Dog Training Services
At Better Together Canine Learning, LLC, we believe in the power of training with patience and kindness to create lasting relationships between dogs and their owners. Our training services are designed to accommodate every dog, regardless of age or experience. Whether you prefer group classes for socialization or private lessons for personalized attention, each lesson is tailored to promote effective learning and behaviors.
Private Lessons
For those seeking one-on-one guidance, our private lessons provide a customized experience focused on your specific goals. Whether you're handling behavioral issues or just wanting to learn basic training cues, Laura is dedicated to creating a program that suits your individual dog's needs. This private setting allows for a deeper understanding of your dog's behavior and enhances training effectiveness.
Group Lessons
Our group classes offer an interactive environment where dogs can socialize and learn essential skills alongside their peers. Led by Laura Parker, a certified trainer, these classes emphasize teamwork and communication between pet parents and their dogs. Participants will discover techniques that reinforce positive behaviors while developing vital skills in a fun, engaging setting.
Class minimums: A minimum of two dogs is required to run group classes.
Cooperative Care Lessons
Our cooperative care lessons go beyond teaching a dog to tolerate handling—we train them to be active, willing participants in their own grooming and veterinary care. These lessons are available as either group classes or private sessions, so rates may vary.
Snake Avoidance Lessons
These lessons teach pet parents how to train their dogs to avoid snakes without the use of aversive training tools. Participants will also learn how to identify common venomous and non-venomous snakes in the area, as well as what to do if a dog is bitten.
Please note: Captive-bred, non-venomous snakes may be used during class (those with ophidiophobia, please take note).
Class minimums: A minimum of two dogs is required to run the Snake Avoidance group classes.
Nosework & Games Lessons
A 5-lesson class for anyone interested in teaching their dog fun enrichment activities through basic nosework and games. Nosework and games help lower anxiety, burn mental energy, and build confidence!
Class minimums: A minimum of two dogs is required to run the Nosework & Games group classes.
AKC Canine Good Citizen Lessons & Testing
Preparing for your AKC titles? We offer separate, 6-lesson prep classes for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC), AKC Community Canine (CGCA), and AKC Urban CGC. Each level is its own dedicated course.
Please note: Testing fees are not included in the class tuition.
Class minimums: A minimum of two dogs is required to run the CGC & Urban group classes, and a minumum of three dogs is required to run the CGCA group classes.
Vaccination Policy
Better Together Canine Learning, LLC requires all puppies and dogs to be up-to-date on vaccinations, which must be administered by a licensed veterinarian or clinic.
Rabies Requirements: By Tennessee state law, all dogs six months of age and older MUST be vaccinated against rabies. While a titer test from a certified laboratory can confirm adequate antibody levels for other diseases, it does not legally replace the requirement for a current rabies vaccine certificate in Tennessee. Therefore, we cannot accept titer tests as a substitute for the rabies vaccine.
Puppy Kindergarten: Puppies must have at least their first set of vaccinations to begin class. Owners are required to update the trainer as subsequent boosters and the rabies vaccine are administered.
We proudly follow the AVSAB (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior) position statement, which emphasizes that early socialization can safely occur before a puppy is fully vaccinated. Of course, when in doubt, please follow your personal veterinarian's specific recommendations.
Training Agreement
Methodology & Ethics
At Better Together Canine Learning, LLC, we are committed to humane, scientifically grounded training. Our methods focus on choice-based, positive reinforcement, management, and negative punishment (such as withholding a reward or removing attention to decrease unwanted behaviors). We utilize luring, shaping, and capturing to help dogs learn new, desirable behaviors.
To ensure a safe, consistent, and stress-free learning environment, we strictly prohibit the use of:
Aversive collars: Shock collars (e-collars/remote trainers), prong collars, choke chains, and slip leads.
Containment systems: Invisible/underground electronic fences.
Aversive techniques: Physical corrections, flooding, or molding (physically forcing a dog into a position).
Because consistency is vital to your dog's well-being, the use of any of these tools or techniques—either during or between our sessions—will result in the immediate termination of our training agreement. In this event, a refund will be issued only for any remaining, uncompleted classes or sessions.
Refund Policy
Consultations & Completed Lessons: These are strictly non-refundable once they have been conducted.
Group Classes: Fully refundable only if requested 24-hours before the start of the second class, or in the event that the class is canceled by the trainer.
Private Lessons: Unused private lessons are eligible for a refund within 90 days of purchase. After 90 days, any remaining lessons are non-refundable and expire.
Travel & Mileage Policy
We offer complimentary travel for sessions within a 30-mile radius of our home base in Karns, TN. Our typical service area includes Knox, Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Grainger, Loudon, Morgan, Roane, and Union counties.
For locations outside of our 30-mile radius, a round-trip mileage fee will be applied to each lesson. This is billed at the current IRS business mileage rate (currently $0.76 per mile through December 31, 2026).
📝 Clients will receive a copy of our complete training agreement at the beginning of their first lesson. You can also review it here in advance to ensure you understand and agree to our policies before we begin.
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Consulation
In this focused, one-hour session, we’ll evaluate your dog’s behavior, map out your training goals, and demonstrate our training methods —giving you full confidence before choosing private or group lessons.
Price: $50
Private Lessons
Our private lessons are one hour long and completely tailored to your dog's individual needs. Sessions can be conducted in the comfort of your home or at a local, pet-friendly public venue.
We offer flexible pricing for private lessons, with discounted package options available for multi-session commitments.
Practice Makes Perfect
Saturday, August 1st 9:30am-10:30AM @ Victor Ashe Park.
This class is perfect for dogs with prior formal training who are ready to proof their cues and build reliable responsiveness under the distraction of new dogs and environments.
Class Dates: Saturdays starting August 1st, then consecutively on August 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, and September 5th.
Make-up Dates: September 12th and 13th.
Note: Weather is always taken into consideration. In the event of a cancellation by the trainer, clients are guaranteed all of their scheduled classes.
Price: $200
Just the Basics
Saturday, August 1st 11am-12PM @ Victor Ashe Park.
This entry-level class covers basic cues to help dogs focus and learn calming behaviors, alongside essential skills like "sit," "down," recall, beginning leash manners, and more!
Class Dates: Saturdays starting August 1st, then consecutively on August 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, and September 5th.
Make-up Dates: September 12th and 13th.
Note: Weather is always taken into consideration. In the event of a cancellation by the trainer, clients are guaranteed all of their scheduled classes.
Price: $200
Payments
At Better Together Canine Learning, LLC, we strive to make professional training accessible and will gladly work with your budget. We offer a variety of convenient payment options, including PayPal, Stripe, Venmo, and cash.
