What Clients Are Saying

 “The biggest struggles I faced were my puppy’s extreme reactions in new environments, non-stop barking at dogs, people, sounds, anything unfamiliar. It seemed the more I tried to help him to feel comfortable, the worse his stress became.

I enrolled him in puppy classes, did puppy play, sent him to camp, took him new places...you name it. This turned into a vicious cycle of frustration, my sadness for him and wondering what I did wrong.  

Now, he is much less reactive to people and sounds. He seems to be more trusting of me and willing to participate in the training games we have learned, even in new places. He will greet and interact with strangers. His confidence has increased and he is better able to process/ignore things in the environment that used to trigger him.  

As for me, I am learning to relax and not take myself and the training sessions so seriously. I have learned it is a process and not a perfect one at that. If things don't go as I envision, stop and try again another day. I have also learned to respect where he is in his day and to make adjustments to accommodate him.  

Working with a reactive dog is not all about training. It is about giving him options on how to deal with his stress, whether it is frozen Kong, his favorite bone, going places to smell new things, or doing the calming practices.

Working through this program has given him confidence and he's a happier boy. He is so willing to participate in whatever is planned.  

The coaching, support and games have made a world of difference. Now I have the tools/games to help my dog feel more comfortable in different environments. Besides the games for my dog, there are fun games for me to help with my training plan.  

The support and encouragement have been a constant source of reassurance that the work I am putting in is making a difference and that he is making progress. I have never been told what I was doing was wrong, just that there are better options to try.  

We have a weekly Zoom call which is a lifeline! I can share my good and bad experiences, get solid, honest feedback, ask questions and get help when things are not going as I had thought. I also have the luxury of contacting them during the week to ask questions and share my small victories. The information I have learned from the 1:1 sessions has been invaluable. The combination of in person, Zoom, email/text and on line lessons has worked so well for me.  

I was hesitant to commit to an in-depth training program at first, but I have not regretted it one moment and will be sad when the course is completed. If you have a dog with reactivity and what you have tried in the past hasn't worked, please consider this program.

There are lots of quick fix training classes on the internet that will promise you a different dog in 7 days, that may do more harm than good. Working with a reactive dog takes time, patience, awareness and, yes, that word again, commitment.  

The Thrive Together trainers have lived with the same things I have been experiencing with their own dogs. They are well educated in dog behavior, training, reactivity and management. Both are excellent communicators and responsive to my needs.

The program is fun, easy to incorporate into daily life. Not only will you learn a lot about your dog and his view of the world, you will learn a lot about yourself and how to be a thoughtful and caring dog owner. You and your dog will be happier!” 

Annie H, "Quincy & Martha"
Redmond, WA