The Virtuous Dog

Carrie is one of my rockstar students. Still looking for her forever home.

These are challenging times but also the best time to work on your relationship with your fuzzy friend. Schedule your consultation today! We offer virtual training. #AdoptCarrie 2 Mutts Love

Behavior is so much more than how you raise them.

New year, new beginnings! That is my theme for 2020. I am so happy to announce that Tiger’s adoption was made official last Saturday! The first days and weeks after adoption are critical to a shelter dog and adopter compliance makes all the difference. Tiger could not have dreamed of a more perfect and patient family and he is giving the love back tenfold. As a trainer and behavior professional I have to make difficult decisions on a regular basis. I wish I had a crystal b...all. Instead, I have very specific criteria to help me anticipate successful outcomes. More than anything, I need a dog to show me something worth fighting for. Tiger showed me that he was gentle, forgiving, fun-loving, eager to learn new things but also frightened and guarded in a shelter setting. For my part, I promised him that I would keep him safe, teach him new things at a pace that was slow and comfortable and introduce him to new people who respected his boundaries. From that foundation we built a beautiful relationship. No shock. No prong. Just good, science-based training methods. Tiger’s journey began in one shelter and, thankfully, he was graciously accepted to transfer with me to The Humane Society of Lebabon County where his potential was realized. There were many times along the way when I felt like all was hopeless that we would ever find just the right home for him. Somehow a voice of reason always persuaded me to dig deeper and fight harder. Dogs like Tiger take a village and oh what a beautiful village he has! To all the volunteers (angels) and friends who have worked beside me to give Tiger this new opportunity, thank you! He wouldn’t be here without you. Today, on New Year’s Day, I am wishing a Happy New Life to Tiger and all of the shelter dogs that are worth fighting for. The Virtuous Dog Humane Society of Lebanon County. Cheddar Paws Dog Art