Carol's Canine Training and Behavior Counseling, LLC

08/31/2026

🐾 The question isn’t just, “Did the collar stop the behavior?” but “What did the dog learn?”

I rarely write about controversial training topics because I would much rather spend my time sharing science-based, humane strategies that help dogs and their people succeed. But lately, I’ve had a troubling number of calls from people whose dogs developed increased fear, anxiety, reactivity, avoidance, or aggression after being trained with shock collars.
And I think we need to have an honest conversation about why!

*A dog may stop barking.
*A dog may stop chasing.
*A dog may stop pulling.

But stopping a behavior doesn’t necessarily mean we changed the emotion underneath it. Sometimes we have simply taught the dog to be afraid of what happens when they behave a certain way. And that can come with a hidden cost.

There are decades of research examining the welfare and behavioral fallout associated with aversive training methods. We now know so much more about how dogs learn, how emotional experiences shape their behavior, and how important it is for dogs to feel safe to actually learn.

❤️ We can teach without fear.
❤️ We can teach without pain.
❤️ We can teach without intimidation.
❤️ And we can teach in ways that build confidence, trust, communication, and connection.

If you’ve ever wondered whether shock collars, e-collars, vibration, or electronic fences can affect more than just the behavior you’re trying to stop, I encourage you to read my newest blog:
“When Training Creates Fear: The Hidden Cost of Shock Collars.”

I’m not writing this to shame anyone who has used one. I’m writing it because our dogs deserve for us to keep learning, questioning outdated advice, and following the science.

Your dog’s life is short.
Let’s make the time we have with them humane, safe, and worth remembering for both of us. ❤️🐾

https://carolscaninetraining.com/training/hidden-cost-of-shock-collars/

08/30/2026

‼️WARNING! Another board and train incident!

These stories happen again and again!

Many board and train workers have no certifications.

Having a stranger train your dog is like having a stranger train your child and expecting you to have the bond.

The dog is always being a dog! We are training humans how to help a dog live in our human world.

You can’t modify behavior in a short time- ever tried to change a habit of your own? And we know the motivation behind why we want to modify our behavior!

I’ve worked with clients who have spent thousands with not only no results but damaging results due to the use of pain, harsh corrections or shock collars.

Beware!

Link in comments!

08/27/2026

Happy dog day!

08/26/2026

Canine Einstein class tonight.

If you haven’t been there , check it out.

It’s a fun gym with heart - trainers who truly care!

Check them out for learning and fun.

Canine Einstein

08/25/2026

I’m honored to receive an Emerging Talent badge, and I wanted to share a little about why I create the content I do.

Yes, I’m a Certified Behavior Consultant, Certified Dog Trainer, and Trauma-Informed Approach Practitioner – Canine. But first and foremost, I’m a dog lover, adopter, and rescuer. ❤️

That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing science-based, humane, force-free information that can help people better understand their dogs, strengthen their relationship, improve their dog’s quality of life—and ultimately help keep dogs out of shelters. Every day I get inquiries from people who have damaged their relationship with their dog from out of date training methods or tools that cause emotional pain, physical pain, damage to your relationship and more! It breaks my heart! 💔

But here’s something else about me:
I’m just like you.
I love my dogs, but I also have a busy life. I work with dogs all day. I don’t have unlimited time to train my own dogs, and I don’t spend all day practicing with them. I don’t compete in dog sports or strive for perfection.
I want what most people want:
Dogs I genuinely enjoy living with while making sure their needs are met.
I believe that’s a realistic and worthwhile goal.

Living with a dog doesn’t have to be complicated. But it does require us to understand who dogs are, recognize they too have needs, and be realistic about the world we ask them to live in.

Think about it—dogs live in a human world where we control so much of their lives. We decide when they eat, when they go outside, where they walk, who they meet, where they sleep, and even when they can use the bathroom.

And our rules often make very little sense from a dog’s perspective!
So when I write a blog, create a post, or share information, my goal is simple:
Make life better for both ends of the leash.

My goal is to share practical information that helps you understand your dog without making living with dogs feel like another full-time job.

You don’t need to be a perfect dog trainer.

You don’t need to spend hours training every day.

You do need to understand your dog, meet their needs, teach them how to successfully navigate our world, and build a relationship based on trust, safety and communication.

That’s what I hope to help you do. 🐶❤️

I hope you’ll enjoy my blogs, posts, and resources. They’re created for anyone who shares their life with dogs—because I’m right there with you.
https://carolscaninetraining.com/blog/

Carol’s Canine Training & Behavior Counseling, LLC

🎉 I earned the emerging talent badge this week, recognizing me for creating engaging content that sparks an interest among my fans!

08/25/2026

Stress hits us all - humans and dogs!

When you find ways to chill out, your pup benefits too!

Read more on reducing stress in my blog.

https://carolscaninetraining.com/training/why-managing-your-stress-matters-to-your-dog/

🐾🧘‍♂️🐶

In the entryway of my home sits a beautiful vase—simple, colorful, and uniquely shaped. I originally bought it because I loved the look and color and it

08/24/2026

🎉 I earned the emerging talent badge this week, recognizing me for creating engaging content that sparks an interest among my fans!

08/24/2026

Why isn’t “sit” in my behavior plan?

Because sometimes the goal isn’t training a behavior - it’s changing how the dog feels and the goal is also for my dog to feel safe and comfortable.

I want dogs to have the ability to move, explore, engage, disengage, relax or walk away when they need to.

If a dog is uncomfortable around a person, another dog, or a particular situation, asking them to sit and “tolerate” it can take away one of their most important coping strategies: the ability to control one’s own body, movements and to create distance. Imagine being in an uncomfortable situation and not having control over your ability to move your body or create distance.

Behavior change happens when dogs feel safe enough to make choices, not when they feel trapped or forced to endure something that makes them uncomfortable.

We want dogs to learn that they can communicate, that their choices matter, and that they don’t have to interact with something simply because we want them to. Giving a dog the ability to move away, opt out, or say “I’m not ready” can actually build trust and confidence—and ultimately create more relaxed, voluntary engagement over time as the dog feels safe and comfortable.

Sit can also be an unnatural and uncomfortable position for many dogs! Read more about why I don’t teach my own dogs to sit even in my blog on Teaching a Dog to Sit – “Sit Happens” – But Should It?” – Should SIT be the First Thing We Teach?

Photo credit Alvan Nee on Unsplash

08/23/2026

❤️🐾Thank you Kathi and Little Pine- so true!

08/21/2026

🐾 What’s the most important thing puppy guardians should know?

Proactive socialization is one of the best ways you can help set your puppy up for success as an adult. Think of it as a safeguard against future behavior issues—similar to how vaccines can safeguard and protect against illness. While socialization can’t guarantee a certain outcome, it gives your puppy valuable tools for navigating the world with confidence.

The adult dog you eventually live with is shaped by a combination of breed, genetics, early learning, life experiences, environment, and the more. Without careful socialization, you’re essentially gambling on what your puppy may look like behaviorally as an adult.

So, what does proper socialization actually mean? It’s not about meeting as many people and dogs as possible or checking off a giant list of experiences. Think quality over quantity. We want puppies to have positive, safe, age-appropriate experiences that build confidence and teach them how to successfully navigate our human world.

Want help getting your puppy started on the right paw? 🐶 Reach out today to schedule a private puppy session!




Photo by Camylla Battani on Unsplash