How Koa, a 1-Year-Old Red Heeler Mix, Went From Reactive to Market-Ready After 9 Sessions on 30A

At A Glance

Koa is a 1-year-old red heeler mix who developed reactivity around other dogs, especially in busy public environments. After completing 9 obedience and reactivity sessions, Koa was able to return to farmers markets with his owner confidently.

The Challenge

Aidan Dillon works at farmers markets and brought Koa along from puppyhood. Over time, Koa developed reactivity with other dogs, and markets became too stressful to manage. When other dogs were nearby, Koa’s reaction made it difficult to stay in control and keep working.

Eventually, Aidan had to stop bringing Koa to markets and stopped taking him to public places altogether. The goal was clear: help Koa stay focused and controllable around other dogs so he could safely return to a busy work environment.

3. The Diagnosis and Solution (The Expert Process)

Koa did not need random exposure. He needed a structured plan that built clear obedience, focus under distraction, and confident handling.

What we worked on

• Obedience foundations that Koa could perform consistently, not just at home
• Controlled setups around other dogs so Koa learned to stay engaged instead of escalating
• Distraction proofing to prepare for market-level stimulation
• Owner coaching for timing, positioning, and confidence so Aidan could lead calmly and consistently

You can see the full set of options under training packages and plans and pricing.

The Results

After completing 9 sessions, Aidan reported the real win: Koa can come back to the markets again.

What improved

• Better focus through commands Koa understands, which provides mental structure in busy places
• More trust in real situations, Koa trusts Aidan to handle dog encounters
• Owner confidence increased, Aidan feels trained too, which helps keep results long-term

The Owner’s Reaction (Review)

“I have a 1 year old red healer mix named Koa. He developed some reactivity with other dogs. I work at farmers markets and he would come with me from the time he was a pup. He became too much for me to handle when other dogs were nearby and had to stop bringing him altogether let alone anywhere in public.

I’ve just got to the end of doing 9 obedience and aggression training sessions and I can say with 100% confidence Koa is now able to come back to the markets with me. Not only is he mentally stimulated with commands that he actually understands but he trusts me to handle the situation if there is another dog. And I trust myself, I feel like the biggest part is getting trained as a dog owner. Big shout out to my girl Monica for the training!”
Aidan Dillon

Ready to Transform Your Dog?

If your dog reacts around other dogs and you are tired of avoiding public places, we can help you build real-world control with a clear plan.

Your next step is to contact us to book a free consult. Off Leash K9 Training 30A offers packages and plans and pricing to choose the best fit for your dog.