Feisty Fido Program

Is your dog growling or nipping visitors?

Is your dog guarding food, toys, or even you?

Are your dogs having conflicts at home?

Do dog walks feel like navigating a war zone?

Unsure how to handle lunging, barking, or growling?

Does your dog have big feelings?


The Feisty Fido Program is a positive reinforcement training program specifically designed for dogs who display aggression or reactivity towards certain triggers in the environment, such as other dogs, cats, humans, wildlife, vehicles, etc. The program provides tailored solutions and compassionate guidance to help transform challenging behaviours into a peaceful coexistence!

At the start of the program, an initial assessment is conducted to help me gain a comprehensive understanding of your dog’s unique needs, triggers, and behaviour patterns. An individual training plan is then developed based on positive reinforcement training techniques where the focus is on rewarding desirable behaviors and redirecting negative or reactive responses. This gentle teaching method nurtures trust and confidence in dogs while also promoting a mutually beneficial bond between the dog and their owner.

The Feisty Fido program also integrates confidence-building exercises, mental stimulation games, and controlled exposure activities. These activities are tailored to help dogs become more resilient, self-assured, and socially adapted. By gradually exposing them to previously triggering situations in a controlled manner, we allow your dog to re-learn appropriate responses while feeling supported and secure.

If you have a dog that displays aggression or reactivity, don't lose hope! The Feisty Fido program at Paws & Reward is here to help! Together, we can transform your feisty fido into a confident and well-adjusted companion, enabling them to live their best lives. Enroll your dog in the program today and let's embark on this journey toward positive change and harmonious living.

*I am an accredited trainer with the Dog and Cat Management Board. If your dog is subject to a council order (including Barking Order, Nuisance Order, Menacing Dog Order, and Dangerous Dog Order), please contact me prior to booking

Training aggressive dogs require special credentials

I am proud to have completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course!

I’m committed to pursuing the highest level of training in everything I do. That’s why I completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course by Michael Shikashio, a world-renowned expert. This is the most comprehensive course on dog aggression for trainers and behaviour consultants available anywhere in the world.

This training has equipped me with the advanced knowledge and skills to safely and effectively address aggression and reactivity in dogs, so I can offer you the most long-lasting and reliable solutions.

If you are living with a dog who is displaying aggression or reactivity, I am here to help! Let’s work together to create a safer, calmer, and more confident future for your dog and your family.

Logo showing that I have completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course

Aggression in dogs can be a complex and challenging issue to tackle, but it is important to remember that with the right approach, professional guidance, and patience, it is often treatable. Aggression in dogs can stem from various underlying causes, including fear, anxiety, past trauma, or even inadequate or inappropriate socialisation. Understanding the underlying causes and working towards a comprehensive treatment plan is crucial for a successful outcome.

Having helped many dogs and their owners overcome aggression, I know that the treatment requires a multipronged approach. Behavioral modification techniques, desensitisation, and counter-conditioning exercises are some strategies employed. The aim is to change the dog's emotional response to the triggers that provoke the aggression.

In some cases, medications may be recommended as part of the treatment plan. A veterinarian can prescribe appropriate medications to address underlying medical conditions or help manage anxiety or fear-related aggression. Medication, when used in conjunction with behavior modification techniques, can provide significant support in reducing aggressive behaviour.

It is important to understand that the progress in aggression cases may be gradual, and setbacks can occur. However, with patience, persistence, and a positive mindset, it is possible to make significant improvements in your dog's behaviour and reduce their aggression!

The bottom line is that with the right professional guidance, a strategic approach, and a commitment to the process, aggression in dogs is often treatable. Taking the necessary steps to address the issue is crucial for the well-being of your dog and the safety of others. Remember, every case is unique, and seeking professional help is the first step towards a happier and more balanced canine companion.
 

Is Aggression Treatable?

  • “I did the Feisty Fido program with my reactive little dog, Ollie. Lena armed me with heaps of effective practical steps to help him feel better about the scary world. I'd done quite a bit of training prior, but this program was so much more effective, partly because Lena tailors it to the individual needs. Ollie enjoyed it too, which is huge. Anyone with a reactive dog, just do it - highly recommend!”

    -Rebecca and Ollie

Pick Your Training Path

  • Support Program

    When you sign up for the program, I will send out a 40-minute video and accompanying e-workbook crafted to deepen your understanding of your dog and equip you to handle challenging situations even before the initial consultation.

    2-Hour Feisty Fido Training Consultation
    During our initial consult, we will start by discussing your training goals and creating a personalised training plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs. You will also receive a "Give Me Space" dog bandana, which will serve as a visual cue for other dog owners to refrain from interacting with your dog.

    During this consult we will set up an activity monitor for your dog, which you can use until our first follow-up session. This will enable us to evaluate your dog's sleep and exercise patterns. Like humans, dogs are more likely to become irritable when they are fatigued.

    3 x 60-Minute Follow-Up Sessions
    Scheduled every 1-2 weeks in the comfort of your home or nearby area, these sessions are designed to keep you on track toward your desired results. Each visit includes a review of your progress, guidance on overcoming challenges, and the introduction of new skills to further improve behaviour.

    Cost of Program: $750

    Book your training consult now

  • Fast Track Program

    Prefer to skip the training process and jump-start the results? I’ve got you covered. I’ll work directly with your dog two days a week to accelerate the training, and then meet with you to transfer the progress. You can observe the training or continue with your usual routine while I fast track the process for you.

    When you sign up for the program, I will send out a 40-minute video and accompanying e-workbook crafted to deepen your understanding of your dog and equip you to handle challenging situations even before the initial consultation.

    2-Hour Feisty Fido Training Consultation
    During our initial consult, we will start by discussing your training goals an creating a personalised training plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs, which I will help you implement. You will also receive a "Give Me Space" dog bandana, which will serve as a visual cue for other dog owners to refrain from interacting with your dog.

    During this consult we will set up an activity monitor for your dog, which you can use for two weeks. This will enable us to evaluate your dog's sleep and exercise patterns. Like humans, dogs are more likely to become irritable when they are fatigued.

    3-Weeks of Intensive Training: Includes 6 behaviour modification sessions where I work with your dog to change their reaction to triggers, as well as 3 transfer sessions with you where I demonstrate the skills we've been working on.

    Cost of the Fast Track Program: $1650

    Book your training consult now