Better Dogs, Together
I design training programs around your dog and your goals. Whether you want off leash freedom, a safe resolution to aggression, or relief from separation anxiety, we strengthen communication, build confidence, and teamwork; helping you and your dog thrive together.
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Take the first step toward thriving with your dog. During this consultation, I’ll get to know you and your dog, discuss your goals, and outline a personalized training plan. Consultations can be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video call, and typically last 30–60 minutes.
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A series of one-hour, in-home lessons designed for you and your dog. Together, I focus on your goals, whether that is addressing problem behaviors, developing or improving obedience, or building new skills. Lessons are offered once or twice per week and guide you to learn alongside your dog. This is the most economical way to access personalized training.
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Bespoke training tailored to you and your dog in my home. I create confident, reliable dogs with clear communication and real-world obedience, including resolving problem behaviors and building off leash reliability. You receive regular updates that break down your dog’s progress and show you exactly how to maintain it.
Free support for the life of your dog, free access to camp graduate events.
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Four one-hour, in-home lessons that give your puppy the foundation to thrive for life. These positive reinforcement training sessions cover communication, basic obedience, potty and crate training, as well as addressing puppy biting and other common issues. You’ll get expert guidance on your dog’s emotional, intellectual, and physical development, while learning the tools to nurture your new companion’s body, mind, and lifelong bond with its new family.
Open to puppies 8 months and under
Puppies must have had their first and second round of DHPP vaccines.
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Customized training for dogs with physical or sensory challenges to adapt and thrive. From teaching deaf dogs clear nonverbal communication to helping mobility-impaired dogs confidently use wheelchairs and assistive equipment, I support you and your dog in building the confidence to thrive at this stage of your journey.
What Clients Are Saying:
Training With Purpose
Hi, I’m Chris and I’m driven by the work of helping dogs and the people who love them thrive together. My background is rooted in training working dogs, including my own Search and Rescue K9. I have also guided dogs through the long recovery of severe spinal injuries. Teaching a dog to walk again after a broken back is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. It requires a level of patience and commitment that informs every dog I train today.
Whether I am helping a dog overcome deep-seated fear, resolving complex separation anxiety, or refining a companion’s reliability, your dog receives that same dedicated focus. If a dog can be taught to navigate a disaster site or regain their independence after an injury, they can be taught to thrive in your home. I don't just manage behavior. I build the real confidence and clear communication required for your dog to perform in any environment.
The result is deep trust in the dog you love, clarity of communication, and a relationship you and your dog deeply enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. I offer a board and train program called Thriving Companion Camp, where your dog lives and trains in my home while receiving structured daily training. Our program is intentionally limited to 3 dogs at a time so each dog receives focused training, individual attention, and a plan designed around their specific needs.
I customize training to your dog and while they work on their specific goals you receive daily updates and hands on instruction at the end of the camp so you can confidently and clearly communicate with your dog at home. We guarantee our results for the life of the dog.
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I customize our training to each dog, combining rewards, structured play, and clear guidance so your dog understands the best choice and wants to make it.
I use treats to build motivation and confidence, and play to develop focus and engagement. When needed, we add clear and fair corrections to reinforce boundaries.
This balanced approach builds happy, reliable dogs while improving communication and strengthening the bond between dog and owner.
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I keep our pricing accessible while being in line with other dog trainers in Knoxville. Our private lessons are about $125 per session, and our Thriving Companion Camp board-and-train programs start at $2,700 for two weeks.
I accept credit cards and offer payment plans through Klarna and Afterpay.
I offer a 10% discount to current and former military, teachers, and first responders.
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Your dog’s safety is always our top priority. We maintain high safety standards to ensure every dog in our care is protected and well supervised.
Dogs in our programs live in our home, not a large facility, so they are supervised throughout the day and overnight. When dogs are not kenneled, they wear GPS collars for an additional layer of safety and accountability.
We are fully insured, certified in Canine CPR, and teach classes in Canine First Aid and Injury Prevention, so we are prepared to respond quickly and appropriately if a medical issue ever occurs.
When dogs are resting or unattended, they stay in high-quality Ruffland or Impact kennels designed for safety, durability, and proper ventilation.All dogs in our programs must be up-to-date on vaccinations to protect the health of every dog in training.
We also maintain a Veterinary Emergency Medical Services (VEMS) Plan with the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center in Knoxville, ensuring prompt veterinary care and clear communication with owners if an emergency ever arises.
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Most dogs begin showing noticeable improvement within about two weeks of consistent training.
For many dogs, the two-week Thriving Companion Camp board-and-train program is enough time to teach reliable obedience on or off leash, along with better impulse control, leash manners, and calm behavior in everyday situations.
Some dogs with more complex behavior challenges or advanced goals may benefit from longer training programs to allow additional time for practice and consistency.
For owners choosing private lessons, training is typically structured over about a month, giving you time between sessions to practice and build the new skills at home.
The goal isn’t just quick obedience, but developing skills and communication that last long after training ends.
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Both. Owner education is a core part of every program I offer, so you have a reliable dog and a stronger bond.
During Thriving Companion Camp, your dog learns reliable behaviors for everyday life. You receive daily updates that clearly explain what your dog learned, how it was taught, and why, in a format that is easy to follow and respects your time. At the end of the program, I show you everything your dog knows and how to maintain it at home.
In private lessons, I work with you and your dog together, showing you exactly what to do between sessions to reach your goals.
Thriving Companion Camp clients receive ongoing support for the life of their dog.
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