Tori Ganino: Certified Behavior Consultant for Reactive & Aggressive Dogs

The cycles of stress I witnessed in dogs and owners

Over more than a decade, I saw too many dogs and owners stuck in cycles of stress: reactive outbursts, fearful responses, constant leash tension. I believed in a kinder, more intelligent approach. Rather than forcing compliance, I wanted to help dogs communicate better, and owners respond more skillfully.

I founded Calling All Dogs to offer a behavior model driven by understanding, science, consistency, not dominance or punishment.

Why command-based training fails reactive dogs

The dog training industry is dominated by either command-based obedience training or punitive dominance methods, but I noticed something essential missing: behaviour transformation rooted in understanding, science and owner education. Many dogs and owners were experiencing cycles of stress with reactive outbursts and fearful responses, training focused on forcing compliance rather than communication, generic commands without personalized behaviour plans, one-size-fits-all approaches that ignored individual dog history and triggers, and lack of owner education and empowerment in the training process. I wanted to create a consultancy that bridges these gaps, offering science-based behaviour modification that helps both dogs and owners understand and communicate better.

Building reputation through challenging cases

I began by offering in-home lessons throughout Western New York and gradually built reputation through success with challenging cases: reactive dogs, biting or lunging issues, leash pressure, fear work. Over time I created structured programmes (Essentials, Elevate, Elite) to offer escalating levels of support.

My training philosophy is rooted in consultation, assessment, incremental change, and owner education, making sure people not only see behavior shift, but understand why it's happening.

Six services I specialize in

1. Reactive dog behaviour transformation: Working with dogs who lunge, bark or become aggressive toward other dogs or people.
2. Aggression and biting behaviour modification: Addressing serious behavioral issues through understanding root causes.
3. Anxiety and fear work: Helping nervous dogs build confidence and calmness.
4. Obedience training with behaviour context: Commands taught within the framework of behavioral understanding.
5. Puppy development programmes: Prevention-focused training for young dogs.
6. Virtual coaching for remote clients: Extending support beyond Western New York through online sessions.

Reaching clients through virtual coaching

As word spread, more owners with complex behavior challenges reached out. I expanded into virtual coaching to work beyond my local region. The portfolio now includes work with reactive dogs, aggression, obedience, puppy programs, and behavior modification.

My approach: behaviour plans plus coaching plus owner practice plus follow-ups. Support isn't one session, it's about guiding the owner and dog together through progress.

Five pillars of my consultation approach

1. Deep Behaviour Specialization: Especially reactive dogs, aggression, biting, fear responses rather than basic obedience only.
2. Hands-On and Owner-Led: I guide you to understand and interact better with your dog, not just give you commands.
3. In-Context Coaching: Lessons occur where the problem happens (home, street) for real results.
4. Virtual and In-Home Flexibility: I help both locally and remotely, with plans adapted to your environment.
5. Certified and Experienced: More than 15 years working in behaviour consultation across challenging cases.

How I attract clients with challenging dogs

Success with challenging cases builds reputation through reactive dogs, aggression, and fear work transformations. Word of mouth referrals come from owners sharing their progress and results. Structured program offerings include clear tiers (Essentials, Elevate, Elite) that show progression. Virtual coaching expansion reaches clients beyond Western New York. Owner education focus teaches understanding alongside technique, which builds loyalty.

Six lessons from building a behavior consultancy

1. Always start with assessment and history: Behavior rarely emerges in a vacuum.
2. Owner consistency and mindset matter as much as technique.
3. Progress is often in small steps: Don't expect overnight transformation.
4. Educate clients along the way: Their insight into their dog's cues often shifts outcomes.
5. Document your methods, measure progress, and adapt your plan.
6. Virtual and hybrid models scale reach: But always maintain context in your approach.

What I'd change if I started over

If I were to start Calling All Dogs again, I would invest earlier in video content showcasing transformations and behaviour explanations, build structured referral partnerships sooner with vets and shelters to generate steady client flow, design self-help behaviour modules earlier as entry points for clients before full coaching, and create stronger measurement systems to track and document behaviour changes systematically.

Where I'm taking Calling All Dogs next

Looking ahead, I aim to strengthen my virtual training programmes, develop tiered behavior support courses, and publish more content on reactivity, aggression, and dog mindset. I'd like to mentor new behaviour professionals and build a community of support for owners and trainers alike.

My ambition is that when someone thinks "I need a behaviour consultant who understands my dog's challenges," they think of Calling All Dogs first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of dog behaviour issues does Tori Ganino handle?

Tori Ganino specialises in complex behaviour challenges. She works with dogs exhibiting reactivity, aggression, biting, anxiety, and fear. Her focus is on behaviour transformation, going beyond basic obedience to address the root causes of these issues.

Why doesn't standard command-based training work for reactive dogs?

Command-based training often fails reactive dogs because it focuses on forcing compliance rather than understanding the dog's emotional state or triggers. Tori's approach is different, prioritising science-based behaviour modification and clear communication between you and your dog, which builds trust and calmness.

What is Tori's overall training philosophy?

Her philosophy is built on understanding, science, and consistency, not dominance or punishment. It involves a detailed assessment of your dog's history, incremental changes, and comprehensive owner education. The goal is for you to understand why your dog's behaviour is happening, not just how to stop it.

Can I work with Tori if I don't live in Western New York?

Yes, absolutely. Tori expanded her services to include virtual coaching, allowing her to help dog owners remotely. This means you can access her specialised behaviour plans and support from anywhere, ensuring you get expert help regardless of your location.

How does this approach empower dog owners?

The entire process is designed to be owner-led. Instead of just giving you commands to follow, Tori guides you to understand your dog's cues and interact more effectively. This focus on owner education, a key part of the Fearless ethos, ensures you have the skills and confidence to manage and improve your dog's behaviour long-term.