Reactive Dog Training in NYC — Science-Based Behavior Change
Reactivity isn’t “bad behavior.” It is the nervous system responding too strongly to stressors—dogs, people, noises, movement, or the intensity of city life.
Our Reactive Resilience Therapy™ program uses evidence-based protocols, emotional regulation work, and real-world practice to turn outbursts into calm, predictable behavior.
Start Reactive TrainingWhat Reactivity Really Is
Reactivity is an exaggerated emotional response to a trigger. It can present as barking, lunging, freezing, spinning, whining, pacing, or pulling toward or away from something.
This is an autonomic nervous system response—not stubbornness, defiance, or “dominance.”
The Neuroscience of Reactivity
Punishment increases amygdala activation, cortisol levels, and nervous system sensitivity. It suppresses behavior temporarily but does not fix the emotional state driving reactivity.
Lasting calm comes from a regulated nervous system—not fear of correction.
Types of Reactivity We Treat
Dog-to-Dog Reactivity
• Overarousal or frustration around dogs
• Fear-based barking and lunging
• Trouble passing dogs on sidewalks
Leash Reactivity
• Restraint frustration
• Trigger stacking on busy NYC blocks
• Big reactions caused by tight spaces
Human-Directed Reactivity
• Fear of strangers or certain demographics
• Unpredictable environments causing overwhelm
• Improved through structured exposure
Urban + Noise Reactivity
• Startle responses to buses, scooters, sirens
• Overload from crowds & city movement
• Training for better sensory resilience
Barrier Reactivity
• Reacting behind windows or doors
• Fence or gate frustration
• Elevator or hallway reactions
Movement + Prey Reactivity
• Squirrels, birds, fast motion
• Chase-driven impulses
• Redirecting focus & impulse control
What Makes Reactive Resilience Therapy™ Different
- Threshold mapping + behavior analysis
- Evidence-based counterconditioning
- Pattern games for nervous system regulation
- Agility-inspired movement therapy
- Step-by-step owner coaching
- NYC-specific real-world training environments
The 4-Stage Reactive Resilience System™
- Assessment & Behavior Mapping
- Regulation & Emotional Stabilization
- Repatterning
- Real-World Field Training
Success Stories
Ella lunged at any dog within 20 feet. Walks were completely avoided.
Ella calmly walked past four dogs in Riverside Park with loose-leash focus and no vocalizations. Her owner can finally enjoy daily walks again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reactivity is an exaggerated emotional response caused by excitement, fear, or frustration. It is not disobedience — it is the nervous system becoming overwhelmed. Training focuses on regulation and predictability, not punishment.
Reactivity is highly trainable. Many dogs reach near-zero reactivity with consistent work, structured practice, and evidence-based protocols. The goal is reliability and emotional regulation, not suppressing signals.
Muzzles are safety tools — not punishment. If indicated, we train a basket muzzle using positive conditioning only. Many reactive dogs never need one, but some benefit greatly during the early stages of behavior modification.
No. PJH Dog Training is fully force-free and uses only science-based, reward-driven methods. These methods are supported by modern behavior research and veterinary behaviorists.
Many clients see progress within 1–2 sessions, with major changes in 4–8 weeks when training is followed consistently. Dogs with trauma, severe fear, or bite history may require a longer, structured plan — which we provide.
Ready to Transform Your Dog’s Behavior?
Whether you're dealing with leash reactivity, fear-based responses, barrier frustration, or unpredictable outbursts, our science-based approach gives you a roadmap to calm, confident walks. Let’s rebuild trust, emotional stability, and reliability — together.
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