Reactive dog owners, we’ve all felt stressed out or embarrassed when our sweet, lovable pooch suddenly turns into Cujo when they see another dog. Being the owner of a reactive dog means that it’s hard to go to dog-social events, such as a canine costume contest. It also means we’ve mastered the art of the U-Turn or have spent a pretty penny hiring a positive reinforcement trainer to help our pooches not lose their minds at the mere sight of another canine

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Owning a reactive dog is frustrating, depressing, and incredibly stressful. But Annie Phenix’s “The Midnight Dog Walkers” is a must-read for any reactive dog owner who is feeling down and out about their pet’s issues.

Instead of being cold and clinical, Phenix takes a friendly tone and uses easy-to-understand language so as to not confuse novice dog owners. She starts off by reassuring owners that she too, has dealt with her fair share of reactive dogs of her own and regales her readers with the stories of Wylie the Rottweiler and Zemi the German Shepherd Dog that will leave readers bawling their eyes out.

Before Phenix even begins to explain how to use counterconditioning and desensitization techniques, she patiently breaks down the causes of reactivity. She spends a great deal of time exploring how a lack of socialization and genetics can all contribute to a dog’s reactivity.

She also spends a great deal of time patiently explaining to readers about why the use of outdated training methods (prong collars, shock collars and corrections) are harmful. Instead of being preachy or condescending, Phenix explains that she too once used outdated training methods and eventually crossed over to science-based force-free training. Her frank honesty and kindness will certainly go a long way to sway readers who may be on the fence about only using positive reinforcement methods with their reactive dogs.

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In terms of treating reactive dogs, Phenix is quick to point out that the stigma about putting dogs on anti-anxiety medications such as Prozac is doing more harm than good. Many owners often turn to anti-anxiety medications as a last resort, or if they do put their pets on medications, oftentimes they’re harassed and sneered at by other pet owners. Phenix patiently dispels the stigma, and explains why anti-anxiety medications should be one of the first tools in a reactive dog owner’s kit.

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Phenix expertly breaks down difficult concepts such as counterconditioning and desensitization for the layperson that might not have heard of such things before. Even though Phenix implores dog owners to find a qualified force-free trainer in the area (and even gives good advice as to what to look for in a good trainer), she also knows that not everyone is lucky enough to live near such trainers and breaks down the steps required to help a reactive pooch.

“The Midnight Dog Walkers” is a must-own for anyone who has a reactive dog.Not only does it contain wonderful information as to how to work with your pooch and help them overcome their fears, but it is also a good reminder that no, you’re not alone. There are other reactive dog owners out there, and they have been exactly where you are.

When we’re feeling stressed out and depressed over our dog’s behavior, sometimes all we need to cheer us up is a reminder that there are others out there who have been exactly where we are. Plus,  this NYC Dog Walker guide also reminds us that not only have other owners dealt with the same issues, but they have also successfully rehabilitated their dogs too.

“The Midnight Dog Walkers” is not only a helpful guide to helping your pooch overcome their issues, but it is also a source of inspiration. It is a reminder that if you work hard and be patient, you’ll be able to successfully help your beloved pet work through their reactivity.

[mk_padding_divider size=”40″]

Phenix expertly breaks down difficult concepts such as counterconditioning and desensitization for the layperson that might not have heard of such things before. Even though Phenix implores dog owners to find a qualified force-free trainer in the area (and even gives good advice as to what to look for in a good trainer), she also knows that not everyone is lucky enough to live near such trainers and breaks down the steps required to help a reactive pooch.

“The Midnight Dog Walkers” is a must-own for anyone who has a reactive dog.Not only does it contain wonderful information as to how to work with your pooch and help them overcome their fears, but it is also a good reminder that no, you’re not alone. There are other reactive dog owners out there, and they have been exactly where you are.

When we’re feeling stressed out and depressed over our dog’s behavior, sometimes all we need to cheer us up is a reminder that there are others out there who have been exactly where we are. Plus, “The Midnight Dog Walkers” also reminds us that not only have other owners dealt with the same issues, but they have also successfully rehabilitated their dogs too.

“The Midnight Dog Walkers” is not only a helpful guide to helping your pooch overcome their issues, but it is also a source of inspiration. It is a reminder that if you work hard and be patient, you’ll be able to successfully help your beloved pet work through their reactivity.

[mk_padding_divider size=”40″]

Phenix expertly breaks down difficult concepts such as counterconditioning and desensitization for the layperson that might not have heard of such things before. Even though Phenix implores dog owners to find a qualified force-free trainer in the area (and even gives good advice as to what to look for in a good trainer), she also knows that not everyone is lucky enough to live near such trainers and breaks down the steps required to help a reactive pooch.

“The Midnight Dog Walkers” is a must-own for anyone who has a reactive dog.Not only does it contain wonderful information as to how to work with your pooch and help them overcome their fears, but it is also a good reminder that no, you’re not alone. There are other reactive dog owners out there, and they have been exactly where you are.

When we’re feeling stressed out and depressed over our dog’s behavior, sometimes all we need to cheer us up is a reminder that there are others out there who have been exactly where we are. Plus, “The Midnight Dog Walkers” also reminds us that not only have other owners dealt with the same issues, but they have also successfully rehabilitated their dogs too.

“The Midnight Dog Walkers” is not only a helpful guide to helping your pooch overcome their issues, but it is also a source of inspiration. It is a reminder that if you work hard and be patient, you’ll be able to successfully help your beloved pet work through their reactivity.

[mk_padding_divider size=”40″]

Phenix expertly breaks down difficult concepts such as counterconditioning and desensitization for the layperson that might not have heard of such things before. Even though Phenix implores dog owners to find a qualified force-free trainer in the area (and even gives good advice as to what to look for in a good trainer), she also knows that not everyone is lucky enough to live near such trainers and breaks down the steps required to help a reactive pooch.

“The Midnight Dog Walkers” is a must-own for anyone who has a reactive dog.Not only does it contain wonderful information as to how to work with your pooch and help them overcome their fears, but it is also a good reminder that no, you’re not alone. There are other reactive dog owners out there, and they have been exactly where you are.

When we’re feeling stressed out and depressed over our dog’s behavior, sometimes all we need to cheer us up is a reminder that there are others out there who have been exactly where we are. Plus, “The Midnight Dog Walkers” also reminds us that not only have other owners dealt with the same issues, but they have also successfully rehabilitated their dogs too.

“The Midnight Dog Walkers” is not only a helpful guide to helping your pooch overcome their issues, but it is also a source of inspiration. It is a reminder that if you work hard and be patient, you’ll be able to successfully help your beloved pet work through their reactivity.

[mk_padding_divider size=”40″]

Phenix expertly breaks down difficult concepts such as counterconditioning and desensitization for the layperson that might not have heard of such things before. Even though Phenix implores dog owners to find a qualified force-free trainer in the area (and even gives good advice as to what to look for in a good trainer), she also knows that not everyone is lucky enough to live near such trainers and breaks down the steps required to help a reactive pooch.

“The Midnight Dog Walkers” is a must-own for anyone who has a reactive dog.Not only does it contain wonderful information as to how to work with your pooch and help them overcome their fears, but it is also a good reminder that no, you’re not alone. There are other reactive dog owners out there, and they have been exactly where you are.

When we’re feeling stressed out and depressed over our dog’s behavior, sometimes all we need to cheer us up is a reminder that there are others out there who have been exactly where we are. Plus, “The Midnight Dog Walkers” also reminds us that not only have other owners dealt with the same issues, but they have also successfully rehabilitated their dogs too.

“The Midnight Dog Walkers” is not only a helpful guide to helping your pooch overcome their issues, but it is also a source of inspiration. It is a reminder that if you work hard and be patient, you’ll be able to successfully help your beloved pet work through their reactivity.

[mk_padding_divider size=”40″]

Phenix expertly breaks down difficult concepts such as counterconditioning and desensitization for the layperson that might not have heard of such things before. Even though Phenix implores dog owners to find a qualified force-free trainer in the area (and even gives good advice as to what to look for in a good trainer), she also knows that not everyone is lucky enough to live near such trainers and breaks down the steps required to help a reactive pooch.

“The Midnight Dog Walkers” is a must-own for anyone who has a reactive dog.Not only does it contain wonderful information as to how to work with your pooch and help them overcome their fears, but it is also a good reminder that no, you’re not alone. There are other reactive dog owners out there, and they have been exactly where you are.

When we’re feeling stressed out and depressed over our dog’s behavior, sometimes all we need to cheer us up is a reminder that there are others out there who have been exactly where we are. Plus, “The Midnight Dog Walkers” also reminds us that not only have other owners dealt with the same issues, but they have also successfully rehabilitated their dogs too.

“The Midnight Dog Walkers” is not only a helpful guide to helping your pooch overcome their issues, but it is also a source of inspiration. It is a reminder that if you work hard and be patient, you’ll be able to successfully help your beloved pet work through their reactivity.

[mk_padding_divider size=”40″]

Phenix expertly breaks down difficult concepts such as counterconditioning and desensitization for the layperson that might not have heard of such things before. Even though Phenix implores dog owners to find a qualified force-free trainer in the area (and even gives good advice as to what to look for in a good trainer), she also knows that not everyone is lucky enough to live near such trainers and breaks down the steps required to help a reactive pooch.

“The Midnight Dog Walkers” is a must-own for anyone who has a reactive dog.Not only does it contain wonderful information as to how to work with your pooch and help them overcome their fears, but it is also a good reminder that no, you’re not alone. There are other reactive dog owners out there, and they have been exactly where you are.

When we’re feeling stressed out and depressed over our dog’s behavior, sometimes all we need to cheer us up is a reminder that there are others out there who have been exactly where we are. Plus, “The Midnight Dog Walkers” also reminds us that not only have other owners dealt with the same issues, but they have also successfully rehabilitated their dogs too.

“The Midnight Dog Walkers” is not only a helpful guide to helping your pooch overcome their issues, but it is also a source of inspiration. It is a reminder that if you work hard and be patient, you’ll be able to successfully help your beloved pet work through their reactivity.

About the Author:

Amanda Ferris is an accomplished writer who has written for sites such as TheThings, IndieReader, Fashion&Style, and New York Family. For the past five years, she has volunteered for Bay Ridge, Brooklyn’s very own Love Wanted Pet Adoptions. She currently owns a laid-back 12-year old Bichon Frise named Esme, and a 3-year-old fearful mystery mutt named Zoe whose noise phobia and anxiety sparked her foray into the world of positive reinforcement dog training.