Compassion for Canines: Behavior Modification and Training

08/16/2025

Great graphic for decoding why your dog may respond differently to different people when learning. Love this! 🐾🩵

08/11/2025

WE ARE OFFERING PAY WHAT YOU CAN SESSIONS TO THESE 6 SPONSORED PUPS TO ENSURE THEY STAY IN THEIR HOMES AND ARE NOT MET WITH FORCE!

I have been working with the darling angels at The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue, some of them have complex issues that can only be resolved by the trust of a human. As part of the mission to clear the shelters, I want to be a part of the transition into their new homes. Shelter dogs are grateful for being adopted - but sometimes it comes with stress of being in a new environment. It could be such a beautiful thing for these dogs to see someone they not only recognize, but has been taking the time to teach them how to trust while in their new homes.

Come see these beautiful babies at the rescue!

Tuesday - Thurs 12-4:30 pm
Fri - Sat 12-4 pm
🐶🩵

🚨 Clear the Shelters is HERE! 🚨

This week, we’re spotlighting 6 of our incredible long-term residents who have been waiting far too long for their forever homes — Frankie, Leo, Miss Molly, Ace, Moon & Mila.

🐕 $0 Adoption Fees with an approved application — now through the end of the week!

Each day, we’ll introduce you to one of these special pups so you can get to know their personalities and see if they might be your perfect match. Please share their posts and help us find them the loving homes they deserve!

📍 The Bridge Home No Kill Animal Rescue

08/11/2025

Love this graphic by ! Reactivity is a very complex issue and requires a lot more than a lot of trainers understand. You ask me what’s the first step of reactivity training? I say a positive and trusting relationship. 🦮🩵

08/05/2025

Skye on her first socialization field trip session! So proud of this girl! She practiced leash manners in an exciting environment - even after a passerby told my client “you cant train a dog in a harness” 🙄, walking by treats and not stealing them, and here she is sitting pretty while her Momma purchased her some goodies! 🐶🩵
(She did lay down on her own for a moment - of course she got up the moment I tried to snap a picture. As dogs always do!)

06/02/2025

Message the page to secure a spot today!

Sick of your pup pulling you around? Let's get those pups ready for summer adventures together, by teaching them leash manners! For the month of June we are having a limited time price of $30 sessions for our local areas.

This price is for basic leash manners only, other sessions will be priced as normal. We specialize in reactivity but reactivity is NOT included in basic leash manners.

Message the page today to secure your spot!

05/13/2025

Sick of your pup pulling you around? Let's get those pups ready for summer adventures together, by teaching them leash manners! For the month of June we are having a limited time price of $30 sessions for our local areas.

This price is for basic leash manners only, other sessions will be priced as normal. We specialize in reactivity but reactivity is NOT included in basic leash manners.

Message the page today to secure your spot!

05/09/2025

A great video that explains why Compassion for Canines started as a force-free company, and will forever remain force free.

Every day dogs are subjected to shock and prong collars under the guise of better control and more reliable behavior. The Price Of Pain exposes the behaviora...

05/02/2025

Get ready for that summer heat!

Dog summer safety tips are common sense steps that can keep your dog safe over the hot and sunny summer months.

04/07/2025

The face your dog makes when you sign him up for force-free training 🐶

That’s right, friends, we at Compassion for Canines believe that dog training should be done with the intention of learning more about your canine and learning to understand and communicate with them - not by asserting dominance over them.

If you’re looking for a force-free positive reinforcement dog trainer, we service Northwest VA, Northeast TN, and North Western NC.

We specialize in complex behavior modification on behaviors such as anxiety and reactivity. We will not turn a dog away for its bite history.

Private message the page or contact (276) 494 9660 today to get started!

03/14/2025

When transitioning from aversive, traditional dog training methods (methods involving pain, fear, stress, discomfort) toward modern approaches, one of the most critical shifts is in our MINDSET.

Rather than focusing exclusively on external obedience or immediate compliance, we must prioritize nurturing the dog’s emotional and mental well-being.

Think of BEHAVIOR as a reflection of a dog’s internal emotional state, desired behavior emerges naturally when a dog feels safe, secure, and motivated.

Our goal as trainers and guardians should be to promote this positive emotional state, effectively bringing desired behaviors from the inside out. When a dog feels good on the inside, great behavior naturally follows on the outside.

Instead of asking, “How can I stop this unwanted behavior quickly?” we should first ask, “Why is my dog engaging in this behavior, and how can I help address their underlying needs?” “What can I do to safely manage them while I address these underlying needs?”

By prioritizing our dog’s emotional and psychological well-being, we can create conditions under which they naturally offer behaviors we want to reinforce.

Here are some of my best tips for those who are evolving beyond aversive methods.

Pay attention to your dog’s body language, energy levels, and environment to understand their emotions and motivations. This awareness lets you proactively address their needs, preventing unwanted behavior before it even starts.

Secondly, every interaction is an opportunity to build or erode trust. Opt for interactions that reinforce safety, comfort, and predictability, steering clear of those that cause stress or fear.

Next, give your dog opportunities to make decisions and offer consent when possible, such as stepping away if uncomfortable. Choice builds confidence and reduces frustration.

Instead of strict obedience as your ultimate goal, consider success as your dog’s growing comfort, engagement, and happiness. A dog who feels safe and connected is naturally more receptive to learning.

Shift your methods to focus on reinforcing behaviors you want through rewards like food, play, and affection. Consistently rewarding desired behaviors enhances learning and maintains emotional well-being.

Remember, changing methods doesn’t imply a personal failure, it’s an evolution toward kinder, more effective strategies.

Prioritizing emotional health is not only ethical; it leads to more profound and sustainable behavior changes.

01/15/2025

Dog bored at home in this cold weather? Get creative with fun enrichment ideas!

Get a cardboard box and fill it with kibble or treats and hide it for your dog to find and shred! To build confidence at the same time, make it a game you’re playing with your dog by giving them some sort of cue to find the treat. Personally, I like keep Gunner in a sit-stay and to ask “where is it?” as a release. As they successfully find the rewards, give verbal praise and be excited with them!

Advance the difficulty level by adding other shareable materials in the box, such as treats or kibble wrapped up in paper.

This is an activity to be done only with supervison and non toxic materials! Happy shredding! 🐶🗡️