What is puppy socialization?

Puppy socialization is the process of exposing your puppy to new experiences...

When should I start socializing my puppy?

Begin as early as 8 weeks old, focusing on the critical period...

Reactive Dog Training Services

at PJH Dog Training Upper West Side

Dog behind fence shows reactivity linked to barrier frustration. Get dog reactivity training now!

Does your dog react to other dogs, people, or city sounds on the UWS or anywhere?

Has reactivity made daily walks or outings stressful for both of you?

Stop and take a breath. You are not alone.

Building Reactive Resilience on the Upper West Side

Our unique dog reactivity program on the Upper West Side is designed to bring calm to you and your dog's lives. Using proven scientific techniques together with close attention to your dog's needs, we work to reduce reactivity and enhance wellness.

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Reactive dog attempting to bite another dog. Our dog trainers prevent dog reactivity through behavioral training offered at PJH Dog Training.

What is Dog Reactivity?

Reactivity refers to an exaggerated response to triggers like other dogs, people, or city stimuli. Reactive behaviors include lunging on leash, barking, biting, pulling, whining, spinning, and restlessness. Our step-by-step reactivity training program teaches dogs how to stay calm and make better choices under pressure.

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Dog-to-Dog Reactivity

We help dogs stay calm around other dogs using desensitization and counterconditioning. Your dog will learn to process canine encounters with more confidence and composure.

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Leash Reactivity

Urban life is full of leash tension. Our leash reactivity program teaches you how to reduce on-leash frustration, improve focus, and make walks in NYC more enjoyable for both of you.

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Dog-to-Human Reactivity

We help reactive dogs feel safe around people by creating low-pressure experiences and teaching emotional regulation skills that prevent impulsive outbursts.

Book Reactivity Consult

Here’s How to Get Started Training Your Reactive Dog

Step 1: In-Person Consultation

We begin with a thorough, in-person consultation to understand your dog’s behaviors, environment, and specific triggers. From there, we create a customized reactivity training plan tailored to your dog’s unique needs.

Step 2: Private In-Home Training

Where ever you are in NYC, we offer in-home training or Reactive Resilience Therapy™️ throughout NYC to work on counter conditioning, desensitization, redirection, and reinforcing calm behavior where it matters most—real life. Personalized coaching ensures your dog progresses with clarity and confidence.

Step 3: Group Workshops (Optional)

When your dog is ready, we offer controlled group workshops and agility classes designed for reactive dogs. These structured sessions build social resilience while improving emotional regulation through therapeutic movement.

Bonus: Outdoor Agility Classes

Ready to build confidence and burn energy? Our outdoor agility classes on the Upper West Side, held at Central Park and Riverside Park, are a great outlet for reactive dogs. They’ll learn to focus, move with purpose, and have fun in a safe, supportive environment.

Book Reactivity Consultation

Minpin snarling at human in a case of dog-human reactivity. Reactivity treatments are available at PJH Dog Training.

Discover how Reactive Resilience Therapy™ transforms reactivity into focus and confidence — click to learn more

shanking hands with his dog, a man finally get treatment for his reactive dog.

Training builds more than skills—it creates a partnership rooted in trust, choice, and love.

Man petting his happy non-reactive dog after being treated at PJH Dog Training.

A calm dog is a confident dog—every step of training brings more joy and trust into your bond.

Why Choose PJH Dog Training for Reactive Dogs?

Expertise You Can Count On

Dr. Pepe J. Hernandez, Ph.D. in neuroscience and CPDT-KA certified dog trainer, brings evidence-based insight to every training session. Our approach is grounded in both behavior science and real-world results. Learn more →

Custom Reactivity Plans

We don’t do one-size-fits-all. Every reactive dog gets a tailored behavior plan based on their specific triggers, environment, and temperament — because progress is personal.

Positive, Force-Free Methods

Our training is humane and modern — no fear, no pain. We use desensitization, counter-conditioning, and reward-based systems to build trust and long-term emotional resilience.

Local & Convenient Options

We offer private sessions and group workshops across the Upper West Side and NYC — so you can access training in your neighborhood without stress or long commutes.

Ready to get started? Give us a call at 347-754-1988

Man holding a leash with a small aggressive dog in city street demonstrating leash reactivity which is a form of reactivity treated in PJH Dog Training's reactive dog program.

3 Ways Your PJH Dog Trainer Will Help Your Dog Stay Calm in Any Situation

1. Reconditioning Motivation

Your trainer will reframe your dog’s relationship to food and work. Even in stressful, distracting situations, your dog will learn to accept treats and stay motivated.

2. Counterconditioning & Desensitization

Through carefully structured exposure, your trainer will change your dog’s emotional response to triggers—from fear or frustration to calm and positive associations.

3. Rebuilding the Human-Dog Relationship

Your trainer will strengthen your bond by showing your dog that you are in control of situations, offering safe options and choices. This reassurance allows your dog to relax and trust your leadership.

Reactive Dog Training – Frequently Asked Questions

Reactivity refers to exaggerated emotional responses to stimuli — such as barking, lunging, or growling at dogs, people, bikes, or other triggers. It’s often rooted in fear, frustration, or over-arousal, not aggression.

Reactivity can almost always be improved — and in many cases, significantly. While some dogs may always need a little management, the goal is helping them stay calm and make better choices under stress.

Not at all. Dogs can learn at any age. In fact, many reactive dogs make faster progress as adults when we understand their triggers and motivations better than we did when they were puppies.

For reactive dogs, random or high-pressure socialization usually makes things worse. Structured, controlled exposure is safer and far more effective. We’ll help you learn when and how to introduce your dog to stimuli safely.

Some dogs make noticeable progress in a few weeks, while others take months. It depends on your dog’s triggers, past experiences, and consistency of training. Our goal is steady, sustainable change — not quick fixes that fall apart.

We use reward-based, force-free methods rooted in behavioral science. Techniques include counter-conditioning, desensitization, marker training, and controlled setups to build confidence without overwhelm.

Usually no — unless the group is specifically designed for reactivity. Our training starts with private sessions to build skills and confidence first. Some dogs may graduate to reactive-dog-specific classes later.

They may suppress symptoms short-term, but they often increase fear and tension — the root of reactivity. We don’t use pain-based tools. Long-term behavior change requires trust, not force.

A well-fitted front-clip harness, longline leash, and high-value treats go a long way. We may also recommend visual barriers, interactive toys, or calming routines depending on your dog’s needs.

Private reactive dog sessions typically range from $100 to $200 depending on trainer expertise and location. We offer packages with savings and always begin with a one-on-one consultation to assess your dog’s needs.