You know that sinking feeling.
You're on your morning walk. Everything's fine. And then yousee it—another dog, a hundred feet away. Your stomach drops. You grip the leashtighter. You start calculating: Can I cross the street fast enough? Should Iturn around? Is there time to—
Too late.
Your dog explodes. Lunging. Barking. Pulling so hard you canbarely hold on. The other owner gives you that look—the one that says, “Can'tyou control your dog?” You mumble an apology, practically drag your dog away,and head home feeling defeated.
Again.
If this sounds familiar, I want you to know something:
You're not failing.
Your dog isn't broken.
And you're not alone.
I'm Jeanne Crockett, owner of Crockett's Critter Care and a Fear Free Certified Elite Professional Animal Trainer specializing in reactivedog training in New Bern, NC. I've spent over a lifetime (since 1971) working with animals, but it was my own dog, Davy, who taught me the most about reactivity—and what actually works when you need help with a fearful dog.
This New Year, I want to talk about why your dog's“ resolution” shouldn't be about them changing—it should be about you learning the skills to help them feel safe.
WHAT IS REACTIVITY, REALLY?
Let's start with the truth: Reactive dogs aren't aggressive dogs. They're scared dogs.
Reactivity is your dog's way of saying, “I don't feel safe,and I don't know what else to do.” It's not about dominance. It's not about being “bad” or “stubborn.” It's about fear, frustration, or an overwhelmed nervous system.
Think of it this way: Imagine you're terrified of spiders. Now imagine someone forces you into a room full of them and tells you to “just calm down.” You'd probably freak out, right? That's what it's like for a fearful dog when they're flooded with triggers they're not ready to handle.
The problem isn't the dog. The problem is that they don't have the tools to cope.
Here’s the hard truth: reactive dogs aren’t being “bad” or disobedient. They’re overwhelmed. When training focuses on commands or corrections without addressing the dog’s emotional state, it often adds more pressure—sometimes making the reactivity worse rather than better.
WHY TRADITIONAL TRAINING CAN MISS THE MARK WITH REACTIVEDOGS
Most dog training is about teaching tasks: sit, stay, come, heel. And for a lot of dogs, that works great.
But reactive dogs don't need more commands. They need to feel different about their triggers.
Think of it like candles. Each trigger adds heat. Training is about snuffing out as many candles as possible—reducing stress, fear, and overwhelm.
Outdated training tools like prong collars, shock collars, or physical corrections may suppress behavior temporarily but often increase fear and anxiety.
As a positive reinforcement dog trainer in New Bern, I use things dogs genuinely value—treats, toys, movement, scent, and exploration—to change how they feel.
HOW POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT AND FEAR FREE TRAINING WORK
Change how your dog feels, and the behavior will follow.
We use counter-conditioning and positive reinforcement to create new emotional responses to triggers.
1. Identify triggers
2. Keep your dog under threshold
3. Pair triggers with something your dog loves
4. Build confidence at home first
5. Teach emergency cues
Most dogs need 8 sessions to see real, lasting change.
MEET ABBY: A REACTIVE DOG TRAINING SUCCESS STORY
Abby reacted to everything. Walks were battles.
Today, Abby is calm, confident, and enjoys her walks—thanks to patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
FEARFUL DOG HELP IN NORTH CAROLINA
Your dog can change—with the right tools.
Reactive training isn’t about obedience. It’s about healing.
THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL OFFER
Clients who book an 8-session reactive dog training package may also choose to add a customized ACE Free Work Starter Kit.
WHY 8 SESSIONS?
Because real change takes time.
LET'S TALK: REACTIVE DOG TRAINING IN NEW BERN, NC
I offer a free Discovery Call.
Call (252) 635-2655 or email crockettscrittercare@gmail.com.
Jeanne Crockett
Fear Free Certified Elite Professional Animal Trainer
First ACE Free Work Trainer in North Carolina
Crockett's Critter Care | New Bern, NC
