Confidence Starts Here

Calm, Kind Support for Reactive Dogs in the Illawarra

Struggling with barking, lunging, or growling?

 – You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck.

Does it feel like your world shrinks a little more each time your dog reacts? Whether it’s lunging at dogs on walks, barking at visitors, or struggling to settle in new environments, reactivity can leave you feeling overwhelmed, embarrassed, or even helpless. But you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong.

With calm, positive strategies, we can reduce the stress and bring more confidence and connection back into your everyday life with your dog here in the Illawarra.

Support That Meets You Where You’re At

I help reactive dogs feel safer—and help their people feel more confident.

Reactivity isn’t one-size-fits-all—and neither is the solution. These behaviours are often misunderstood, but they don’t make your dog “bad.” They’re a sign your dog is struggling—and that’s something we can work through together.

There are no quick fixes when it comes to reactivity. Lasting progress comes from understanding why your dog is reacting, creating thoughtful strategies to manage it, and building the skills and confidence to handle challenges in real life.

It all starts with an in-home consultation. We’ll take time to understand what’s going on, where you’d like to be, and how we can get there—kindly, clearly, and at your dog’s pace.

Your First Step: A Behavioural Consultation

$220 | 90 minutes | In your home

Every dog—and every situation—is different, which is why your first step is always a 90-minute in-home consultation.

During this session, we’ll take the time to fully understand what’s driving your dog’s reactivity. We’ll talk through their behaviour and learning history, explore your goals, and start making sense of what’s going on beneath the surface.

From there, we’ll put immediate relief strategies in place—simple, practical tools you can start using right away to reduce stress for both you and your dog.

You’ll also receive a personalised training plan outlining the path forward, along with clear recommendations about how to bring that plan to life. I’ll walk you through the next steps, including how many sessions may be needed and which package best suits your situation.

You don’t need to have all the answers before you start—just a willingness to begin.

I had bought a 12 mth female kelpie with no training or socialisation into my home and it was like a cyclone had hit. Bek helped me with my dogs behaviour with crate training , general behaviour, settling into a new environment then you helped with loose lead walking and reactivity in lead. I now have a happy balanced dog who is easy to walk. Thank you.

Narelle
Team Lucy

How It Works

Step 1: Step 1: Reach Out Using the Contact Form

Start by getting in touch. I’ll send you a link so you can easily schedule your consultation at a time that works best for your routine—making the first step simple and stress-free.

Step 2: Consultation in a Comfortable Setting

We’ll meet for a 90-minute session, either in the comfort of your home here in the Illawarra or at a quiet local café if your dog is more relaxed outdoors. I’ll take the time to understand your dog’s behaviour, history, and what you’re experiencing day-to-day. Together, we’ll uncover what’s driving their reactivity and what matters most for moving forward.

Step 3: Immediate Relief + A Clear Plan

You’ll receive practical strategies you can start using right away to reduce stress and set the stage for long-term change. I’ll also pull together a personalised training plan with my recommendations on the number of sessions and the package that best suits your goals.

Questions About Reactivity? I’ve Got You Covered.

Will my dog always be reactive?

Not necessarily. Reactivity often comes from overwhelm, uncertainty, or past experiences—not from a dog being “bad.” With the right strategies, your dog can learn to feel safer and more confident, and you’ll see those big reactions become smaller and more manageable over time.

What if my dog is reactive to people, dogs, or both?

That’s okay. During your consultation, we’ll talk through what triggers your dog, what it looks like, and how it feels for both of you. Every plan is completely tailored to your dog’s needs, whether they react to one thing or many.

Can you work with dogs who are really reactive?

Yes. I regularly work with dogs who bark, lunge, growl, or hide. You don’t need to feel embarrassed or worried—this is a judgment-free space, and reactivity is something we can absolutely work on together.

Do you use aversives or punishment?

No. I use positive, reward-based methods that prioritise safety, emotional wellbeing, and long-term progress. Reactive dogs need to feel safe, not scared, and my approach reflects that.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your dog, your goals, and how often you’re able to practise between sessions. You’ll receive clear recommendations during your initial consultation so you know exactly what to expect.

Can you help if I live in Wollongong, Shellharbour, or Kiama?

Yes. I offer in-home reactive dog training across the Illawarra region, including Wollongong, Shellharbour, and Kiama.

What if my dog finds visitors too overwhelming?

You’re not alone—many reactive dogs struggle when someone comes to the house. We can meet in an outdoor space your dog finds easier, like a quiet street or a calm café courtyard. And if that still feels like too much, I offer virtual consults so we can start supporting you both without adding any extra stress.

Ready to take the first step toward calmer walks and a more confident, connected life with your reactive dog?

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