Site Map

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Welcome to The Cooperative Canine! Our home page offers an overview of the information you will find as you delve deeper into our website, making it quick and easy for you to find the information you are looking for. 

1. We have Locations in Nashville, TN and Portland, OR. 
2. Our Nashville service area includes: West Nashville, East Nashville, Downtown Nashville & The Urban Core, North Nashville, South Nashville, Franklin, Cool Springs, Brentwood, Madison, Donelson, Hermitage, Old Hickory and Mt. Juliet.
3. Our Portland service area includes: North Portland, Northeast Portland, Southeast Portland, Southwest Portland, Northwest Portland, The West Hills, East Portland, Gresham, Beaverton, Tigard, Aloha, Lake Oswego, Clackamas and Happy Valley
4. We also offer Virtual dog training sessions for anyone within the United States.
5. Our Nashville services page has a breakdown of our various dog training, behavior modification training and pet sitting services available and their prices. Also, be sure to read the testimonials from our many satisfied customers. And if you and your pup are one of our satisfied customers in Nashville, we'd appreciate it if you'd please leave us a review!
6. Find out what makes our Nashville, TN dog training and pet sitting services unique! Learn more about our basic manners dog training, dog behavior modification training, positive reinforcement puppy training, stay and train program, overnight pet sitting and day care pet sitting.
7. Are you looking to hire a pet sitter? Be sure to download our FREE Professional Pet Sitter Checklist—your go-to guide for choosing a pet sitter you can truly trust. 
8. We also would love for you to meet our Nashville Team of certified dog trainers and pet sitters. They are ready to meet you and your dog, so please reach out to schedule a consultation!
9. Our Portland services page has a breakdown of our various dog training, behavior modification training and pet sitting services available and their prices. Be sure to also check out the testimonials from our many satisfied customers. And if you and your pup are one of our satisfied customers in Portland, we'd appreciate it if you'd please leave us a review!
10. Find out what makes our Portland, OR dog training and pet sitting services unique! Learn more about our basic manners dog training, dog behavior modification training, positive reinforcement puppy training, stay and train program, overnight pet sitting and day care pet sitting.
11. We also would love for you to meet our Portland Team of certified dog trainers and pet sitters. They are ready to meet you and your dog, so please reach out to schedule a consultation!
12. If you're not located in Nashville or Portland, no problem! We can still work with you and your dog via our Virtual Dog Training services. We offer basic manners training, behavior coaching and puppy training. You will also find reviews and client testimonials, meet our virtual dog trainer and find answers to our most frequently asked questions  about virtual dog training. If you still have questions, please don't hesitate to contact us or, of course, to schedule your virtual dog training consultation!  And if you and your pup are one of our satisfied virtual dog training clients, we'd appreciate it if you'd please leave us a review!
13. Learn about The Cooperative Canine and read the Founder's Note from owner Telani Lasoleille where she shares her story and how she became passionate about and committed to force-free, fear-free dog training.
14. If you have any questions at all, we invite you to check out our FAQ page where we've compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions and the answers. You will find answers to general pet sitting and dog training questions, questions about education and certifications, common dog training questions and our policies. If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
15. If you're interested in a career with The Cooperative Canine, be sure to check out our current job openings and submit an application.
16. We have many ways for you to contact us, whether you have a general inquiry, or want to book a training session or consultation, send us an email, or call our Nashville location or call our Portland location or call to discuss our Virtual Training services.
17. Never miss out on our latest promotions, news, tips and tricks for keeping your dog happy and well mannered! Be sure to subscribe to our E-Newsletter to receive notifications whenever new blog posts and specials are published.
18. Another way to keep in the know, is to join us on our socials! Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Google Business Nashville and Google Business Portland.
19. Don't forget to visit our online store for some fun designs on your favorite items.
20. Pet care and dog training is our passion, so we strive to ensure that our dog training and pet care blog articles equip all pet guardians with the information and knowledge that enables them to make the best and most informed decisions about their training and pet care needs for all involved: humans AND pets. 

You can also search our dog training and pet care blog articles by categories such as:

• Dog Behavior Tips
• Dog Training Tips & Tricks
• Dog Training Tools
• Dog World News
• Featured
• Hiring a Dog Trainer
• Insights
• Pet Health and Safety
• Puppy Care

Or go directly to the dog training and pet care blog articles that best answers your questions:

This provides useful infomration and  vital training tips to prepare you and your pets to be ready when severe weather strikes.

If you've added a new puppy to your family and are feeling overwhelmed, or just want to set your new puppy up for success, you will find lots of useful and helpful information in this article, as well as some puppy training tips.

If you're on our website, then it's a fairly good guess that you are researching and looking for a great dog trainer. While we hope you will hire us, our greatest concern is that you hire the right dog trainer for you and your best friend. In this article, you will learn the importance of these 6 characteristics of a great dog trainer: 1) your trainer is certified 2) your trainer is force-free 3) your trainer is insured 4) your trainer fits your training needs 5) your trainer has excellent reviews 6) your trainer provides good value for their cost.  Check out our Cooperative Canine training options, and please reach out! We'd love to hear from you and help you on your training journey.   

In this article, The Cooperative Canine owner Telani Lasoleille discusses the  possible reasons for sudden behavior changes in your dog and how to rule out these alternative causes for sudden dog behavior changes before you hire a dog behaviorist.

Whether you are getting a puppy or an adult dog, this articles explains why training is always an important part of successfully integrating your new family member into your home. 

There are many dog trainers who use “training collars.” This term refers to several types of collars that “correct” a dog’s behavior. In this article, you will learn what the various types of training collars are and how they "work". You will also learn what sets The Cooperative Canine apart - their use of force-free, fear-free training techniques.

It might surprise you to know that dogs don’t need training. Dogs behave in exactly the way they need to meet their needs. Read on in this article to learn more about how force-free, fear-free dog training principles allow your dog to still be a dog, while helping them adjust to a life of domestication. 

Are you and your dog out of sync? Does it seem like your dog just isn't getting it? Sometimes no matter how hoard you try, it can feel like you and your dog are on different pages. In this article, Telani explains why you may be experiencing these obstacles in your dog's training. 

In April 2023, England announced the ban on shock collars. While several other countries enjoy a ban on shock collars, unfortuantely the United States are not one of them. However, we as individuals, can make the informed personal decision NOT to use them. We, here at The Cooperative Canine, are on board with that decision and are ready to help you achieve positive results without the use of electronic shock collars.

Looking for a dog trainer should be fairly easy, right? You get on Google and search for “dog trainer” or maybe “dog trainer, city.” You get a page full of results. How do you know which dog trainer to choose? Which one is the best? Which one is the most budget friendly? In search of these answers, most people go to the reviews. Reviews are just as frustrating, because all the trainers have 5-star reviews, and you don't even know if they're real, because the review-writing industry is booming. So what are you supposed to do? Read on in this article to learn more about what all of these things mean, and how to decode the language of dog training.

Like many, my love for dogs began in childhood, but my true understanding of their needs didn’t come until much later. My journey into force-free dog training started when I got my first dog as an adult and sought out the right guidance. Learning from a compassionate, science-based dog trainer changed everything—it reshaped how I saw dogs, their behavior, and our role in meeting their needs. Now, as a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant, I help dogs and their guardians build trust, understanding, and lasting bonds. My mission is to empower others with the knowledge and tools to train their dogs humanely and effectively. Read my full story to see where I’ve been—and where I’m going. 

Understanding dog behavior is the first step to understanding our furry best friends. In this article, Telani gives you a glimpse into the world of dog behavior.  Dogs, like all animals, seek rewards and avoid discomfort—every behavior serves a purpose. Tools like prong, choke, and shock/e-collars work by causing pain, fear, or stress to suppress unwanted behaviors rather than addressing their root cause. Instead, humane dog training focuses on understanding and meeting a dog’s underlying needs, leading to lasting, positive behavior change. If we can train dolphins and zoo animals without force, why should dogs be any different? We'd love to show you force-free, fear-free, positive reinforcement training methods that work! Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

Learn why order matters in giving dog training cues and is essential for effective communication, behavior modification, and cue reinforcement. Discover strategies to prevent poisoned cues, , where a dog associates a command with something unpleasant, and improve dog training success throuch clear communication that your dog can understand.  Want to improve your dog training success? Work with a professional dog trainer—we offer in-person sessions in Nashville, TN, and Portland, OR, plus virtual dog training anywhere in the U.S. Get started today! 

Bringing a dog into your home is an exciting decision, but choosing the right breed is essential for a happy and successful companionship. Our guide on dog breed selection covers everything you need to consider—energy levels, temperament, living space, grooming needs, and health factors—to help you make an informed choice. We also explore the truth about doodles and designer breeds, debunking common myths about hypoallergenic coats and temperament predictability. Whether you're adopting from a rescue or working with a breeder, we’ll help you navigate ethical sourcing and responsible decision-making. Need expert guidance? Our dog behavior trainers can assist with breed selection and smooth introductions to ensure a stress-free transition for you and your new furry friend. 

Anxiety in dogs is more common than many people realize. In this article, learn to understand canine anxiety and recognizing the signs of anxiety in dogs. Telani also explains how to create a sense of safety for your dog and shares some training strategies and additional support aids for reducing anxiety. The Cooperative Canine always takes a compassionate approach to training and that's never more crucial than when working with anxious and fearful dogs.

Many dog guardians turn to obedience dog trainers for help with behavior - but there’s another way. Learn how welfare-based dog training takes a kinder, more cooperative approach. In this article, Telani explains What Sets Welfare-Based Dog Training Apart from Traditional Methods and how welfare-based dog training differs from traditional obedience dog training. She also explores the key differences between welfare-based training and traditional dog training methods and answers the question "Does welfare-based training work?" Spoiler alert: the answer is "Absolutely it does!"

Need help choosing the right pet sitter?  Whether you're looking for daily visits, a reliable dog sitter, or overnight pet care, this guide will help you find a professional who meets your standards—and truly cares about your pet’s well-being. We cover what to look for in a sitter’s experience, training and credentials, communication style, reviews, insurance, policies, and their approach to gentle, force-free care. Plus, why a meet-and-greet is always a must before booking. 

Make sure to check back often, or sign up to be notified by email, as we add more helpful and resourceful dog training and pet care articles to our blog.