Rome was built for reactive dogs.

Continuing our series highlighting trainers who specialize in reactive and anxious dogs, we're excited to introduce Jason of This Dogs Day Seattle! With over 8 years of experience working with reactive dogs, Jason focuses on helping owners understand their dogs' triggers and behavior while using positive reinforcement techniques to reduce reactivity during leash walks.

Trainers for reactive and anxious dogs

Aggression in dogs is not the same as reactivity. For example, completely non-aggressive dogs may start reacting in a negative way specifically around other dogs that they don't know well. Reactive dogs are typically easily overly stimulated, and once they reach a certain level of stimulation, they're not able to regulate back down to a normal state. If you just learned that your dog is reactive, congrats! Learning that your dog is reactive is sometimes the hardest part of knowing how to manage your dog's behavior.

We mention this because all of the trainers in this series are specifically those who understand the nuances of reactive dogs, not aggressive dogs. Reactivity in dogs comes out in so many different ways, so it's important to work with someone who understands the nuances and can truly support you.

Jason | This Dog's Day

The basics

Certifications | KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy) 

Services | Coaching sessions and training walks 

Methods | Positive reinforcement only (as opposed to aversive training)

Tools | Hands-free leash equipment (waist leash or belt+clip), no aversive tools

Experience with reactive or anxious dogs

History | Jason has dedicated over 8 years to working with reactive dogs, with a particular focus on helping owners better understand and manage their dogs' reactive behaviors during everyday activities like leash walks.

Type of reactivity | Specializes in dog-to-dog reactivity

More on Jason

Training Philosophy

Jason believes in the power of positive reinforcement and recommends specific training games like "Look at That" (LAT) from Leslie McDevitt's "Control Unleashed" to help dogs learn to manage their reactions to triggers. His approach emphasizes teaching both dogs and their owners, ensuring lasting results through better communication and understanding.

Resource Recommendations

For owners looking to expand their knowledge, Jason recommends the audiobook "Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out: Training the Crazy Dog from Over the Top to Under Control" - a concise 3-hour guide to training emotional control in dogs.

How to work with Jason

Jason offers two main service options:

• Coaching Sessions ($140/hour) - Focused on training owners to better communicate with and train their dogs

• Training Walks ($45) - Direct work with dogs on leash training

Sessions can take place in your home, at a park, or during walks in your neighborhood.

Click here to learn more about This Dog’s Day!

Jason has access to special rates for Rome bookings! If you're interested in using a Rome yard for a session with Jason, ask him for the discount code!