the most affectionate dog I have ever been around but when we get around other dogs on our evening walks he lunges and he can be a lot to handle!

I really like the way you are breathing to work on your calm energy.

That was amazing how quickly you got the Tilly doing what you needed her to do. 💖

With a lifelong passion for happy-behaved dogs, and a subscriber of this channel, I watch SO many of your vids. Will you are simply the best. 🇨🇦👍🏼

Thank you for explaining how reactivity starts and after realising it only ramps until it’s addressed. I love the way you relate and communicate, really impressive. I’d only had mixed breeds of mainly border collie, Shepard, lab, Rottweiler and NZ Hunterway which have all been an absolute pleasure and never thought I’d have a pure breed dog. But after my beautiful boy dog died last year I found it challenging finding the sort of mix up for adoption so relented and got a beautiful German Shepherd. She is perfect, now 5.5 months old, is gentle, kind hearted, faithful and loving but started being reactive while on leash with me and in pet shops etc. your video makes perfect sense. Im sure her on leash reaction to other dogs will easily be fixed as she is such a good dog. I thought it was my fault for spoiling her, giving her free reign of the house, beds couches etc but I don’t think you can give too much love or kindness. Many thanks for your pods. I’m sub’d in looking forward to more. Kind regards from NZ.

Hi Will. I bought a super active, working line German Shepherd puppy in 2015 and went straight to a prong collar after a few months to bring him up as the most well behaved dog ever. My friends, family, and even strangers couldn't believe how well a big GSD could walk on a lead, and he could even "sit and stay" around active dogs without batting an eye lid until I released him with my "OK" command. I've only just discovered your channel as I'm in the process of rescuing a 9-year old Alaskan Malamute mix (I no longer have my GSD due to a split with my ex-wife). I've just been refreshing myself with all of the training techniques and I'm really glad to see such a great, BALANCED, trainer such as yourself (especially the video where you talk about the myths surrounding prong collars, thank God)! Really looking forward to getting my new dog in May and going through all of the techniques once again (the rescue centre says he is reactive to other dogs and that he pulls on the lead etc). I think I'll soon have him trained in no time with solid leadership and direction! Thanks.

I love your channel- I think your background with troubled youth makes your training much more effective. I do not equate children or people with dogs as the former must take precedence of the latter- but honest to goodness I use so many of the same techniques with both students and dogs. People look at me like I’ve studied and practiced and are “specialized” with both- but I’m not. I just get how behavior works and everything, even discipline has to come from a place of kindness and care.

This is perfect advice Will, you have made such a difference in my own training capabilities. I have a Giant Schnauzer and your techniques have had significant impact in his training progress. Thank you

You’ve made me calmer in the process as well. Thanks

He really makes it look so easy. Years of experience here in this video. I really struggle with this.

Greetings from Phuket Thailand….. Thanks for posting another excellent video. It’s so very important that we as owners remain “calm and relaxed” during training sessions. Having a 20 month old female Golden Retriever, I have unfortunately found myself getting upset with her when she starts pulling, or jumping up on other people when we’re out for our walks. I latter feel upset with myself for reacting in such a shitty manner, when in fact it was actually my fault for not training her properly from day one. We love our dogs, that’s why we have them around us. Stay Calm…. Oooouuuuzzzzaaaaa…..

My dog LOVES all people, never pulls on the leash UNLESS there’s another dog in sight. Then is reactive if get close, never allowed to get close enough for something bad to happen. But I’m really wanting to get him to where I don’t have to worry about him if he wants to play.

You make it look so easy. I think I’ll go back to earlier videos to understand planting the flag. Thank you!

My lab/collie mix is 10yrs old now (a rescue) & she’s always been verbal to other dogs & pulled me over on a couple of occasions. Would have liked to see you with an older dog who’s more aggressive than the lovely Tilly 🦆💕

My little rescue jackapoo has become very reactive towards other dogs after he survived an attack by another much bigger dog. Your methods are something I'm looking to incorporate in his training. Thank you for such great content.

Now that I have watched the entire video, the dog he's working with is NOT reactive. Just excited. He did a good job teaching heal and loose leash walking without using hand signals or verbal commands.

dude let me tell you right now. you are effin great. I'm working on my dog (1 year old and was abandoned - we have a bond already) the jump to people issue and in one morning he is so much better. it's hard for me to not just pet him all the time cause I have a soft spot for dogs but his behavior is improving dramatically. He was abandoned in the middle of the mountains and survived hunting. I was expecting worse but he's showing progress daily.

This video taught me more in the few minutes you spent walking through what to do, than 6 weeks and $260 of reactive training I went through with my Goldendoodle. Will be working with this technique and my Goldendoodle 🤯

Hi will, been using a lot of your techniques from your videos with our puppy Italian Mastiff and they are working a treat. Thank you so much keep up the good work.

My Aussie has improved on reactivity. But definitely wanting to improve. Only seems to happen in our neighborhood. Everywhere else, dog park, vet, pet store, she is good. We have been working on heeling off leash so we are building the right foundation 😊

Iv learned so much about training my 5year old american staffordshire bully from your videos. This is the issue my dog has is very excited when around other dogs and got him going good on the loose leash but this is the next step. To calm him around other animals.

Not sure if this would help anyone, as I don’t hear many people speaking about this product.. The product I’m talking about is a “Nervous dog vest or coat, because my dog is very anxious when out and because of that she tends to bark, making people think she is aggressive. I often find people walking extremely close to me because I have a dog, this ends up with us back at square one of our walk. I absolutely love these videos and they have helped us alot. I personally use a thin raincoat that I got off Amazon, that says “Nervous dog, please give me space” Since having the coat on, I find people have enough warning and don’t ask to pet my pup, therefor causing her to be less anxious. Not sure if it’s recommended and it may not be for everyone but I personally recommend Its stressful having an anxious and reactive dog, so I really appreciate these videos and hope all the dog mums and dads out there are having a good day!

I spoke to a trainer a while back over the phone about my GS , trainer responded if your dog is nervous he's a write off and I won't work with him. Can you imagine, luckily I didn't take on his advise and continued the training myself.

I rescued a one year old big dog, and it has been a challenge but hope this video will help us! ❤️

I have a rescue dog. Pointer/Lab mix. We have had him about a year now, and it has only gotten worse. What a lover. Loves people but goes out of his mind toward other dogs. I have been watching your videos, and working on taking control. He is doing fantastic. I have gotten rid of the harness, and am working with a collar now. One step at a time.. I know it's a process. Wondering what will happen when we encounter dogs next.

Thank you for these videos!! I'm a beginner dog walker and I wanted to know how to deal with reactive dogs while at work

Frustrating taking my girls on a walk and the one naughty one hypes the other two. Training is a challenge with three high energy ladies.

i like your addition of remaining calm which is equally vital as a handler, it even helped me to calm myself and release tension in the moment as i watched. awesome video, thanks so much

Much love from AUS! Thankyou for the vids and effort you put in. You and the team are amazing and teaching a great way to train thats simple to follow. Leadership is all they want.

Just ordered a slip lead. You are my favorite trainer on you tube and your methods really work. My 9 month old gsp responds to everything you teach. It’s just patience and time lotssss of time.

I've been looking for a video like this! Well explained , simple, concise, no extra fluff! Thank you

Great video, thank you. Helping a family daily walk an 18mo xl bully(super heavyweight). He is not leaving me now until we meet a dog, then whining turns into barking with lunges. Not aggressive but so excitable.

The way Will Explains things are sooooooooo simplistic in the best learning way thanks Will great vid again!!!

I just got a 1 year old Pomeranian December of 2024, it’s now roughly two months and I’ve tried taking all the recommendations from others that I know who have dogs and it’s like he only gets worse. He’s a sweet dog, but he has a hard time listening to sit, not walking in front and being reactive to other dogs. His previous owner didn’t socialize him at all let alone train and it’s been so stressful training him/not seeing results. But watching this I see that I’ve been listening to the wrong people and going to keep trying, but with these methods in the video

The inside turns you demonstrate are important. It distracts the dog and redirects their attention. And, as the alpha, you the handler are asserting control and dominance. Too many animal owners don't understand this.

this is super helpful!! i walk our neighbor's dog (understimulated & underexercised 6yo black mouth cur) along with my own and while she's an absolute sweetheart with people and our dog, she's agression reactive to dogs that she sees being walked, even if she sees them while she's on a walk. part of it is just that she needs exercise, which i can't give her enough of due to being disabled, but part of that is that i don't think she's ever been properly leash trained, so i'm having to work with her from the ground up when i can she's very intelligent and wants to do well, which is good, she just has a lot of trouble controlling herself when she's starting from such a hard point

That was an incredible transformation. Thank you for sharing this.

This man is an incredible dog behaviorist

Love your philosophy on life, dog training, and your accent. Wish we were neighbors as I work with my rescue adolescent coonhound mix.

Great explanation. I have a 7 m.o. JRT that wants to rush,pull and meet any new 2 or 4 legged ‘friend’ Never aggressive but does do the whimpering. Will give this a try

I have a puppy that I need to try this with. He loves people, but loses his mind when he sees another dog. It’s quite frustrating.

this guy is the best trainer on youtube

man this dudes a wizard... this is hard to work on my young cane corse

What training advice do you have for reactive behavior at home and not just on leash?

Brilliant! I need help with my Shih poo. She’s two years old and really reacts to most dogs. She either shows her teeth, barks, barks and goes on back legs. Worse, she got free from the lead and ran towards another dog and was barking at it’s face. Poor dog. The owner was good and remained calm and stood between. Got her on her lead but it could’ve been so much worse. I’ll use this advice with her and see how we go.

Amazing video. Love that the dog's reactivity is gone in one afternoon, I couldn't wait to try it with my little lunging and barking machine.. Watched the video 3 times and had my dog watch it once with me. We tried the training techniques one afternoon, and then the next day, and the next. She's still my little lunging and barking machine. ☹Not a quick fix with her.

Addicted to these clips - on countdown to picking up my border collie puppy

I always learn and I am always grateful. Your lessons are spot on with my rescue. Thank you!

I am a successful dog trainer and I am totally on board with this trainers energy, attitude and technique!

i have 4 months old lab who does this and it is getting difficult for us to walk normally , i will try this method and see how we go. thank you

Patience has a reward that is worth waiting for -unknown

You described my rottie to a tee. I adopted her 5 weeks ago. One year old and doesn't know how to walk on a leash without pulling.

This gives me so much hope. I'm hoping to get my first dog in the next few years, and having a dog understanding what behaviors are okay and which ones are is something that I really want to instill in him/her. Thank you for the videos.

Wonderful, thanks especially for demonstrating the slip leash placement!

good lord, too many words for this human to get to the point.

Hi, great job. I am really enjoying your videos. I wish you would show videos of dogs that are way more stubborn than a cream puff lab. Maybe a chow that are not people pleasing but have sensitive nature's and are easily offended 🤔. Thanks

Wow that's amazing I have a 2 year old german shephard she fantastic apart from on the lead and other dogs...I tried putting the collar higher on her neck and I have so much more control and she doesnt pull haven't met another dog yet but its made me more confident in handling her

watching this in hopes it’ll help me with my dog. we just got him last week but he’s insane when he sees other dogs. he’s not neutered yet and he gets extremely excited around other dogs, it was to the point he tried to get in front of me the other day to go across the street to get to the other dogs and i fell. crossing my fingers this helps

Started loose leash walking excersizes like this for my American bulldog cross hoping to work in his reactivity He loves everyone but is far too excitable Thr progress so far has been encouraging everyone has given up on him and parents have considered rehoming but i know he just needs the right guidance and he’ll get there he’s already such a great dog in the house

I've been one week with my adoped stray pooch. He's lovely and smat, but when I walk him his attention is all over the place, pulls his lead and has reacted badly to a couple dogs. I'm gonna start following these tips religiously, for his safety and for my mental health lol, it's awful dreading having to walk your dog because of how he behaves

Thank you Will, you have helped me so much with my puppy that I love so much! He is super smart and yes reactive but I know doing what you have demonstrated will help him immensely. Sure wish you were nearer so Leo could come and spend the day with you. He would absolutely adore that! Here's to healthy leadership! Have a wonderful day!

E collar works wonders. My 9 month old puppy spotted another dog, which appeared to be out and about with no owner, and ran full belt towards it, totally ignoring my command No. This sparked my 8 year old hunting dog into prey drive, both dogs running towards the lone dog. The look of ‘oh fxxk’ crossed the stray dogs face, I reached for my e collar controller and immediately both dogs stopped within half meter of the dog and both returned to me. No dogs harmed in the process!

Love your videos! Thank you for taking the time to make them.

Great to see someone using Cesar's methods of Dog Psychology instead of the usual obedience training. So much more affective and more rewarding for the animal. 👍

Thank you so much Will for making this video and explaining that reactivity is not just aggression. I have the same problem with my 7 month old boy Scout. He loses his mind when we meet new people or dogs. Also, I like that you mention for the owner to stay calm and take a deep breath. I get anxious when I am out walking with Scout and see another dog. These are great tips. Thanks!

Thank you! For the time and patience you give in EXPLAINING everything you do and WHY you do it. Immeasurably helpful..! 👍

The slip lead is a game changer.

I have a massive Staffy/Rottweiler cross, 5 years old, rescue, had her 3 weeks now, never walked or socialised before. So far close leash excellent, leash in a loose U shape. This is because whenever she pulled ahead I would simply stop and not move on at all for several minutes so she now has the idea that is she pulls the walk simply stops dead. But now developed a new trick doing the same on me! She would at odd moments simply sit there and be like a bag of sand. Even doing this in the middle of the road. What she really wanted was the long leash walk and a game of ball. Tried throwing several treats ahead but had to stop that because I didn’t want her to learn that if she sat down she would get a treat. The only thing that did work was to go in front face my back to her and wait. So in the end she did get sufficiently bored that she started to move off. It is rather embarrassing to have to witness vehicles waiting patiently as there is this huge dog laying down and refusing to move. I’m just hoping by persisting in the “face my back and wait” method will eventually stick, she’ll get the idea that likewise the walk will simply stop. Yet another trick she’s learnt is “bull walking.” This is where you have this massive bull that walks so slowly. So here I have the walk “ultra slow motion.” Oh the joys of dog training!

my german shepard that ive just rehomed from dogs trust is very reactive and litrally took me off my feet and dragged me across a field to get to another dog. he just would not stop or listen to a word i said. im just glad it was the field and not the main road we have to cross to get to the field otherwise we'd have both been run over. hes lovely in the house and garden so far but just so damn strong which makes it at the moment impossible to control him when he wants to go he will go. we need help as we are keeping him he is our dog now and we will help him to become the dog he is at home when out and about so we can take him to places where there will be other dogs close by for nice fun walks.

A dog doesn't need a human friend. S/he needs a guide who literally leads the dog through this very complex world. First and foremost, we are not our dogs' friends as we are not the friends of our three-year-old child. We are the guardians who guarantee safety, shelter and food. Not a single parent would let go of a three-year-old's hand at the mall. And not because we don't love our children enough, but precisely BECAUSE we love them so much that they must not get lost. To ensure this, certain rules, boundaries and limitations have to be in place. If we accept this for our children and even ourselves every day, why is it so hard for my clients to apply the same to their dogs? I'm not really complaining because it fills my order book, but I don't really understand it. Greetings from Portugal :)

I have a pure bred Gotti and he has made leaps using this exact method. The slip lead definitely helps. I find with optimal exercise and consistent leash practice we've gone from unwalkable to going for adventures off leash in a year!

My rescue is soooo good when other people walk him, but has become reactive when I walk him. He’s super social when at the dog bark, but put a leash on him and let me walk him and he’ll become a whole other dog. Ahhhh!

Love this man

look at the way his role model dog pays attention to him when he's simply talkingng to the camera! 6:00

My girl lunged and growled at a neighbor He could call the landlord She’s new to me Never did that before! A few minutes before she kissed a new dog calmly She’s been through a lot Rescue girl Thank you for training me for her Any comments please?

The video addresses EXACTLY what I was looking for! Thank you!! 🙏🙏🙏

What happens/what is the advice when the OTHER dog is reactive? When my dog approaches a calm dog, he's calm. When the other dog is reactive/snarling/lunging, he will do the same. The 2nd dog you have for training purposes is cool as you like. What do you do when that's not the case?

I am trying really hard to follow your guidance, and watched all your videos, over and over. For the life of me I cannot get his attention on me when we step a foot out the door. He is brilliant inside and in the garden. I even thought at some point he is deaf... what am I doing wrong???

I have 2 dogs who are just a pain to walk and if it wasn’t for my big back yard they would probably be like 300 pounds lolz. I’m going to practice this and see how things go. Thank you for posting.:)

So pleased I found this as my Lilly is almost identical to Tilly!!!! And the same issue so tomorrow this is our first port of call. And I have a lead and know how to use it so pray it will work. As it’s becoming difficult when other dogs are met while we out and as my support dog in training I could do without that behaviour. So thanks. Will let ya know how it goes

So cool that Eddie Hall's brother trains dogs now! Great video.

I have the same problem with my dog of eleven months. I will follow your advices, I hope to fix it! Ciao!