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Providing Wholistic Training Solutions to Our Clients in Western North Carolina Since 2002

Our Mission is to Help Dogs and Their Humans attain a Mutual Understanding Thru the Use of Compassionate Force Free Training Methods.

Our Training Philosophies are Based on Effective Leadership, Scientific Methods, and are Client Friendly.

We are Veterinarian, and Client Approved.

Certified, Ethical, Knowledgable.

Advocates Against Shock Collar Training

Based on current scientific evidence, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends that only reward-based training methods are used for all dog training, including the treatment of behavior problems.

Nan was recommended by my dog’s foster mom. I found her to be extremely professional and so wise about dogs. My dog, a rescue (and part Jack Russell) took to her immediately. Not only was she kind and knowledgable, she was an excellent role model for me and for my husband. After just a few sessions, we started to respond differently to our dog and he has calmed down considerably.
I highly recommend Nan as a trainer. She has given us the confidence and skill to deal with our lovable but highly energetic dog. And she accomplished this with gentleness and positivity, not physical intimidation.

Ellen Marsh

Nan trains with gentleness and positivity…

I have known Nan for over ten years and I have yet to meet anyone who understands dogs and dog behavior like she does. Her focus on positive reinforcement and working with each dog’s unique personality and needs, has helped many dogs and their humans develop wonderful bonds and happy relationships. She cemented my beliefs on holistic dog nutrition and treatment, and as I love dogs at least, if not more than humans, I know her to be a kindred spirit.

Barbara Connold

I have yet to meet anyone who understands dog behavior like she does…

Don’t Dogs Lives Matter Too?

July 9, 2024July 9, 2024 by Nan Long

I’m so confused. As a society we seemed to have had a huge paradigm shift toward being kind, thoughtful and compassionate. Honoring the needs of others is our mantra, except in dog training. I see a consistent shift towards more support of aversive based trainers. Shock collars, choke chains and other punitive methods are being … Continue reading Don’t Dogs Lives Matter Too?

Aversives have no place in dog training

June 11, 2024June 11, 2024 by Nan Long

Aversives are methods that use something unpleasant to the dog that is used to suppress or diminish an unwanted behavior. They do not modify behaviors they only suppress behaviors. They come with too great a risk for the dog and can increase problem behaviors. Examples of aversive equipment are shock collar (aka e-collar, electric collar) … Continue reading Aversives have no place in dog training

Dogs are Sentient Beings with Emotions

May 13, 2024May 13, 2024 by Nan Long

We need to be the guardian of our dogs’ by watching over, and protecting, not punishing and forcing. Depending on genetics and their past history, they can struggle with things in their life. We can make our dogs do things, in a way that suits us, or we can give them agency and honor their … Continue reading Dogs are Sentient Beings with Emotions

Foraging For Meals

January 16, 2024 by Nan Long

We are always learning to help improve our training methods and behavioral science. Lately I’ve come across some information about better helping meet our dogs needs. And the methods aren’t difficult at all. I started using one of the enrichment exercises for food foraging. ItInvolves my dogs using their sniffing for obtaining their meal. I … Continue reading Foraging For Meals

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