The Healing Highway: Understanding Your Dog’s Vagus Nerve

When we talk about behavior problems in dogs, we often focus on training, obedience, or control. But behavior doesn’t start with obedience. It starts with the nervous system. At the center of that nervous system is the vagus nerve — a powerful pathway that influences whether your dog feels safe enough to rest, connect,...

dog training nashville

Choosing the Right Dog Trainer: What 30 Years Has Taught Me

I’m seeing a lot of posts asking about dog trainers and training options. The information out there is confusing, and because dog training is an unregulated industry, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. That should concern you. This isn’t just about teaching a dog to sit. It’s about shaping a living being’s emotional...

The Power of Focused Touch: Supporting Dogs with a Dysregulated Nervous System

For dogs living with chronic stress, the world does not feel safe. Their nervous systems are often stuck in survival mode—cycling between hyperarousal (fight/flight) and shutdown (freeze). In this state, even everyday experiences can feel overwhelming. Focused touch and therapeutic massage, when used thoughtfully, can become a powerful tool to help these dogs find...