Community Outreach

Sometimes it’s hard to be a dog owner. With few regulations on what qualifies a dog trainer, inhumane items on the shelves, and trying to navigate through the “wild west” of dog ownership is frustrating. However, Dog-Harmony is here to help! We focus on humane education and fear-free training methods that benefit our community.

Training Support & Education

Since Dog-Harmony was founded by a certified professional dog trainer, Dog-Harmony provides specialized recommendations to dog trainers that operate with LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) principles as endorsed by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). And, in special cases, Dog-Harmony does offer free training. To learn more, visit our training page.

Still, if a dog owner is just in need of a bit of advice, this website is a great tool for learning all you can about being a pet parent. Head to our Educational Links page to learn more, and if one of those articles does not answer your question, reach out to us at hello@dog-harmony.org.

Swap-It-Out

In following Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) strategies as endorsed by the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), Dog-Harmony opposes the use of prong and/or shock collars, as studies show they are ineffective and inhumane training tools. So, in hopes to reduce the use of these tools, Dog-Harmony offers community members the opportunity to Swap It Out. Community members can bring their prong and/or shock collars to Dog-Harmony, and we will replace it with a free, effective tool—like a front-hook harness—in addition to providing a free loose-leash walking lesson at Dog-Harmony Headquarters. If you’re ready to Swap It Out, contact hello@dog-harmony.org.

Puppy PAWrents

We also provide new puppy owners the chance to tune into a monthly video call to talk through any and all questions they may have as a new Puppy PAWrent. From what to feed them to tips and tricks to keep them from destroying yet another remote control, no topic is off limits, and that month’s hosting trainer will also lead the conversation to cover information PAWrents may not have thought of before. Visit our Puppy PAWrents page to learn more or sign up for the next call.

Community Events

However, providing educational resources to community members is not the only support Dog-Harmony provides. In hopes to be the best neighbors we can be, Dog-Harmony also assists with events for other nonprofits in the area—like Children in Crisis—providing dogs for clinics, events, and celebrations. If your nonprofit would like us to assist with an event, contact hello@dog-harmony.org.

Shelter Support

In addition to our programs for the public, we work to provide additional support to shelters in our area. While the level of support remains tailored to the individual needs of the shelter, we—in general—provide dog training consulting and volunteer training assistance by credentialed dog trainers, free educational and enrichment resources, and donation transportation and drop off.

We help build relationships and facilitate support between shelters in our area to benefit our community overall.

These programs are made possible through donations from supporters like you. Visit our support page to donate today.