About Embark Dog Training

Embark Dog Training is a Nashville board-and-train business serving Middle Tennessee, founded by Nina Alfaro and describing itself openly as balanced. The board-and-train programs run on a little over five private acres, with structured off-leash pack walks across the property and real-world field trips rather than kennel time.

What you can book here

Boundless Bond is the flagship: an immersive off-leash board-and-train of 30 to 45 days in which the dog lives in the home of head trainer Karma. Breakthrough to Balance is a three-week on-leash board-and-train aimed at groundwork – on-leash obedience, impulse control and socialization, "developing a calm, attentive mindset, even around distractions". Harmony at Home is the behavior-modification program, built for "reactivity, anxiety, fear-based behaviors, and various types of aggression", and names leash reactivity, resource guarding, separation anxiety and social triggers specifically. Custom Canine Coaching is the private-lesson track for owners who want to do the work themselves. A free consultation is the entry point; ask about prices there.

Method

Embark does not hedge on this. The site describes "balanced training methodology" combining positive reinforcement with "well-timed, fair corrections", and frames the goal as a dog who understands boundaries and a handler who can lead calmly. If you are looking for a force-free practice, this is not one; if you want a business that states its approach rather than leaving you to guess, it does.

Discounts

Three are published: 10% off for active military, veterans, EMTs, firefighters and law enforcement; 10% off any program for dogs adopted through a local shelter or rescue within the past 12 months; and 50% off a second dog's board-and-train when two are enrolled together. The site says the business specializes in helping rescue dogs adjust and build trust.

Who runs it

Nina Alfaro and her Belgian Malinois are described as the heart of the business. The operations side is run by a 10-year U.S. Air Force veteran, which the site credits for the systems and pricing discipline behind the training team.