You’re not alone.
And this doesn’t mean you failed your dog.
At Underdogs Long Beach, we work with dog parents who are overwhelmed, anxious, and exhausted from living with reactive or fearful dogs. Not with judgment. Not with shame. And not with outdated dominance-based methods — but with clarity, safety, and a plan that supports both ends of the leash.
When every walk feels like a breaking point
If walks feel unsafe.
If you’re constantly bracing for the next bark, lunge, or explosion.
If you’re scared someone could get hurt - or that you’re running out of options.
When Reactivity Starts Running Your Life
Walks become stressful instead of grounding.
Outings feel risky instead of routine.
You find yourself constantly scanning for triggers, apologizing to strangers, or avoiding situations altogether.
Most families don’t arrive calling their dog “reactive.” They arrive describing moments that feel overwhelming — barking that comes out of nowhere, walks that don’t feel safe, or situations where everything escalates faster than they can manage.
A lot of our clients tell us they feel:
- embarrassed
- on edge
- afraid they’re making things worse
- unsure who to trust anymore
If that sounds familiar, you’re not imagining it — and you’re not doing something “wrong.”
- your dog being “bad”
- stubbornness
- dominance
- a sign you ruined your dog
Reactivity is usually a sign of an overwhelmed nervous system.
Many reactive dogs are:
- fearful
- over-aroused
- under-equipped to cope with stress
- trying desperately to create distance or safety
Many families come in feeling shaken and unsure after repeated scary moments. That lack of confidence — not “doing something wrong” — often shows up as tighter handling and more stress on both ends of the leash.
I never believe reactivity is caused by a person’s anxiety. What I see instead are dogs and humans stuck in stressful situations without enough support — and that’s something we can change together.
Reactivity is often misunderstood.
What Reactivity Actually Is
(And What It Isn't)
But here’s the hard truth:
You can’t punish a dog into feeling safe.
When training ignores emotional state — yours or your dog’s — it often leads to:
- increased fear
- suppressed warning signs
- more explosive reactions later
At Underdogs, we don’t start by asking,
“How do we stop this?”
We start by asking,
“What is this dog (and this human) trying to communicate — and how do we create safety first?”
Why "Fixing the Behavior" Alone Rarely Works
A Different Approach to Reactive Dogs
Our approach focuses on:
- Safety before obedience
- Management before modification
- Calm before control
- Supporting the human as much as the dog
Because reactive dogs don’t exist in isolation.
They live in real homes, with real people, carrying real fear.
And addressing those matters.
Reactive Dog Group Cohort
This option is for clients who want guidance and structure, but also reassurance that they’re not alone. The reactive cohort is thoughtfully designed to support both dogs and humans in a controlled, understanding environment — not traditional group classes and not overwhelming.
If you’re unsure which option fits your situation, that’s okay.
Part of this work is helping you choose a path that feels supportive — not stressful.
If you want support and community
Private consultations / private training
For families who want individualized support, this option allows us to look closely at your dog, your environment, and your specific challenges. Together, we work on building skills, confidence, and sustainable change over time — at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
If you need personalized guidance or support around safety
Start with: The First Step (self-guided or cohort group)
This option is designed for dog parents who feel stuck, anxious, or unsure what to do next. It helps you understand what’s actually going on, lowers stress on both ends of the leash, and gives you a calmer foundation to build from — without pressure or judgment. (Getting started here can cut training short, as they will learn the foundations in the course that I would usually have to teach them in the first 4 weeks of training)
If you’re overwhelmed and need clarity first
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin.
The right starting point depends on what you and your dog need right now — not where you think you “should” be.
Where to Start If Your Dog Is Reactive
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Reactive dogs can make even the most capable, loving people feel isolated.
You’re not broken.
Your dog isn’t broken.
And there is a way forward that doesn’t rely on fear, force, or shame.
When you’re ready, we’re here to help you find it — one steady step at a time.
You don’t have to know — that’s part of the process.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure, starting with education and grounding support can help you regain clarity. If safety feels like a concern, more individualized guidance may be the right first step. And for some families, having structured support alongside others going through similar challenges can make a big difference.
If you’re not sure which option fits, we’ll help you decide — without pressure.
How do I know where to start?
Often, yes.
Many foundational pieces of reactive dog work — understanding triggers, adjusting handling, improving management, and building confidence — can be addressed through remote support. This can be especially helpful for families who feel overwhelmed or unsure where to begin.
If in-person work is needed, we’ll talk about that honestly. The goal is always to choose the level of support that best fits your situation.
Is this something that can be helped remotely?
Yes — and in many cases, punishment actually makes things worse.
Punishment-based approaches often increase fear, suppress warning signs, and create more stress in already difficult situations. Real progress comes from helping dogs feel safer, building coping skills, and reducing pressure — not from forcing compliance.
Our work focuses on understanding behavior, lowering stress, and creating sustainable change without fear, intimidation, or shame.
Can reactive dogs get better without punishment?
No — and this is important.
I never believe reactivity is caused by a person’s anxiety or by “doing something wrong.” What I see instead are dogs and humans navigating stressful situations without enough support, tools, or confidence — often after one or more scary experiences.
Reactivity is complex. Genetics, early experiences, environment, and learning history all play a role. Blame isn’t helpful here. Support is.
Did I cause this?
No — reactivity and aggression are not the same thing.
Reactive is simply a term used to describe dogs who respond intensely to certain situations - even if you’ve never used that word yourself. Reactive behavior is often a dog’s response to feeling overwhelmed, afraid, or unsure how to cope in certain situations. Many reactive dogs are not trying to harm anyone; they’re trying to create space or feel safe. While reactivity can escalate if left unsupported, it does not automatically mean a dog is aggressive or dangerous.
Understanding the why behind the behavior is far more important than labeling it.
Does reactive mean aggressive?
Frequently Asked Questions
