Shaw Shank Kennels

Shaw Shank Kennels Boarding, Breeding, Drop-ins, Dog Walking, Training, Whelping and Pet Transport

This is exactly the kind of care we strive for every single visit with your animals ❤️ thank you Michelle for trusting i...
05/26/2026

This is exactly the kind of care we strive for every single visit with your animals ❤️ thank you Michelle for trusting in me. Tucker and King were the best! 💕

Happy Memorial Day from your Shaw Shank family 💞
05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day from your Shaw Shank family 💞

Closing Call-to-Action PostIf you have a reactive dog, tell me:What’s your dog’s biggest trigger right now?And remember:...
05/24/2026

Closing Call-to-Action Post

If you have a reactive dog, tell me:

What’s your dog’s biggest trigger right now?

And remember:
Training isn’t about creating a perfect dog.
It’s about creating communication, trust, and safety.

8 — Realistic ExpectationsReactivity rehab is not linear.Some days will feel amazing.Some days will feel like setbacks.P...
05/23/2026

8 — Realistic Expectations

Reactivity rehab is not linear.

Some days will feel amazing.
Some days will feel like setbacks.

Progress often looks like:

Faster recovery
Smaller reactions
Better engagement
More distance tolerance
Better decision making

Not perfection.

And that’s okay.

A reactive dog can still live a happy, fulfilling life.

7 — Handler Energy MattersDogs are incredibly observant.If you tense the leash, panic, hold your breath, or anticipate a...
05/22/2026

7 — Handler Energy Matters
Dogs are incredibly observant.

If you tense the leash, panic, hold your breath, or anticipate a reaction every single walk… your dog notices.

Many reactive dogs start scanning because their handler is scanning.

That doesn’t mean reactivity is your fault.
But your body language absolutely affects your dog.

Try:

Breathing
Keeping leash pressure loose
Moving calmly
Creating distance early
Advocating confidently

Your dog needs guidance, not panic

6 — Neutrality Is the GoalNot every dog needs to love every dog or person.That’s a huge misconception.For many reactive ...
05/21/2026

6 — Neutrality Is the Goal

Not every dog needs to love every dog or person.

That’s a huge misconception.

For many reactive dogs, the goal is neutrality.

Can your dog:

Observe calmly?
Pass another dog without exploding?
Recover quickly?
Focus back on you?

That’s success.

Your dog does not need 100 dog friends.
They need stability, trust, and coping skills

5 — The Problem With FloodingFlooding is when a dog is exposed to too much stress all at once with no escape.Examples:Do...
05/20/2026

5 — The Problem With Flooding

Flooding is when a dog is exposed to too much stress all at once with no escape.

Examples:

Dog parks for fearful dogs
Crowded stores too early
Forced greetings
Holding a reactive dog near triggers until they ‘get over it’

Sometimes dogs shut down during flooding, and owners think:
‘Wow, they’re calmer.’

But shutdown is not confidence.

Real confidence looks like:

Loose body language
Curiosity
Ability to disengage
Taking food
Recovery after stress

Progress should build the dog up — not overwhelm them.

4 — Engagement Before ObedienceA lot of owners jump straight into obedience:Sit.Heel.Down.Leave it.But with reactive dog...
05/19/2026

4 — Engagement Before Obedience

A lot of owners jump straight into obedience:

Sit.
Heel.
Down.
Leave it.

But with reactive dogs, engagement comes first.

If your dog cannot mentally connect with you around triggers, obedience falls apart.

Start by rewarding:

Eye contact
Check-ins
Following you voluntarily
Calm disengagement

Choosing you over the environment

The goal is not robotic obedience.
The goal is relationship and communication.

3 — Stop Correcting Every EmotionThis one might surprise people.You should not punish every growl, bark, or emotional re...
05/18/2026

3 — Stop Correcting Every Emotion

This one might surprise people.

You should not punish every growl, bark, or emotional response.

Why?

Because suppression is not the same thing as rehabilitation.

If we only punish communication, many dogs learn:

‘I’m still uncomfortable… but now I’m not allowed to express it.’

That can create dogs that skip warnings altogether.

Instead:

Create distance
Lower stress
Teach alternative behaviors
Build engagement
Reward calm choices

Training should focus on emotional regulation, not just silence.

Address

Knoxville, TN

Telephone

+18653097293

Website

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