K-9 Companions Nashville

We brought our sweet Ruthie to K-9 Companions after I’d spent weeks researching training facilities. My husband has a physical disability and we knew we wanted to train Ruthie as a service dog. I was looking for a professional facility with sound training procedures based in behavior analysis. I also knew I wanted the training procedures to be rooted in positive reinforcement and relationships. When we initially brought Ruthie for her evaluation we had just adopted her from a rescue. She was tiny and scared... Karen and Nikki were kind, gentle, and forthright about the benefits of training and challenges that may be ahead of us given Ruthie’s lack of confidence and fearful (but sweet) temperament. We made the decision to move forward with training and have been thrilled. Ruthie’s been through the phase one “boot camp” on-leash training. We received pictures and updates regularly. My questions were responded to almost immediately and with such care and kindness. Ruthie gained so much confidence and LOVED to train. She really blossomed into a confident, driven, and curious girl! She has continued to thrive and will be a great service dog! As we prepare for phase two training, I couldn’t be more comfortable knowing K-9 Companions cares for her like she is their own and wants the best for her. I also know the training she has and will continue to receive is top notch. I couldn’t recommend them more.

Last fall we brought Striker, our new Corgi puppy, into our home with the hopes of eventually having him fully trained to become a service companion for our son with Autism. After many internet searches and phone calls, we decided to give K-9 Companions a try. I am SO GLAD we did. Not only are they knowledgeable and professional in their field, they are honest and kindly straightforward as well. They are attentive to our goals, and clear in their role and our role as well to make this goal a reality. So far we have had Striker participate in the first round of the bootcamp program. I was amazed at the amount of progress in just three weeks! If you are consitent when you come home with your four legged family member, you will have no reason to doubt this training method. It really does work and is worth every penny! I would highly recommend K-9 Companions to anyone looking for quality and reliable care and training. These guys really know their stuff, and their love of what they do definitely shines through!

I adopted Nash, a 6 month old German Shepherd mix, from the shelter in March, with very little history other than being picked up by animal control. It was clear the catch pole was his only experience with a leash, he was terrified every time I put the collar on and terrible on a leash (scared, lunging and pulling, barking at everything, etc.). Of course, being in full puppy mode with chewing, barking, getting into things every time I turned around was going on too. Knowing he is was a larger guard breed mix with limited history, I really wanted to ensure he was well trained and socialized appropriately. I found K9 Companions and took Nash in for an evaluation with Karen, the owner, and Nikki, the Training Director, and received a tour of their excellent facility (very clean, private, quiet) and saw the other dogs in their kennel (clean, only 8-10 kennels - personalized with white boards with notes for each dog). I made an appointment for the next available drop off date for the Level 1 Boot Camp (Basic Obedience), and brought Nash back about a month later. Drop-off with Nikki was very efficient and professional, and she was super sweet to Nash. Over the next three weeks I received regular updates with photos and/or videos, like the one in this review, and was able to text for updates if I wanted. When I came to pick-up Nash, Nikki gave me the demo and my own session with him so I could learn the commands. I could tell right away that so much more personality had come about in Nash in his time with K9 Companions, he was (aside from his excitement to see me and being a goofball for a min) happy, healthy and calmer. Nikki and Karen had educated me that creating structure and boundaries is key and they are much happier once these are set. I could tell right away when I got him home that he remained calmer and I could FINALLY walk my dog without pulling on him (or him with me) and yelling at him the entire time (not fun for either of us). Nikki came for the home session about 2-3 weeks after I picked him up and he did great, I received some tips for issues with command obedience I was experiencing (my fault) and he can now proceed on to the next level of his training. I'm very active and love hiking, camping, going on walks, etc. and wanted a dog that would be a good companion for my hobbies and K9 Companions has given me that! We've been out for our first camping trip of the season since training and Nash did GREAT!! Overall, K9 Companions Nashville has been, and I anticipate will continue to be a great partner in Nash's training. Karen is very kind, knowledgeable and professional. I have every confidence in entrusting you with my Nash and look forward to working with you and your team in the future. I want to thank Nikki for working so well with Nash and treating him like your own, it's clear you have a mastery of your skill and your heart is in what you do!

Best Money Ever Spent We have a very large and spunky 7 month old St. Berdoodle puppy. To say she was a handful would be an understatement. We sent her to K9 Companions Nashville for a 3 week bootcamp and could not believe the transformation! Before bootcamp she had developed some very bad habits. She is so large she would literally knock you down when you walked into the room. She wouldn't sit still for a minute and was getting into EVERYTHING. I was a little skeptical about leaving her for 3 weeks but we knew it was for the best. They constantly sent pics and updates of what she was working on and we felt very connected the entire time. When we picked her up we were blown away, one because she had grown even more lol and two because this dog had manners! In 3 short weeks they literally transformed our dog! No more jumping, she heels, sits when I stop, stays when told and when I tell her to lay down and stay and she doesn't move until I give her the command. No more roaming around or jumping on the beds. Best of all she seems to be so happy...and calm! Hands down the best money I ever spent. Thank you so much Karen, Nikki and all of your amazing staff. You guys treated our baby like a princess and gave us the dog we have always dreamed of.