Our Fear & Reactivity group classes are thoughtfully designed to help owners and dogs work through complex behavioural challenges, with a focus on developing skills and confidence needed to create lasting change. Dogs who face the more serious behavioural concerns that we target in this class often need an individual and specialised approach. Our professional trainers will work with you and your dog to recognise their specific needs and work towards your goals. This class provides an environment with patience, support, and a commitment to positive outcomes.
There are four main areas of behavioural concern that we most commonly assist with.
If you are not working on these specific goals, we will still be able to help as our behavioural trainers have experience with a wide range of behavioural issues. Feel free to come along and get started
At ABT+, we believe that no dog is beyond help. Our Fear & Reactivity group classes are not just about addressing immediate concerns, they’re about creating a lasting foundation for your dog’s wellbeing. We understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with complex behaviours, and our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way.
By choosing ABT+ you are choosing:
If you want to assess your dog and which training options are best for them, we recommend a 30 minute consult. This allows us to spend time getting to know you and your dog and creating their comprehensive training plan in advance, so when you start training with us, you can hit the ground running.
It also provides a calm introduction to the space and environment if your dog hasn't visited us before, allowing us to set them up for success.
Click Here to learn moreFear reactivity is when a dog responds to certain people, dogs or situations with behaviours such as barking, lunging or growling because they feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable.
Many owners worry that their dog’s behaviour means they have an “aggressive” dog, but fear reactivity is often more complex than it first appears. Dogs communicate through their behaviour, and reactions such as barking, pulling on the lead or creating distance from a trigger are often signs that they are struggling to cope with a particular situation.
At ABT, we focus on understanding the behaviour in front of us rather than simply reacting to it. Every dog is an individual, with different experiences, triggers and learning histories. That’s why our Fear & Reactivity classes are designed to help owners better understand their dog’s behaviour while working through practical training exercises in a structured environment.
For many families, living with a reactive dog can make everyday activities feel stressful. Walks become something to manage instead of enjoy, visitors create anxiety, and owners often find themselves avoiding situations they once looked forward to. The goal of behavioural training is to give both you and your dog the skills to navigate these situations more confidently.
By learning how your dog communicates and working with experienced behavioural trainers, you’ll develop practical strategies that can improve everyday life and strengthen your relationship with your dog over time.
Yes, our Fear & Reactivity classes are designed for dogs that struggle with behaviours such as barking, lunging or becoming overwhelmed around specific triggers.
Many reactive dogs appear calm at home but become difficult to manage once they’re out in public. Another dog, a passing person or an unfamiliar environment can quickly turn a relaxing walk into a stressful experience.
Our Fear & Reactivity program provides a structured environment where these challenges can be worked through with the support of experienced behavioural trainers. Rather than simply practising obedience, the classes are designed to address the behavioural challenges that are making everyday life difficult for both you and your dog.
Because the classes are specifically designed for dogs with behavioural concerns, you’ll be training alongside owners who understand what you’re experiencing. This supportive environment allows you to focus on developing practical handling skills while working towards your own training goals.
Many owners tell us they simply want to enjoy walking their dog again without constantly scanning the environment or worrying about what might happen next. Behavioural training helps you build the skills, confidence and understanding needed to move towards that goal, while giving your dog opportunities to learn in carefully managed situations.
Whether your dog reacts to people, other dogs or specific environments, our experienced trainers will help guide you through the process with advice tailored to your dog’s individual needs.
Reactive dog training aims to help make everyday situations feel more manageable for both you and your dog.
When your dog reacts to everyday situations, it can affect much more than just your walks. Owners often find themselves avoiding parks, crossing the road to stay away from other dogs, limiting visitors or feeling anxious every time they leave the house.
Behavioural training focuses on creating practical improvements that extend beyond the training environment. As you develop a better understanding of your dog’s behaviour and learn effective handling skills, many everyday situations become easier to navigate.
Our Fear & Reactivity classes are designed to provide professional guidance while working around real-world distractions and behavioural challenges. You’ll receive personalised support from experienced trainers who understand that progress looks different for every dog.
One of the biggest benefits for owners is confidence. Instead of feeling uncertain about how to respond when your dog becomes reactive, you’ll have practical strategies to help guide your training both during class and at home.
Ultimately, reactive dog training isn’t simply about reducing unwanted behaviours. It’s about helping you build a relationship where communication is clearer, outings become less stressful and you can spend more time enjoying life together instead of constantly managing difficult situations.
Yes, the classes are designed to provide a structured learning environment with professional guidance throughout each session.
Owners of reactive dogs often hesitate to join group classes because they’re worried about how their dog will behave around others. That’s completely understandable, which is why our Fear & Reactivity classes have been specifically developed for dogs working through behavioural challenges.
Our experienced behavioural trainers carefully manage the training environment to support both learning and safety. Every dog progresses at their own pace, and the focus is on helping owners work towards their individual goals rather than expecting every dog to perform the same exercises in the same way.
Training alongside other reactive dogs also provides valuable opportunities to practise around real-life distractions while having professional support available. This allows owners to develop practical handling skills in situations that are difficult to recreate alone.
Many owners discover that simply having knowledgeable trainers available to guide them through challenging moments helps them feel far more confident about continuing their dog’s training outside of class.
If you’re unsure whether your dog is suitable for the program, our team can discuss your dog’s behaviour and help determine the most appropriate training pathway for your situation.
No, it’s never too late to seek professional support for your dog’s behaviour.
Many owners delay behavioural training because they worry they’ve missed the opportunity to help their dog. Others have spent months or even years trying different strategies without feeling like they’re making the progress they’d hoped for.
The good news is that behavioural training isn’t limited to young dogs. Every dog is an individual, and training can begin wherever you and your dog are in your journey.
Our experienced behavioural trainers work with dogs at different stages of development and with a wide range of behavioural challenges. Rather than expecting every dog to follow the same path, we tailor our guidance to suit your dog’s current needs and your individual goals.
Whether your priority is making walks less stressful, improving your confidence or simply understanding your dog’s behaviour more clearly, professional guidance can help you identify practical next steps.
Many owners tell us they wish they’d reached out sooner, not because training is a quick fix, but because having a structured plan and ongoing support makes the process feel much more achievable.
Our Fear & Reactivity class is specifically designed for dogs experiencing behavioural challenges rather than focusing solely on general obedience skills.
General obedience training is an excellent way to build communication and everyday manners, but dogs experiencing fear or reactivity often benefit from a program that specifically addresses those behavioural challenges.
Our Fear & Reactivity classes are led by experienced behavioural trainers who understand the additional support these dogs and their owners often need. Rather than expecting dogs to simply work through standard obedience exercises, the program is designed around helping owners navigate real behavioural situations.
You’ll receive personalised guidance throughout the classes, allowing training to be adapted to your dog’s individual needs while working in a supportive group environment.
Many owners appreciate that they’re surrounded by people facing similar challenges. This creates an encouraging atmosphere where you can focus on learning without feeling judged or worrying that your dog is the only one struggling.
The result is a training experience that helps you build practical skills while working towards a calmer, more confident relationship with your dog.
ABT combines experienced behavioural trainers, structured group classes and personalised guidance to help owners work towards meaningful improvements with their dogs.
When you’re living with a reactive dog, choosing the right training environment matters. You want to know that your concerns will be understood and that you’ll receive practical support tailored to your dog’s individual needs.
At ABT, behavioural training is a core part of what we do. Our Fear & Reactivity classes are designed specifically for dogs experiencing behavioural challenges, with experienced trainers providing guidance throughout every session.
Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, we recognise that every dog learns differently. Our trainers work alongside you to help you understand your dog’s behaviour, develop practical handling skills and continue progressing towards your own goals.
For many owners, the biggest change isn’t just in their dog’s behaviour, it’s in how they feel. Instead of dreading walks or feeling uncertain in challenging situations, they begin to develop the confidence and knowledge needed to support their dog more effectively.
If you’re looking for reactive dog training in Adelaide that combines behavioural expertise with ongoing support, our Fear & Reactivity classes provide a structured pathway towards a more enjoyable relationship with your dog.
Come and try ABT+ training with sample classes, meet and chat with our professional trainers, let your dog enjoy our supervised dog park, and much more! Free entry and free training for the whole event!
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