TN Safety Spotters "Animal Friends Teaching Children"

Be careful when asking for help from an animal behaviorist. Most dog trainers are certified to apply behavioral modification in their instructions.
Like with dog trainers it’s unregulated and anyone can call themselves a behaviorist. As a behavioral consultant my training was included in my certication to become a professional dog trainer and certified to apply b mod.
Most good consultants have several Certified Behavioralists including Veterinary Behavioralists to refer when they need to. They will help identify the cause of your dog’s problem behavior and then create a customized treatment plan.

The only people officially titled “animal behaviorists” are those certified by the Animal Behavior Society (ABS). The ABS offers two levels of certification. Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists have a Master’s Degree in a biological or behavioral science and at least two years of professional experience in the field. Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists have a doctorate in biological or behavioral science with five years of professional experience in the field. Certification helps ensure that the person you’re hiring has the key skills and knowledge and has to recertify every 3 years.

It’s important to look for professionals with the proper education and experience and ask when selecting one who they are certified with. You can start here.

https://iaabc.org
http://www.ccpdt.org/dog-owners/how-to-choose-a-dog-trainer/

This is our last post. We are in the process of dissolving Tn Safety Spotters after 10 years of sharing our smiles and joy in the community.
We love you and thank you for your love and support all these years.
Never ever forget that dogs that are deaf can hear, just not with their years.

From nursing homes to airports, therapy dog skills shine as they share smiles and joy with those in need. Our talented canine companions may like to show off their abilities but they require practice to develop a strong foundation of skills to fulfill their role as healers. But these abilities aren’t just used for therapy dog visits! Practicing therapy dog skills in everyday situations can help enhance your dog’s training and strengthen the bond you share with them.

Check out our recent blog post to read about some everyday situations where you and your pup can practice therapy dog skills:
https://www.therapydogs.com/therapy-dog-skills-and-training/

They do!

I could tell Aggie's Pet Sitting had years of experience caring for high maintenance dogs by the way the Spotters reacted when I arrived home late last night. They were calm, happy to see me but were not running around, jumping acting all crazy. It was like no big deal that I was gone all week even though they’ve never been left in anyone’s care.
Her updates, video and pictures were very much appreciated as I was really missing them.
The spotters food schedule was prompt and their normal eating routine never varied.
I could rave on and on.

Remembering those who sacrificed their all!

Good therapy dog teams understand that people need loving the most when they deserve it the least.

Never stop being that person. ✨

(via Tiny Buddha)

205th birthday today 🎂🎂 Memphis was founded on May 22, 1819 by a group of investors, John Overton, James Wi******er, and Andrew Jackson, and was incorporated as a city in 1826.

It’s your duty to report anything suspicious. If you see something say something.

The Memphis CAC team includes 4 therapists trained to work with children. These thoughtful, caring therapists help victimized children overcome the trauma of abuse. May is National Mental Health Awareness month. Learn more at MemphisCAC.org

It’s an end of an era. We started as volunteers at the Fire Museum of Memphis in 2011. Thousands of kids later, the Memphis Fire and Life Safety dogs are now retired and moving to Idaho June 11th if all goes according to plans. Momma Spotter’s last day is May 31.
Piper says it best

Roses are red
I have one eye that’s blue
Memphis Firefighters, you are our heroes
We taught kids fire safety
and not to be afraid of you! ~love Piper

Meet Rhett ♥️ Like us he deaf-initely can!!

rhett_the_heeler "I Deaf-initely Can, Rhett the Heeler" is written in Rhett's perspective as a dog who is deaf. He shares about his experiences at the animal shelter, meeting a deaf girl, getting adopted, learning sign language and showing the world that dogs who are deaf DEAF-INITELY CAN!

2011. Dora and Lottie Dot
Photo by Jennifer Smallwood. ♥️

8 years ago today we lost Granny Spotter. Life has never been the same. She helped us become the awesome dogs called the Spotters.

When the sun rose this morning it was more dim than usual, but tonight the stars will be much brighter. Granny Spotter has gone to heaven.

Another great idea for Momma’s Day

Sweet gift for Mommas Day

Another cute Mother’s Day idea! Cut the child’s hand out of paper to hold the flowers!



📷 Emma Burlingham

Thanks for remembering Maudie!!
One of the best photos ever!

My favorite picture of Izzy after the 9/11 Nashville Stair Climb. He needed Izzy's kiss as much as she loved giving it!
photo by Renee Rome

Teachers Rock!!

Let's celebrate together! Download and color our Sparky Teachers Rock coloring page on Sparky.org to show our amazing teachers how much we appreciate all they do! Let's fill their world with color and gratitude! http://nfpa.social/Oo2w50Rxm88

👍

Sign Up for FREE American Sign Language Class for 8-weeks course. ASL 1 PART 1 Monday Classes, 6PM-8PM, VIRTUAL.

First class on May 20th.

Only 16 slots available, this gets filled FAST! Hurry and get your slot! Please use Eventbrite in comment to register.

Have any questions or concerns, please email Lara Whitfield-Garfinkel, [email protected]

Piper’s checking out the old horse drawn steamer before the kids at Brewster Elementary arrive.

We had a busy day at the Fire Museum with over 100 students visiting and learning fire safety.
One of the Moms came up to me and had a picture of Izzy and her toddler. She pointed to one the 5th graders and said here’s my daughter now.
What a special moment!

Pets are family always.

Awesome, man 🤩💪🎉

Today is International Guide Dog Day. Teach children not to approach them.

Today is International Guide Dog Day. So here are five guide dog fast facts:
1. Only 2% of the blind or visually impaired utilize a guide dog.
2. The four most common breeds are Labradors retrievers, golden retrievers, poodles, and German shepherds.
3. Every team is paired after careful consideration and training for both the dog and handler.
5. Petting a guide dog can break their focus on the handler and potentially endanger both the handler and dog.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/7-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-guide-dogs/