Shutdown, overwhelm, sound sensitivity
Barking, lunging, or explosive reactions
Evidence-based, force-free training that helps you and your dog feel safe and in control — in real life, not just in theory.
For dog parents who feel anxious every time they grab the leash.
Remote Training Worldwide
Reactive & Fearful Dog Training in Long Beach & Los Angeles
If you feel like you’ve tried everything and nothing is helping, you’re not alone.
Many of the dogs I work with are reactive, fearful, or deeply anxious — and their families are exhausted from trying to fix something that was never about obedience in the first place.
Real progress begins when we understand your dog’s stress, not suppress it.
You don’t need more dominance advice.
You need a plan that makes sense for your dog’s nervous system.
And that’s what we build together.
- Walks feel overwhelming or unpredictable
- Your dog barks, lunges, freezes, or shuts down
- You feel tense before leaving the house
- You’ve tried training that didn’t feel right
- You love your dog deeply — but you’re exhausted
If this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place.
This is for you if...
New Rescue Parent Playbook →
Just adopted and unsure of the world.
You want to start safely and build trust from day one.
New Rescue Dogs
Learn About Separation Anxiety Training →
Panic when left alone. Destruction, howling, pacing. This isn’t “bad behavior” — it’s distress.
SEPARATION ANXIETY
Learn About Fearful & Anxious Dog Training →
Shuts down, hides, shakes. Startled at sounds. Struggling in new places.
It doesn’t always look dramatic — but it feels heavy.
Fearful & Anxious Dogs
Learn About Reactive Dog Training →
Big feelings on walks. Barking, lunging, spiraling when they see other dogs or people. You feel embarrassed. Your dog feels overwhelmed.
Reactive Dogs
WHERE DOES YOUR DOG FALL?
Not all anxious behavior looks the same. Start where your dog feels stuck.
I get it — because I’ve been the anxious dog mom.
I’ve had the reactive dog who lunged at everyone. I've cried after walks. I’ve felt judged when people cross the street to avoid us. I’ve wondered what I was doing wrong.
Through my own journey (and years of professional training), I learned something important:
Training the dog is only half the work.
Supporting the human is where real transformation happens.
I’m not here to judge you.
I’m here to help you understand your dog — and give you a clear, doable path forward.
Meet The Original Underdog
Certified force-free trainer specializing in fear and behavior cases.
Hey, I'm Jill!
Not sure where to start? Download a free assessment tool to better understand your dog’s triggers and stress patterns.
Free Reactive Dog Audit
Free Resources
Online Courses
Self-Paced Learning
Specialized, step-by-step support for dogs who panic when left alone. They howl, destroy, or panic when you leave.
This isn't "just reactivity" - it requires a specific, structured plan.
Separation Anxiety Program
Specialized Programs
Best for:
- Reactive or fearful dogs
- Dogs with aggression or bite histories
- Parents who want hands-on guidance
Private Training (In-Person or Remote)
Most People Start Here:
WHEN YOU’RE READY, HERE’S WHAT's NEXT
How I Help You & Your Dog
I do offer board-and-train programs for young puppies — when we’re building foundational skills from the very beginning.
However, I don’t offer board-and-train for fearful, reactive, or aggressive dogs.
Why?
Because dogs who struggle with fear or reactivity need consistency in their real-life environment. Real progress happens when you learn how to support your dog in everyday situations — not when they’re removed from them.
For anxious or reactive dogs, we train together — in person or remotely — so the change actually sticks.
I do offer board-and-train programs for young puppies — when we’re building foundational skills from the very beginning.
BOARD & TRAIN
(For Puppies Only)
Many of my clients train remotely — even outside of Long Beach and Los Angeles.
Remote training allows me to:
• See your dog in their real environment
• Coach you live during walks
• Reduce added stress from new facilities
• Support families worldwide
If you’re not local, you can still get help.
YES, REMOTE TRAINING REALLY WORKS
“Developed our dog into a safe and reliable part of our family!”
I cannot stress how integral of a role they played in helping me raise my German shepherd puppy. My puppy is still learning, as I am as well, but everywhere we go my puppy gets compliments on how sweet and well behaved she is! Their approach to training is supported by science and it’s force free. I’m super grateful for reaching out to them for their services! I highly highly recommend them!
– Nadinne C., Belmont Shore, Long Beach, CA
“A custom plan for your puppy and lifestyle!”
She wants to know what behaviors you want to manage and creates a custom plan for your puppy and your lifestyle that is based on research, responsive, and always fun. And she genuinely cares! So she's flexible and able to continuously adjust the training plan as your puppy grows. We love working with Jill and would recommend her to anyone with a new puppy!
– Shabnam, M., Lakewood, CA
“Worked wonders for our dog’s nervousness and reactivity!”
Jill set us up with all the tools we needed to train our large breed reactive dog. Each session is catered to your dog's needs and prioritizes the most urgent issues. Most importantly, she uses science based force-free methods, which has worked wonders for our dog’s nervousness and reactivity. Jill is super knowledgeable and passionate about setting you up for a lifetime of success and happiness with your beloved furbaby!
– Johanna
No. I work with families locally and remotely worldwide.
Is this only for Long Beach clients?
You haven’t. Most dogs escalate because they’re overwhelmed, not because you failed.
What if I’ve made things worse?
Because fear and stress don’t respond well to pressure. We build confidence instead of suppressing behavior.
Why force-free training?
Yes. Even with bite histories. Even if you’ve tried other trainers. Progress is possible.
Does my dog have a chance?
Questions Anxious Dog Parents Always Ask
