THE BEST! This is an incredibly clear, detailed and valuable resource place and trainer! We worked only online, and I still got so much out of it that I will always be grateful. Steffi is simply amazing, hard to describe if one hasn't met her. She just always knows what to do – and does it effectively. What is especially good and important is that she has a great ability to transfer knowledge and experience; her communication, techniques and approach are very clear and understandable. I also love that she truly listens to the client and attends to me, my dog and our issues – she doesn't beat around the bush. All the problems are directly addressed. It also really shows how she truly understands dogs and their perspective, but she also understands people and knows how to teach BOTH people and dogs, to the benefit of both. I am thrilled how high spirited and fun working with her is, yet effective and simple to grasp. Every session is uplifting! Thank you Steffi for such a valuable experience. I'm always coming back.

I simply cannot express how wonderful the SpiritDog training material, training team, and behind the scenes staff are. If you are looking for clear, concise, reward based training that is founded in science and success and that is plain old FUN, then look no further! We are currently working through the Focus In Public curriculum. In this class alone, there are 11 skill areas and over 70 lessons! Most of the lessons include a short video demonstrating the concept. An overarching theme of the SpiritDog teaching is to go at your dog's pace and to modify your criteria slowly enough so that your dog is always successful. What a lovely environment for learning. What are you waiting for? Start a class now! Your dog will thank you. 🐾🐾

We recently adopted a red/blue healer mix and neither of us have experience with a herding breed so I was concerned about how to best meet his activity needs as well as have a well behaved puppy. This class has been so helpful! We are all learning so much and it’s made us better “parents”. I would definitely recommend this course to new puppy owners!

I'm working through the Focus in Public course with my mini-Australian Shepherd puppy, Frankie. It's astonishing how much progress she's made in a few short months. She's a clever, happy, over-excited dog who didn't do well in group classes. Private lessons with a local trainer were helpful but only took us so far. Focus in Public is precisely what we needed. Before we started the course, Frankie was easily distracted by cars, bicycles, people, and (of course) other dogs. Now, I have a (mostly) well-behaved dog when I walk her in the neighbourhood, into town, and on hikes. In addition to the course material (11 "chapters" with a series of videos showing what to do and how to progress), you also get access to the Spirit Dog community, where you can get answers from trainers and suggestions from other students. Steffi and her team obviously put a lot of thought and time into developing the course content and presenting it in an easy-to-understand way. If you're thinking of buying a course from Spirit Dog training but can't quite decide, check out Steffi's educational content on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to get a taste of her approach to dog training.

After recently rescuing an 18months old unsocialised timid/nervous, untrained (Covid pup) American Bulldog/AmStaff mix, it became apparent that she was starting to show signs of developing reactivity. I tried a consulting with a few trainers and behaviourists who where happy to offer help with an inflated price tag and not really much to offer in helping me to understand my dog. I knew I had to find a way to help my dog before she reached an aggressive state. I decided to search online for information, and also looked at some books on how to best help a dog like mine. Sadly most information out there was basic and consisted of teaching tricks or commands which was not what my dog really needed just yet. Then just a few days ago, I stumbled across SpiritDog Training. They offered a course on Tackling Reactivity and at a reasonable price to boot! This was what I had been searching for. But it wasn’t just a few videos or on-selling more products/subscriptions to give you access to what you needed. The course was extremely well set out, thorough and the amount of information available was astounding. The file on Reactivity in Rescue Dogs alone, is something that every rescue centre on the globe should pass on to everyone considering adoption. It made so much sense and was a real eye opener. Each section of the course unravelled yet another layer of better understanding my dog. As I completed the various modules, I felt like I was building an arsenal of tools to help me help my dog. In a few short sessions since I started the course I had already seen a marked improvement in my dog’s calmness during our walks. By far the best thing I could ever do for my dog, was to take part in this course. I can’t thank Steffi and her amazing team for their outstanding support and guidance. The best part is that even after the course is complete, you have lifetime access to it for future reference and ongoing support as well. Oh and plenty of downloadable PDF notes and templates for you too! I can wholeheartedly recommend SpiritDog Training to any dog owner who is serious about helping their dog be their best self.

SpiritDogs Training offers a simple approach to training dogs that gets results quickly. The advent games she is offering via the newsletter have been a great way to engage with my dog on days that it's too cold to be outside. My girl LOVES playing games and is very receptive to them, and Steffi's instruction is easy to follow. She offers great courses for all levels of owners, and they are well worth the price.

This has been the smartest, most sensible and realistic approach to reactivity management and counter conditioning I have tried so far. I feel very hopeful that my pittie, Zoe and I will benefit greatly. It is also the most economical. Very valuable insights and examples of the process.

I am so impressed with spirit dog training. I have been working with our rescued Beagle German shepherd mix for about 3 months and while progress with her leash reactivity has been slow I can see progress. Before the course I could never get her under control when we would see another dog while out walking, now unless we are surprised by A dog that I do not see first I am able to keep her below her threshold. I am confident with the continued training she will eventually be able to walk past another dog and remain calm.I highly recommend this course

I have recently enrolled in the Tackling Reactivity course. I must say prior to enrolment i was quite skeptical especially when the course was delivered online without a face to face trainer to help problem solve. I have a 15 month old Toy Moodle- he is a Covid puppy. Being a first pet owner I have no idea how important socialisation is for Meeko. I thought as long as we bring him out for a walk and play in the park he should be ok. When he was growing up we have a few visitors that came over to the house and played with him without any issues. The problem started when he turned 1. When our country's 6 months lockdown was lifted, Meeko became anxious in the park.Going to the shops became very stressful for the family as he got defensive and reactive to people and dogs that came near him. This went on for a few months until i stumbled across Spirit Dog Training. This course was carefully prepared from the science behind the "Why" dogs are reactive to "How" we can manage and then "Train" to overcome that behaviour. It was eye opening for me even before the actual training began. What really struck me most was to understand how my dog's constant "Rehearsal" of his reactivity can ultimately be deeply ingrained into him and if that is not resolved, it will be even harder to untrain that behaviour. Steffi taught us to constantly be aware of the "triggers" that will set him off and help train him to associate that trigger to something positive. The other thing that i found very useful was how clear Steffi was in her teaching of the training "Mechanics". I realised my previous training methods had flaws hence the progress was slow. Steffi and her team is very prompt with their response to any comments or questions you have with any training issues. It's like having a real trainer next to you except you learn way more than when you are in a class setting. I am super happy with this course. My dog is already learning to focus on me more . I am slowly getting Meeko to be a little more accepting of people and dogs in public at a distance. I have to keep reminding myself that there is no quick fix for the Reactivity problem. I have to protect Meeko's confidence so that the training will not go in vain. Highly Recommend ! Give it a go !!

Spirit dog training - should be a must-follow for every dog owner! I have bought the Ultimate Masterclass bundle and I've followed the basics and the 'Training Habits and Rewards' and am now currently half way the 'Tackling Reactivity Course', which has been such great help to me and my dog Whisky so far. Not only do Steffi and her team take you step by step through how to best manage the situation and train your dog, they also show you video's, answer any online questions promptly and have created a community with whom you can also communicate. On top of that the newsletters that are sent around are very informative and in the last weeks I attended the very fun challenge in which you got an e-mail every week to teach your dog a new trick! Oh how much fun we had together... I only wish I had known them BEFORE I got Whisky (the name of our dog :-)), it could've saved us so much trouble. I have learned that I've put Whisky in so many difficult situations before that I've now learned were adding up to her reactivity. Whisky has become so much more at ease now that we took these lessons and I actually know what I am doing. But also much more what my dog wants to tell me with her dog language. So thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done to make these trainings so worthwhile and affordable! I would recommend this to anyone considering getting a dog (yes, follow it before you have the dog!!) or having a dog and not finding the right solutions yet. Go for it. It should be a must follow for every dog owner.

Highly recommend their courses. We have been using the reactivity course for the past 7 months or so and I am so grateful for the results we have been getting with our reactive mutt. We have also used the jumping up course. I can't wait to learn even more through this science backed, positive program. I am a veterinarian and I recommend these programs to my clients as well.

I think this course is very helpful. Having some good advice as well as patients goes a long way. It's great that you can ask questions and get a response to keep you on track with an energetic, crazy puppy

I would highly recommend SpiritDog online training courses for all dog-owners, whether you are bringing a puppy home or if you have an older dog. I used to have 2 dogs, but bringing home our Border Collie mixed (Bordoodle), whose temperament and disposition lean almost 100% towards a collie, was an entirely whole new game altogether. In the first week of bringing him home, I knew in my heart that I had to get a trainer. We did get one who came to our home and educated us in terms of understanding a dog's mind and behaviour. But once the 6 lessons were over, bringing our puppy (now 6 months old) to the outdoors was another steep learning curve that had many nuances and different situations that went beyond the private obedience training. That's where SpiritDog online training comes in, let me begin with what I appreciate and like about it: 1. The modules are scaffolded and easy to follow/understand 2. Each training video is about 2 minutes 3. Any query or further clarification specific to your breed/dog that you may have about a particular training video can be posted in the comment page (you can also upload videos) 4. The response from the team has been helpful and prompt enough 5. Important and key training tips on the do's and don'ts for each technique is highlighted to support dog-owners on what to look out for 6. There were many questions marks I had about my puppy's behaviour (working breed) which left me unsure and sometimes fearful -- first I had to identify what was the issue, and then understand 'what's next'? - which is how to approach & go about supporting my puppy through appropriate actions 7. It helps to put into perspective on what my puppy is trying to convey - it's nothing personal, they are struggling to have some of their needs met, except of course when it's demand barking or demand playing ;) It can be stressful managing a nippy, attention-seeking, temperamental puppy now on the cusp of entering adolescence... However, I do feel like there's hope with the resources provided that can help me feel well-supported to get through this period, build a positive bond with my puppy and understand him better. For dog-owners who genuinely want to spend time and commit to building a positive bond with your dog, I would highly recommend checking out their courses :-) there will always be something new to learn and try out with your dog!

I teach Beginning Obedience and Canine Good Citizen and UKC S.P.O.T. classes at my local dog training club. I have watched and taken lots of notes during the Reactivity lessons and have learned a lot and hope to incorporate what I have learned into my lessons. My own Airedale is very reactive and has a high prey drive. So I know first hand how hard it is to have someone in the "family" who over does it in response to everyday distractions and annoyances. Thanks for this very instructive course! Marcy

Great course! I began to understand my reactive dog so much more ! We are still learning but I see a lot of progress in him! Would recommend!

Absolutely love the puppy training course. Our baby Leo (Golden Retriever)10 weeks, has been with us for 2 weeks and has learned so much already. We are both enjoying the training sessions together. He can now: - Sits on demand - Lay's down on demand - Sleeps in his crate at night - Recognizes his name and come when called - Goes up and down the stairs - Stopped jumping on the sofa - Brings back toys - let's us brush his teeth ect.. I would definitely recommend this class for new dog owners 7👌

We started a local obedience training due to Rix's reactivity towards other dogs on a hike. The local training has been good but not as much detail as I needed to help Rix. Plus he was getting reactive to another male student. My sister, who live in Santa Fe, told me about you. She sent me the free module where you're training at a gas station. That made so much sense! Previous dogs we had rushed into Lowe's to socialize. It wasn't bad but it wasn't good. Before our next class, I took Rix just to the outside of Lowe's and gave treats. Talked to people coming in and out but no dogs. The next class, Rix was very improved plus I could read his threshold meter and knew when to pull out of group sessions and watch from a far. Lick pads and Grand finale treats are awesome! This past Saturday we made it through the entrance door and out the exit door with no issues and lots of treats!! I look forward to improving!!

My dog had trouble focusing and reacted negatively to other people in public and in my home. Thanks to these courses, she's learned to focus on me, and is overcoming her fears of people. The courses offer simple, easy to follow, step by step instructions that made training so easy to implement. Working with a reactive dog is a process, but it was so wonderful to have such positive, helpful support as I worked to tranform my dog's behavior through postive reinforcement. Thank you!

My husband found this training program shortly after we adopted our golden retriever puppy. Shortly after adopting her we realized that we needed some help and are very thankful that we found this program.

I love Steffi’s friendly approach to dog training. Her training programs are well put together, and easy to follow. Her newsletters are always very informative and helpful, covering day-to-day situations as well as very special problems and how to solve them.

Reactivity is so isolating when you are used to taking your dog everywhere. But with our new puppy, this was a disaster every time. Although friendly when nose to nose with other dogs, the reaction when seeing them, even as far as roughly 300ft away, was intense! Barking, lunging, growing, intense fixation... She was also highly reactive to people walking towards her or even just standing facing her. Different sounds we're triggering, as well as moving vehicles. I am mortified to say my 5 month old puppy ran into the side of a moving car when she bolted without warning into the road. Just the movement of the car was scary, overwhelming and over stimulating for her. She ended up on the ground inches from being run over. We have worked SO hard through this Spirit Dog training reactivity course, and I am just so so grateful for the knowledge of how to help Dezi! Once we really buckled down and started implementing consistently (almost everyday), it still took a good month before decent progress really started moving forward. It has been frustrating and defeating at times. But within the last couple weeks, there has been some real progress and and it is progressing much faster now. We're not out of the woods yet. We have lots to do. But the progress made shows nothing but proof that changing CER's is where REAL change happens. The knowledge from this course is such a blessing. In addition, the promptness of answering questions you have is UNREAL! I already had a pretty good base and interest/love for dog training. But I don't personally know anyone to be able to bounce ideas off of. They've answered all my questions within 24hrs. This alone is invaluable to me.

Loving this training! I have three rescue dogs.. all different ages and breeds, some with the same issues and completely different. One is deaf. These trainings are interchangeable, positive, and help you build a management plan and counter conditioning. Also, I've received support for specific problems a long the way. I have felt supported and engaged in training. Looking forward to sitting at an outdoor restaurant for brunch with the youngest... crossed fingers soon.

Spiritdog training really understands and advocates for dogs. I can tell she loves the work she does and is definitely the place to go.

Steffi is a fantastic teacher! Her care for and understanding of dogs is evident in everything she does. Her communication is always clear, warm, and approachable. Using her videos and emails, I have enormously improved my relationship with my reactive dog. Highly recommend!

I have owned dogs my entire life and have been involved in many training courses during that time. During the pandemic, we adopted two GSDs - perhaps not our best decision ever but we did it and made a commitment to them. We had an in-home trainer come initially, which was okay but limited. Then we took them to separate training courses, which was again okay but limited. Then I heard about Spirit Dog Training. I wasn't too sure but decided to take a chance and bought a course. We were so thrilled, we bought a bundle of courses. I like the courses for a number of reasons. First of all, I can look at the courses any time I want. I don't need to drive someplace - I just turn on the computer. If I get distracted, I back it up. I also review classes that I have already seen at a faster rate of speed (a nice option to have). The BEST thing is that when I have had questions or comments, I get a response within a day or two. I don't know how Steffi and the other trainers are able to do it, but they answer very quickly. One day when my life was in chaos, I wrote a long, rambling note complaining about everything in my life. Steffi wrote back the most kind, comforting, reassuring note - it made me cry, but it gave me hope. We are still working with our GSDs. They have come a long way but they still need more training. I am thankful to SpiritDog Training for being with us on this journey!

At first I doubted whether an online trainer could really train my dog. I paid for a SpiritDog course, but doubted it and then spent $300 for an in person training and realized the "trainer" was saying the exact same thing as my SpiritDog course. Exact. As if the in person trainer had watched the online training before coming to train my dog. I also realized I am the one that needed training first! The online trainings at SpiritDog are convenient, comprehensive, visual, and personal (you get quick responses to questions). The style of training suits me and my dog. I was really surprised at how effective the training is (if you do it consistently and without putting your own twist on ...). Highly recommend.