Compassion for Canines: Behavior Modification and Training

08/15/2024

Reminder we do free consultations for reactivity!
We service TN, NC, and VA!
(for further locations a phone consultation may be available due to the cost of travel)

🐶Give us a text/call today at (276) 494 9660 or send a private message to the page!🐶

Reactivity is when a dog over reacts to any stimulant, this could be due to fear, excitement, or guarding. If unsure the underlining cause, I will find out for you!

04/29/2024

04/16/2024

Wanting a behaviour from our dogs to stop is common. Sadly, there are so many 'trainers' who appear on television or have massive social media followings who will advocate using devices and methods that 'will stop it fast'. Let's

be honest, as humans we are often results driven, so I can see why these would appeal to people who don't know why these things should not be recommended and used. The reality is that they can make the situation so much worse.

Suppressing a behaviour doesn't mean that the reasons that behaviour happened aren't still there, just that the dog can't do what they feel they need to in that situation. That can lead to increased frustration, stress, fear - depending on what the driver for that behaviour is.

Think of it like a pressure cooker, adding more and more pressure, with no way to reduce that pressure. Eventually there comes a point where the pressure is just too much and boom.

If a behaviour is something we can't live with, there are things we can do without suppressing that behaviour. Manage the situation so that the dog is not in a position to practice that behaviour - for example baby gates to stop them jumping up at arriving guests or finding quiet areas to walk if your dog is uncomfortable with other dogs close up.

If there is something you would prefer them to do in that situation keep using the management and then, using kind and ethical methods, teach them what you would like them to do instead.

If the behaviour is not something that we can simply train an alternative for - a dog who reacts to other dogs around for example - find a behaviour consultant who uses modern and kind methods to help the dog no longer feel the need to use that behaviour.

Behaviour suppression is never the answer.

04/10/2024

It’s dog bite prevention week.

Blog I wrote with more graphics. https://www.dogdecoder.com/prevent-dog-bites/

03/22/2024

Your dog is always communicating with you, you just need to learn their language.

Not long ago, Animal Services posted about the significance of a dog’s growl and why we should listen to what they are trying to say. But did you know that there is an entire progression of behaviors that dogs commonly use to “tell” us that something is making them uncomfortable? And they start well before the growl.

Dogs are very social animals and their communication with one another can be so subtle that we miss their early cues. The most important thing we can do as dog owners is to know our own dogs. Paying attention to the behaviors they display both when they are happy and when anxious or fearful will help us manage situations where they feel they have no choice but to escalate. Learn the lower rungs of the communication ladder so your dogs never reach the top!

03/14/2024

Dogs behave the way they do for many reasons. They do NOT do things deliberately to be stubborn or ‘naughty’, nor do they aim to assert control. Outdated mythologies and training methods have detrimental effects on well-being and strain the relationship between a dog and their caregiver.

🧬A dog's breed and genetic makeup can play a significant role in determining certain behavioural traits. Dogs have genetic predispositions and breed-specific tendencies that contribute to their behaviour.
Some breeds are predisposed to specific behaviours, such as herding, hunting, or guarding.

The environment in which a dog is raised and lives can profoundly impact their behaviour. Early socialisation, which involves exposing a puppy to a wide range of people, animals, and environments during their critical developmental period, is crucial for building confidence and shaping a dog's social behaviour to reduce fear or aggression.

Overstimulation can cause all kinds of unwanted behaviours as it overwhelms their senses and can lead to hyperactivity or erratic responses. For example, if a dog is exposed to loud noises, multiple people, and various stimuli all at once, or on a daily basis, they might exhibit excessive excitable behaviour, poor impulse control, become agitated and exhibit behaviours like jumping, barking, or pulling on the leash, as their senses are overwhelmed by the excessive input.

Previous experiences and learning consequences can influence a dog's behaviour. Traumatic experiences, in particular, can lead to fear, anxiety, or aggression.

How a dog is trained and educated by their caregiver or handler can significantly affect their behaviour. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training can lead to desired behaviours, while harsh or inconsistent methods can result in confusion or fear.

A dog's health, including their physical and mental well-being, can influence their behaviour. Illness, pain, or discomfort can lead to changes in behaviour.

A dog's emotional state, including fear, anxiety, and excitement, can affect their behaviour. For example, a fearful dog may display unpredictable defensive reactive behaviours or might avoid any encounters and run away trying to hide. While a confident dog may exhibit playfulness and a relaxed demeanour.

A dog can become frustrated and destructive if their mental and physical needs are not met. This dog, full of pent-up energy and boredom, may become frustrated and exhibit poor impulse control. In their frustration, they might resort to destructive behaviours, such as chewing furniture, digging up the garden, or incessant barking. This destructive behaviour is often an expression of their frustration and an attempt to alleviate their built-up energy and mental stress.

The type of diet a dog receives can significantly influence their behaviour, with high-quality nutrition promoting better energy levels, mood, and overall well-being, while poor diet choices can lead to issues like irritability, hyperactivity, or digestive problems.

As dogs age, they may experience canine cognitive decline, which can manifest as changes in memory, learning, and behaviour. This condition can lead to increased confusion, disorientation, and altered social interactions in older dogs.

It is really important to understand that each dog is unique, and their behaviour can vary widely, even within the same breed. Dogs use body language, vocalizations, and other forms of communication to express their needs, emotions, and intentions. Understanding a dog's communication cues is essential for interpreting their behaviour.

03/07/2024

Encouraging dogs to sniff on walks is not only natural and instinctual for them but also has many benefits for their physical and mental well-being.

Sniffing provides mental stimulation for dogs, which is important for their overall mental health.

A good sniff also helps them to learn about their environment, identify scents, and understand the world around them. Through sniffing they can also release pent-up energy, which can help to reduce behavioural problems.

Additionally, sniffing can help to alleviate stress and anxiety in dogs, making them feel more relaxed and comfortable on walks.

03/02/2024

Always give your dogs the most attention when they are behaving! They are intelligent social creatures and they will do whatever gets your attention.
This isn’t done with ill intent, you are actively teaching your dog to behave that way when you only pay them attention when they are misbehaving.

02/14/2024

Reminder we offer discounted training to recently adopted shelter pets to help keep them in their home!

Dogs, dogs, and more dogs!! All adult dogs are just $50 till Feb 15th. The $50 includes Spay/Neuter, Rabies, Utd on vaccines, dewormed, and microchipping.

If you can't adopt, think about fostering, and if you can't foster, think about donating.

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/JIFW7FD6Q9C4?ref_=wl_share

Paypal - paypal.me/unicoicountyanimalsh

Chewy - https://www.chewy.com/g/unicoi-county-animal-shelter_b84671422 -list&wishlistsortby=AVAILABILITY

02/08/2024

🐶Do you have a dog with a minor behavioral issue that you’ve been wanting to take care of but haven’t had the extra cash?
y’know - pulling on the leash, jumping on visitors, barking out the window?

This offer is for you!
I am once again having a “pay what you can” special for the week of 2/8 - 2/15

I am in a very unfortunate situation and am trying to make as much as I can to avoid being homeless.

I am passionate, I love what I do and I love my clients. This business is my career and I put my heart and soul into it and I am still in debt for going to school to be certified in my craft.

With this being said, a minumum of $20 is required for anyone located within 25 miles of Johnson City or are willing to travel, and a minimum of $30 for further distances.

Please contact the page or (276) 494 9660 for more info! 🐶

02/06/2024

Educate, Empower, and Enrich Your Dog's Life! 🐶📚 February is Dog Training Education Month, a time to invest in your furry friend's well-being and strengthen your bond. Discover the world of dog training and embark on a journey of learning together. Unleash the potential of your pup! Want to learn how to teach your dog how to sit and many other new tricks? Check out our Dog Training Program here: https://bit.ly/47DPAN0

01/27/2024

01/22/2024

This breaks my heart.
Wags N Suds is my favorite, I always refer my JC clients there for training treats or any dog needs.
Help support this business before they have to say goodbye 💕 No store will replace them.

It is with a heavy heart that we make this post. As our long time customers know, Wag N Suds lost one of the owners suddenly, just
6 months after our opening.

The surviving owner has poured her heart, soul and all of her assets into the store. We have done print, tv, and social media advertising as well as billboards. Unfortunately, the economy of the past 2 years has been dismal at best. We have watched small business after small business close their doors in our community.

The owner sold her vehicles and her home to keep the shop open and the employees paid. Praying that business would take off and start breaking even. It didn’t happen. This recent cold spell has brought the store to the brink.

Kimberly has nothing left to sell to keep the shop open. She made the decision to sell the shop. Hoping to have it listed by Mid November. Unfortunately, the company hired dropped the ball on the business valuation and it didn’t get done. Now, we’re out of time. We need to have drastic retail numbers over the next week to keep our doors open another month.

Please stop supporting the big box stores. Small businesses are what keep our communities going. We pay for the ballet lessons, the drum sets and the medication copays of your neighbors. We need our community to rally around us as we have supported the community.

When we open Weds at 11, we will be having a 20% off all retail. We hope to see you there.

01/22/2024

🐶Compassion for Canines is a force-free positive reinforcement dog trainer who focuses and specializes in complex behavior modification with issues such as reactive or anxious dogs. We also offer basic cue communication training and help owner's understand their companion's body language to further understand how to effectively communicate with their dog. 🐶

Here at Compassion for Canines all of our methods are based on current canine psychology which states that the LIMA approach (least invasive, minimally aversive) is the best way for dog's to learn.

The founder of Compassion for Canines, Ashe Taylor, got certified through the Animal Behavior College in July of 2022 after working hands-on with dogs of all breeds and ages at doggy daycares. Since then, they have continued to further their education by reading canine psychology books, staying up to date with latest research, and working every single day with their own reactive dog at home.

We are looking to expand our business all the way from Southwest Virginia, to Northeast Tennessee, and now to North Carolina as well. We believe 2024 is THE year positive reinforcement takes over the industry, we need your help to do that!

✨Different payment plans available✨

DIRECT MESSAGE THE PAGE OR CONTACT (276) 494 9660 TODAY! 🐾💕

01/21/2024

🚨🚨Food and Laundry Shortage🚨🚨

The rising numbers of dog intakes and the extreme cold weather is taking a toll on us. We are running low on wet and dry dog food, puppy food, adult cat chow, non-clumping litter, and blankets. If anyone could help us and the babies, we would greatly appreciate it!!!
Each of our 39 dogs are getting at least 6-8 blankets a day. We can’t keep up with the laundry. If anyone is willing to volunteer this week strictly doing laundry, we couldn’t thank you enough!

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/JIFW7FD6Q9C4?ref_=wl_share

Chewy- https://www.chewy.com/g/unicoi-county-animal-shelter_b84671422 -list&wishlistsortby=AVAILABILITY

01/16/2024

Got a bored dog you don’t know what to do with?
There are ways we can enrich our dog’s day even from the inside!

🐶Set up a sniffari - instead of feeding your dog from their usual bowl, make eating time a bit more interesting by scattering their food all over the floor.
If your dog has experience with puzzle toys and you want to advance them, you can intentionally hide the food inside or under things.

🐶Teach them a new trick! Okay, your dog already knows sit, down, stay, blah blah blah - let’s do something more fun! Does your dog know how to roll over on command?
Does your dog know the name of individual toys?

🐶Initiate play first with their favorite toy. It’s not as much fun to always be the one initiating play! They will appreciate this more than you know. Play time is bonding time! If you’re playing tug, let your dog win a couple times, this helps build confidence!

01/16/2024

Why punishment “works” Thanks https://www.facebook.com/rplusdogsbehaviour/

01/15/2024

Everyone be safe out there and stay warm!
Remember if your dog is not a cold weather breed to only keep them outside for short periods of time.

If your dog is a cold weather breed - make sure to give them some extra enrichment time today!

01/08/2024

REMINDER: We accept clients from Southwest Virginia, to Northeast Tennessee, and now all the way to Northwest North Carolina!
Contact for prices 🐶

01/02/2024

We thoroughly believe in the LIMA approach here!

It's National Train Your Dog Month, and choosing the right dog trainer is one of the most important things you can do for your four legged family member. Why choose a LIMA trainer? If you Google “dog trainers,” a lot of different “types” will pop up. Force-free. Balanced. Positive Reinforcement. Punishment. Science-based. The list is long, and there’s no common standard. Anyone can call themselves a dog trainer in the US, and anyone can define themselves with whatever term they want – regardless of their training methods!

Because of this, organizations like the APDT have set professional standards for membership using LIMA.

LIMA stands for “Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive.” It’s a standard for professionals that ensures trainers are always starting with positive reinforcement methods with the lowest chance of negative side effects. A LIMA trainer should be focused on effective training that keeps a close eye on the emotional and physical well-being of the dog.

It’s hard to navigate the flood of information on dog training information on social media, and looking for trainers who practice LIMA methods gives you a focusing point for finding trainers who know how to train your dog effectively without harming them.

Use the APDT trainer search at locateatrainer.org to find LIMA trainers, and find out more about the APDT’s position on LIMA here: https://apdt.com/about/about-lima/

12/31/2023

https://www.theiscp.com/post/the-hidden-costs-of-quick-fixes-the-dangers-of-punishment-collars-and-forceful-dog-training

As dog guardians, we all want our loyal companions to be well-behaved and happy. But when our dogs exhibit undesirable behaviour, we may be tempted to resort to quick fixes like punishment collars or trainers who use forceful techniques. However, these methods come at a high cost to both the dog and...

12/19/2023

ASHEVILLE, NC, WE’RE COMING FOR YOU!
We are so looking forward to teaming up with Top Notch Dog Grooming as they grow and continue their new journey in a new location.
Compassion For Canines’ training services will still be available as home visits for my dear friends in northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia - but will be expanding our location to a new PHYSICAL LOCATION partnering with Top Notch in North Carolina!

Compassion For Canines is a positive reinforcement dog trainer who specializes in complex behavior modification in things such as reactivity or anxiety.

We are so looking forward to meeting many new clients and wonderful pups! 🐶💕

✨New luxury grooming salon in the Asheville area! ✨
🐾Located 1977 Hendersonville RD Unit 5 Asheville🐾
We open January 2nd we are now booking appointments for then forward. If you would like to book your appointment online you can do so on our website www.topnotchavl.com
💕🐾💕🐾💕🐾💕🐾💕🐾💕🐾💕🐾💕🐾💕🐾💕
Please check out what folks have to say about us here on our page. 🐶