Compassion for Canines: Behavior Modification and Training

10/17/2026

Terra's very first socialization field trip with Compassion for Canines! So proud of this team. Stay tuned to watch her overcome one of her biggest obstacles at the end of the video! 🩵🐾

Got a rambunctious pup, learning how to be in this great big world? Let us help take some of the pressure off.

Send a DM to the page or text (276) 494 9660 to begin your force-free training journey today! 🐶

10/09/2026

Be sure to provide plenty of cozy spaces for your dog to get the amount of rest to be their best selves 🐶🩵

This is something that can so easily be missed as a potential cause of dogs behaving in a certain way.

Just as for us, it's vital that dogs get enough sleep and that the sleep they do get is quality sleep. It is particularly noticeable in puppies when they are overtired and in need of a nap - this is what is often causing the behaviours jokingly put under the heading of 'landshark' where the puppy can be very mouthy and nipping.

The amount of sleep needed can be surprising to inexperienced caregivers. An adult dog needs somewhere in the range 8-14 hours, while puppies and senior dogs need a massive 18-20 hours.

It's also important to remember that dogs do not get all of their sleep in one go, unlike humans. They will sleep for a time then wake up for a while before settling down again later.

Dogs are also crepuscular, meaning they are generally most active at dawn and dusk compared to humans who are diurnal, and so usually most active in daylight.

It's vital to make sure that we provide comfortable places for our dogs to sleep, preferably giving them a choice of where they want to sleep. As an example my dogs have the pick of 3 dog beds and 2 sofas downstairs. Upstairs we have 2 human beds, 2 dog crates (with the doors permanently left open) and 3 dog beds. This gives a huge amount of choice for our 2 dogs, and they usually divide the night between the 2 human beds and the dog beds, although my younger dog likes to have a little time in a crate too.

If you find that your dog is showing signs that could be linked to not getting enough sleep, take a fresh look at their sleeping opportunities.

Are they all sufficiently comfortable for your dog?

Do they have the ability to be able to find somewhere nice and quiet for a nap if the house is busy?

As with many things relating to dog behaviour, it could be well worth taking them to their vet for a checkup to make sure there is nothing else causing the issues sleeping or the symptoms being seen - it's always best to rule out anything linked to health or pain as early as possible.

10/02/2026

Mention Gunny's name to get discounted reactivity sessions! Limited time only 🐾

Do you have a reactive dog at home? The one who goes to the end of its leash, barking loudly when it sees other people, dogs, cats, or other stimuli?
Or maybe they bark through the window every time they see anything?
Sometimes they're excited, sometimes they're....not 🤣

Either way, this special is for you!

In honor of Gunny, the guy who started it all and is the reason this business exists
force-free ONLY, we are announcing Gunny's Rainbow Reactivity Special!

Gunny taught me how to slow down and understand what is going through a reactive dog's mind enough to help them process and learn how to heal.

His love will continue to spread through me, but in order to get reactivity training for regular training prices - you've gotta mention his name! This boy will not be forgotten, not as long as I'm here 🩵🌈

Direct message the page mentioning Gunny's special or send a text to (276) 494 9660 to get started! 🐾

09/30/2026

BE CAUTIOUS TO NOT HIRE AN IMPOSTER!

It is true, did you know there are NO regulations for calling yourself a "dog trainer"?

Hire a certified trainer, ask to meet them in person if you're uncertain of their methods, you do NOT have to allow someone to mishandle your dog because of a title...or many times self given titles.

Here at Compassion For Canines, I am a certified professional dog trainer and I continue my education every day. Every day for me is spent studying dogs and going out of my way to learn more about them by reading books and attending seminars to further my education.

09/28/2026

Got a puppy at home who's learning how to keep their cool in exciting times, like having new guests over? Let us help you get the results you're hoping for!

Schedule a session by direct messaging the page or sending a text to (276) 494 9660 today! 🐶🐾

09/24/2026

Reminder of Gunny's reactivity special!

Get that behavior modification session for the price of regular training! 🩵
(but only valid if you mention Gunny's special)

Do you have a reactive dog at home? The one who goes to the end of its leash, barking loudly when it sees other people, dogs, cats, or other stimuli?
Or maybe they bark through the window every time they see anything?
Sometimes they're excited, sometimes they're....not 🤣

Either way, this special is for you!

In honor of Gunny, the guy who started it all and is the reason this business exists
force-free ONLY, we are announcing Gunny's Rainbow Reactivity Special!

Gunny taught me how to slow down and understand what is going through a reactive dog's mind enough to help them process and learn how to heal.

His love will continue to spread through me, but in order to get reactivity training for regular training prices - you've gotta mention his name! This boy will not be forgotten, not as long as I'm here 🩵🌈

Direct message the page mentioning Gunny's special or send a text to (276) 494 9660 to get started! 🐾

09/22/2026

Do you have a reactive dog at home? The one who goes to the end of its leash, barking loudly when it sees other people, dogs, cats, or other stimuli?
Or maybe they bark through the window every time they see anything?
Sometimes they're excited, sometimes they're....not 🤣

Either way, this special is for you!

In honor of Gunny, the guy who started it all and is the reason this business exists
force-free ONLY, we are announcing Gunny's Rainbow Reactivity Special!

Gunny taught me how to slow down and understand what is going through a reactive dog's mind enough to help them process and learn how to heal.

His love will continue to spread through me, but in order to get reactivity training for regular training prices - you've gotta mention his name! This boy will not be forgotten, not as long as I'm here 🩵🌈

Direct message the page mentioning Gunny's special or send a text to (276) 494 9660 to get started! 🐾

09/17/2026

I've been struggling to share this on the business page, but I think it's important I do.

With a heavy - no, absolutely broken heart, I have to announce my boy, Gunny, crossed the rainbow bridge September 4th.

I had taken him to the vet to remove a bump that had grown on his side, and by the time the prognosis came back, he was already starting to decline. The results came back as stage 3 cancer.
I found out, and two weeks later he was gone. We didn't even have time for treatment. He was already showing signs he was very sick.

But let's not talk about that. Let's remember how much Gunner inspired me and gave me such a purpose in this life, I never could've imagined without him.

This business simply would not exist without this dog.

When I met him, he was 1 year old and fresh out of the shelter after living as a stray with some mental and physical scars. He experienced abuse in his first ever home, where he was supposed to feel safe.
I got him out of that home to come with me and we learned how to heal together.
He was always my reason to keep going, no matter how hard things got. We could tread the toughest of waters together.

If I've ever helped you and your dog, chances are you've heard some goofy story about Gunner.
Especially my reactive/anxious clients - some of you heard about him so much it almost felt like you knew him personally.
He helped me to understand misunderstood dogs, understand the world, and understand myself.
I am forever grateful for him.

My logo is now completely a memorial, as the other two shadow dogs were the dogs I had during my childhood who taught me how to love and be loved. Their names are Odie (center) and Lulu (left). 🌈

These 3 dogs shaped me into the person I am today. The person who will continue to advocate for force-free dog training, because no one deserves to live in fear, the person who will always advocate for saving rescue animals, and the person who will continue to help as many animals heal in this life time as I can.

Stay tuned for an announcement of a reactivity special in Gunny's honor 🩵🐾

for now, hug your dogs extra tight. Let them take extra long sniffs outside, let them off leash 💖

09/11/2026

ANOTHER REACTIVE CLIENT GRADUATED TO OPEN PLAY DAYCARE! 🤯🩵

Congrats to Lindsey and Sawyer! You may remember their previous pupdate about Sawyer becoming a big city dawg in Knoxville.
They will be receiving their certification of completion via mail!

Going from an anxious small town dog to a confident big city dawg running the daycare? That's what we love to see! 🐶

Sure, you could send your dog off to a board and train program and miss them for weeks - or you could learn to handle your dog yourself, strengthening bond and relationship between dog and owner.

At Compassion For Canines, we believe in teaching the owner how to train their dogs so they're not always relying on sessions with the trainer, and feel comfortable working alone. We give the education to help you understand what your dog is trying to say to you, then together we will get to the route of the problem for your dog.

If this sounds like what you've been waiting for, we'd love to hear from you!
To get started, private message the page or text (276) 494 9660 today! 🐾