Behavior Challenges We Work With

Dogs don’t misbehave out of spite — behavior is communication

  • Leash pulling – forging ahead, constant tension on the leash

  • Jumping on people – greeting by jumping, knocking people over

  • Mouthing / nipping – grabbing hands, arms, clothing (often during play or excitement)

  • Excessive barking – demand barking, alert barking, barking at sounds or movement

  • Counter surfing – stealing food or objects from counters

  • Impulse control issues – difficulty waiting, settling, or disengaging

  • Recall issues – ignoring “come” when distracted

  • Over-arousal – difficulty calming down once excited

  • Destructive behavior – chewing, digging, tearing items when bored or stressed

  • Crate resistance or confinement stress

  • Household manners – door rushing, leash biting, grabbing items

  • Handling sensitivity – discomfort with grooming, vet handling, or touch

  • Resource guarding – food, toys, space, or people

  • Separation-related behaviors – distress when left alone

  • Fearful behaviors – cowering, hiding, freezing, avoidance

Reactivity & Trigger-Based Behaviors

Reactivity often stems from low confidence, fear, frustration, or lack of coping skills — not aggression.

Dog-to-Dog Reactivity

  • Lunging toward dogs on leash

  • Barking, growling, snarling at passing dogs

  • Stiff body posture when seeing another dog

  • Hackles raised when dogs approach

  • Freezing or hard staring at dogs

  • Over-excited frustration (screaming, spinning, pulling to reach dogs)

  • Inability to disengage once a dog is spotted

Human-Directed Reactivity

  • Barking or lunging at strangers

  • Fearful responses to men, children, or people in hats/uniforms

  • Backing away, hiding, or freezing when approached

  • Growling when people reach toward them

  • Reactivity during handling or vet visits

Environmental Reactivity

  • Reacting to bikes, joggers, skateboards

  • Sensitivity to cars, traffic, or loud noises

  • Startle responses to sudden movement or sounds

  • Difficulty navigating busy or urban environments

Group Class Training

Clear Skies Dog Training has partnered with the APCSM Shelter in Brockton to offer a variety of dog training classes, i.e. Puppy and Adult Basic Obedience, Reactivity, Stranger Danger, Agility for Fun, Canine Good Citizen, Scentwork.

Class descriptions, schedules, and registration are available on the APCSM website: www.apcsm.org/dog-training

Pricing Overview

Private In-Home Training Session — 60 Minutes | $150
Each 60-minute private session is fully tailored to your dog’s individual needs, with a strong focus on emotional safety, confidence-building, and real-world behavior support. Sessions are designed to meet dogs where they are—whether they’re struggling with reactivity, fear, shutdown behavior, or communication challenges—rather than forcing compliance. You’ll leave with clear guidance, practical tools, and a deeper understanding of why your dog behaves the way they do, not just what to correct.

For those who prefer packages, we offer a Behavior Foundations Package


3 × 60-minute sessions | $425
Designed for dogs struggling with fear, reactivity, or confidence issues. We focus on understanding triggers, building calm coping skills, and creating clear, humane structure. This package is ideal for getting started the right way—without rushing or forcing progress.