We’re Here to Help
Nashville Humane’s Community Resources program was created to be a backdrop, a safety net, for people and their pets to turn when they need help. Our pets are our family, and our greatest priority is to ensure that our families stay together, happy, and in the home. Sometimes pet owners need assistance with dog training or behavior management, but you may not know where to turn, or you may qualify for assistance. We can help.
Additionally, as a resource to the community, we want to provide valuable information about pet care, humane treatment of animals, tips for new pet owners, and information about city-wide programs like ‘Community Cats.’ Again, we’re here to help.
Dog Training
At Nashville Humane, we believe in what is commonly referred to as Fear Free or Force Free / low stress training. Basically, the core concept consists of being able to read their patient’s body language and understand when there are heightened and then respond to these cues to provide a calming, nurturing, and positive experience. Simply, pets are like us, they learn best when they’re calm and not afraid.
If you’re looking for a local training partner, here are a few links that might point you in the right direction.
We also have a Directory of Resources that includes some trainers we recommend
Contact Us if you have additional questions, want to see if you qualify for subsidized training, or need help with other options.
Behavior Management
In addition to training, another successful method that pet families can employ for some help with unwanted or negative behaviors, is called behavior management. Basically, behavior management refers to changing the environment to help prevent the pet from being in a situation to “fail.” Then practicing successes to ensure future successes down the line. Essentially, if we start putting our pup in a position to succeed, and we reinforce those successes, we’re going to see more success down the road. Sometimes, easier said than done, but here’s some links to articles that may help.
- Reducing Problems through Management
- Understanding Dog Body Language
- How to Redirect, Substitute, Reward
We also have a Directory of Resources that includes topics specifically for self-help and some really useful resources, podcasts, reading, etc.
Contact Us if you have additional questions, want to see if you qualify for subsidized training, or need help with other options.
Community Cats
Community cats (feral cats) are un-owned and generally non-socialized cats who, with the help of humane and effective programs such as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) and Return-to Field (RTF), may thrive in their outdoor homes. In 2016, Metro Nashville/Metro Animal Care & Control (MACC) implemented a Community cat policy for Davidson County/Nashville in an effort to manage the needs of our city and most effectively help ‘stray’ cats in our neighborhoods.
The Nashville Humane Association (NHA), incorporated in 1946 to protect the well-being of animals in Davidson County, is one of the oldest service organizations in Nashville. We are committed to finding responsible homes, controlling pet overpopulation, & promoting the humane treatment of animals.
