Here at Canine Behavioral Services Inc., we are a cohesive team of skilled, knowledgeable humans working alongside a group of experienced, behaviorally sound canines. Together, we use scientifically grounded, natural behavior training processes to help dogs safely extinguish undesirable behavior patterns while establishing positive behaviors that last for life.
No one can help a dog learn new, healthy behaviors more effectively than another dog.
That is the foundation of our work and the reason our methodology focuses on true behavior training rather than traditional obedience drills.
We accomplish this through a process we call Behavior Training.
Unlike obedience training, behavior training does not rely on repeated verbal commands or a dog’s willingness to comply in the moment. Instead, it creates a natural learning environment that teaches dogs how to independently choose appropriate behavior in real-world situations.
Obedience training often depends on verbal cues that break down under stress, distraction, or emotional pressure. Behavior training works at a deeper level. It conditions the dog to make the correct choice before being told, or without being told at all.
No verbal commands are required.
In short, behavior training teaches dogs how to consistently choose the right behavior in any situation, on their own. The result is reliable, long-term behavior change that holds up when it matters most.
An integral part of our all-natural approach to dog behavior training is what we call Pack Dynamic Training.
By pairing dogs that lack social confidence, or that struggle with appropriate social interaction, with our calm, confident, and experienced Pack Dogs, we create opportunities for meaningful social behavior improvement. This approach allows dogs to learn in ways that traditional training methods often cannot replicate.
Through consistent, positive interactions with our Pack Dogs, socially imbalanced dogs begin to feel more confident and naturally adopt more appropriate, socially acceptable behaviors.
Reaching this level of effectiveness has taken years of focused experience and careful refinement. It is also why we are able to successfully address behavioral challenges that have not improved through other training approaches.
We achieve these results primarily through structured play and guided social interaction, without the use of force or verbal commands.
No shock collars.
No pinch collars.
No anger.
No intimidation.
Supervised play and safe, structured social interaction increase a dog’s comfort level and emotional stability, which in turn strengthens their ability and willingness to learn.
Dogs who complete our Natural Behavior Training programs often leave with a greater sense of calm and confidence, appearing to believe that choosing better behavior was their own decision.
With consistent follow-through from the owner, these positive behavioral changes can be long-lasting.
Dogs who participate in our Pack Dynamic Training process consistently find the experience enriching and rewarding. We encourage prospective clients to review our testimonials to learn more about what other owners have experienced with Canine Behavioral Services.
To our knowledge, no other trainer in the area offers this level of comprehensive natural behavior training supported by an experienced, well-balanced pack.
In our force-free Natural Behavior Training programs, we rely on scientifically sound and proven safe practices, protocols, and techniques. These dog-centric learning processes are designed to help both dogs and their owners achieve meaningful, lasting behavior change through natural learning.
Our Natural Behavior Training approach does not rely on pain, force, intimidation, or repeated verbal commands to gain compliance. In fact, our process is intentionally designed to avoid those methods altogether.
We do not use force.
We do not use electronic collars, remote training collars, shock collars, pinch collars, prong collars, or any tool or technique that causes pain when a dog makes an incorrect choice. Undesirable behavior is often the result of ineffective training or unclear learning environments, not defiance or stubbornness.
Through Natural Behavior Training, we work with dogs experiencing a wide range of undesirable behaviors.
This approach is particularly effective for dogs struggling with fear-based or anxiety-based behaviors, where emotional state plays a significant role in behavior.
Our methodology is also capable of addressing many levels of aggression by focusing on emotional regulation, social learning, and appropriate behavioral choice rather than suppression.
By applying proven principles of classical and operant conditioning, while thoughtfully leveraging the natural benefits of allelomimetic behavior and social facilitation, we help dogs learn in ways that are intuitive, safe, and sustainable. This combination allows us to support dogs and their owners through behavior challenges using methods that are not commonly found in traditional training environments.
Through our exclusive Pack Dynamic Training process, our experienced trainers intentionally leverage natural canine learning mechanisms to support meaningful behavior change.
This methodology is built around the principles of allelomimetic behavior, which describes learning through observation and imitation, and social facilitation, where the presence and behavior of other dogs naturally influence decision-making and emotional regulation.
By thoughtfully guiding interactions between dogs and a stable, well-balanced Pack, we create an environment where appropriate behaviors are learned organically rather than enforced. This allows dogs to practice better behavioral choices in real-world contexts, supported by social structure instead of pressure or verbal instruction.
The result is a training process that feels intuitive to dogs and produces durable outcomes for both dogs and their owners.
What EXACTLY is Allelomimetic Behavior & Social Facilitation? (definitions below from Wikipedia)
While we strongly believe there is no better way to help a dog improve their own behavior, we do not claim that this all-natural process makes us better than other trainers or training methods. That judgment is not ours to make, nor do we claim to have invented this approach.
What we can confidently state is that our Pack Dynamic Training process is proprietary, carefully developed, and proven effective. It intentionally harnesses the natural influence of calm, confidently balanced dogs to help socially imbalanced dogs learn more appropriate and desirable behaviors through safe, guided interaction.
Reaching this level of effectiveness has taken many years of focused work, refinement, and experience. As a result, we are uniquely qualified in both our capabilities and the resources required to carry out this process correctly and responsibly.
Dogs who participate in our Pack Dynamic Training process consistently find the experience enriching and rewarding. We encourage prospective clients to review our testimonials to learn more about what other owners have shared regarding their experiences with Canine Behavioral Services Inc.
Our proprietary Pack Dynamic Training process is not offered anywhere else in Rhode Island, and we are confident in that distinction.
Almost every day, we are asked which training method we use.
In recent years, it has become common for trainers, both new and established, to define themselves by a single labeled methodology. Some rely exclusively on electronic collars, while others commit entirely to one narrowly defined approach such as clicker-based training. In our experience, adopting a single method as a universal solution often limits outcomes and fails to serve the wide range of dogs and owners who need help.
No single training method is appropriate for every dog.
Dogs differ in temperament, history, emotional state, learning style, and environmental influences. Expecting one approach to address all behavioral challenges overlooks these important variables and can prevent meaningful progress.
Rather than limiting ourselves to a singular training label, we recognize that multiple force-free methods can have value when applied thoughtfully and responsibly. More importantly, we ground our work in a consistent set of foundational principles that guide how learning occurs, how behavior changes, and how dogs develop confidence and stability over time.
These core principles form the foundation of our Natural Behavior Training approach:
The Humane Hierarchy, as it applies to dog training, is a position statement established by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). It outlines minimum standards of care and ethical decision-making for training and behavior modification.
The Humane Hierarchy provides a structured framework for selecting training protocols by prioritizing the dog’s physical and emotional well-being. Recommended practices are applied in a deliberate, descending order, ensuring that less intrusive and less aversive options are considered before more intensive interventions.
This framework supports thoughtful, responsible decision-making and reinforces the importance of using humane, evidence-based methods when addressing behavior challenges.
For more information regarding The Humane Hierarchy – Click Here.“A dog’s ability and readiness to properly meet the demands of domestic life is only half provided by its biological predisposition (Nature) – the other half is realized by the effects of socialization and training (Nurture). Without the guidance of a calm, assertive and effective Leader, a dog’s social adjustment and ability to respond well to an owner may suffer irreparable damage.
A calm, consistent and assertive owner can assist in guiding a dog’s choices until it is properly socialized and trained to make the correct and “balanced” choices on its own. In order to accept our Leadership, a dog must adopt a submissive and cooperative attitude at a very early stage of development and remain that way for the rest of its life.
In order to obtain true Leadership status, one must establish social limits (not permitting dogs to jump up, bite hands/mouthing, not pull on leash, etc.), maintain personal space limits, and develop a cooperative relationship based on gentle and positive compliance training and be able to apply corrective measures when necessary. As a result of these efforts, the dog will naturally become increasingly affectionate and cooperative.
Once basic social boundaries are established, other behavioral objectives are rapidly achieved by presenting or omitting rewards, such as affection, food, play and other activities or resources that the dog may desire to obtain.”
– Steven R. Lindsay, Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training
Dog owners are often presented with a wide and sometimes overwhelming range of training methods. This abundance of options can create confusion, stress, and uncertainty, especially for well-meaning owners who simply want to make the best decision for their dog.
One of the most important things to understand is that no single training method is appropriate for every dog. Dogs vary widely in temperament, history, emotional state, learning style, and environment. Choosing a training approach without first understanding the individual dog can limit progress and, in some cases, create additional challenges.
Be cautious of any trainer who promotes one rigid method as a universal solution or who recommends a specific approach without first evaluating your dog. Effective training should be adaptable, thoughtful, and based on both the dog’s needs and well-established learning principles.
The best training approach is one that prioritizes your dog’s emotional well-being, uses force-free and evidence-based practices, and is tailored to support long-term behavior change rather than short-term compliance. A qualified trainer should be willing to explain their methodology, assess your dog as an individual, and adjust their approach as needed to achieve meaningful, lasting results.
The most effective way to train a dog is to use an approach that the individual dog finds engaging, understandable, and rewarding. When training is enjoyable and meaningful to the dog, learning is more likely to occur and positive behavior changes are more likely to last.
Dogs vary widely in temperament, motivation, emotional state, and learning style. Because of these differences, no single training method can meet the needs of every dog in every situation.
Effective training should be adaptable and responsive to the individual dog. A qualified trainer will observe how a dog learns best and adjust techniques accordingly, using force-free and evidence-based methods that support confidence, clarity, and long-term success rather than rigid adherence to a single approach.
Separation anxiety is often rooted in a dog’s emotional state and sense of safety rather than a lack of obedience or training. Our approach focuses on addressing those underlying emotional drivers through calm structure, social stability, and natural learning.
When a dog arrives for training, the first priority is helping them feel safe and settled in their new environment. We allow time for natural environmental acclimation, which typically takes several days. During this period, no demands are placed on the dog. Instead, the focus is on comfort, predictability, and gentle exposure to daily routines and social surroundings.
Dogs are introduced gradually to our well-balanced Pack and daily structure. This includes time spent near calm, confident Pack Dogs, which helps create a sense of normalcy and emotional stability. When an anxious dog observes other dogs remaining relaxed and at ease in the same environment, it can help reduce stress responses and support emotional regulation through social learning.
This process is carefully supervised and adjusted to the individual dog. In many cases, dogs who struggle with separation-related behaviors elsewhere show noticeable improvement while in this structured, socially supportive setting. For dogs with more severe anxiety, progress may take additional time, but even temporary relief can provide valuable insight into what the dog needs to feel secure.
While every dog is different and outcomes cannot be guaranteed, this approach often gives dogs and their owners a meaningful break from chronic anxiety and helps establish a foundation for continued improvement once the dog returns home.
While Pack Dynamic Training is highly effective for addressing dog-to-dog challenges, its benefits extend well beyond social issues with other dogs. Working in a structured environment alongside calm, well-balanced Pack Dogs supports improvement across a wide range of behavioral concerns.
Spending time with behaviorally stable dogs allows your dog to observe, practice, and adopt healthier behavioral patterns in real-world situations. Even dogs that are already comfortable around other dogs can benefit from this environment, as it reinforces emotional regulation, impulse control, and appropriate responses to everyday stressors. Dogs naturally learn from one another, and well-balanced dogs provide consistent, non-verbal examples of calm behavior that humans cannot replicate in the same way.
For this reason, Pack Dynamic Training is commonly used to support dogs with behavioral challenges that are not strictly social in nature.
Some of the undesirable behaviors we regularly work with include:
Separation anxiety, from mild to severe
Dog-to-dog aggression
Human or stranger-directed aggression
Fear-based behaviors and phobias
Jumping on people
Impulse control challenges
Difficulty coming when called
Poor or inconsistent canine social behaviors
Reliability of obedience-related behaviors
Hyper-excitability and over-stimulation
All training programs also include daily foundational exercises designed to support long-term behavior change, such as impulse control training, loose-leash walking, on-leash greetings, and reliable recall.
Our Pack is a carefully selected group of behaviorally balanced, socially stable dogs who play an active role in our Pack Dynamic Training process. These dogs are calm, confident, and emotionally regulated, making them effective role models for dogs that are struggling with behavior challenges.
At present, our Pack includes approximately a dozen dogs. This number may change over time, as new dogs may be invited to join when it is mutually beneficial for both the Pack and the individual dog. Every Pack member is selected intentionally and integrated thoughtfully to preserve balance, stability, and safety.
The effectiveness of the Pack lies in how dogs naturally learn. Dogs are highly social animals, and they are strongly influenced by the behavior of other dogs around them. When a dog observes calm, appropriate behavior being consistently modeled by multiple Pack members, it becomes easier for that dog to regulate emotions, reduce stress responses, and practice healthier behavioral choices.
This form of learning cannot be replicated through human instruction alone. Well-balanced dogs provide non-verbal feedback, social cues, and behavioral examples that feel intuitive and natural to other dogs.
For more information about each Pack member, including their individual roles and responsibilities, we invite you to visit our Meet the Pack page.
This is a common and understandable question. Developing and maintaining a well-balanced, working Pack requires an extraordinary level of long-term commitment, resources, and experience.
Building a Pack capable of supporting other dogs does not happen quickly. The dogs in our Pack did not begin as naturally balanced or ready for this role. Each one required extensive time, thoughtful rehabilitation, and careful training to reach a level of emotional stability and reliability that allows them to safely and effectively support other dogs.
Maintaining a Pack of this nature also involves significant ongoing responsibility. The time, cost, and daily effort required to care for multiple dogs, including training, enrichment, veterinary care, and supervision, can be substantial. This level of commitment extends every day, without breaks, and is not feasible for many trainers or facilities.
In addition, it is exceptionally challenging to train a group of dogs to remain calm, neutral, and non-reactive around dogs exhibiting high-arousal or stress-based behaviors. This type of balance cannot be achieved through shortcuts. It requires years of consistent work, careful observation, and continual reinforcement of appropriate behavior within the Pack itself.
Our results are directly tied to this process. We would not be able to achieve the outcomes we are known for without a Pack that has been intentionally developed and maintained over many years.
Every Pack member came to us with their own challenges. Many were rescued from situations where they were not thriving, had cycled through multiple unsuccessful programs, or were at risk of long-term shelter placement. Through patient, force-free guidance and structured learning, these dogs found stability and balance. Today, they play an essential role in helping other dogs do the same.
For more information about each Pack member and their individual roles, we invite you to visit our Meet the Pack page.
Meaningful, long-term behavior change takes time. When training is approached thoughtfully and without force, the timeline must reflect the dog’s individual needs rather than an artificially imposed schedule.
Behavior modification using natural, force-free methods cannot be rushed without compromising results. While some approaches aim for rapid behavioral suppression, those methods often rely on tools or techniques that prioritize speed over understanding and may not produce lasting change. Our focus is on helping dogs truly learn and retain healthier behavioral patterns.
At Canine Behavioral Services, we begin every program by allowing the dog adequate time to acclimate to their new environment. This acclimation period may take several days or longer, depending on the dog. Training does not begin until the dog feels safe, comfortable, and emotionally settled, as this foundation is critical for effective learning.
In some cases, we may recommend extending a dog’s stay to ensure the best possible outcome. When we request an extension, it is based solely on the dog’s progress and well-being, and there is no additional charge to the owner.
We understand that sending a dog away for an extended period can feel challenging for owners. However, dogs experience time differently than humans. In a structured, enriching environment with consistent routines, social interaction, and purposeful activity, dogs typically adapt quickly and remain engaged throughout their stay. Rather than feeling distressed, most dogs find their time here fulfilling and beneficial.
Our program length reflects a commitment to doing the work thoroughly and responsibly, with the goal of achieving durable behavior change that continues long after the dog returns home.
At Canine Behavioral Services Inc., we do not begin with a predetermined training method that must be applied to every dog. Our approach is holistic, force-free, and intentionally flexible, allowing each dog’s temperament, history, and learning style to guide how training is applied. This individualized process helps ensure that training is both effective and appropriate for the dog in front of us.
Our work is guided by well-established ethical standards, including the LIMA Principle, which stands for Least Invasive, Minimally Aversive. In practice, this means we prioritize the most gentle, least intrusive techniques possible while minimizing the use of aversive interventions. We also follow the Humane Hierarchy, a decision-making framework published by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), which supports humane, evidence-based training and behavior modification.
A key differentiator of our work is the role of our well-balanced Pack of dogs. These dogs are carefully selected and trained to support our Pack Dynamic Training process, providing calm, consistent social models that help other dogs learn more appropriate behaviors through natural interaction. This pack-based environment allows us to address behavioral challenges in ways that human-only training cannot replicate.
In addition to Pack Dynamic Training, we offer a range of programs designed to meet dogs where they are. These include foundational training options for puppies, private in-home sessions, and other services tailored to less complex behavioral needs. This breadth of offerings allows us to support a wide range of dogs and owners with thoughtful, individualized solutions.
Our goal is not quick compliance, but meaningful, long-term behavior change achieved through humane methods, careful observation, and respect for each dog as an individual.
Here is what we know.
By taking a scientifically sound, all-natural approach to dog training and prioritizing each dog’s individual needs and motivations, we are able to guide dogs toward choosing appropriate, desirable behaviors on their own. This process does not rely on repeated verbal commands or harsh corrective techniques.
Natural Behavior Training removes the need for force, intimidation, or tools designed to create compliance through discomfort. Approaches that depend on these methods may carry unnecessary risks, can strain the relationship between a dog and their owner, and often fail to produce lasting results.
Our philosophy is grounded in working with a dog’s natural learning process, without fear or pain. When dogs feel safe, understood, and motivated, meaningful behavior change becomes possible and sustainable.
Whether your goal is improving loose-leash walking or addressing more complex behavioral challenges, Canine Behavioral Services Inc. has the professional experience and proven methodology to support long-term improvement and greater balance at home.
We understand that choosing the right trainer is an important decision, and we appreciate the time you have taken to learn about our approach. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your dog’s needs, please contact us. We are here to support you every step of the way.
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