the monty method
From Big Excitement to Better Control

Monty's Excitement Reactivity Story

Monty was a lockdown puppy, which meant he missed out on a lot of the important exposure to the world during the crucial socialisation period between 8–16 weeks. When lockdown ended, we felt a huge pressure to make up for lost time. Following advice we’d been given, we rushed to socialise him with as many people and dogs as possible. Unfortunately, things didn’t go the way we expected.

As Monty grew, behavioural challenges began to appear. He would lunge and drag on the lead at the sight of other dogs or people. His recall became non-existent. If a dog tried to walk past him without saying hello, he would plant himself and refuse to move. He would engage with anyone who gave him even the smallest bit of attention, completely ignoring me in the process. Monty simply didn’t understand that not everyone wanted to be his best friend.

Monty wasn’t “bad” or “naughty.” He was overwhelmed, overstimulated, and unable to cope with the world around him.

Like many owners, I felt frustrated, embarrassed, and unsure how to help him, and after being told that his excitement reactivity wasn’t a problem I started searching for my own methods and answers.

Through structured training, clear communication, and a complete shift in how I approached his needs, everything began to change. Step by step, Monty learned how to stay calm, make better choices, and look to me for guidance instead of the chaos around him. The dog who once couldn’t walk past another dog without reacting became a dog who could settle, focus, and move through the world with confidence.

And that transformation didn’t just change our walks - it changed everything.

Today, Monty is the head stooge dog at Be More Monty Dog Training. He now works alongside other dogs, helping them learn how to stay calm, neutral, and socially appropriate in situations that used to overwhelm him. Where he once struggled, he now leads by example - showing other dogs (and their owners) what’s possible with the right training and guidance. 

Monty is living proof that behaviour can change.

The techniques and principles inside this training package are the exact same ones that transformed Monty from overwhelmed and reactive to calm, focused, and reliable. They’re the same methods I now use to help hundreds of other dogs and their owners achieve real, lasting results.

If your dog struggles with pulling, overexcitement, reactivity, or simply finds the world a bit too much, this programme will give you the tools, structure, and confidence to turn things around - just like we did with Monty.

Because if Monty can do it, your dog can too.