From Reactive to Relaxed: Pedro’s Fresh Start in San Antonio

Cindy and her family found Ivy League Canine Academy while searching for help with their dog Pedro, who struggled with reactivity and had a history of biting. Everyday routines felt overwhelming, and the family realized they didn’t fully understand how to communicate with him—something they now recognize contributed to his behavior.

Working with their trainer Alex, the focus wasn’t just on Pedro. Cindy shared that the entire family was “re-trained,” learning how to properly communicate and create clearer structure at home. Through this process, everyday activities that once felt stressful—like walks, getting in and out of the car, bedtime, having guests over, and grooming—became noticeably easier.

As Pedro progressed, his behavior began to shift. Cindy described him as visibly calmer, and said her family now feels more at ease around him. With clearer communication and consistency, they’re finally able to plan outings without the constant fear of reactivity.

Cindy shared, “Everything makes sense now! Pedro is visibly calmer, my family is more at ease around him, and we are able to plan outings without fear of reactivity.”

What made this experience effective was the emphasis on teaching both the dog and the humans. By helping the family understand how their actions impacted Pedro—and giving them tools to communicate more clearly—the training created meaningful changes at home, not just during sessions.

This type of training is especially helpful for families dealing with reactive dogs or challenging behaviors who are open to learning alongside their dog. It may not be the right fit for owners looking for behavior changes without personal involvement.

For families in San Antonio navigating reactivity or aggression, professional dog training can help restore calm and confidence at home. Learning more about Ivy League Canine Academy’s approach can help determine whether this path feels right for you and your dog.