Reactivity Specialist
My specialty is reactive dogs - or more to the point seemingly "over-reactive" dogs - those who bark/lunge or otherwise present aggressive behaviour presentations at the sight of other dogs, people or other triggers. Or indeed those who react by running away from their fears.
I use specialised techniques such as BAT - Behaviour Adjustment Training by Grisha Stewart to help these dogs at their core; rather than relying on food or toy distractions. |
I abide by the philosophy of relationship based training. This isn't just a training method, or even a behaviour modification technique, it's a whole lifestyle. Our bond with our dog is sometimes the only thing we have that keeps us going. They are constantly offering us unconditional love and warmth, it's really only fair we offer the same in return. The best way we can show unconditional love to our dogs is by understanding their emotional worlds, really starting to put ourselves in their paws and acknowledge how their life experiences differ from our own.
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Are our sessions one and done?
Absolutely not. You can't mend or improve a deep rooted problem overnight. We are changing the emotional world and cognitive outlook of your dog, one day at a time. That's why support outside of reactivity sessions plays such a huge role in the work that we do together. Our WhatsApp groups guide you through each day with as much help (or just cheerleading!) as you need. BAT/buddy dog sessions can require committing to regular sessions. |
Do we employ quick fixes?
No such thing, without harming your relationship with your dog. If you work with me we ask for a committed mindset with the full knowledge that the dog dictates the speed. And your ability to implement practice outside of session too. I don't crack the whip on your progress so why would I crack the whip on your dogs'? A beautiful working partnership is the journey to treasure, not just the end result. |
Am I qualified for this particular specialty?
My level 6 Advanced Diploma covered everything but my particular interest has always been in these strong emotional demonstrations that we call "reactivity" or "aggression". So much so I completed a separate level 5 Dog Aggression Diploma (2022-2023) to ensure my knowledge is entirely up to scratch with this role. Dealing with dog reactivity is not without risk. It's serious business. Dogs quickly labelled as "dangerous dogs" are at risk of being misunderstood by society with harsh repercussions; especially when the aggression is human directed. Out of respect to the welfare of myself and my team of helpers I only put us in situations that I am qualified and experienced to deal with. That does include aggression but even then it will have its limits, usually based around the mentality of the other end of the lead. If our way of working doesn't fit the humans tolerances I will refer on. |
I am passionate about what I do. It's tough to pull in a professional and ask for help; I do understand the hesitancy, the apprehension, the concern about what I will ask of you. My background in support work for adults gives me the skill set to be able to have some very deep, honest and valuable conversations. But only when you are ready to. IF you are ready to! We can deal with some very life restricting difficulties in session together. There's often a lot of emotion behind that and that emotion is welcome, in fact, it will help our progress a lot. If you'd like a chat about how I could help you to get a feel for me before signing up to meet me, please drop me an email and we can arrange a time to talk. It's so important you are comfortable with the process, as well as your dog. I am known for my approachability, friendliness and empathy. |
"Our dog Bailey had met a few trainers and behaviourists but none of them came close to understanding him on the level that Jen does. I think what sets Jen apart is the way she looks at a whole dog, not at a problem behaviour. We came to her for help with car reactivity but Jen suggested things SO specific to him, nothing you'd necessarily find in a book or on an online forum. Almost a year on and Bailey is almost unrecognisable. Jen's work is about empowering dogs, not forcing them into moulds they do not fit." Gemma with Bailey
Reactivity specialist cases
Winston
Winston struggled considerably with his feelings at the sight of other dogs. To try and manage his behaviours previous trainers recommended he be directed onto a tug toy when a dog was in the distance. Unfortunately this simply made his emotions stronger and less containable. Winston absolutely thrived through specialist BAT methods. He learnt to make calm considered choices around other dogs and even managed to build friendships with many, going on to successfully navigate group walks like a pro. Winston’s mum described Jen as a “miracle worker” for finally seeing what Winston needed – opportunities to build on social skills and help in managing and learning how to alleviate his own emotions. Both Winston and his mum left the work feeling empowered and confident in living life in the real world. |
Rafa
After a run of highly negative experiences Rafa had become understandably over-anxious about other dogs; as had his people! He had totally lost confidence in interactions with stranger dogs and despite being exceptionally well trained with highly skilled guardians, they soon realised you can’t train a dog to not be nervous. After a handful of dog-dog sessions Rafa and his guardians were happy to once again go out into the world alone, topped up with confidence and social skills to once again feel happy saying hi to various dogs they may meet. Rafa’s mum describes Jen as “professional and genuinely caring” saying her work with Jen was “truly life changing”. |
Pebbles
Pebbles was adopted as a rescue with an unknown history. Her guardians were unsure of her feelings around dogs as sometimes she seemed keen to play, whereas other times she would demonstrate aggression towards them. Whilst working with a dog trainer for loose lead walking her reactivity was getting worse. On assessment with Pebbles Jen was able to determine that Pebbles was not only anxious about the intentions of stranger dogs but also anxious about sharing her resources (eg. the treats being used to train her). The resource guarding was spreading to other perceived resources such as sniffs on the ground. After a number of buddy dog sessions, Pebbles is now a regular dog under our dog walking services where her social needs are met. Pebbles is playful, fun and easy to mix with a variety of dogs. She is also learning in these walks that it is okay to share resources such as sniffs on the ground. Her guardians are so happy with her progress and are comfortably aware of her boundaries with regards to dogs in her space when there is food around. Understanding your dogs’ needs goes about 90% of the way there in helping them. |
Jess
Due to an injury and two resultant operations at the tender age of one, Jess had to be kept away from dogs and went from socially skilled and comfortable around dogs to highly defensive and reactive to them. In just one session Jess’ mum had everything she felt she needed to start practicing dog-dog work and get Jess back on track. For the most part Jess’ mum did the work in her own time, just actively guided by Jen in the background. It wasn’t long before Jess’ reactivity on the sight of dogs became a thing of the past. Jess has successfully made friends with dogs since, as well as learnt how to just walk past them again without barking and lunging. Jess’ mum found it invaluable to have a flow of communication between herself and Jen throughout her work with her as it enabled guidance and plans to be tweaked. It also enabled them to work on further difficulties such as settling in a café – now an activity achieved calmly and with complete composure. |
We are a passionate team who live and breathe dogs! Whatever your problem call us today!
For a no-obligation chat with Jen Leslie, please fill out the contact form below or email [email protected]. Due to the nature of my job this is my preferred method of contact as I am out and about with clients most days. If you do not receive a reply within 48 hours please check your junk mail/spam folder.
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Calvert Canines works with dogs and their owners, from around Calvert, Steeple Claydon, Winslow, Bicester, Buckingham, Aylesbury, Milton Keynes, Brackley, Banbury and every village or town in between.