I help both pet parents and dog professionals successfully address leash reactivity by asking the right questions, uncover what’s missing, and build solutions tailored to their unique needs. 

Imagine being a dog walker for reactive dogs in one of the densest cities in the United States - San Francisco. 

And then, imagine walking those dogs on 10-20 foot leashes. How do you balance giving a reactive dog the choice to move away from things that worry them, while also keeping the community safe?

In today's episode I am joined by that person, Alisha Ardiana. Alisha shares so many gems with us including:

• Her formula for getting dogs with stranger directed aggression to feel safe enough to go on outings with her 
• How she helps reactive dogs find safety, joy, and relief among stressors on walks
• Her Gamify Your Walks approach that transforms reactivity in her clients
• Why narrating (explaining to your dog what is happening around them) is so powerful 
• Her personal story and how that influences her work with reactive dogs
• And so much more 

About Alisha:

I have a Biology degree from the University of Notre Dame, and I planned to become a veterinarian.
Once I began working with animals, I preferred the role of a caretaker. I moved to San Francisco & became a California Registered Veterinary Technician. I worked in this field for 20 years.
In 2015 I decided to pursue my passion to support guardians and their dogs and became a positive reinforcement dog trainer.
I typically work with dogs that are labeled as shy, fearful, reactive, dominant or aggressive.
My work is based on everything I’ve learned from Amy Cook, Deb Jones, Susan Friedman, Kim Brophey and Sindhoor Pangal.
My professional letters include CPDT-KA, FDM, CPCN (Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist).
My wife & I are guardians of a 17 year old cat and a 6 year old Papillon. When I’m not doing dog things, I love to cook and attend live theater and concerts.

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Gamify Your Walks

How to Talk to Your Dog by Cathy Callahan

Management for Reactive Dogs by Amy Cook