Big Feelings Class at CIC: Rethinking Reactivity
Canine Inspired Change is helping dogs with big feelings—and their humans—find calm, confidence, and connection.
If your dog barks, lunges, or shuts down around certain triggers, like other dogs, people, cars, bikes, or sounds, you’re not alone. Reactivity can feel overwhelming, but with understanding, empathy, and science-backed training, you and your dog can learn new ways to cope and connect. If you’ve ever felt exhausted, anxious, or misunderstood because of your dog’s reactivity, this class was built with you in mind.
Join CIC’s Big Feelings Class, a unique dog reactivity course that supports both ends of the leash! This class is pairing our trauma informed dog trainers with the guidance of a retired psychologist to help you and your dog navigate big emotions together.
What is Reactivity?
Reactivity isn’t bad or aggressive behavior, it’s simply communication. A reactive dog is often feeling anxious, frustrated, or scared, and expresses those big emotions through challenging behaviors like barking, lunging, jumping, spinning, laying down, or avoidance.
In this class, we’ll help you decode your dog’s body language and emotional state so you can respond with compassionate, effective training strategies instead of stress or frustration. You’ll also explore your own reactions, feelings of stress, and expectations as a handler with tools and insights from a retired psychologist to help you stay grounded and confident when emotions run high.
You’ll leave the class a toolkit of evidence-based techniques to help your dog thrive, plus emotional support and guidance to help you do the same.
Who will benefit from this class:
This class is ideal for dogs who:
Bark, lunge, or growl at people, dogs, or new situations
Get fixated on things that upset or scare them
Are easily startled, overwhelmed, or overexcited
Struggle to relax on walks or in busy environments or the home
Are on high alert for sounds, sights or scents that trigger them
You might recognize yourself in some of these experiences shared by other reactive dog owners:
Feeling isolated because friends or family “don’t get it,” and wishing you could just enjoy time with them without having to constantly explain your dog’s needs.
Feeling judged or unwelcome in public spaces, even though your dog is loving and joyful at home.
Living with a constant background of anxiety and wondering if there’s a dog around the next corner, if someone’s off-leash pet might approach, or if your dog will be misunderstood.
Feeling emotionally drained after repeated triggers or training setbacks, or finding yourself on edge and frustrated when your dog’s stress sets off your own.
Constantly adjusting plans, things like which route to take, which door to use, which friends to visit, just to keep your dog safe and comfortable.
If any of that resonates with you, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep managing it on your own. This class is not just about dog training, it’s about building a supportive community of like minded individuals experiencing similar experiences.
The Big Feelings Class is designed to support both you and your dog. With the combined guidance of trauma informed trainers and a retired psychologist, you’ll learn not only how to help your dog feel calmer and more confident, but also how to care for your own emotional well-being in the process.
The CIC Difference
At Canine Inspired Change, we believe emotional wellness matters for both dogs and humans. Our instructors combine effective positive-reinforcement training with compassionate psychological insight, ensuring that every participant feels understood, supported, and empowered. You’ll gain not just practical skills to help your dog with reactivity, but also a deeper understanding of your shared emotional world, building trust, resilience, and harmony on both ends of the leash.
This combination of dog and human training is what provides your family with the tools possible to make real, effective change. Our class is also limited to 4 dogs per class period, ensuring you gain one on one feedback and support during your 8 week class. You are provided with in depth video and reading materials, guided worksheets, and supportive weekly emails. With continuing education opportunities with Big Feelings 2.0 and discounted private training sessions, you’re supported throughout your journey.
Ready to embark? See Class Options!
Click on the + icon to see full list of dates/times for upcoming classes!
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Class has reached safety capacity, email Taylor to be added to the waitlist.
9/20 & 9/27, 11:30am - 1pm (humans only!)
10/4, 10/11 & 10/18, 12pm — 1pm (with dogs!)
10/25, 12-1pm (humans only! *virtual class session)
11/1 & 11/8, 12pm - 1pm (with dogs!)
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Class has reached safety capacity, email Taylor to be added to the waitlist.
10/12 & 10/19, 6pm - 7:30pm (humans only!)
10/26, 11/2 & 11/9, 4:30pm - 5:30pm (with dogs!)
11/16, 6-7pm (humans only! *virtual class session)
11/23 & 11/30, 4:30pm - 5:30pm (with dogs!)
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Class has reached safety capacity, email Taylor to be added to the waitlist.
10/12 & 10/19, 6pm - 7:30pm (humans only!)
10/26, 11/2 & 11/9, 6pm - 7pm (with dogs!)
11/16, 6-7pm (humans only! *virtual class session)
11/23 & 11/30, 6-7pm (with dogs!)
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10/14 & 10/21, 6-7:30pm (humans only!)
10/28, 11/4 & 11/11, 6:30-7:30pm (with dogs!)
11/18, 6:30-7:30pm (humans only! *virtual class session)
11/25 & 12/2, 6:30-7:30pm (with dogs!)
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11/15 & 11/22, 1-2:30pm (humans only!)
OFF 11/29 due to holiday
12/6, 12/13 & 12/20, 1-2pm (with dogs!)
OFF 12/27 due to holiday
1/3, 1-2pm (humans only! *virtual class session)
1/10 & 1/17, 1-2pm (with dogs!)
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12/9 & 12/16, 4-5:30pm (humans only!)
12/23, 12/30, & 1/6, 4:30-5:30pm* (with your dogs!)
1/13, 4:30-5:30pm (humans only, virtual class session)
1/20 & 1/27, 4:30-5:30pm* (with your dogs!)
Select the date/time that works well from the drop down below to register.
Need financial assistance? Apply here.
Meet the team!
Sydney Neal
Sydney is a Fear Free Certified Professional(FFCP), a Family Dog Mediator (FDM), and an approved AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She is also currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, further deepening her understanding of behavior and the human-animal bond.
Sydney brings a deep understanding of canine body language and social behavior, with a particular strength in helping dogs build confidence at their own pace. Clients appreciate her ability to read dogs clearly and create structured, low-pressure environments where positive interactions can thrive. Known for her adaptability and thoughtful coaching, Sydney helps both dogs and their humans feel safe, informed, and empowered—no matter where they’re starting.
Quinn Talbott
Quinn’s passion for working with dogs who have big feelings comes from their own experience with their rescue dog, Frisky. Learning to understand Frisky’s needs, emotions, and challenges showed Quinn just how powerful a trusting relationship between a dog and their person can be, and sparked their passion for helping other teams navigate big feelings together.
With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and as a Family Dog Mediator (FDM), Quinn brings a compassionate, relationship-focused approach to Big Feelings. They believe reactive behavior is communication and that building trust and understanding is the foundation for meaningful progress. Quinn loves helping people see the world from their dog’s perspective, celebrate small wins, and build a stronger partnership with their dogs.
Paige Kang
Paige is passionate about helping dogs and their people build strong, trusting, and fun-filled relationships. Her journey into dog training was deeply shaped by her late German Shepherd, Kaido, whose complex and expressive personality taught her how nuanced canine behavior can be. That experience continues to inspire her work every day.
Paige has a special interest in working with nervous and reactive dogs and takes pride in creating a supportive, understanding environment for both dogs and their guardians. Similar to human psychology, Paige believes that meaningful learning happens when dogs feel safe, heard, and supported. Through practical, humane training strategies, she empowers guardians to better understand their dogs and build lasting partnerships based on trust, communication, and mutual respect. She is both Fear Free Shelter Program Certified and a Family Dog Mediator.
Liz Mau
Liz is a retired psychologist with 30 years of clinical experience helping people understand themselves, their emotions, and their nervous systems.
She and her 2-year-old dog, Pippa, became a therapy dog team at CIC in September 2025. Her interest in the connection between humans and their dogs led her to assist with the Big Feelings Class, where she helps participants understand their own nervous systems and learn emotion regulation strategies while supporting their dogs who experience big feelings.
Important information & FAQ:
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We offer financial assistance for both private training and training classes. Scholarships are available to help cover part or all of your training. Click here to apply!
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With all dog training classes, we recommend selecting a class in which you can attend all dates. Dogs (and humans!) best learn through consistency. However, for Big Feelings Class, there are no requirements for attendance.
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There are 8 class sessions held for Big Feelings. These occur once a week, however, review dates closely as some classes skip a week due to a holiday or event at CIC.
Each class session’s length of time is different.
Class 1 & 2 last for 1.5 hours. Classes 3 - 8 last anywhere between 45 minutes to an hour.
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Training class participants may receive a full or partial refund if they are no longer able to participate in class. Refund requests must be made via email to Taylor at taylor@canineinspiredchange.org.
Request received prior to the first day of class:
7 or more days: Full refund of enrollment fee; or transfer payment to future class
6 - 3 days: Partial refund of enrollment fee minus $25; or transfer payment to future class
2 or less days: Partial refund of enrollment fee minus $50; or transfer payment to future class
Withdrawal after class session has started: Transfer payment to future class
Training teams that are unable to complete a training class due to trainer recommendation may receive a full refund based on trainer and CIC staff discretion.
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Dogs 16 weeks of age and older are required to have their DA2PP(or equivalent), Bordetella, and rabies. We strongly encourage discussing other vaccinations with your veterinarian, including but not limited to leptospirosis, canine influenza, Lyme.
Proof of vaccinations are not required to be submitted before the start of class, however CIC may request records at anytime.
Dogs completing Therapy Dog training are required to complete an Annual Health form, click to view all required veterinary items.
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First, put your mind at ease knowing that team CIC will meet you and your pup wherever you are at in your training journey. If your dog is not going to be a good fit for the classroom, we will have an alternate option for you. Please attend weeks 1 & 2 to get a better idea of how our class is run, how the facility is set up, and how we set you and your pup up for success. If you still aren’t sure, then talk 1:1 with your trainer.
Alternatively, our trainers may decide that your dog is not learning well in the classroom environment and offer another option for you.
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Each training class will have different recommendations for training tools, treats, and equipment. CIC will reach out to you about 1 week before the start of your class with more information and what to expect. If you did not receive this email, check your spam folder.
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CIC’s Big Feelings Class is more expensive than similar length training classes in the area. However, our class involves two sessions with a retired clinical psychologist on top of having our fabulous trainers there with you each week. Classes are limited to 4 dogs maximum, meaning you get individualized attention each week. We also send you home with a bounty of resources and continuing education to keep you sharp after graduation.
We offer financial assistance options for those needing support paying for Big Feelings Class. Scholarships are available to help cover part or all of your training. Click here to apply!
What people say about Big Feelings Class:
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"CIC big feelings class is like no other,
they willingly help reactive dogs in creative ways. I couldn’t find any class or trainer to work with my German Shepard. They welcomed us with open arms and we’ve seen so much progress. DIESEL LOVES YOU GUYS :)” -Erica
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“From the first session of Big Feelings at Canine Inspired Change,
I knew even if my dog Oliver didn’t learn anything, I had been helped by being welcomed into a space and community that didn’t shame or blame me for Oliver’s anxiety and reactivity, but rather made me feel less alone, and noticed the struggle it can be to have your pet, your best friend, also cause you as the owner so much distress. The good news is that upon completion of the class, Oliver and myself BOTH came away from the class with better understanding, more skills and resources, and so much gratitude for the trainer, Sydney, and this organization. I look forward to continuing Oliver’s training here and couldn’t recommend this place, the people or experience more!” - Kayla C
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“We brought our beautiful, assertive Australian Shepherd to the Big Feelings class to help us with her borderline aggressive behaviors.
We learned sooo much about our dog and our reaction to her that may contribute to her actions. The staff understands dogs and breed issues completely! We enjoyed the class work and making new human and dog friends. We learned so many techniques to help us help our dog to respond to our environment in positive and safe ways. I highly recommend this class to any dog owner that needs support and understanding in having a reactive dog. This experience has made us better and more responsible dog parents. Thank you Sydney and all support staff at CIC!” - Rebecca P
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"THIS IS THE PLACE. I promise you'll walk away from every training feeling great.
I joined Big Feelings after noticing that my corgi was having a difficult time socializing after a big emergency surgery that required some social distancing for healing earlier this year.
Big Feelings gave me the confidence to recognize triggers my dog has and gave me the tools to know how to redirect. Through this class not only did I gain more confidence in myself and my dog, but my dog has also gained newfound confidence in himself.
Sydney and her team are friendly and always ready to listen. They understand how much we love our pets and they ensure every training session is within a controlled environment. My pup looked forward to seeing Sydney and her gang (maybe more because they always have tasty treats). I can tell how much Laszlo enjoyed his time at Canine Inspired Change and I'll definitely be referring people to them and looking at other classes as we get closer to the winter months.” - KE
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"One of our dogs has "big feelings"
about a lot of things (new people, UPS trucks, certain dogs, etc), and for him that looks like barking, lunging, growling, hard staring, and/or becoming stiff. We have relied heavily on his basic obedience skills to "manage his behaviors," but I always felt like we were not actually addressing the root causes of his reactivity: stress, fear, and frustration.
If you have a reactive dog, I can't recommend this course enough. It has made a huge positive impact on our dog and family. Our dog is happier and less stressed, and his reactive moments are much less intense and less frequent.” - Gracia S -
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"We had a great experience
in the Big Feelings class! Sydney and Taylor are great trainers and we learned so much about our dogs emotions and our own emotions over the 8 weeks.” - Holly W
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“Our miniature schnauzer is extremely reactive towards dogs. He has taken a few reactive dog classes in the past, but we truly felt the Big Feelings Class at Canine Inspired Change has helped him the most.
The trainers are very knowledgeable and help you meet your dog where they are at in their reactivity. It was amazing to see how all of the dogs in the class changed over the 8 weeks. For our own dog, he went from crazily barking and staring at other dogs, to being able to just briefly looking at other dogs and then looking at us to get a treat. He still has a ways to go, but overall we have seen a huge improvement and would definitely recommend this class for reactivity!” - Jackie L
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“I was working late last night and this has always been stressful for my partner because he has to walk our dog on his own.
And my partner being stressed makes me stressed. They usually don't walk far and quickly retreat back home for some quiet indoor time as our dog gets so worked up.
Well last night at work I got this text from my partner: "He had his best walk ever. Saw lots of dogs and didn't care . We made it an hour then played some Frisbee."
I literally almost cried sitting in my meeting knowing my partner felt confident and comfortable while I was away. It's maybe a seemingly little thing, but this has been such a huge positive shift in our family dynamic now that both of us feel good walking our dog.” - Former Big Feelings Class attendee
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“Big Feelings Class was the best 8 weeks! I learned so much
about how I can help my dog with reactivity and I came out with much more confidence than I came in with! Tallie LOVED going to "puppy class" each week! It was a great way for her and I to spend quality time and learn things together! The other dogs and parents in my class were wonderful and I really enjoyed my time! I would 1000% recommend this class to anyone who's dog as any kind of reactivity, whether its big or small- we all can use extra tools to support them! Thanks Sydney!! Tallie and I had a blast!!” - Briana D
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“My rescue pup and I completed the Big Feelings class and it was a total game-changer!
The small class size and pace of the class were perfect for steadily building confidence each week. I finished the course feeling more prepared and confident to navigate the world with my "big feelings" pup. Would highly recommend CIC and this class!” - Aimee J
