Heart of Dixie Dog Training, LLC

I reached out to Ken because I was concerned about my middle-aged, large dogs acclimating to the changing dynamic of my household with an on-the-go toddler. Ken's training methods are effective and efficient--I see a significant difference in just a few weeks. My dogs are calmer, have learned a set of commands, and there is harmony in the household! My especially anxious dog, Opie, is more playful and confident. I look forward to working with Ken again in the future for intermediate-level training. My dogs have come a long way, and the command exercises have been a great way to connect and bond with my dogs. I feel empowered with a set of lessons that I can practice and perfect with my dogs as we graduate to the next level! Thank you, Ken and Heart of Dixie Dog Training!

We had an amazing experience with Ken! We are first time GSD owners and knew that bc of our dog Jagger’s high energy, and him being a working breed, we would need to be very intentional with his training. We saw results after our very first session, and continued to see amazing results throughout our time with Ken. Ken taught us skills to use that will benefit us and Jagger even after his training was “done”. He is extremely kind and knowledgeable and I HIGHLY recommend him!! Thank you Ken!!!

I can't recommend Heart of Dixie Dog Training enough! I picked the five lesson package with my new dog to make sure I was starting my new dog off on the right foot. Ken said he usually has a set plan for the 5 sessions but was very able to tailor his approach to assist with my prior experience and the time I could afford to spend with my dog each day. I would say that whether you are a beginner or have considerable experience this trainer is for you! Some trainers are quick to use tools without teaching the dog or the owner the correct way and Ken's approach was always in the dog's best interest.The sessions were fun and worked well with what I was working on with my dog daily in my home. The lessons also tired my dog out considerably and he was definitely wiped out because I worked his brain with the training. In between training days, I took my dog on a five mile hike and he was equally as tired after a one hour training sessions with plenty of breaks! Ken's approach was directed on helping me figure out the best way to communicate my directions to my dog. I take my dog to the dog park to continue practice our training in a large, controlled environment and when other dog owners come to let their dogs play are always incredibly impressed with the way my dog responds to me off leash and on. I can have my dog respond reliably to commands 20+ feet away and when playing with other dogs which is more than I can say for most people I have seen with their dogs at the parks. I can't recommend Ken and his training style enough. We even got the opportunity to meet some of his dogs and see what my dog and I can aspire to. Thank you for all the lessons and feedback to help me on my way to having a balanced and obedient pup!

If you’re in the Fort Rucker area your search for a dog trainer can end with Heart of Dixie. If you want to own a large breed and/or highly intelligent dog, you need a trainer to show you the proper way to gain trust, confidence, and mutual respect. I have worked with a lot of different trainers in states where we have been stationed and hands down Ken (owner of Heart of Dixie) is phenomenal. As a novice dog owner or new to training, you always want to interview trainers and see what they do with their own dogs. It speaks volumes! Many trainers will work “miracles” with the aid of an e-collar and your dog is ready to go in 3 weeks or so. How many of those trainers have e-collars on their own dogs for every day life? What are you going to do if the batteries aren’t charged or the collar misfires? A dog needs a foundation, confidence, and be able to think on their own for dependability. An owner needs to put in the work and follow through with the training plan to hold up that foundation. Then one may want to add an e-collar for off leash reliability on hikes or very rare circumstances. If you want a trained dog that will listen to you, go with Ken. Ken is beyond educated in his field and most importantly can read you and your dog quicker than you can say hello. I had spent 2 years doing private classes with other trainers so I’m a little more particular and experienced than most, but by no means am I professional trainer. I reached out to Ken on a Friday and the following week he was at my house doing a 3 hour consult! He gave me a few new tools I needed for my rescue German Shepherd Puppy that I did not use for my prior GSD. He boosted my confidence in my prior training and gave me homework with resources to back it up. My husband, with no formal training experience beyond a big box puppy class 5 years ago, was able to ask endless questions to curb his frustrations. Within 6 hours of Ken leaving our house, my husband commented that our 6 months old shepherd was already walking A+ for him (compared to the average C walk they were getting). This is all with a regular collar and leash... you read that correctly... walking a rescue that we have had for 6-7 weeks with no prong, no slip, nor e-collar. They were finally on the same page together and ready to go. They still have bonding to do, but the tone has been set. We will be utilizing Ken in the near future for check-ins (fine tuning), training with another dog present, and more advanced public settings. Please note all of this will be done while I’m approaching my third trimester of pregnancy and after with a newborn plus our other young children. Our goal is a dog that is so well behaved he can go anywhere, and in return we are committed to putting the time in. There are no excuses when it comes to training. You only need 10-15 minutes sessions with your dog a few times a day to keep you both on the same page.

Dog ownership is such a rewarding, exciting, and special experience ... but without the proper training and time, it can also be very stressful and overwhelming. This is where Ken shines; with his expert advice and intervention, his business Heart of Dixie Dog Training can help you improve and nurture that special bond you have with your dog/dogs. I have a 3 year old black German Shepherd named Nova. She is my pride and joy! But a couple years ago, I was feeling so helpless - like I was failing her. She was hyper; she was wayyyy too smart for her own britches; she was out of control. I wanted to work on basic commands and training, but I had young children to take care of as well, so that fell to the wayside. Luckily, I was referred to Ken and I enrolled in the group classes he taught in Enterprise at the time. Once a week, we would get together with our pups and put in the work. Ken taught me how to create that trusting connection with Nova, sensing her needs and behaviors, and vice versa. We quickly mastered “Place,” “Down,” “Stay,” “Come,” as well as no pulling on the leash and other helpful commands. With the help of HOD Dog Training, we built a great foundation from the ground up, using positive reinforcement and certain commands that would ensure I, the owner, was the leader and she was the follower. Now, I really feel like we have laid the groundwork and could accomplish anything. I plan to work with Ken and Heart of Dixie Dog Training in the near future to work on calling her back off-leash, “Leave it,” and other more advanced commands.