The Dog Mamaa
Compassionate & Effective Dog Training
Downtown Toronto
Intensive Virtual Coaching for Reactive Dogs
Does your dog bark, lunge, growl, stare, freeze, or explode when they see other dogs, people, bikes, cars, or other triggers?Are walks stressful because you're constantly scanning for what's coming?Maybe your dog is friendly at home but becomes completely different outside. Maybe they bark at the window, lose it on leash, react to dogs from across the street, or struggle when visitors come over. You don't have to figure it out alone.
I provide one-on-one virtual reactive dog training using compassionate, science-based, positive reinforcement methods. We'll look at why your dog is reacting, identify their individual triggers, and build a practical plan you can actually use in everyday life.No punishment. No intimidation. No forcing your dog into situations they're not ready for.Just clear guidance, individualized training, and support for both you and your dog.
Gabrielle is an excellent dog trainer. She is very hands on and focuses a lot on the practice, that’s why the training brings great results. She is very patient and always prepared for the lessons with very helpful hand outs. Always easy to reach, Gabrielle replies to emails promptly and booking process is very easy. I highly recommend Gabrielle to anyone who would like to get their dog on their best behaviour with behavioural, friendly and highly effective methods. After finishing the reactive dog package, my dog Daisy and I are looking forward to starting a new
Is Your Dog Reactive?
“Reactive” can look very different from dog to dog. Your dog may:
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Bark, growl, or lunge at other dogs
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Pull intensely toward or away from triggers
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Stare, fixate, or become impossible to redirect
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React to people, strangers, children, or visitorsBark at dogs or people through windows or fences
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React to bicycles, scooters, runners, cars, or other moving objects
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Become overwhelmed in busy environment
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Freeze, hide, or try to escape when they see a triggerBark or lunge on walks
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Struggle with greetings and expanding their social circle
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React more strongly when on leash
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Have difficulty recovering after a reaction
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Struggle out their home environment
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Have fear, frustration, anxiety, or a combination of these behind their behaviour
And sometimes, you're not even sure what is causing the reaction.That's okay.You don't need to diagnose your dog before contacting me. That's what I'm here for!
Training Built Around Your Dog
There isn't one solution for every reactive dog.Your training plan is based on your dog's individual triggers, behaviour, environment, history, and goals.
Leash Reactivity
Learn how to recognize your dog's early signs of stress, manage distance, and respond before a reaction escalates.
Dog Reactivity
Help your dog develop more comfortable responses around other dogs instead of simply trying to stop the barking or lunging.
Fear & Anxiety
Build confidence and help your dog feel safer around situations that currently overwhelm them.Barking & LungingUnderstand what's happening before the reaction and learn practical strategies for handling it when it happens.
Reactivity Toward People
Work on reactions to strangers, visitors, people approaching, or specific situations involving people.Real-World Walking SkillsLearn how to navigate everyday walks, identify triggers, choose appropriate distances, and recover after difficult encounters.
My pup Pablo loved working with Gabrielle. We saw meaningful improvements in his behaviour in 5 weeks. Gabrielle took the time to understand how Pablo learns and made the training into games so he would stay engaged. Thank you Gabrielle and highly recommend.
Why Online Training Works for Reactive Dogs
You might think reactive dog training has to happen in person to see real resu;ts.
It doesn't.
In fact, virtual training can be especially useful for reactivity because we can work with your dog's real environment and the situations you're actually dealing with.
During virtual sessions, we can:
• Watch videos of your dog's reactions
• Analyze body language together
• Look at how to improve your training mechanics
• Identify triggers and patterns
• Troubleshoot problems between sessions, in real time
• Create strategies that fit your everyday routine
• Adjust your training plan as your dog progresses
Most importantly, you learn how to help your own dog.
The goal isn't for someone else to temporarily handle your dog.
The goal is for you to understand your dog and feel confident knowing what to do.
Why Virtual Training?
How Virtual Reactive Dog Training Works
01 — We Talk About Your Dog
We'll discuss your dog's history, triggers, behaviour, environment, and what you're currently struggling with.
You don't need to know exactly what's wrong or have the right terminology.
02 — We Create a Plan
I'll help you understand what's contributing to the behaviour and give you practical steps to start working on it.
Your plan is based on your dog, not a generic training formula.
03 — You Practice With Support
You'll apply the training during your dog's normal routines.
We'll troubleshoot what's working, what's not, and what to change as your dog progresses.
Compassionate, Science-Based Reactive Dog Training
I use positive reinforcement and modern, science-based training methods.
That means we're not simply trying to suppress your dog's behaviour.
We're working to understand why your dog is reacting and teach them more appropriate ways to respond.
I do not use:
• Prong collars
• Shock/e-collars
• Choke chains
• Leash corrections
• Physical punishment
• Intimidation
• Dominance-based training
You shouldn't have to scare your dog into behaving.
You can set boundaries, create structure, and make meaningful progress while still treating your dog with compassion.
Meet Gabrielle
I'm Gabrielle, founder and lead trainer at The Dog Mamaa.
I'm a KPA CTP and Fear Free Certified, and I've completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course with Michael Shikashio.
I've worked with dogs for more than 10 years, including years in a busy daycare environment and private training with dogs and their families.
I specialize in helping people understand challenging behaviour using compassionate, practical, reward-based training.
My goal isn't simply to make your dog look obedient.
It's to help you understand your dog, feel more confident handling difficult situations, and make everyday life easier for both of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can reactive dog training really be done virtually?
Yes. We can work on body language, trigger management, emotional responses, reinforcement, walking strategies, and real-life handling skills virtually. Videos can also be used to review your dog's behaviour between sessions.
What if my dog has a bite history?
Please let me know when booking your consultation. We'll discuss the circumstances and your dog's current behaviour to determine whether virtual training is an appropriate option.
Do you use prong collars or e-collars?
No. I use positive reinforcement and science-based training. I do not use prong collars, choke chains, shock/e-collars, or punishment-based methods.
How quickly will my dog improve?
Every dog is different. Progress depends on factors such as the behaviour, triggers, history, environment, and consistency of training.
There is no guaranteed timeline, but we'll focus on practical, measurable progress rather than unrealistic promises.
Do I need to live in Canada?
No. Virtual training allows me to work with clients outside Canada as well.
I'm not sure if my dog is reactive. Can I still book?
Absolutely. You don't need to diagnose your dog before contacting me. We can start by talking about what you're seeing and determine the best next step.
Ready to Make Life With Your Dog Easier?
You don't have to keep dreading walks.
You don't have to keep guessing what to do when your dog reacts.
And you don't have to handle it alone.
Let's figure out what's happening and create a plan that works for you and your dog.