Struggling with a reactive or anxious dog?
Specialist behaviour training for dogs that bark, lunge, chase, or feel overwhelmed- helping dog guardians enjoy calm, confident walks again.
We can’t recommend Mel highly enough. She has been absolutely amazing with our dog Patch, who was really struggling with being possessive over his toys, resource guarding in particular balls (as they are life for Patch) reactive to other dogs when they came near and pulling on the lead.
From the very first session, Mel was calm, patient and incredibly knowledgeable. She took the time to really understand Patch, explain why he was behaving the way he was, and showed us practical, easy-to-follow techniques that actually work. Her approach has been kind, positive and completely tailored to both Patch and us as owners.
We’ve already seen such a big improvement in his behaviour, and our walks are far more enjoyable and stress-free. Mel has also given us so much confidence in handling situations we previously found really challenging.
If you’re looking for a trainer who truly cares, understands dogs, and supports you every step of the way, Mel is the one. We’re so grateful for everything she’s done for us and for Patch
Ready to enjoy calmer walks and a happier dog?
Start with a free, friendly phone consultation and take the first steps towards change.
I contacted Melissa about 2 months after we got our rescue Dobermann Bruce. He was very excited on a lead and reactive to all dogs so impossible to walk safely (he weighs 50kg!) Within a couple of sessions I was feeling much more positive that we could actually help Bruce. Melissa's methods were exactly what we needed and she explains things so clearly so you understand why your dog behaves as it does. She has been a huge support for me. Bruce is doing really well to the point where I am no longer afraid of not being able to handle a situation I may find us in and he now happily greets new dogs - as long as he stops barking first! Melissa has really helped me bond with Bruce and I can't recommend her enough.
Zia and Lilith are both Romanian Rescues who met on the reactivity group walk, and they get on really well. They have both struggled with being scared of people.
Drago the Cane Corso and his guardian became anxious around other dogs after being attacked by a dog. He would lunge and growl towards other dogs. Here he is happily playing with Lia, one of the stooge dogs.
Bridgwater Dog Training is run by Melissa and she has helped to rehabilitate hundreds of reactive dogs. She works with a team of stooge dogs and handlers to provide gentle exposure based therapies and build confidence and social skills in dogs. Melissa has studied with and shadowed industry experts from all over the world including Grisha Stewart, Nanci Creedon, The Mutty Professor, and Simone Mueller. She also possesses several certifications and accreditations.
Melissa has built up the Bridgwater Dog Training Reactivity Community and holds weekly group walks for reactive dogs. She is passionate about providing support for both the dog and the person during reactivity work and has built a team to provide support for every step of the way from training walks with you and your dog, through to off lead stooge sessions.
Melissa has been on her own reactivity journey with her four-year-old Terrier mix, Pip. He went from being anxious of most dogs and having a bite history, to being off lead with most dogs and becoming part of the stooge team.
Our Approach to Reactivity
Melissa blends behavioural adjustment training techniques with social learning to increase a reactive dog’s ability to cope with the sight of other dogs/people, and even learn how to form friendships. Our aim is to change your walks from shameful, embarrassing, and scary to enjoyable, calm, and fun. We want to take you from feeling like you have to avoid triggers on a walk, to knowing you and your dog can handle these moments stress-free!
Dog welfare and wellbeing is out top priority. We will not utilise any tools during behavioural modification such as grot, slip, choke, prong, or e-collars due to the well documented effects that these tools can have on dog welfare, as well as the risk of injury to the dog’s neck. They may provide a quick fix as they can suppress the behaviour, however we prefer to provide long-lasting solutions with minimal risk of behavioural fallout and injury to a dog.
Join our Friendly Reactivity Community
Specialist Behaviour Training in Somerset
The stooge field training sessions are held at Little Clayhill farm TA5 2PH
HOW WE HELP
Book a free phone consultation
We’ll talk about your dog, your struggles, andyour goals
Behavioural assessment and stooge dog sessions
In person field sessions to understand the root of your dog’s behaviour and provide practical solutions.
Personalised support
Step by step support to help you and your dog feel confident again
Real Results for Real Dogs
Mel has worked wonders with our sprocker spaniel Spring. A typical excitable sprocker, Spring was reactive and pulled excessively on the lead. I was in tears many times after walking her because I just didn't know how to handle her. After an assessment with Mel, several training walks and play sessions with the amazing Pip, Spring has gained confidence (as have I) and is now beginning to walk nicely on the lead which I never thought would happen! Mel quite simply is a miracle worker! Spring adores her.
From our first meeting, it was clear that Melissa has a deep understanding and passion for dogs. She is compassionate and highly knowledgable about the way dogs communicate and this awareness really helps build strong bonds between dog and guardian based on trust.
The way Melissa tailors each training session to ensure each dog is treated as an individual even when in a group setting is truly impressive.
Her unusual approach of exposure therapy has literally transformed the life of myself and my dog.
We have spent 9 years hiding in the shadows, being completely unsociable and ninja ing away from triggers but within weeks of working with Mellisa, my Cooper has made remarkable progress, especially with being able to be in the presence of other dogs.
Melissa and Rachel have taught me valuable handling skills and welcomed us into a safe space full of other reactive dog guardians. A place to discuss the trials and tribulations of life with a reactive dog and to celebrate the little wins.
Thank you for truly transforming our lives together
Here is Martha the Welsh Terrier, Cooper the Staffie x, and Dougie the Cockapoo on an outing together. They all met on the reactivity group walk. Previously Cooper and his guardian had spent 9 years avoiding dogs.
I was referred Niki the Caucasian Shepherd by a dog walker as they couldn’t get near her and several dogs walkers had also tried.
Here she is on a dropped long line with Pip.
