Does Your Dog's Reactivity Control Your Life?

Reactive Dog Training + ACE Free Work: A Proven Path to Calm, Connection, and Confidence

You see another dog approaching on your morning walk. Your stomach drops. Your heart races. You know what's coming.

The lunging. The barking. The pulling so hard you can barely hold the leash. The embarrassed apologies to strangers. The judgment from people who don't understand.

You're exhausted. You're isolated. You've started walking at 5 AM just to avoid other dogs. You've stopped inviting friends over. You feel like you're failing your dog, and maybe you're even starting to resent them.

You're not failing. Your dog isn't broken. And you're not alone.

Meet Abby: From Constant Chaos to Dog Walker's Dream

Abby used to have big reactions to everything: other dogs being walked, dogs behind fences, mail trucks, people talking, yard workers, cats, and children. In fact, it was challenging just getting out the front door.

But today? With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement training, Abby has transformed into a more relaxed and well-adjusted pet that her family enjoys walking several times a day.

Abby's story shows what's possible with patience, consistency, and the right training approach.

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\The Truth About Reactive Dogs

Reactive dogs aren't aggressive dogs. They're scared dogs. Frustrated dogs. Dogs whose nervous systems are so overwhelmed that barking and lunging are the only ways they know how to say, "I don't feel safe."

Traditional training hasn't worked because it focuses on obedience, not emotion. Your dog doesn't need more commands; they need to feel different about the things that trigger them.

That's where Reactive Dog Training + ACE Free Work changes everything.

What Makes The ACE Free Work Approach Different

For over 15 years, I've worked with animals — from fostering rescues to founding Crockett's Critter Care to becoming a Fear Free Certified Elite Professional Animal Trainer and Canine Reactivity Specialist. But the training method that transformed my life came when Davy, my own reactive dog, became my greatest teacher.

Nothing worked. Until I discovered two powerful tools that, when combined, gave Davy (and me) our lives back:

1. Reactive Dog Training

Evidence-based methods that teach your dog to feel safe around their triggers. Using counter-conditioning and positive reinforcement, we change how your dog feels, not just how they behave. When your dog sees another dog and looks to you for a treat instead of lunging, you'll know the work is paying off.

2. ACE Free Work (Animal Centred Education)

Developed by Sarah Fisher of Tilley Farm, ACE Free Work is far more than a delightful activity for dogs: it's a transformative experience that supports dogs at every stage of life.

This distinctive approach offers enrichment, fosters confidence, and aids dogs in navigating the challenging aspects of their environment. It's a fun, secure, and calming endeavor that allows us to uncover each dog's preferences, as well as their mental and emotional needs.

While dogs engage in the joy of sniffing, discovering, and enjoying treats from creatively designed stations, we gain invaluable insights into their patterns, posture, movement, balance, connections, and flexibility. ACE Free Work encourages independence, resilience, frustration tolerance, and optimism, providing mutual benefits for both dogs and their owners.

Our dogs are perpetual teachers, constantly communicating with us. ACE Free Work helps us decipher what they're expressing.

Together, these methods don't just manage reactivity. They heal it.

Who This Training Is For

Pet Owners

If you're tired of avoiding walks, feeling embarrassed, or worrying that your dog will never be "normal," this training gives you a roadmap. You'll learn how to read your dog's body language, keep them under threshold, and create positive associations with their triggers. Your relationship with your dog will transform.

Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers

You love dogs, but reactive dogs stress you out. What if the dog lunges at another dog on your watch? What if they get hurt — or hurt someone else? ACE Free Work and Reactive Dog Training gives you the skills to confidently handle reactive dogs, keep them calm, and provide enrichment that truly helps.

Trainers & Animal Professionals

You work with dogs every day, but reactive dogs require specialized knowledge. This training deepens your skill set, giving you proven methods to help fearful and frustrated dogs, and their desperate owners. You'll walk away with techniques you can implement immediately.

Real Results: Meet Misha

Misha used to show leash-reactive behavior with excessive barking and lunging when seeing other dogs. Our efforts paid off, and Misha is now a calmer and more well-adjusted dog.

We found appropriate outlets for her energy — Parkour, flirt pole sessions, and playtime in the yard to keep her mentally and physically stimulated. These activities are enjoyable for her pet parents and help Misha positively release pent-up energy.

Misha's transformation has led to a strong and unbreakable bond with her owners and a newfound sense of calm and fun activities in the park and yard.

‍What You'll Learn

 ✅ How to identify your dog's triggers and keep them under threshold
✅ Counter-conditioning techniques that change your dog's emotional response
✅ How to set up and use ACE Free Work for stress reduction and confidence-building
✅ Emergency cues for real-world situations ("Let's go," "Find it")
✅ Body language and observation skills to understand what your dog is telling you
✅ How to advocate for your dog and set boundaries with strangers
✅ Management strategies to prevent reactive episodes while you train
✅ Appropriate energy outlets like Parkour, flirt pole, and enrichment activities

Training Investment

8-Session Reactive Dog Training Package: Introductory Offer starting at $125 per session.

This comprehensive package provides the time and guidance needed to work through reactivity. With consistent practice between sessions, you'll learn the skills to help your dog feel safer and more confident.

*Fees may vary for clients outside the New Bern service area.

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Why Train With Jeanne Crockett?

I'm not just a trainer.  I'm a Pet Sitter of the Year (2020), published author in Pet Sitter's World Magazine, and member of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program (2025 Cohort). But, more importantly, I've been where you are.

I know what it's like to feel hopeless. I know what it's like to love a dog who makes life harder than it should be. And I know what it's like to find the training that finally works.

My training is positive, Fear Free, and enrichment-based — designed to build trust, confidence, and real-life skills without fear or forced compliance. I don't use prong, choke, or shock collars. Period. My methods reduce fear, anxiety, and stress while strengthening the bond between you and your dog.

As a Fear Free Certified Elite Professional Animal Trainer and Canine Reactivity Specialist, I draw from modern, welfare-focused approaches developed by leading trainers in the UK and beyond. My programs combine science-based methods with comprehensive support: professionally filmed videos, clear lesson plans, progress trackers, ebooks, workbooks, and online toolboxes. Learning doesn't stop when our session ends — you'll have the resources to practice and build on what we cover together.

This approach is especially effective for reactive, sensitive, and adolescent dogs, as well as dogs who need better outlets for their natural behaviors.

Training with me isn't about control. It's about choice, clarity, and connection — for both you and your dog.

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My credentials include:

• Fear Free Certified Elite Professional and Animal Trainer
• Canine Reactivity Specialist
• ACE Free Work Trainer
• Family Dog Mediator
• Certified Professional Pet Sitter (PSI)

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I've spent my life learning how to help animals feel safe. Now I want to help yours.

Imagine This Instead

You see another dog approaching on your morning walk. You smile. You calmly cue your dog. They look at the other dog, then back at you, and you reward them with a treat.

The other dog passes. No lunging. No barking. Just you and your dog, walking peacefully together.

You can go to the park again. You can invite friends over. You can live your life without fear.

That's not a fantasy. This is what this training can do.

Get Started Today!

Reactive dog training takes time, patience, and the right guidance. But if you're willing to put in the work, I'll give you the tools to transform your dog's life — and yours.

Contact me today to schedule your consultation. Let's help your dog feel safe.

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Training Examples of Success

Abby

Abby has transformed into a dog walker's dream. This little dog used to have big reactions to common events: other dogs being walked, dogs behind fences, mail trucks, people talking, yard workers, cats, and children. In fact, it was challenging just getting out the front door. But today, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement training, she has become a more relaxed and well-adjusted pet that her family enjoys walking several times a day.  Good girl, Abby!

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Misha

Misha has made great progress with our training and guidance.  She used to show leash-reactive behavior and excessive barking and lunging when seeing other dogs.  Our efforts paid off, and Misha is now a calmer and more well-adjusted dog.  We found appropriate outlets for her energy, such as Parkour, flirt pole sessions, and playtime in the yard, to keep her mentally and physically stimulated.  These activities are enjoyable for her pet parents and help Misha release pent-up energy in a positive way.  Misha's transformation has led to a strong and unbreakable bond with her owners and a newfound sense of calm and fun activities in the park and yard.