This is a list of the top dog trainers in Tennessee, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
CPDT-ka, LFDM-stk, FPPE, APHE, Fear Free Training Professional, ABC-CDT, Low Stress Handling - silver certification, Fear Free Shelter
Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Davidson County, Middle TN
Kym Iffert began her work with dogs and cats after adopting a dog from a rural Indiana shelter that, unknowingly, required extensive physical and behavioral rehabilitation. In 2005, Kym received her initial training certification from Animal Behavior College and started working with a Chicago-based animal shelter as a volunteer as well as running a variety of training classes and family outrea...
CPDT-KA, CGC evaluator
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Rutherford County, Christiana, Rockvale
Heather Moore has 20 years of experience training dogs and helping owners to modify their dogs' problem behaviors. She worked with Purely Positive Dog Training in Charleston, SC until recently relocating to TN. She has been a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and Pet Professional Guild (PPG). Her own dogs have titled in AKC Rally Obedience Novice and Advanced, and earned The...
KPA CTP, UW AAB
Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Davidson Co, Williamson Co, Wilson Co
I am a full-time trainer with Instinct Nashville, recently transitioning from working with clients in-home to only working with those enrolled in our camp + coaching program at our facility in Goodlettsville, TN.
I became a Certified Training Partner of the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA CTP) in 2017 and also received a certificate in Applied Animal Behavior through University of Washington in 2...
Certified in Training & Counseling (CTC)
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
The Greater Metro Chattanooga Area
m Jaimie Shaw, CTCSouthern Mutt owner and Training & Behavior Consultant. Welcome! I'm so glad you're here, and I hope we'll have the opportunity to work together. Good training can create amazing results. I love seeing the turnaround in a dog's behavior, but even more I love watching my students and clients get so much joy from their dogs. It's wonderful seeing dogs' lives improved because the...
CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified Groomer, AKC Approved Evaluator, Pet First Aid and CPR
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Board and train, Puppy training
Nashville
I began my dog career journey as a balanced trainer, using aversive/corrective training methods in addition to positive training methods. However, I started noticing subtle, but significant affect these methods had on dogs. I knew there had to be a better way, so I started focusing on using positive training methods. The results were amazing! The dogs regained their confidence, and most importa...
CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, UW-AAB, FDM, CTDI, Fear Free Certification
Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Nashville and surrounding areas, Mt. Juliet and surrounding areas.
I became passionate about dog training in 2001 as an owner of a dog-reactive dog. I was searching for a mentor to help me and my dog build a better relationship with each other, and the world around us. My mentor walked me through the science behind dog training, and together, we overcame the fear-based reactivity in my own dog. I was inspired by the positive reinforcement techniques I had lear...
KPA CTP, FFCP
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Nashville
A welfare-centered animal trainer with Instinct Nashville, focusing on life-skills, reactivity and cooperative care. She works with clients on adult dog manners, puppy development, and behavior issues including fear and anxiety. Katie is a Fear Free Certified training professional (FFCP) and Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
with years of experience reducing fear, anx...
Animal Behavior College Honor Graduate Dog Training, Absolute Dogs Pro Dog Trainer and Geek Certified. Petco Certified.
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Knoxville, Powell, Oak Ridge, Farragut, Fountain City, Halls, Karns, Hardin Valley, Kingston, Maryville, Friendsville, Alcoa, Lenoir City, Clinton, Seymour,
Hello, my name is Manuela Connatser, and I am a certified, professional dog trainer. What started as a passion for dogs, has turned into my career that I love. I started The Canine Clubhaus in 2012 with a vision to help dogs be understood by their owner-guardians and to help owners to have a dog that is an well behaved, compassionate, and loyal companion.
I originally moved from my hom...
Canine Resistance Training
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Chattanooga, Red Bank, Hixson, Signal Mountain
I'm a dog "trainer," but more so a coach for humans who need help with their canine relationships.
I believe that dogs are basically wild at heart, and I want to help keep them that way! Living with us in our domesticated world isn't always easy for them, so let's channel their natural drives in a way that keeps them emotionally balanced and out of trouble. In this method we make a dee...
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), IAABC Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), CCPDT Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP) Fear Free Certified Training Professional Family Paws Licensed Educator Professional Member, IAABC Professional Member, APDT
Board and train, Puppy training
Ayelet is co-owner and President at Instinct Nashville. She is also Director of People and Culture, because positive reinforcement is needed on both ends of the leash. She works with clients on a wide range of behavior goals and her passion is working with dogs experiencing fear and anxiety. Ayelet is co-Founder of Force Free Tennessee, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Certified Professiona...
"Certified Behavior Consultant , Canine (CCPDT)Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)Professional Member, APDTSupporting Member, IAABC"
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training
Davidson County, Williamson County & Wilson County
Julie Farris is co-owner, co-Director of Training and a Certified Behavior Consultant for Instinct Nashville. Julie oversees our board and train program as well as provides behavior consultations involving fear, anxiety and aggression for our clients. She is certified in both behavior and training through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and a graduate of Universi...
In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Originally from Colorado, Jesse made the move to Memphis in 2016 after college to be closer to family. After spending 6 years pursuing a career in the field of mental health, Jesse realized life is too short not to pursue your passions and made the move to work full time with animals. In her spare time Jesse enjoys creative pursuits, like painting and crafting.
Jesse currently lives wi...
Board and train, Off leash training, Puppy training
Driven by her passion for dogs, Haley launched The Good Hound in 2012, specializing in puppy training, off-leash training, and weekly hikes. Over nine years, she grew it to 8 employees and 125+ weekly clients before selling it to her Operations Manager.
In 2019, she started Rocky Top Dog Training in Nashville, TN, focusing on puppy training, on-leash obedience, and off-leash freedom. H...
Board and train, Protection/guard dog training
Jessica is an obedience trainer and demonstrator for Nashville K-9. She’s been an integral part of the training team since 2006. Prior to Nashville K-9, she trained in obedience in southern California where she was raised. She attended UC Berkley as an undergrad and completed law school at the University of San Diego. She enjoys hiking, kickboxing, and culinary arts.
Jessica voluntee...
Board and train, Protection/guard dog training
Beth has been a life-long student. She has been a high school counselor, a tax accountant, and now a kennel technician (aka aspiring trainer). One consistent thing in her life is her love of animals, especially dogs. In her spare time, Beth enjoys hiking, strength training, and spending time in the mountains.
Board and train, Protection/guard dog training
Dustin is an apprentice trainer at Nashville K-9, engaged in day to day activities and immersing himself in the multiple facets of the dog industry.
Dustin is a native of Naples, FL and has always had a passion for animals. His family is deeply involved with the Florida English Bull Dog Rescue and supportive of their efforts in finding good homes for bull dogs in need. Dustin is a grad...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Bob Deeds retired as a Canine Search Specialist with Texas Task Force One of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Bob and his K9 partner, Kinsey, worked at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks, through Hurricanes Ivan, Katrina, and Rita, to name a few. Kinsey was a recipient of the PDSA, Dickin Medal...A British award, the highest award in the world for animal gallantry. In 1996, Kinsey w...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Karen Deeds began her career with canines competing in the obedience show ring. Following an incident with her show dog in 1990, resulting in a major behavioral problem, Karen learned the importance of understanding canine behavior and how to manage and modify it.
Karen was the Tarrant County Veterinary Medical Association’s, 2009 “Community Service Award” winner, for her work in th...
Board and train, In home training
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), IAABC
Certified Separation Anxiety Instructor (CSAT)
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), CCPDT
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP)
Fear Free Certified Training Professional
Professional Member, IAABC
Professional Member, APDT
Fanna has been instructing dog training group classes and in home beha...
CPDT-KSA, PMCT4, FFCT, Ph.D.
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Southaven, Horn Lake, Hernando, Shelby County, DeSoto County
AnnMarie Easton is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge & Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA), a Pat Miller Certified Trainer 4 (PMCT4), and a Certified Fear Free Trainer with a PhD in microbiology and immunology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and is uniquely skilled at applying scientific principles to dog training. She continually sharpens her dog training skills through con...
I'm a dog "trainer," but more so a coach for humans who need help with their canine relationships.
I believe that dogs are basically wild at heart, and I want to help keep them that way! Living with us in our domesticated world isn't always easy for them, so let's channel their natural drives in a way that keeps them emotionally balanced and out of trouble. In this method we make a dee...
Hello, my name is Manuela Connatser, and I am a certified, professional dog trainer. What started as a passion for dogs, has turned into my career that I love. I started The Canine Clubhaus in 2012 with a vision to help dogs be understood by their owner-guardians and to help owners to have a dog that is an well behaved, compassionate, and loyal companion.
I originally moved from my hom...
Originally from Colorado, Jesse made the move to Memphis in 2016 after college to be closer to family. After spending 6 years pursuing a career in the field of mental health, Jesse realized life is too short not to pursue your passions and made the move to work full time with animals. In her spare time Jesse enjoys creative pursuits, like painting and crafting.
Jesse currently lives wi...
Bob Deeds retired as a Canine Search Specialist with Texas Task Force One of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Bob and his K9 partner, Kinsey, worked at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks, through Hurricanes Ivan, Katrina, and Rita, to name a few. Kinsey was a recipient of the PDSA, Dickin Medal...A British award, the highest award in the world for animal gallantry. In 1996, Kinsey w...
Karen Deeds began her career with canines competing in the obedience show ring. Following an incident with her show dog in 1990, resulting in a major behavioral problem, Karen learned the importance of understanding canine behavior and how to manage and modify it.
Karen was the Tarrant County Veterinary Medical Association’s, 2009 “Community Service Award” winner, for her work in th...
Heather Moore has 20 years of experience training dogs and helping owners to modify their dogs' problem behaviors. She worked with Purely Positive Dog Training in Charleston, SC until recently relocating to TN. She has been a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and Pet Professional Guild (PPG). Her own dogs have titled in AKC Rally Obedience Novice and Advanced, and earned The...
I became passionate about dog training in 2001 as an owner of a dog-reactive dog. I was searching for a mentor to help me and my dog build a better relationship with each other, and the world around us. My mentor walked me through the science behind dog training, and together, we overcame the fear-based reactivity in my own dog. I was inspired by the positive reinforcement techniques I had lear...
Ayelet is co-owner and President at Instinct Nashville. She is also Director of People and Culture, because positive reinforcement is needed on both ends of the leash. She works with clients on a wide range of behavior goals and her passion is working with dogs experiencing fear and anxiety. Ayelet is co-Founder of Force Free Tennessee, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Certified Professiona...
Welcome to Tennessee’s list of top dog trainers. The Tennessee list is based on 331 votes from the Sniffspot community. Only the Tennessee dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Kym Iffert at the top of this list with 128 votes.
Our rankings include trainers certified by CPDT-KA and FDM. They also specialize in Puppy training, In home training amongst other training programs.
Tennessee dog trainer services include:
Dog trainers in Tennessee selflessly set pets up for success. Kym Iffert shares why they chose this path: I adopted a dog from a shelter that had a multitude of physical and behavioral concerns. As a family, we had to make some very challenging decisions about her welfare and her future. I became a dog trainer to learn more about how to help other dogs and families navigate behaviors and challenges in a safe, humane and non-judgmental environment.. All 50 trainers on this Tennessee list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted Tennessee trainer, Heather Moore, uses the following methods: I am a positive trainer and use positive methods ONLY. I do not use shock collars, e-collars, choke chains, prong collars, etc. As for my process, it is different for every dog. I use what motivates your dog and we come up with a behavior plan to fit your dogs needs..
Explore the top dog trainers in Tennessee as voted by our community:
I adopted a dog from a shelter that had a multitude of physical and behavioral concerns. As a family, we had to make some very challenging decisions about her welfare and her future. I became a dog trainer to learn more about how to help other dogs and families navigate behaviors and challenges in a safe, humane and non-judgmental environment..
Understand WHY your dog behaves the way it does, and find a common ground to meet the needs of the entire family..
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.