CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Training isn’t just about teaching your dog a few useful behaviors- it’s about deepening your relationship. When you and your dog learn to communicate in a clear, positive way, everything becomes easier: daily routines, neighborhood walks, greeting new people, and those unpredictable moments when you need your dog’s attention quickly.

At Caring For Creatures, we see this transformation every day. Dogs who arrive nervous, overwhelmed, or unsure of themselves begin to blossom when they’re given structure, consistency, and confidence-building guidance. And we’re incredibly fortunate to have someone who helps make that possible.

Meet Our Trainer: Ashleigh Morris

We’re thrilled to introduce Ashleigh Morris, an experienced dog trainer who generously volunteers her time to work alongside our staff and support our dogs. Her approach is calm, positive, and rooted in trust – qualities that make an enormous difference for animals who come from a wide range of backgrounds.

Each month, Ashleigh collaborates with our in-house dog trainer, Wen. Together they evaluate dogs who need extra support and create individualized strategies tailored to each dog’s personality and pace. This teamwork ensures every dog receives thoughtful, consistent guidance- and that staff can confidently reinforce the techniques that help each dog thrive.

Whether she’s working with a shy newcomer or a high-energy pup still figuring things out, Ashleigh meets each dog exactly where they are. Her sessions help our dogs feel safe, understood, and proud of the progress they’re making. We couldn’t be more grateful for the heart and expertise she brings to our sanctuary family.

Introducing Our New Training Series

This article marks the launch of our new training series with Cville Right Now.

Every two months, we’ll share a new video and companion article highlighting practical, positive skills you can teach at home. Our goal is simple: help you build a stronger, more joyful partnership with your dog – one skill at a time.

We’re excited to take this learning journey with you and to guide you through each new installment as the series unfolds.

Why Training Matters—For Both Ends of the Leash

Dogs thrive when they understand what’s being asked of them. Clear, consistent skills give them structure, reduce stress, and make the world feel more predictable.

And here’s something many people don’t realize: most dogs don’t actually want to be in charge.
Being “the leader” means making all the decisions, assessing every sound, and staying alert for potential threats – it can be overwhelming. But if a dog senses that no one else is confidently leading, they’ll often step into that role themselves. That’s when behavioral issues commonly surface, leaving the human puzzled and the dog stressed.

When dogs feel they’re following a calm, competent, benevolent leader, they can finally relax. They can simply be dogs. One of Ashleigh’s students recently shared that her dog became noticeably calmer once he understood she had things under control. Before that, he was anxious, impulsive, and a handful – simply because he thought the job of “leader” fell to him.

When we build consistent routines and practice achievable skills, dogs become more confident and more connected to us. They begin to look to their person for guidance, making everyday life smoother and far more joyful.

Good training isn’t about obedience – it’s about partnership.

The First Three Skills Every Dog Should Learn

In our upcoming Cville Right Now video airing Dec. 4, Ashleigh demonstrates three foundational skills (we prefer “skills” over “commands”) that benefit every dog:

  1. Sit

A simple and powerful way to help your dog settle, greet politely, and stay focused. “Sit” creates a moment of calm your dog can return to anytime. Ashleigh often teaches sit as an appropriate alternative to jumping – a polite way for dogs to “ask” for what they want.

  1. Look

This teaches your dog to make eye contact – one of the strongest bonding and focus-building tools you can use. It’s usually the first skill Ashleigh introduces in private lessons and beginning classes. Students frequently share how “look” transforms their relationship, helping their dogs focus, respond more consistently, and feel more connected.

For reactive dogs, “look” is invaluable. Ashleigh has owners reward the behavior anytime it occurs naturally, helping their dogs learn to check in rather than react impulsively. It’s also a reliable way to redirect your dog from unwanted behaviors to more appropriate ones.

  1. Touch

A light, friendly nose-to-hand tap that’s fun, simple, and incredibly useful. “Touch” helps with redirection, confidence, and guiding your dog without pushing or pulling. It’s especially helpful for hand-shy dogs or those working through nipping tendencies, offering a positive, low-pressure way to interact and build trust.

Because it’s so easy to teach, Ashleigh introduces it early – giving humans a quick win and preventing frustration when a different skill feels challenging.

Each skill will receive its own five-minute segment in the video, showing you exactly how to introduce it and where to use it in daily life. They’re positive, approachable, and appropriate for any age or breed.

A Better Life Together

Training gives dogs the comfort of knowing what’s expected – and the joy of earning praise and rewards. For humans, it creates a more connected, confident relationship built on trust rather than force.

We hope you’ll tune in on December 4 as Ashleigh leads us through the first steps of this new training journey. And be sure to follow each new installment every two months on Cville Right Now’s website.

To learn more about Caring For Creatures, adoptable dogs, or ways to support our sanctuary, visit CaringForCreatures.org.