Get Expert Help for Reactivity Towards Unfamiliar Dogs
You love your dog deeply, but their reactivity towards unfamiliar dogs is getting to you. What should be enjoyable time together is now fraught with stress and hypervigilance. You tense up at the sight of another dog, dreading the lunging, barking, or growling that often follows.
This isn't just about difficult walks; it's about the significant emotional toll it takes. You're tired of the continuous management, the embarrassment of your dog’s outbursts, and perhaps even the sting of judgment or unsolicited advice from strangers. It's a burden, often leading to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and even guilt, wondering what you might be doing wrong.
You Might Be Experiencing
⚠️ A Shrinking World: Avoiding parks, changing routes, walking at odd hours, leading to a feeling that your life, and your dog's, is becoming increasingly limited.
👀 Constant Management: Walks becoming complex logistical exercises, and the need to always be on alert. The joy is replaced by a sense of duty and stress.
😟 Nagging Questions & Worry: "Why is my dog like this?" "Will they ever get better?" “Where have I fallen short” And the worry of your dog causing harm, or being harmed, and the potential repercussions.
🤯 Information Overload: Perhaps you've tried online tips, different trainers, or suggestions from other dog owners, only to face the same behaviour walk after walk, leaving you feeling overwhelmed by the challenge of finding what truly works.
And you worry about your dog:
🐕 Are they OK living in a state of constant stress?
🐕 Is this reactivity impacting their overall well-being?
🐕 What is this behaviour trying to tell you about their needs?
It's easy to feel defeated, disheartened, and overwhelmed by this incredibly common, yet stressful problem.
But there is a clear path to calmer, more enjoyable walks with your dog.
Imagine a Different Reality...
Reactivity to unfamiliar dogs is the most common issue I see - it’s treatable with the right approach.
Imagine:
🛣️ Stepping out your door feeling prepared and optimistic, not tense.
🐕 Being able to manage encounters with other dogs calmly and effectively.
🐕🦺 Seeing your dog look to you for guidance instead of reacting with barking or lunging.
😊 Reclaiming the joy of your walks and the fun of your partnership.
“You are a total genius and I can’t tell you how much it means to us as a family that we can relax and enjoy her, and she can enjoy her life with us. She doesn’t get cross or lunge at anyone anymore, and she wants to play with other dogs.”
Tailored Advice – From an Expert You Can Trust
I'm Mat Ward, a Clinical Animal Behaviourist with top-tier accreditations and extensive experience in treating dog-dog reactivity. My approach is kind, science-backed, and results-focused. My services are insurance-approved.
Through a personalised Zoom consultation, I’ll help you:
Discover the underlying reasons for your dog’s reactivity.
Develop a practical, step-by-step behaviour plan tailored to your dog’s needs.
Apply positive, proven techniques that foster lasting change.
Reduce stress for both you and your dog so you can enjoy life together in shared spaces.
Ready to reduce stress and reactivity around dogs?
Many pet insurance policies provide cover for my services.
Why Dog Owners Choose Me
Anyone can call themselves a dog 'behaviourist'. Your dog deserves an expert with proven, accredited qualifications.
🕰️ Experienced: I’ve helped thousands of dogs and their people over 26 years, and I have the expertise to help you achieve lasting results.
🎓 Qualified: My Master's degree in Companion Animal Behaviour and accreditation from the most respected organisations in the field ensure you're receiving the best advice for dog-to-dog reactivity.
👍 Effective: My science-backed methods deliver real, lasting change for you and your dog.
❤️ Humane: I use ethical and kind techniques that prioritise your dog’s well-being.
💸 Insurance-approved: Many pet insurance policies cover my fees, making expert help more accessible.
🤝 Here to support, not to judge: I believe in creating a safe and supportive space for dog owners. You won't find any judgment here, just understanding and guidance.
“Jura is now a much calmer dog and our walks have become a joy once more. Not only has he learned to be more socially acceptable, I have also learned to read his behaviour better and understand more what motivates him. ”
Your Dog-Dog Reactivity Consultation Package: £350
Your personalised Zoom consultation is where you’ll finally get clear answers and a tailored strategy. We'll uncover the reasons behind your dog’s reactivity towards other dogs, and I'll provide you with a clear, step-by-step plan towards more relaxed walks.
🧠 In-depth Zoom Consultation
A relaxed, supportive session (typically around 2 hours) where we explore the root causes of the problem, and create a tailored plan for success.
📄 Personalised Written Report
A clear summary of everything we’ve discussed, providing a clear roadmap for your dog’s behavioural improvement.
🗓️ Three Months of Ongoing Support
Email and WhatsApp check-ins, including video review, to help you troubleshoot, stay on track, and succeed.
👩⚕️ Vet Collaboration
I work with your vet to rule out or address medical causes and support a collaborative solution.
💸 Insurance-Approved Documentation
I’ll provide the reports and paperwork your insurer needs to support a behaviour claim, clearly and promptly.
Real stories, real results
Read more about how I have helped reactive dogs and their families
Buster
Aggression towards dogs
Buster is so much calmer around other dogs! Pete asked me if we had the same dog the other day, as we had encountered several other dogs without him barking and straining at the lead to get to them.
Another dog owner we had not seen for a while commented on how much calmer Buster seemed to be with his dog (an Airedale).
It is amazing how your advice has been so effective. Thanks! It is early days so he's still not perfect, but overall SO much better!
Fran and Pete Jones.
Frankie
Aggression towards people and dogs
I just wanted you to know how much your work has changed our lives... I followed what you advised religiously and now a couple of years later my darling Frankie is a really wonderful dog... She doesn't get cross or lunge at anyone anymore, and she wants to play with other dogs.
You are a total genius and I can't tell you how much it means to us as a family that we can relax and enjoy her, and she can enjoy her life with us.
I can't thank you enough and can't tell you how much you changed Frankie and probably us.
I know it's been a long time and you might not remember us, but we will always remember you and what you did for our flawed little dog Frankie.
Rachel Holmes, Scottish Borders.
Snoop
Aggression towards dogs
Snoop is a very friendly and affectionate dog but after being attacked by another dog when he was just a pup he became an absolute nightmare to walk on lead! He was very nervous of other dogs and showed this by lunging, barking, growling and basically making as much noise as possible to get rid of them!
Mat only needed to spend a couple of hours with us and Snoop is transformed. With simple instructions both Snoop and myself are both more relaxed. I saw a difference immediately and it has only got better and better as time has gone on. The other night another dog was able to come straight up to us in the park and I was even able to pet the other dog without Snoop batting an eyelid!
Not only has Mat's visit helped Snoop's on-lead behaviour but it has also improved the relationship Snoop and I have. Snoop is naturally quite a nervous dog and I notice more and more that he has more trust in me, and now when things scare him he looks to me for support. I wish Mat had visited years ago!
Jo McDonald, Fife.
Willow
Aggression towards dogs
Our wonderful family dog Willow was attacked earlier this year and this seemed to change his nature. He became aggressive and defiant – having tried everything I contacted our vet, who suggested Mat.
After an afternoon of calm observation and engaging retraining work, Willow was already responding. I put into practice the clear and detailed instructions in Mat’s report and over a couple of weeks we had our old dog back again, even better than before. Most importantly, I know that this is a work in progress and I am more attuned to little signals from Willow if he is uneasy, so I can look out for him and he can relax.
Our family is delighted to have had Mat’s encouragement and positive contribution. I’m sure Willow would woof in agreement!
Elizabeth, Edinburgh.
Jura
Aggression towards other dogs
Jura is a sweet natured dog who loves to play but he took a dislike to certain other dogs which at times was difficult to understand. The unpredictability was taking much of the pleasure out of our walks and I was becoming nervous and felt I was transmitting this to him.
After following Mat's excellent advice and the 'homework' we were given, Jura is now a much calmer dog and our walks have become a joy once more. Not only has he learned to be more socially acceptable, I have also learned to read his behaviour better and understand more what motivates him.
Thanks Mat from two happy customers!
Sheila and Jura.
Ellie
Reactivity and barking towards other dogs
We are so thankful that we consulted Mat regarding our dog's reactivity & barking issues. Our 3-year old Hungarian Vizsla, Ellie, has always been quite a nervous & very vocal dog but she was becoming increasingly anxious & intolerant of unfamiliar dogs coming too close to her & she had started not just to bark but also to sometimes rush at other dogs to tell them to keep away.
We spent a morning with Mat in a location where he was able to observe Ellie's behaviour & he gave us a detailed & clear explanation of the underlying reasons for her behaviour & advice on practical steps to resolve her issues. This was followed by a thorough & informative written report detailing his assessment & clearly setting out the behaviour modification programme & training methods recommended.
We have found Mat's recommendations to be straightforward to implement & we are delighted to be seeing a marked improvement in her behaviour. She is now 'checking in' with us when she sees another dog or person that she is unsure of & she is noticeably calmer.
What is particularly valuable is Mat's ongoing guidance & support provided by his free email or telephone follow-up service. Mat has always responded promptly & in detail to any questions that we have had following the consultation which has been immensely helpful. We feel confident that we are now on the right track with Ellie & it is lovely to see her becoming a more confident & happier dog.
Gill Watt
Patch
Aggression towards other dogs
I recently visited Mat for a consultation with my rescue lurcher Patch, who is aggressive towards unfamiliar dogs. Through speaking with my partner and me and observing Patch's behaviour over a morning, Mat took time to get a thorough understanding of us and our situation. He explained his assessment of Patch's behaviour very clearly and thoroughly, and really helped us understand what's going on in our dog's mind and body when he reacts to other dogs. This has been a massive help to us as rather than just dealing with Patch when he reacts to others, we are now able to recognise when situations are becoming too much for him and act to prevent him becoming so stressed that he reacts.
Mat has given us a treatment programme, tailored specifically to us, our dog, and our home/outdoor environment, which is very practical for us to work on as part of our daily routine. We're working to solve Patch's behaviour from its roots (his fear), not just looking for a short-term way to stop him reacting, hence there's no quick fix solution. But after a few weeks of using the techniques Mat suggested, Patch is already noticeably more relaxed out and about around other dogs, and so am I! We're communicating better with Patch, he's more responsive to us when out and about, and he's gradually starting to look to us for direction upon seeing another dog, rather than taking matters into his own paws.
After months of Patch getting more and more reactive to other dogs, I finally see this reversing. I am now confident that we're on the road to a day where Patch can greet other dogs calmly and confidently, or else just ignore them. It's a good road to finally be on! Although we do not live close-by, Mat has been great at keeping in touch to answer questions and help us deal with any new situations that arise. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Mat's services to anyone needing help with their dog's behaviour!
Jenny.
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Why dog guardians choose me
Anyone can call themselves a dog behaviourist; why should you invest your precious time, energy, and money with me?
Consultation information
Find out about the behaviour consultation process.
