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...

What Predatory Motor Action Patterns Reveal About Canine Behavior — And How to Work With Them

Predatory motor action patterns (PMAPs) are one of the most misunderstood aspects of canine behavior. Too often mislabeled as “aggression,” these instinctive sequences are actually hard-wired movement patterns rooted in a dog’s evolutionary history as a hunter. Understanding PMAPs helps caregivers interpret behaviors with clarity and empathy — and design enrichment that satisfies natural...