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Dog Training

Dog Reactivity Training

Helping you and your dog find Calm, confidence and control
Location Icon Norfolk & Norwich
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Norwich Reactive

Dog training

Does your dog lunge, bark, or growl at other dogs when out on walks?

Reactivity is one of the most common issues I see — and one of the most misunderstood. The good news is that with the right approach, you can absolutely help your dog feel calmer and more secure around other dogs.

At Charles Gray Dog Training, I provide behaviour-focused training with owner education, giving you clear, practical techniques that work in real-life situations.

 

What is Dog Reactivity?

Dog reactivity often looks like aggression, but it’s usually driven by:

Fear or insecurity

Overexcitement

Frustration on the lead

A lack of early socialisation or bad past experiences

The result is the same: walks become stressful, and you’re left feeling anxious about every approaching dog.

You don’t need endless “socialisation sessions” or harsh corrections — what works is changing how your dog feels and how you handle the situation.

 

Reactivity Training

Programmes and Costs

As Norwich’s top-rated dog aggression trainer, I offer personalised puppy training programmes to address your specific needs and goals from £300, which includes the following:

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A comprehensive, results driven training session
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A follow-up session to ensure progress
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Lifetime telephone support - call anything for advice
Get Started with Your Free Introductory Call
10+
Years of experience
1000+
Successfully trained dogs
50+
5 star reviews

Getting started

Training techniques

Every dog is different, that is a fact. No breed is the same, no environment is the same, no personality is the same. The same technique will not work for every single dog, because all dogs respond differently to different stimuli. This is why at Charles Gray Dog Training, I influence and respect each dog’s different needs and natural reward system, allowing them to learn in a way that is suitable for them and you.

My dog obedience training methods depend on who you are and who your dog is. Remember, they aren’t just an animal. They have personalities, likes and interests. They are our companions, and should be treated with the same respect we want to see in them!

Redirecting Natural Dog Behaviour Instinct

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An effective technique I often share with dog owners is redirecting their natural urge to disobey and lead the pack. Providing plenty of appropriate toys to chew on can save your fingers and clothing from those sharp teeth. I often recommend specific, durable, and safe toys so that dogs can satisfy their chewing instincts without causing harm on you or others.

Consistency is Key with Obedience Training

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Consistency is key when it comes to training your dogs to be obedient. If I allow playful bite one day but scold the dog the next, it will send mixed signals to the dog on what is allowed and what isn’t. It’s essential to maintain a steady approach to dog obedience training, reinforcing good behaviour and discouraging injuring across all interactions.

The Role of Patience in Dog Obedience

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Patience is equally important. Every dog learns at their own pace, and it might take some time to grasp the boundaries we’re setting fully. Celebrating the small victories along the way makes the training process fun and engaging for the dog and owner.

In my sessions, I often remind owners that while dog biting or scratching can be frustrating, it’s a phase that can be managed with the proper techniques and a positive mindset. With dedication and love, we can help our pets grow into the well-behaved companions we aspire for them to be.

Watch my Norwich dog training in action

What my customers say

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Had Charles come and see coco today for her reactive behaviour , he thought us how to manage her and tips and tricks on how to deal with it , within 20 minutes of him being here we could already see what we needed to do and could see a difference in coco in such a short time 100% recommend Charles
Wayne Grimwood
Calendar Icon05/09/2025
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Fantastic! We really needed someone to help us with some difficult behaviours with one of our two dogs and Charles just brought out the best in her and explained how our behaviour was creating her behaviours. He's a pleasure to work with. He really explains everything in a relatable way and made it easy for us. It was phenomenal how much of change we witnessed in our dog in just the first 15 minutes of the session. We'd highly recommend!
Stephen McCarthy
Calendar Icon03/09/2025
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I was not sure what to expect before Charles arrived. However within 5 minutes of him setting foot in our house he had assessed the problem. It was nothing like what we had thought. Worse still the cute little bundle of fluff we were worried was a nervous cowardly wreck, well, she thought the exact same of us and had been on high alert, protecting her beta dog parents, from every threat under the sun. Exhausting for poor Margot (the Yorkiepoo) Within minutes we understood this. Within 2 hours we had a plan to fix the issue, distress our dog and in turn address the so called ‘bad behaviour’. Margot is already much more chilled out. Everything we were doing wrong seems so obvious now! Simply excellent stuff from Charles.
Oliver Hill
Calendar Icon20/08/2025
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Well what can I say about Charles, I got a female Labrador from a breeder who didn’t want her anymore and served her purpose and I thought she was broken wasn’t sure I did the right thing, enter Charles and with a lot of hard work we have brought her round to be a very bonded girl and is doing very well as it’s only been 6weeks I have a long way to go with her but I’m sure we will get there withCharles help, he is so knowledgeable and has taught me and my girl so much to take forward and he is only at the end of the phone or a message to help, I am so pleased I found him and would not hesitate to recommend Charles .
Peter Short
Calendar Icon30/07/2025
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Charles visited me in Sydney last week and managed to stop my Great Dane’s pulling on the lead which I had assumed could not be corrected. Charles was kind and clear in his approach with the dog and I saw the results in just a few moments. Thank-you so much for your help Charles. Strongly recommend.
David Sidd
Calendar Icon27/07/2025
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We honestly cannot recommend Charles enough. Hector, our 6 year old black lab had got a big too big for his boots: walking him was a struggle and he was almost in charge! Not now. Although very early days Charles has given us and Hector a new, easy and very intuitive way of working together. Hector is walking beautifully and happily. Charles has helped tune us all up. His session was thorough and very bespoke. Fun and practical. Thank you!
David Moore
Calendar Icon24/06/2025
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We recently had the pleasure of working with Charles Grey Dog Training to help us with our dog, Winnie, who is a Romanian rescue with reactivity issues specifically toward males. From the moment Charles arrived, he approached the situation with calm confidence and a deep understanding of canine behavior. Charles took the time to assess Winnie’s needs and gave us practical, easy-to-follow tools and strategies to help manage and improve his reactivity. He was incredibly patient, not just with Winnie, but with us as well—explaining the “why” behind each technique and making sure we felt comfortable and confident putting it into practice. Thanks to Charles, we now have a much better understanding of how to read Winnie’s signals and how to proactively guide him through difficult situations. We already feel more equipped to continue helping him progress. We’re very grateful for Charles’s help and highly recommend him to anyone looking for thoughtful, effective, and compassionate dog training
Lauren Hemmings
Calendar Icon22/06/2025
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Our little poodle Rusty was already smashing his training but Charles has taken it to another level! So knowledgable and passionate and has an answer to any problems you may be having. Forever thankful! Highly recommended 🐾
Eleanor Mitchell
Calendar Icon12/06/2025
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Great guy, very knowledgeable and worked wonders with my dogs.Thank you soooo much Charles
Jonathan Frary
Calendar Icon09/06/2025
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Almost immediate improvement. After now two days a vast improvement in her behaviour and response to directions. She is a working Cocker so that comes with that natural exuberance but is now channeled and easier to cope with.
Rod Muter
Calendar Icon07/06/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Get in touch with any questions.

What makes your training different from group classes?

My training is 100% one-on-one, allowing personalised focus on your dog without distractions from other dogs. Each session is conducted in your home, ensuring a comfortable environment for effective learning.

How do you tailor the training for each dog?

I begin with an in-depth home visit to understand your dog’s environment and behaviors. From there, I create a customised plan that suits your dog’s personality and specific needs, using proven, humane methods.

What issues can your training help resolve?

My program covers a wide range of challenges, including recall issues, leash pulling, separation anxiety, excessive barking, aggression, hyperactivity, and more. Each plan is designed to eliminate the issues that matter most to you.

What commitment is required from me?

Training success relies on daily reinforcement. I work closely with you to create a realistic plan, and if adjustments are needed, I offer free phone consultations to ensure both you and your dog are on the path to success.

What can I expect from the initial session?

Our journey begins with a 2.5-3.0 hour home visit to discuss your goals, observe your dog’s behaviour, and build a customised plan. This foundation helps ensure the training is effective, enjoyable, and tailored to your lifestyle.

What will happen during the training session?

The session will last for 2.5-3.0 hours and take place in and around your home. During this time, I will have an in-depth discussion with you about the issues you are facing and the dog’s background, including any medical issues. Thereafter I will begin the training with as many members of the household present as possible, so I can teach you the appropriate tips and techniques to use following my visit. The training will also include an explanation of what your dog’s needs are to enable it to have a relaxed and respectful relationship. Thereafter I provide FREE TELEPHONE ADVICE for the duration of the dog’s life. I will of course, gladly return for a second visit but in 90% of cases I only need to see my clients once.