Does your dog bark, lunge, or shut down around other dogs or people? You're not alone — and you're not out of options. At Big N' Small Paws 317, we specialize in transforming reactive behavior into calm confidence through real-world training that works right here in Indianapolis.
Whether your dog is fearful, frustrated, or just overly excited, we meet them where they are — and show you how to build focus, trust, and control in everyday situations.

🐾 What Is a Reactive Dog? A reactive dog isn't a "bad dog." Reactivity is an emotional response—often fear, frustration, or overstimulation. Your dog might:

-Bark uncontrollably at other dogs

-Lunge on leash or pull toward people

-Freeze or shut down in new places

-Snap when touched or startled

It's not about dominance. It's not about "alpha." It's about helping your dog feel safe and teaching them better coping skills.

✅ What Actually Works for Reactive Dog Training? Here's what we've learned after working with hundreds of reactive dogs across Indianapolis neighborhoods — from downtown streets to suburban trails:

1. Start with Distance and Safety You can't teach calm in chaos. We begin at a distance where your dog can observe triggers (dogs, people, cars, etc.) without going over threshold. This is your dog's learning zone.

2. Reward the Calm, Not the Chaos Every time your dog notices a trigger and chooses calm behavior, they earn a reward. Whether it's food, praise, or play — your dog learns: "Staying cool pays off."

3. Real-World Exposure We don't just train in backyards. Our sessions are held in real-world environments: city sidewalks, apartment complexes, brewery patios, or wherever your dog actually struggles. This is where real change happens.

4. Clear Communication and Leash Skills Reactive dogs thrive when they know what's expected. We teach YOU how to stay calm, guide them with structure, and avoid fueling their outbursts. We also help refine your leash handling and cues like:

-"Look at me" (engagement)

-"Heel" (structured walk)

-"Let's go" (exit strategies)

🧠 Why Reactivity Happens Every dog is different, but some common causes we see in Indianapolis include:

-Lack of early socialization (especially during COVID)

-Negative past experiences (dog parks gone wrong)

-Overstimulation in busy city environments -Protective instincts triggered on walks near home

It's not your fault — but it is fixable with the right training plan.

🏙️ Why Indianapolis Dog Owners Choose Big N' Small Paws 317 At Big N' Small Paws 317, we go beyond obedience — we focus on rehabilitation. Here's why reactive dog parents trust us:

✔️ 1-on-1 custom plans for reactivity

✔️ Group training with calm, neutral dogs

✔️ Board & Train options for accelerated results

✔️ Real Indy settings: breweries, sidewalks, public patios

✔️ Certified trainers, AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluators

We've helped dogs bark less, focus more, and enjoy life again. You don't have to live in fear of your dog's next outburst.

🙌 A Real Story from Indy "Zuko, our rescue pit bull, had major trust issues after a car accident. He couldn't handle strangers or dogs. Big N' Small Paws gave us a game plan. After consistent work, Zuko now goes to brunch and walks calmly in public. We didn't think it was possible—until it was." — Marvin., Indianapolis

📅 Ready for a Change? Let's Train Together Reactivity isn't a life sentence. With the right structure, positive reinforcement, and environment-specific practice, your dog can absolutely improve.

👉 Book your reactive dog consultation here

📍 Serving all of Indianapolis & surrounding areas

📞 Call us: 317-603-2292

📩 Email: bnsp317.appointments@gmail.com