Is Private Reactive Rover Class for You?

As you are searching for help with your reactive dog. I am sure many questions come to your mind. I will try to explain this in this blog.

Who is the reactive rover class for? This is the private training you have been looking for, a class set up to help you reach your goals with your dog. A class where it is me and you with your dog. Your dog may be reactive to other people or dogs.

How will my dog be treated? I use the most humane updated techniques and methods to help your dog learn.

What tools and equipment do you need? A harness with front and back clips that is a well fit for your dog. Small soft treats for rewarding or luring your dog. A leash that fits comfortable in your hand. Bring along a mat and wear comfortable full shoes like a tennis shoe with a good grip for footing. Your dog should also be wearing a collar.

1. Clicker (if your dog is not fearful of one) if you are not sure bring one or I will have one.

2. Treats of different varieties (low to high value)

3. Bait bag (treat pouch)

4. Water bowl if you prefer using your own.

5. Mentally stimulating toy. (Stuffed Kong, Lick Mat, etc.)

6. Blanket or a mat for your dog to lay on.

Should I exercise my dog before class? If you think this will help. Some dogs are tired and happy while others are restless and cranky. This is one of those questions that can be learned by trying it first and then not exercising the dog next time. Compare which works best for the class and your dog.

Where is this class held? This class is held at my place Mecca's All Breed Dog Training in Sheboygan, WI. In a private yard and fenced in for safety and management.

How many sessions? This class is for 6 (1) hour sessions held each week at my place.

Are there handouts each week? Yes, you will be given handouts at each class to help you at home to work on.

Foundational Behaviors: Each week your dog will be trained foundational behaviors. You will also use everything you have learned in your home in a low distraction area before stepping outdoors in real life. Why? Your dog is learning and you also need help, the quiet environment helps in setups and training.

When do you begin outside exposures? Once your dog has learned these foundational behaviors, you can start in areas you are familiar with. Work in places where you can see foot traffic. Stores with parking lots and fields where people gather in one place can be a great starting point. Be sure to use your car as a safe space, think about your area and don't go too far away from your car the safe space. Work in short sessions and end on a good note. Even if you get 3 minutes of success, you made it that far. Distance and duration are important to keep in mind when working in outdoors areas.

Do I get midweek follow ups or check ins? Yes, you do! You have support during the weeks.

Do I pay for the package at sign up? Yes, you are buying a full package once you sign up for the class. We begin scheduling your class dates and time.

What is the package price for Reactive Rover? The current total cost is $675.00 and is nonrefundable.

What month does Reactive Rover Class start? Each year I start this in April and continue the last sign-up September to end it in October as the weather starts to change.

All new behavior should be started in a low distraction free environment. That is why private training is helpful and better than group classes. It is your time with your dog. In a group class there can be other barking dogs and anxiety in others.

In learning theory any attention paid to a behavior is reinforcing and that includes eye contact and even saying the word "No".

When working with your dog inside your home, where there is low distraction use a food of low value. If you are working in an area where there is a distracting environment, then use a high value food for the reward.

Behavior that is rehearsed will be repeated! Try to prevent it before it starts.

I hope this has helped you in choosing the Reactive Rover Class. If you are struggling your dog is too.

Always remember to achieve results, applying the homework and setting up time to work with your dog helps. Be consistent in all training.

Some dogs have big emotions and if you feel stressed at the end of the leash, your dog feels it too.

Questions? email MeccaCurtice@gmail.com

Happy Training!

Mecca Curtice is also a CBATI-KA and offers BAT set ups too.

© 2026 Mecca Curtice, Mecca's All Breed Dog Training, LLC.

Mecca Curtice working with a reactive cattle dog. As she walks, she observes the dogs body language.