Reactive Dog Training

Claire Lawrence
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Pets & Animals

Welcome to Reactive Dog Training: the podcast for reactive dog owners who are exhausted, overwhelmed, and tired of feeling alone. Hosted by professional rehabilitation specialist Claire Lawrence, this podcast explores the emotional reality behind living with reactive, sensitive, fearful, frustrated, or behaviourally complex dogs. These are honest conversations about: reactivityaggressionemotional overwhelmnervous systemsbehaviour sciencerealistic rehabilitationresponsible ownershipand the emotional toll reactive dog ownership can take on people too This is not a podcast about creating perfect dogs. It’s about understanding behaviour more deeply, building emotional safety, creating realistic progress, and helping owners feel seen, supported, and understood along the way. Through real stories, practical education, behavioural insight, and compassionate conversations, Claire breaks down the truth about reactive dogs in a way that is calm, honest, and easy to understand, and all without shame, gimmicks, or unrealistic promises. Because, sometimes the dog isn’t the problem. Sometimes the advice is. And, often progress starts the moment we stop trying to force dogs into impossible expectations and start understanding the dog in front of us instead. If you’ve ever cried because of your dog’s behaviour…you’re in the right place. To learn more about Claire and her work with reactive dogs, use this link to sign up (for free) to her email list and receive up to date training advice and information on upcoming training challenges, programs and training retreats: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/2231914/192881005088999066/share

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    The Dog I Couldn't Save: Sarah Roper's Story

    Behavioural euthanasia is one of the most difficult and emotionally charged topics in the dog world. It is a subject many people avoid discussing, often because of the stigma, judgment, and misunderstanding that surround it. In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Roper to discuss the journey she experienced with one of her first dogs and the heartbreaking decision that ultimately led to behavioural euthanasia. Together, we explore the realities of living with a dog whose behaviour presented significant safety concerns, the emotional impact this had on everyone involved, and the immense responsibility owners carry when balancing quality of life, welfare, and public safety. This is not a conversation about blame. It is a conversation about honesty. We discuss: • The early signs and behavioural challenges Sarah experienced • The emotional toll of living with a high-risk dog • The impact on relationships, daily life, and mental health • How owners can become isolated when facing severe behavioural issues • The judgment often directed at people considering behavioural euthanasia • The importance of looking at welfare from both the dog's perspective and the owner's • Why some cases are far more complex than social media discussions suggest • What Sarah learned from the experience and how it shaped her approach moving forward This episode may be difficult for some listeners, particularly those who have experienced behavioural euthanasia themselves or are currently facing similar decisions. Our hope is that this conversation provides understanding, compassion, and a safe space for those carrying the weight of these incredibly difficult circumstances. Because sometimes the hardest decisions we make for our dogs are also the most loving. Listener discretion is advised due to discussion of severe behavioural issues, aggression, and behavioural euthanasia. –––––––––––––––––––––– Connect with Sarah Roper https://www.multidogmaven.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/multidogmaven If Sarah's story resonates with you, or if you're navigating similar challenges with your own dog, you can connect with her through the links above.

  2. Jul 5

    Your Dog Doesn't Need Fixing: A Different Conversation About Reactivity with Kate Gallagher

    If you've ever felt exhausted, embarrassed, frustrated, guilty, or completely alone because of your dog's behaviour, this episode is for you. When people talk about reactive dogs, the conversation usually focuses on training techniques, behaviour modification plans, and managing triggers. But, what about the human at the other end of the lead? In this episode, I sit down with dog trainer Kate Gallagher to explore the emotional reality of living with a reactive dog. We discuss the guilt that comes from feeling judged by others, the grief of letting go of the life you imagined with your dog, the resentment many owners experience but rarely admit out loud, and the way confidence can slowly erode when every walk feels like a challenge. Together, we explore why so many owners become trapped in a cycle of fear and desperation, often reaching for harsher tools and stricter methods simply because they want to feel safe and in control again. We also discuss: • Why owner psychology is one of the most overlooked aspects of reactive dog training • How societal pressure can make both you and your dog more stressed • The importance of asking, "Is this for me or my dog?" • Why behaviour is communication, not a problem to be fixed • How reducing pressure can transform both confidence and behaviour • The role of consent, autonomy, and safety in rehabilitation • Why success isn't a perfectly behaved dog • How to become your dog's safe place in an overwhelming world Whether you're currently struggling with your dog's behaviour or simply want a different perspective on reactivity, this conversation offers reassurance, compassion, and practical ways to move forward. Because sometimes the biggest breakthrough doesn't happen when we change the dog. It happens when we change the way we see them. –––––––––––––––––––––– Connect with Kate Gallagher Website: https://thefaithfuldogtrainer.co.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefaithfuldogtrainer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefaithfuldogtrainer If this episode resonated with you, we'd love to hear from you and don't forget to subscribe to the channel to get the latest episodes as they release

  3. Jun 28

    Environmental Sensitivities: The Overlooked Cause of Reactivity with Jane Ardern

    🎙️ Is Your Dog Really Reactive... Or Just Overwhelmed by the World? The Overlooked Cause of Reactivity | With Jane Ardern When we see a dog barking, lunging, freezing, shutting down or acting "silly", it's easy to assume they need more training, more exposure or better socialisation. But, what if reactivity is often a symptom, rather than the problem itself? In this episode, I sit down with Jane Ardern to discuss environmental sensitivities in dogs and why so many dogs struggle to cope in the modern world. Together, we explore: • The difference between environmental confidence, dog confidence and people confidence • Why reactivity is often incorrectly blamed on poor socialisation • How genetics influence environmental sensitivity, particularly in working breeds such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Spaniels • Why modern environments can overwhelm even socially confident dogs • The role of the nervous system in reactive behaviour • Understanding fight, flight, freeze and fiddle responses • Why barking, lunging and other reactive behaviours are often coping strategies rather than deliberate choices • The dangers of suppressing behaviour without addressing the underlying emotional state • How owners can become advocates for their dogs rather than constantly trying to "fix" them • Why adapting life to suit your dog can be one of the kindest and most effective things you can do This conversation challenges many of the common assumptions surrounding reactivity and offers a compassionate, science-informed perspective on helping sensitive dogs navigate the world around them. If you've ever felt like your dog notices everything, struggles in busy environments, or seems overwhelmed by everyday life, this episode is one you won't want to miss. Connect with Jane Ardern: Website: https://www.waggawuffins.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waggawuffins/?locale=en_GB Additional Resources: Mission Control Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mission-Control-How-train-high-drive/dp/1910488577

  4. Jun 21

    Responsible Dog Ownership Sometimes Means Adjusting Expectations

    Not every dog is going to become the dog you originally imagined. And, accepting that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. In this episode of Reactive Dog Training, Claire Lawrence explores one of the most emotional and misunderstood parts of reactive dog ownership... adjusting expectations responsibly and compassionately. This honest conversation covers: the pressure modern dog culture places on ownerswhy not every dog can cope with the same lifestylethe difference between acceptance and giving upunrealistic expectations created by social mediagrief, guilt, and emotional pressure in reactive dog ownershipand why realistic goals often create calmer, safer, happier dogsClaire also discusses how chasing “perfect dog” expectations can unintentionally create more stress for both dogs and owners, and why working with the dog in front of you — rather than the dog you hoped for — can completely transform your relationship. Because success isn’t always: “Can my dog do everything?” Sometimes success is: calmer walksemotional stabilityfaster recoverysafer managementand finally understanding your dog more deeplyIf you’ve ever struggled with guilt, comparison, disappointment, or pressure around your dog’s behaviour…this episode is for you. Follow the podcast for weekly conversations around reactive dogs, emotional wellbeing, realistic rehabilitation, and responsible dog ownership.

  5. Jun 14

    Sometimes The Advice Is The Problem

    Reactive dog owners are constantly told: “Be firmer.” “Correct the behaviour.” “Show the dog who’s boss.” “Don’t let them get away with it.” But, what if the problem isn’t always the dog? In this episode of Reactive Dog Training, Claire Lawrence explores one of the most damaging realities in the dog training world, that many reactive dog owners are following advice that doesn’t actually suit the dog in front of them. This honest and emotionally grounded conversation covers: why reactive behaviour is not one-size-fits-allthe dangers of oversimplified training advicewhy suppressing behaviour isn’t the same as resolving emotionemotional overwhelm in reactive dogsstress, nervous systems, and coping abilityand why owners often blame themselves when the advice itself was never appropriateClaire also discusses how pressure-based approaches can sometimes worsen emotional instability, and why understanding the individual dog matters far more than blindly following generic training methods. Because, not every reactive dog needs more control. Some dogs need clarity, emotional safety, and understanding first. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting dog training advice… or like nothing seems to work for your dog…this episode is for you. Follow the podcast for weekly conversations around reactive dogs, emotional wellbeing, realistic rehabilitation, and responsible dog ownership.

  6. Jun 7

    The Truth About Reactive Dogs

    If you’ve ever cried because of your dog’s behaviour… this episode is for you. In the very first episode of Reactive Dog Training, Claire Lawrence explains why she chose to dedicate her work to reactive, emotionally overwhelmed, and behaviourally complex dogs. The dogs most people misunderstand, fear, or eventually give up on. This is an honest conversation about: reactive dogsemotional overwhelmbehaviour vs emotionwhy obedience doesn’t always equal emotional stabilitythe hidden struggles reactive dog owners faceand why compassion, clarity, and realistic expectations matter so much in rehabilitationClaire also shares her own experiences working with dogs like Dot, Logan, and Digger, and explains why she believes behaviour is far more than bad behaviour or disobedience. Because, sometimes the barking, lunging, shutdowns, or chaos we see on the surface are symptoms of something much deeper underneath. This episode is for reactive dog owners who feel exhausted, isolated, judged, or overwhelmed and need a reminder that they are not alone. If you enjoy the episode, make sure to follow the podcast and share it with another reactive dog owner who needs to hear this.

  • 6 Episodes

About

Welcome to Reactive Dog Training: the podcast for reactive dog owners who are exhausted, overwhelmed, and tired of feeling alone. Hosted by professional rehabilitation specialist Claire Lawrence, this podcast explores the emotional reality behind living with reactive, sensitive, fearful, frustrated, or behaviourally complex dogs. These are honest conversations about: reactivityaggressionemotional overwhelmnervous systemsbehaviour sciencerealistic rehabilitationresponsible ownershipand the emotional toll reactive dog ownership can take on people too This is not a podcast about creating perfect dogs. It’s about understanding behaviour more deeply, building emotional safety, creating realistic progress, and helping owners feel seen, supported, and understood along the way. Through real stories, practical education, behavioural insight, and compassionate conversations, Claire breaks down the truth about reactive dogs in a way that is calm, honest, and easy to understand, and all without shame, gimmicks, or unrealistic promises. Because, sometimes the dog isn’t the problem. Sometimes the advice is. And, often progress starts the moment we stop trying to force dogs into impossible expectations and start understanding the dog in front of us instead. If you’ve ever cried because of your dog’s behaviour…you’re in the right place. To learn more about Claire and her work with reactive dogs, use this link to sign up (for free) to her email list and receive up to date training advice and information on upcoming training challenges, programs and training retreats: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/2231914/192881005088999066/share

Information

  • Creator
    Claire Lawrence
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Reactive Dog Training
  • Show Website
    Reactive Dog Training

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