Solve Your Dog's Reactivity
Your dog isn't bad. But they are probably terrified — and fear looks a lot like aggression. When they don't know what's safe and what isn't, they bark, lunge, and growl at everything to make the scary things go away.
"Luke is amazing! He helped me a year ago with my aggressive/reactive dog Karma and gave us amazing tips which helped us manage her reactivity. I now go to him for group classes with my new pup which has been a joy, and so helpful for his development."
—Emylie Merwin
Find Out if My Program is Right for You
Go ahead, book a consultation! There's no obligation and I'll assess your dog to see exactly what they need. Then, give you a quote for your private lesson package.
How Reactivity Looks
Reactive dogs come in every shape and size. Some lunge at other dogs. Some fixate on strangers. Still others lose their minds over skateboards, bikes, or cars.
I've seen dogs go from zero to explosive in an instant; while others build slowly until they tip over.
There are a few common behaviors:
- Lunging, barking, or snapping on leash
- Inability to pass other dogs or people without flipping out
- Hypervigilance — always scanning, always braced for something
- Inability to settle in public or around guests
- Aggression toward strangers or unfamiliar animals
What's Really Going On with Your Dog
Reactivity is one of the most misunderstood challenges that pet parents struggle with daily. You aren't alone.
But most of these dogs aren't aggressive, they're scared — you probably have a fear reactive dog. Most reactivity comes from fear, frustration, and lack of proper socialization.
It's hard. I get it. You wanted a dog you could take with you on adventures and instead you have to leave them at home ... maybe you can't even have guests over.
Remember that your dog isn't trying to be difficult — but they are frustrated, scared, and need your help. So while you may be looking for "aggressive dog training," it may not be that bad.
During your free consultation, I'll let you know exactly what's going on and what it'll take to fix it.
"Where do I begin? Without Cowboy & Co, Oakley and I wouldn’t be where we are today. If you want someone who actually listens to you, and hears you, Luke is your person. Not only did he help me when I felt like I was failing raising Oakley, and training her, he lifted me up and helped me understand why I felt the way I did.
If I needed to change a correction he showed me, if he didn’t like how I was doing something he corrected it. ... 100% will always take my dogs to him no matter how far!"
—Alexandra Kilby Campos
If you're having trouble with your dog's behavior or need training for your puppy, I can help
As a professional serving Dallas and surrounding areas including Plano, Mckinney, Richardson, Denton, Frisco, and Forney, I specialize in providing customized solutions to meet YOUR dog's needs.
I am an AKC CGC evaluator, certified mantrailing instructor, and am continually studying so I can help more dogs and their people.
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How I Help Your Dog Through It
There's no shortcut — but there is a clear path. I identify what's setting your dog off and how close is too close. Then we systematically teach them a new way to respond. That means working at the dog's pace, not flooding them with exposure that overwhelms them and makes their fear reactivity worse.
We work on:
- Finding your dog's threshold and creating a starting point that sets them up for success
- Teaching an alternative behavior to replace the reaction
- Desensitization and counter-conditioning to shift how your dog feels about their triggers
- Teaching your dog to look to you when they're uncomfortable, instead of reacting
- Building genuine confidence so the world feels less threatening over time
I use balanced training throughout this process. Your dog learns what to do, and also receives clear, fair communication when they're starting to escalate. The goal is helping your dog learn to think in the presence of their triggers, rather than shutting down and running on autopilot.
You'll Learn Too!
A big part of reactivity work is on the human end. I'll help you read the early warning signs, set up situations for success instead of failure, and respond in ways that support your dog rather than accidentally fuel the fire.
You're part of this process — not just a bystander holding the leash.
Is Your Dog a Candidate?
This type of training is appropriate for most dogs with issues, but every case is different. Dogs with a bite history may need additional assessment and specialized protocols.
If you're not sure whether what you're dealing with counts as reactivity, aggression, or something else, reach out — a free consultation and conversation is the best place to start.
See if this program is right for you
Go ahead, book a consultation! There's no obligation and I'll assess your dog to see exactly what they need. Then, give you a quote for your private lesson package.