The Reactivity Workshop Is This Weekend. A Few Days Left to Register.
If you’ve been reading these posts and thinking “this sounds like my dog” — this is the one to act on.
The Reactivity Workshop runs on the 6th and 7th of June in Sydney. Registration closes in a few days. Spots are limited and most are already gone.
Here’s what it is and who it’s for.
What the Workshop Actually Is
It’s two days. In person. Small groups where the dogs cannot even see each other unless we deliberately set up controlled conditions. You and your dog WILL BE SAFE.
Four dogs are invited each day to participate actively in the practical elements. There are also observer spots available — you come along, watch, interact with Ian and Dominique, and learn from what you see without bringing your dog.
The environment is set up carefully. Each dog is fenced and cannot see the other dogs until the session is ready for it. There’s enrichment provided to help dogs settle. The day is structured with rest breaks built in — for the dogs and for the people.
It is not a class where dogs are put in front of each other and told to cope. It is a structured learning environment where the dog’s wellbeing is managed throughout.
What You’ll Actually Learn
The weekend covers the theory and the practical. Both matter. One without the other doesn’t stick.
On the theory side: why dogs become reactive, what emotional and mental wellbeing has to do with behaviour, how to read your dog’s body language before it reacts, and how to read the other dog so you can make better decisions in real time.
On the practical side: what you can do at home and what you can do proactively to reduce the chances of a reaction before you've even left the house. Plus reading the environment before anything happens, leash handling, tools and equipment, how to use rewards effectively, proactive handling to prevent reactions, and how to respond when one happens anyway.
These are the skills that actually change the walks. Not one protocol applied in one context. A genuine understanding of what is happening and why — which means you can adapt when the situation changes.
Who It’s For
It’s for dogs that are reactive towards other dogs. That’s the specific focus.
It’s suitable for dogs of any age. Puppies that are already showing reactive behaviour, adult dogs that have been reactive for years, and senior dogs. Old patterns can be worked with. It just looks slightly different depending on the dog.
It is not suitable for dogs reactive to people.
It’s for owners who want to understand what is actually driving the behaviour — not just stop it. If you’re looking for a quick fix, this isn’t that. If you’re willing to understand the cause, you’ll leave with a training plan you know how to implement and adapt.
The Two Options
Participate and Observe — $400. You bring your dog for one of the two days and participate actively in the practical elements. You attend both days.
Observer — $100. You attend both days without your dog. You watch, learn, and spend time with Ian and Dominique across the weekend. This option is genuinely useful if your dog isn’t suitable for the group setting yet, or if you want to understand the approach before committing to more.
Who’s Running It
Ian Shivers and Dominique Hone. Both have been working with dogs for over 15 years. Both have completed multiple qualifications in dog training and beahviour, including L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology training with Kim Brophey and have backgrounds in applied behaviour analysis. Dominique is Delta certified and has specialised in canine reactivity and anxiety. Between them they have worked across rescue, rehabilitation, and private behaviour practice in Australia and Europe.
The weekend will also be recorded so you can watch it all back and for educational use in the Canine Caregivers platform.
A Few Days Left
Registration closes soon. The workshop is 6th and 7th June.
If walks with your dog are something you’ve been dreading, or if you’ve tried things that haven’t worked, or if you just want to understand your dog better — this is a good place to start.
Secure your spot here: https://www.bondibehaviourist.com/reactivity-workshop
