Dog Training Services
At Better Together Canine Learning, LLC, I believe in the power of training with patience and kindness to create lasting relationships between dogs and their owners. My 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, my 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, I'm 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
My group classes offer an interactive environment where dogs can socialize and learn essential skills alongside their peers. 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
My cooperative care lessons go beyond teaching a dog to tolerate handling — training 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 6-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.
Field Trips
For current and past clients with busy schedules, my 1–2 hour one‑on‑one Field Trip option gives dogs a chance to enjoy a fun social adventure paired with individualized training.
Introduction to Triebball
Starting next spring, I will be offering Triebball classes. Often called "urban herding," Triebball is a unique dog sport in which dogs learn to herd large exercise balls into a goal. It is a fun, low-impact activity that promotes focus, communication, confidence, and teamwork between dogs and their handlers.
AKC Canine Good Citizen Lessons & Testing
Preparing for your AKC titles? I 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.
Not sure what you need? Schedule a consultation!
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, Better Together Canine Learning 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.
I 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, I am committed to humane, scientifically grounded training. My methods focus on choice-based, positive reinforcement, management, and negative punishment (such as withholding a reward or removing attention to decrease unwanted behaviors). I utilize luring, shaping, and capturing to help dogs learn new, desirable behaviors.
To ensure a safe, consistent, and stress-free learning environment, I 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
I offer complimentary travel for sessions within a 30-mile radius of my home base in Karns, TN. My typical service area includes Knox, Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Grainger, Loudon, Morgan, Roane, and Union counties.
For locations outside of my 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 my complete training agreement at the beginning of their consultation or first lesson. You can also review it here in advance to ensure you understand and agree to the training policies before we begin.
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Consulation
In this focused, one-hour session, I’ll evaluate your dog’s behavior, map out your training goals, and demonstrate my training methods —giving you full confidence before choosing private or group lessons.
**Consultations are nonrefundable**
Price: $50
Private Lessons
My 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.
I offer flexible pricing for private lessons, with discounted package options available for multi-session commitments.
Price: $100-$600
Field Trips
Field Trips are a 1–2 hour social adventure and training session tailored to your dog’s individual needs. These outings may take place at a park, pet‑friendly venue, or store, where your dog can enjoy activities such as a sniffari, a game of fetch, or even a swim (when permitted). We’ll also work on proofing cues throughout the trip to strengthen real‑world reliability.
Field Trips are available exclusively to current and past clients and limited to ONE dog per Field Trip.
Price: $100
Introduction to Nosework
Starting Sunday, September 20th @6pm-7pm
Location: Victor Ashe Park (Knoxville)
This six‑session class introduces dogs and their pet parents to the foundations of scent work. We focus on using food and simple box searches to help dogs learn how to locate an odor and confidently target the source. Dogs do not need any formal obedience training to participate; however, they should be non‑reactive and not prone to resource guarding to ensure a safe and positive learning environment.
Class Dates: September 20th & 27th, October 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th.
Make-up Dates: November 1st & 8th
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
AKC Canine Good Citizen Prep Class
Friday, October 23rd, 2026 @6pm-7pm
Locations: Tractor Supply (Seven Oaks) & Home Depot (Kingston Pike)
This six-session class prepares dogs and their pet parents for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, focusing on the core skills needed for polite, confident behavior in public. We work on essential manners such as loose‑leash walking, greeting people politely, remaining calm around other dogs, handling and grooming acceptance, and building reliable stays and recalls.
Dogs should be non‑reactive and comfortable working around other dogs and people to ensure a safe, positive learning environment. They must also be able to remain calm and not disrupt patrons in the stores where we’ll be practicing.
This class is ideal for teams looking to strengthen everyday manners or work toward future AKC titles.
Class Dates: October 23rd & 30th, November 6th, 13th & 20th, and December 4th.
**No class Thanksgiving weekend**
Make-up Dates: December 11th & 18th
Price: $200
Payments
At Better Together Canine Learning, LLC, I strive to make professional training accessible and will gladly work with your budget. I offer a variety of convenient payment options, including PayPal, Stripe, Venmo, and cash.
