Nervous Dog Training Specialist in Derby & Burton-on-Trent
Support for reactive dogs, fearful dogs, and overwhelmed dog parents in Derby, Burton-on-Trent, and online.
Is your dog…
🐾 Extremely attached to you, to the point where they follow you everywhere?
🐾 Reactive to other dogs or triggers during walks, often lunging, barking, or growling?
🐾 Hyper vigilant on walks, and pulling on the lead?
🐾 Anxious in new situations, such as visiting new places or encountering unfamiliar things?
Then, my Nervous Dog Private Client Program is designed for you and your dog.
Read on to find out more…
“ Mitch has been near three people so far wearing big headphones / ear muffs and no growls... overall, walks are way less reactive”
- Leanne & Mitch, 2 weeks into their training
I understand what you're going through…
As a dedicated dog mum to two rescue lurchers, Bonnie and Oliver, I can relate deeply to what you're feeling.
I’ve been the embarrassed dog mum with nervous and reactive dogs:
Bonnie, with her extreme dog reactivity, often had me in tears after another difficult walk.
Oliver was a super nervous dog - terrified of thunderstorms, fireworks, and even the sound of a chopping board.
Oliver would startle easily + was wary of household objects. Everyday activities like jumping over obstacles were a huge challenge.
Feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and worried is normal when you have a nervous or reactive dog.
You're not alone, and there is hope.
My program is built from the knowledge and empathy that comes from first-hand personal experience, and professional experience and qualifications.
Why Work With Me?
My Private Client program is specifically tailored for dogs that are reactive, nervous, or anxious.
Specialised Support for Nervous Dogs
I specialise in helping nervous, reactive, and overstimulated dogs. This tailored approach addresses your dog’s unique challenges, providing solutions that work in the real world, always at their pace.
Proven Techniques
Utilising compassionate, science-led training techniques, we will work together to help your dog feel less stressed and reactive and more calm and confident.
Hands-On Training
You will get one-on-one guidance and support throughout the entire process. Hands-on coaching in real environments is included, and we introduce it when your dog is ready so we don’t overwhelm them in the early stages.
With step-by-step training exercises, daily activity tracking and weekly check-in’s, we can effectively measure the progress you and your dog are making, and celebrate each win together!
Holistic + Bespoke Training
Your dog is one of a kind, and so is the plan we’ll create together. After an in-depth assessment, we’ll co-create a personalised plan that evolves responsively with your dog’s progress.
Empathetic + Results-Focused Approach
This program is here to help transform your relationship with your dog. My empathetic, calm approach focuses on reducing stress for both of you, giving you the tools and confidence to handle situation with ease.
Mental Health Support for You
Working with a nervous dog can take an emotional toll, which is why I’ve got the backing from a fully qualified therapist. You can trust that through my training sessions you’ll have expert guidance, not just for your dog’s behaviour, but also for managing the stress and anxiety that often come with these challenges.
Together, we’ll create a path toward a greater wellbeing for both you and your dog.
I know how overwhelming it can feel when your dog’s behaviour impacts your daily life.
My program is designed to reduce stress for both of you, helping you build a more confident partnership.
Private Client Review
“Sian's ability to identify the causes of challenging behavioural problems with my 7 yr old Pomeranian (living with an elderly shih tzu) in a complex household has been phenomenal.
She has listened, observed, explained and guided us humans to bring out the best in my dogs and we are all much happier together as a result.
Sian is an absolute star.
Having come across various dog trainers over the years, I genuinely believe that her approach is the only one which properly takes into account the best needs of the dogs lucky enough to receive her care.”
Dawn, Bella & Alfie
In my Private Client Programme, we’ll work closely to:
Reduce Reactivity & Anxiety:
Learn specific strategies to manage and reduce your dog’s reactivity to triggers like other dogs, and new situations.
Build Confidence:
Help you and your dog build confidence and reduce stress in various environments, making daily life and outings more enjoyable for both of you.
Create a Solid Training Foundation:
Develop a strong foundation that you can use to continue your dog’s progress.
Who this is perfect for
Perfect for you if…
You want bespoke, ethical support that’s adapted to your dog, not a one-size-fits-all protocol
You understand that reactivity and confidence building aren’t linear, and you’re open to a paced, responsive process
You’re willing to observe your dog and share feedback about their body language, emotional state, and recovery, so the plan can be fully tailored to you (I’ll guide you on what to look for!)
You’re open to starting with foundations first, even if that feels subtle at the beginning (every dog is different)
You value long-term emotional resilience and real change, not just short-term suppression of behaviour
You want hands-on, real-world coaching, and you trust that it’s introduced at the right time for your dog
You’re prepared to work as a collaborative team, with guidance, structure, and support rather than being “handed a formula”
You’re looking for a trainer who prioritises safety, nervous-system regulation, and your dog’s emotional wellbeing
Who this isn’t right for
Not the best fit if…
You’re looking for immediate exposure work in busy environments from the very first session (unless your dog shows clear signs that they’re ready for it)
You’d prefer to be shown exactly what to do without needing to observe or reflect on your dog’s responses
You’re hoping for quick or guaranteed results within a very specific timeframe
You’re not comfortable with a process that involves assessment, adjustment, and occasional pauses
You’re looking for a per-session service rather than a limited-capacity, bespoke programme
You would prefer a more directive or prescriptive training style
You don’t feel you’re able to engage with a process that requires patience, reflection, and gradual progression
Here’s just a handful of my recent Private Client updates…
You can see more of these on my Happy Clients Instagram highlights…
Give me a follow @lavendergardenanimalservices
This premium, supportive package is more than just training; it’s an investment in a happier life for you and your dog.
“The true cost isn’t the price of training - it’s the time, energy, and frustration spent trying to manage these challenges alone.”
I take on a small number of clients each month to ensure each dog gets the focused attention they deserve.
Ready to transform your dog’s anxiety into confidence?
“We now have a relaxed dog, especially in the evenings, and we can just enjoy our dog again... she’s even been joining me in my office when working from home.”
Laura & Mia the Cavapoo - Private Client
What Happens After You Sign Up…
You’ll receive an onboarding welcome email
Schedule your first consultation call
After the consultation, we’ll begin your tailored foundations plan (confidence + regulation)
Weekly check-ins + tracking to guide adjustments
We introduce real-world coaching when your dog is ready
Here’s What You’ll Receive on the Programme:
Initial 1hr Zoom Consultation
We’ll dive deep into your dog’s history, challenges, and goals to set a solid foundation.
Bespoke Behaviour Plan
You’ll receive a personalised, easy-to-follow plan that will be adapted as we progress - it will be designed specifically for your dog’s needs.
Pre-Visit Resources
Get started immediately with tools like my 15-day Relax Program to help your dog build calmness before our first session.
Six 45-min Training Sessions (remote or in-person locally)
Each session is structured to build on progress and address real-world challenges.
Ongoing WhatsApp Support During the Programme
For any questions, updates, or encouragement between sessions, I’m just a message away.
Exclusive Access to ALL My Resources for FREE
Access to all of my step-by-step guides, training videos, and every one of my online course (if relevant!), and troubleshooting tips to keep you on track.
No other service I offer has this level of access to ALL of my resources FOR FREE!
Emotional Wellbeing Tools
You’ll receive practical tools to manage your own emotional and mental health during the program. These resources will help you stay calm, focused, and empowered as you work with your dog.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed / anxious / stressed yourself, no one can expect you to show up for your dog.
Investment:
Pay in full: from £575
Pay in 2: from £287.50 x 2
Here’s how the programme unfolds…
Assessment & nervous-system mapping (initial consultation)
Foundation building: confidence, regulation and training adjustments
Introduction to hands-on real-world coaching - whether that be through reactivity, daily separation anxiety missions, confidence building - all when your dog is ready
Ongoing support and refinement
Private Client Case Study
Client: 10 month old Springer Spaniel, Beau
Training Overview:
Big anxiety and fear responses around new people, new dogs and certain sounds, like barking and bangs.
Huge attachment to his person and couldn’t cope when she left the room or the house, even to pop to the car.
Aversion to harness & lead being clipped on.
His humans worked super hard on fully supporting him through their training plan, they also attended several of my socialisation classes at Darley Abbey Village Hall.
Beau has transformed from a dog with fear, anxiety and conflicting emotions to choosing to calmly engage with new things when he wishes to. He also had his very first short, no pressure play time with a new dog friend in one of the socialisation classes.
He is now happy when his human goes upstairs; this was somewhere he would ALWAYS previously follow her! He can also now comfortably cope when she leaves the house for a short time (this will be an ongoing work in progress to continue to improve.)
He happily has his harness and lead popped on without issue for a walk
Beau’s people said several times that he is a different dog now and were so happy with his progress throughout the program.
What a training transformation! This too could be you and your dog!