Reactive Dog Training for Highly Sensitive Women
Using the Dual Nervous System Reset Method™
When every walk feels like driving in traffic, this work helps you and your dog find the relaxed country road again.
Reactive Dog Training in San Antonio and surrounding areas, with virtual options available for women outside the region.
Turn stressful, unpredictable walks into calm, connected experiences — by helping both you and your dog feel safe in the world again.
This isn’t obedience training.
This is nervous‑system‑aware transformation for two sensitive beings who feel everything deeply.
A complete shift in how we walk together.
Athena’s reactivity used to make walks stressful, but Cyndi’s support made an immediate difference. She’s more confident now, and our walks are finally relaxed and enjoyable.
Why Reactive Walks Feel So Hard
Walking a reactive dog can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and even traumatic — like your body is bracing for a collision that never comes. Your dog feels it too.
Reactivity isn’t a training failure.
It’s a nervous‑system response.
When your dog’s fear spikes your nervous system — and your nervous system spikes theirs — both of you get stuck in a loop of scanning, bracing, and overreacting.
You’re not the problem.
Your dog isn’t the problem.
The loop is the problem.
And loops can be changed.
Relaxed Reactive Dog Training
For Highly Sensitive Women & Their Sensitive Dogs
This is a safety‑first approach to reactive dog training that honors both nervous systems — yours and your dog’s. Instead of forcing obedience, we rebuild the conditions where calm, connection, and better choices become possible.
Introducing the Dual Nervous System Reset Method™
Most reactive dog training focuses only on the dog’s behavior. But reactivity isn’t a behavior problem — it’s a nervous system problem. The Dual Nervous System Reset Method™ works with both your body and your dog’s body at the same time, helping you interrupt the feedback loop that keeps both of you stuck in fear, tension, and overreaction.
When your nervous system feels grounded, your dog can borrow that calm. When your dog feels safer, you stop bracing for the next explosion. This method restores the shared sense of safety that makes learning — and connection — possible.
What You’ll Learn Inside the Program
This program gives you the skills, structure, and nervous‑system support you and your dog need to move through the world with more calm, clarity, and connection. Each step is designed to reduce overwhelm—not add to it.
- Rebuild safety in both nervous systems so walks and daily life stop feeling like a threat.
- Read early stress signals and subtle body‑language cues before reactivity escalates.
- Practice modern, force‑free reactive dog training that creates conditions for better choices.
- Use a nervous‑system‑aware walk structure that reduces scanning and increases predictability.
- Strengthen your grounding skills so your dog can borrow your calm instead of absorbing your anxiety.
- Work through personalized real‑life scenarios like passing dogs, visitors, noises, and new environments.
- Create calmer daily rhythms and home environments that support decompression and confidence.
Choose the Level of Support That Fits Your Needs
Every woman and every dog has a different starting point. These options give you the flexibility to choose the level of support, structure, and nervous‑system safety that feels right for you.
Private Lesson Packages
4–6 private lessons focused on helping you and your reactive dog build safety, confidence, and calmer walks. A gentle, hands‑on approach that supports both nervous systems at a pace that feels manageable.
“Quick Start” + Private Lessons
4 trainer‑led sessions with your dog to build early momentum, followed by 3 private lessons to teach you how to continue the progress at home. Ideal if you want support getting things started quickly.
Virtual Coaching Program
Step‑by‑step reactive‑dog training support through video, messaging, and personalized plans. Perfect for Highly Sensitive Women who prefer learning from home or who live outside the San Antonio area.
Call‑Free Coaching
Gentle, ongoing support through written or video messaging—no live calls required. Share updates when it feels right and receive personalized guidance without the pressure of scheduling.
Monthly Reactive Dog Support Club
A monthly membership with 2–4 sessions for ongoing guidance, troubleshooting, and confidence‑building. Designed for real‑life reactivity challenges and continued support as your dog grows.
During our phone consultation, we will discuss these options and suggest the most suitable one based on your training goals, budget, and your comfort level as a Highly Sensitive Woman.
Costs range from $499 to $899 or more.
How We’ll Work Together
Reactive dog training is most effective when it feels safe, steady, and supportive—for both you and your dog. Our work together is designed to reduce overwhelm, build confidence, and create predictable progress without pressure.
- A personalized training plan tailored to your dog’s needs, your lifestyle, and your nervous system.
- One‑on‑one sessions in your home (San Antonio area) or virtually for women outside the region.
- Weekly guidance and practice so you always know what to do next—no guessing, no confusion.
- Unlimited text and email support between sessions for real‑time questions and reassurance.
- Positive reinforcement and modern training methods that feel good for sensitive dogs and sensitive humans.
- Training that feels enjoyable instead of stressful, rushed, or overwhelming.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Reactive dog training isn’t about creating a “perfect” dog or guaranteeing that reactivity will disappear forever. Reactivity is shaped by history, genetics, health, and the environment. What we can do—together—is help both you and your dog feel safer, more confident, and more connected.
- You’ll understand your dog’s behavior in a way that reduces fear, confusion, and self‑blame.
- You’ll learn how to support your dog through stressful moments with clarity and calm.
- Your dog will gain confidence through predictable routines and safety‑based training.
- You’ll see progress—sometimes quickly, sometimes gradually—as both nervous systems settle.
- You’ll have support every step of the way, so you never feel alone or overwhelmed.
Progress looks different for every dog, but with the right support, every dog—and every human—can feel safer in the world.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or simply want a calmer way forward, I’m here to help. Reach out when you feel ready, and we’ll take the first step together—gently, at your pace.
Cyndi Smasal, CPDT-KA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer / Canine Care Advocate
Author, Nutrition Specialist, and Longevity Junkie
Text Me to Schedule a Call:
No pressure. No sales pitch. Just a conversation to help you and your dog feel safer and more supported.
Other ways to reach me:
Voicemail:
210-960-6449
Facebook Message:
Email:
Business hours:
Mon – By Appointment only
Tue – 10am – 7pm
Wed – 10am – 7pm
Thur – 10am – 7pm
Fri – 10am – 7pm
Sat – 11am – 5pm
Sun – By Appointment only
Common Questions
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices vary per service
Initial consultation over the phone/zoom/chat to discuss your dog/cat and see if we can help, is always FREE.
Initial Dog Training Evaluation and Consultation fee is $145 for 1.5-2 hours, performed in your home. If you purchase a training package, then this consultation is also free.
In-Home Day Training Programs vary between $337-$477 per week (3 dog training sessions + 1 transfer session)
In-Home Dog Training/Private Lessons & Coaching are $125 each, with discounts for packages of 4 or more lessons, starting at $499.
(Prices are subject to change. Discounts and payment options are available for preferred customers and referrals from partnering independent pet stores.)
How Long Does It Take?
This depends on the service.
- In-Home Day Training Programs are usually 2-3 weeks.
- In-Home Dog Training/Private Lessons are usually done once a week over 4-6 weeks.
There is currently a 1-2 week waiting period for new dog training clients. Please contact Cyndi right away to get on the schedule.