The Whole Dog
A smaller curly-coated labradoodle walks close beside a golden retriever in a warm meadow, gently leaning into the larger dog.
Phase One · Reactive and Highly Anxious Dogs · All six classes

When the moment changes, what comes next?

For the guardian who wants to notice more, second-guess less and make a thoughtful next choice with their reactive or highly anxious dog.

$420 total · Phase One

6 live, online classes · 90 minutes each · 9 hours together

Wednesdays · 6:00–7:30 p.m. Eastern

December 9, 16 and 30, 2026; January 6, 13 and 20, 2027. No class December 23.

Request Phase One details

Interest request only. It does not enroll you, charge you or reserve a place.

A different place to begin

A walk can change in seconds. Another dog appears, the leash tightens, and you’re trying to work out what to do. Phase One gives you space to explore those decisions before you have to make them in everyday life.

The learning experience

Practice the next decision.

Work through familiar outings, doorways and household moments. As new details appear, practice explaining a choice and adapting it. Guardian movement practice is rehearsed without a dog or anyone attached to a leash.

Lorrie teaches each class live online. You’ll work through familiar situations, guided practice, reflection and questions, then revisit a choice as new details appear.

A small group of up to 12 guardians leaves room for different perspectives. You can speak, use chat, practice seated or reflect quietly.

Included with your enrollment

More than the time we spend together.

The class series is supported by written and printable materials, provided alongside the lessons so you can revisit the ideas and reflect in your own way.

  • Illustrated Field Guides and guided examples

    Follow the lesson’s teaching and unfolding scenes. Text equivalents let you follow the examples without relying only on the pictures.

  • Private worksheets with sample answers

    Think through observations and choices with examples and reasoning to help you begin. Your private worksheet is yours to keep.

  • Separate accountability check-ins

    Use a short check-in to record what you noticed or tried. “Not tried yet” is a valid response; individual feedback is not included.

  • Full Reader Versions and a six-chapter mini-book

    Return to the teaching in full prose, then follow the ideas across the complete phase book. These are reading materials, not an audio or recording package.

Phase One also offers an optional Training Buddy connection throughout the series. Sharing and exchanging contact details remain your choice; a buddy is a fellow learner, not a substitute for professional support.

What you’re choosing

Six classes. Everyday decisions.

A whole-dog approach to the moments before, during and after a difficult situation.

  1. Before the Reaction

    Notice observable changes and look for an earlier opportunity to respond.

  2. Communication Beyond the Leash

    Practice clearer positioning, invitations and movement while keeping safety in view.

  3. Making Room

    Consider usable space and another option when your preferred route disappears.

  4. When Familiar Skills Become Difficult

    Learn when to make the situation or request easier instead of repeating a cue.

  5. Beyond Wearing Your Dog Out

    Consider movement, scent exploration and comfortable rest without assuming more is better.

  6. Finding Your Way Back

    Practice a recovery-minded next decision after a difficult moment.

Room for you, as you are

Is this a fit for you?

Choose Phase One if you want a clearer way to think through reactions, crowded moments and skills that seem to disappear in a different setting.

What if I’m new, or not sure what I’m seeing?
Observation comes before certainty. The classes make room for questions, quiet reflection and reconsidering an answer.
Does my dog have to demonstrate?
No live dog demonstration or deliberately difficult situation is required. The learning centers on your observations and choices.
Do I also need Phase Two?
No. The phases explore different themes, not levels. Phase One includes recovery in everyday decision-making; Phase Two explores it more deeply.
Do I have to share personal stories?
No. You can work with the class examples, keep your worksheet private and choose quiet reflection. Any community sharing is optional.
Are the classes recorded?
No. Classes are not recorded. The Field Guides, Reader Versions and mini-book support reading and review; they do not replace the live guided experience.
Your next step

Begin with a clearer next choice.

Phase One is $420 total for six live classes and the companion materials. If this is the learning path you want to explore, request the enrollment details and decide after you’ve reviewed them.

Request Phase One details

Lorrie will follow up before you decide. This request does not enroll you or reserve a place.

Guardian education, not diagnosis or treatment. If your dog has a bite history or you have an immediate safety concern, contact Lorrie before joining a group. Discuss health concerns with your veterinarian.

Taught live online by Lorrie J. Harris of Coaching Canine Companions. Open to adults in the United States. Compare both phases.