Reactive Dog Training · Milwaukee, WI
You are not alone- Neither is your dog
Barking, lunging, growling, freezing, hiding. If your dog struggles around other dogs or people, you've probably been told to just "socialize more", "Expose them more" or "be firmer." That advice doesn't work, and it isn't your fault.
Reactivity is one of our specialties. From your dog's first private session to a lifelong community of owners who get it, we've built a path for reactive, anxious, fearful, and cautious dogs to actually thrive -not just cope and survive.
100% Positive and Force Free- backed by science
Fear Free Certified
Force Free Training
Relationship focused
Milwaukee's Only Reactive Dog Community
Enrichment Focused
What We Offer
Multiple ways to support your reactive dog, wherever you're starting from
Reactivity doesn't have a one-size-fits-all fix, and your dog doesn't need to do this in a room full of strangers before they're ready. Whether you're just starting out, ready for supported group practice, or looking for a community that gets it long after training ends, we meet you and your dog where you are.
Private training is for you if:
Your dog is reactive, fearful, or anxious around other dogs or people, and a room full of strangers is the last place they'll learn
Your dog needs to work on something specific-leash reactivity, polite greetings, building confidence, fostering calm behaviors, jumping, recall- that a general curriculum won't touch
You want a training plan that fits your schedule and your home life, not a fixed weekly time slot.
You have a newly adopted dog, or a new puppy and want to be sure you are laying down great foundations instead of troubleshooting problems down the road.
You Have a Friend- Group Class
Once your dog has some foundational skills, You Have a Friend is the next step: a small, carefully managed group class designed specifically for reactive dogs. We cap every class at 4 dogs, so your dog gets space, structure, and the support of a trainer who understands exactly what reactivity looks like, not a crowded room that sets them up to fail.
The group class is for you if:
Your dog can be in the same room as other dogs, at a distance, with guidance
You want to practice real skills in a real setting, not just talk about them in private sessions
You're looking for the next step after private training, before your dog is ready for the general public
You want to be around other owners who understand what it's like to love a dog that struggles in public
Every session runs on the same force-free, science-backed methods we use in private training, just with the added benefit of structured practice alongside dogs and owners on the same journey.
Every Session includes
Science-backed practices that are force free and positive
Whether you choose private training, You Have a Friend, or BARC Club, everything we do is grounded in how dogs actually learn; positive reinforcement, clear communication, and a plan built on behavioral science, not dominance theory or outdated corrections. That means no shock collars, no prong collars, no intimidation. We're not interested in a dog that complies out of fear; we're building a dog who feels safe enough to learn.
This approach takes more skill, not less. It requires reading a dog's body language, understanding thresholds, and knowing exactly when and how to reinforce, which is exactly what our trainers are trained to do.
Builds and strengthens the relationship between you and your dog
By using force free methods, you build trust with your dog. They want to work for you because the relationship is stronger.
Progress at your dog's pace, not a curriculum's
Reactive dogs don't improve on a four-week schedule. We teach you how adjust in real time to what your dog can actually handle that day. You are given a variety of tools to add to your toolbox because we understand that reactivity is not a linear process.
Science backed, not old school
No aversives are used in our training. We believe that training is a two way communication with our dogs. We don't use outdated methods- we use science backed methods and can happily explain the science behind what we do!
Judgment-Free Zone
We understand that reactivity is your dog being uncomfortable. They are not a bad dog, they are a dog that is struggling. Our team of trainers are here with ZERO judgment, just support and guidance to help you help your dog.
Graduate into
BARC Club: a community for Bashful Anxious, Reactive or Cautious Dogs and their owners
Training doesn't end at graduation and neither does the need for community. Once you've completed private training or graduated from You Have a Friend, you're eligible to join BARC Club: our ongoing community built around one simple idea, reactive dog owners need other reactive dog owners. For $30/month, members get access to group hikes and private events designed specifically for dogs who need space, structure, and a judgment-free environment.
As a BARC Club member, you get:
Regular Group hikes
Pracitce your skills with our regular group hikes. Group hikes are run monthly (typically 1-2 per month) and are open only to BARC club members. Locations change each month to keep things interesting.
Private events
We work hard to provide private events for our BARC club members. Previous events included things like Easter egg hunts, barbecues, and private events at local establishments.
Real world practice
BARC club gives you and your dog a chance to practice skills in real world events, that are low pressure and highly controlled. Have a question? One of our trainers is at every event or hike!
A community of owners who get it
Owning a reactive dog can be lonely, emotional and isolating. We are building a community of reactive dogs and owners to offer support, guidance and understanding. You and your dog are not alone
Ongoing Support
Long after the class ends or your final training session, BARC club gives you the opportunity to hone your skills and keep your dog progressing on their journey with others who understand. No judgment, just support.
Make new friends
Our commuinty is forming friendships among our members. Members reach out to each other for support and encourage one another
You don't have to wait until you've graduated to find your people, either, our private Facebook group is open to any reactive dog owner looking for support, tips, and a place to feel less alone. Look for the group "Reactive Dog Parents of Milwaukee Paws and Canine Einstein" to join!
Why Choose Us
Milwaukee's only Reactive dog Community- we specialize in reactivity
We believe in using science backed methods to help build your dogs confidence and their trust in you. We believe that every dog deserves to be comfortable, happy and less stressed- we can accomplish this by coming alongside you on your reactivity journey.
Force-free, science-backed methods, always. No shock collars, no prong collars, no dominance theory, just training grounded in how dogs actually learn. Your dog builds real skills without being trained through fear.
A plan built around your dog's specific triggers. No cookie-cutter curriculum. Your dog's history, thresholds, and pace shape every session.
Reactivity is a specialty, not an exception. We've built our reputation on getting results where a "big box" class fell short and on not turning reactive dogs away.
A community that lasts past graduation. Between You Have a Friend, BARC Club, and our private Facebook group, your support doesn't end when training does.
How It Works
Getting Started Is Simple
Getting started is easy! Here is what to expect as you get started in training.
1 - Book Online & Submit Vaccination Records
Choose your date and time in just a few clicks. Prior to your session, please send us up-to-date vaccination records for Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella — required for all dogs.
2 - Prepare for Your Scheduled Session
Please arrive at your scheduled start time - if your session is at the gym, we ask that guests do not arrive early, as we may have another dog in the gym. At your home, be sure to have your dog secured and on leash if possible.
3 - During the training session
You and your trainer will work on the behaviors and issues that you have identified. Each plan is set up for your individual dog and your lifestyle.
4 - After the session
After your session, you will receive a write up of what was covered and things to work on. You can also reach out for support through email, or phone calls with your trainer.
Community building
Growing community for reactive dog clients of Canine Einstein
Community is so important when you own a reactive dog. It can be an isolating, emotional experience filled with other people passing judgment. They don't know what a sweet, lovable dog your pup is at home, but we do and so does the community of like minded reactive dog owners that we are building. Whether it is in person at BARC club events or our Facebook group, we want you to know, you are not alone.
Happy Dogs & Guardians
What Our Clients Are Saying
Norton Norris
Owned by Abby
Canine Einstein has been an absolute god-send for us. We rescued a two-year-old Golden retriever who turned out to be extremely dog-reactive. The strategies we were given by a previous trainer were ineffective and we were at our wits end. We stumbled on Canine Einstein purely by accident and I'm so glad we did. Dawn and Sylvie and the rest of the staff have worked with us so patiently over the last several months and we are seeing real progress. We have done private training, parallel pals, and reactive dog classes and every single time we come away feeling a sense that we can handle this. There is no judgement here. These are real people who have personal experiences of their own with challenging dogs and they make you feel empowered. They are kind, responsive, knowledgeable, and experienced. We just can't say enough good things about Canine Einstein.
Erin Walsh
Owned by Finn
Kelly T
Owned by Jax
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "force-free" training actually mean?
It means we never use pain, fear, or intimidation to change behavior. No shock collars, no prong collars, no alpha rolls. Instead, we use positive reinforcement and clear communication to help your dog understand what's being asked and want to do it. It's backed by decades of behavioral science, and it builds a dog that trusts you rather than one that's just afraid to act out.
What's the difference between You Have a Friend and BARC Club?
You Have a Friend is a structured group class for dogs actively working on reactivity skills. BARC Club is what comes after, an ongoing $30/month community of graduates, with group hikes and private events for owners who want to keep practicing and stay connected.
My dog is reactive or has bitten before- can you still help?
Yes- this is a specialty of ours, not a dog we turn away. Reactive and fearful dogs need a trainer who can read body language and manage thresholds carefully, and that's exactly what our private sessions are built for. We'll start wherever your dog is at and build a plan around their safety and comfort. We also offer our reactive dog program, You Have a Friend. After graduation from the class, we have a community of reactive dog owners that is growing everyday!
Do I have to complete training to join the Facebook group?
No. Our private Facebook group is open to any reactive dog owner looking for community, tips, and support. We do limit it to clients who have completed at least one class or training session with us as we want all the members to have the same outlook on using force free methods.
Will my dog have to be around other dogs?
Not until they're ready. We start with private training, if needed, so your dog can learn without pressure. When (and if) your dog is ready for supported group practice, You Have a Friend is capped at just 4 dogs and run by a trainer who understands reactivity.
How long until I see progress?
Most clients notice a shift within the first few sessions, but real, lasting change is a process. Timelines vary by dog and how much practice happens between sessions — we'll give you an honest read on progress every step of the way.
Private Coaching and Group Classes and Community
Give Your Reactive Dog the Life They Deserve
Milwaukee's only enrichment-focused dog training facility and the only community built specifically for dogs who need a little more space.