About Reactive Dog Training Co.

<h2>A practice built around reactive dogs</h2>

<p>Reactive Dog Training Co. is based in Orland Park and works on one problem in particular. Its home page opens: "If you live with a reactive dog, you know the feeling. Walks become a scan for the next trigger instead of something to enjoy. As scary as it looks, it's not always aggression &ndash; it's a dog overwhelmed and unsure how else to cope." In-person work is "based in Orland Park, IL and surrounding areas"; owners elsewhere are pointed to an online service called Reactive Dog Rewind, where the site says you "Send a video clip and get the same expert read &mdash; fully online."</p>

<h3>Approach</h3>

<p>The site answers the force-free question directly in its FAQ: "Yes &mdash; all training is compassionate and confidence-building, never fear-based." Its three stated reasons families choose the practice are compassionate methods ("Every technique we use builds confidence &mdash; never fear, never intimidation"), clear communication ("You'll walk away understanding exactly what your dog's body language is telling you, before a reaction ever starts") and practical tools ("every strategy is something you can actually use on your very next walk"). A free interactive trigger-mapping tool is published on the site, which it says lets owners "See exactly how close is too close &mdash; and track progress as that distance shrinks, month over month."</p>

<h3>Who runs it, and what it costs</h3>

<p>The about page is signed: "Hi, I'm Chris Dignan. I've been training animals since 1997 &mdash; starting with marine mammals and exotic animals before focusing exclusively on dogs." It credits him with having "played a pivotal role in launching and leading the dog training program at the Shedd Aquarium," says he is "a CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer," and that he runs "20-30 reactive walks/training sessions a week &mdash; over 100 on a busy month." The page adds that in 2008 he founded The Dog Saving Network, and that he lives in Orland Park. Prices are published on the services page: an Initial Behavioral Consultation at $150 (a 60-minute meet and greet, two 20-minute online follow-ups and a written plan, with "No charge if you choose not to move forward with training"), a Training Walk / Visit with Coaching at $75, a Reactive Dog Training Walk at $40, and a Recommended Monthly Maintenance Program at $200 a month for four weekly sessions. The services page notes a route running Monday through Friday "with some evening and weekend availability," and a cancellation policy of 24 hours' notice.</p>