Reactive Rover

Attention: Washtenaw County will be doing construction on Cherry Hill Rd now through August. This means that HSHV will not be accessible from Plymouth Rd and will require a detour. Please keep this in mind when planning travel to and from the shelter.

Classes full? Get email notification when new classes open!

Is your dog PEOPLE-FRIENDLY, but barks and lunges when seeing other dogs? Does your dog get stressed, uncomfortable, or over-aroused around other dogs, and do you have a hard time keeping your dog calm and focused?

Reactive Rover classes will help you understand your dog’s reactivity and give you methods for managing and modifying it. We solely use positive methods and work at each dog’s individual level, so that over time we can change the dog’s emotional response to his or her “triggers.” Our goal is to help you teach your dog focus, impulse control, and relaxation, so that walks and outings can be more fun and less stressful for you both!

Dogs who do NOT fit into Reactive Rover Class:

• This is NOT for dogs who bark and lunge, or are reactive or any bit aggressive towards people
• This is NOT for dogs who have bitten or done damage to another dog or person
• This is NOT for dogs who bite their handlers when they try to redirect from focusing on another dog
• For reactive dogs who do not fit into a Reactive Rover class, we recommend consulting with an in-home trainer. Please feel free to contact one of our trainers for recommendations on private training.

If you question whether or not your dog meets the class criteria, please contact the trainer before you sign up. If your dog must be removed from a class due to aggression or excessive reactivity, you may forfeit your registration fee. We're sorry; refunds cannot be given.

Appropriate for age: 6 months+

Prerequisites: For all classes, must have access to a computer, the Internet, Zoom and email. For in-person classes, current distemper and rabies vaccinations required. Vaccination history must be presented to trainer at first class. Bordetella and Canine Influenza vaccinations are recommended but not required. You MUST be able to attend ALL sessions of the class, as sessions build upon one another and participation impacts others in the class. If you miss more than one session, you will be removed from the class and will not be refunded. 

Fee: $259 (6-session in-person class, 4 students only) OR $195 (6-session hybrid class, 4 students only)

Days/Times Offered: 

• Sundays at 7:45 with Robin
• Mondays at 7:45 p.m. with Robin
• Tuesdays at 5 p.m. with Abbie

Sunday nights June/July with Robin - SOLD OUT

We will not be offering additional classes until the fall. Sign up to be emailed when new dates open!

Instructors: 

• Abbie Volpone, Canine Companion LLC
• Robin Morgan, Paw-Z-tive Paws

Also, please note:

• Class sizes are limited. For the sake of all students and to preserve the learning environment, we ask that the number of humans be limited to 3 per dog, and all must be over the age of 12 and respectful of others.
• Depending on the instructor, the first class (orientation) may be held online via Zoom or in-person All in-person classes will be held at HSHV, in the education center.
• Please read all prerequisites and dates carefully; class registration is non-refundable and non-transferrable.
• Classes full? Get email notification when new classes open!