Workshops

ADVANCING REACTIVE INTEGRATION TRAINING INTO THE REAL WORLD

Class Introduction 

Does your dog respond to certain stimuli in ways you’d like to change?

Do you see barking, lunging, spinning, high‑pitched whining, or pulling toward—or away from—people, dogs, or environmental triggers?

Do these reactions happen on‑leash in public, or even at home?

This class helps you understand why those behaviors happen and how to change them in a way that supports your dog’s emotional wellbeing.

Understanding Different Types of Reactivity

Not all reactivity comes from the same emotional place. Before we can modify behavior, we need to identify the underlying driver.

Fearful Reactivity  

Occurs when a dog feels unsafe or overwhelmed. Barking, lunging, or growling function to increase distance. The behavior is defensive, not aggressive.

Frustrated Reactivity  

Happens when a dog strongly wants to approach a person, dog, object, scent, or movement but is prevented by a leash, barrier, or handler. The dog becomes over‑aroused and loses emotional regulation.

Forward Reactivity  

Approach‑oriented behavior driven by excitement, curiosity, or social boldness. These dogs aren’t distressed—they’re simply too amped, too eager, and too intrusive.

These behaviors stem from different emotional states, but there are strategies that help all of them.

For dogs who want to approach, traditional counterconditioning and desensitization aren’t always the best fit. They often need functional training strategies that safely and appropriately give them access to what they want.

Is This Class Right for You?

Have you taken my Reactive Integration class, Circle Walking, the Differential Reinforcement webinar, confidence‑building courses, or other FDSA behavior classes?

Have you worked with a trainer or behavior consultant?

Are you struggling to apply what you’ve learned to real‑world situations?

Maybe you’re looking for a fresh perspective, a clearer plan, or the missing piece that ties your training together. This class is designed to help you integrate your existing skills into practical, everyday environments.

How the Class Works

This course is structured as a problem‑solving, “handler’s choice” class.

All lectures are released on Day 1 so experienced students can dive straight into advanced material without waiting week‑by‑week. Newer students can work through the curriculum from beginning to end and build a solid foundation.

Additional lectures may be added as needed based on student questions and emerging themes.

Teaching Approach.

Each lecture will include written instructions as well as videos.  Lectures will be released all at once at the beginning of class.  Each gold student will receive written feedback for their work that might refer to lectures and/or a customized written response with or without additional videos. 

I will be monitoring the Facebook Study group closely to provide feedback for questions from the bronze and silver students! 

Forums will be checked twice daily at least 6 days a week, or twice daily for 5 days with a single daily check on the remaining two days.

Instructor: Karen Deeds, CDBC

 Karen Deeds, is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). She is the co-owner of Canine Connection in Ft. Worth, TX with her husband, Bob Deeds, a retired Federal K9 Handler on Texas Task Force I....(Click here for full bio and to view Karen's upcoming courses)