Chaos to Calm – For the Reactive or Hyperactive Dog
Level 1: Humans Only Intro
LEVEL ONE is introductory lecture and hands on learning for HUMANS ONLY. This is required to join our Chaos to Calm Level 2 Classes where we begin working on skills with your dog around other dogs.
This session aims to provide you with the knowledge and beginner skills to do a Behavioural Reset with your dog, and start to notice improvements in their reactive or hyperactive behaviour immediately.
In this session you will learn:
- What reactivity is
- Why it happens
- How this program works
- Foundation skills to start at home so that you will be ready to join the group sessions around other dogs and be successful
Only $20!
Level 2: Bring on the Dogs
You’ve attended the Level 1 session and you feel comfortable with the material and starter exercises and feel ready to start practicing around other dogs.
Level 2 classes start introducing STRUCTURED, focused interactions with other dogs in a large space. These classes are carefully orchestrated so that teams can be successful.
We will start working on skills to reduce reactivity and eventually progress to off-leash socialization once all skills are mastered(LEVEL 3).
Skills taught in this level (not every class will cover every skill):
- Using food and play properly
- Engagement and being an engaging handler
- Leash handling to reduce reactivity
- Preventing and handling reactions
- Loose leash walking
- Impulse control and arousal (excitement) management
These classes are $40 each and are Drop In (come when you can, as often as you can). If the cost of these classes represents a significant financial burden for you, please contact us to ask about sliding scale pricing.
We also offer packages of one-on-one lessons at a reduced rate if you need some more help before joining the group program.
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Group Training Walks are an option for anyone in any part of the program or not a current client who feels ready to tackle them. They are on leash, no greetings allowed, and a great way to start to desensitize your dog to other dogs. Only $20.
Level 3 Classes
Once you and your dog have mastered all skills from Level 2 you may move to Level 3 Group classes or semi-private sessions. Level 3 classes prepare you for having control during off-leash socialization.
These classes cover:
- Muzzle Conditioning
- Recall
- Emergency Down
- Leave It
- Long Line Handling
Remedial Socialization
When you and your dog are ready, we will teach your dog how to actually properly interact off leash with other dogs.
Depending on assessment, your dog may be moved to this early in the program or later. Not every dog will be a candidate for socialization. However, most reactive dogs are simply frustrated or afraid, and building confidence interacting with dogs is an integral part of rehabilitating reactivity. Remedial socialization sessions will be done on a case-by-case basis – a one-on-one evaluation is required, and then Sarah will determine if your dog should do more one-on-one sessions, move to group sessions (Level 2 and/or 3) or join our Forest School Group Walk program. **Coming Fall 2026**
All of our group classes are small so you’ll get a lot of instructor attention
Have Even More Fun!
Training builds relationships. Have fun with your dog!
We offer a variety of fun, fulfilling recreational classes for you and your dog. Come and have fun and find out the difference sports and fun training can make in improving your dog’s behaviour.
Our fun and continuing education classes include several “Reactive Dog Friendly” Sports:
- Group Walks/Hikes
- Sniffer Dog Classes
- Disc Dog Classes
To learn more about our different class offerings visit this page.
Vaccination Requirements Dogs must be up to date on the following for all training appointments:
- Rabies
- DAPP (Distemper/Parvo)
- Bordetella
Puppies require one set of Distemper/Parvo (DAPP) at 8 weeks old, 2 sets by 12 weeks (Bordetella recommended here as well), and 3 sets plus Rabies by 16 weeks.
Proof of vaccination must be provided before the appointment time. We cannot provide services to dogs without up to date vaccinations, but can accept titer test results of exemption letters from your veterinarian if your dog cannot be vaccinated for health reasons.
Group Class Cancellations: 50% will be refunded if cancelling within a week of start date.
NO REFUNDS OR CREDITS for cancellations within 48 hours of start date or after class start.