About The Dog Connection

The Dog Connection is Lauren Spratlin working one-to-one in Nashville, and it is deliberately narrow: private in-home and virtual behavior work rather than classes or board-and-train. The site lists her credentials on the front page – CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP and Fear Free Certified – an unusually full stack for a solo practice.

What she specializes in

The site is specific about the caseload: "The Dog Connection specializes in fear, aggression, anxiety, deaf dogs and newly adopted dogs and puppies." Deaf dogs in particular are rarely named as a specialism locally. The practice describes collaborating with veterinarians and specialists "to address the underlying causes and contributors to behavioral challenges", which places it at the behavior-consultant rather than obedience-instructor end of the field.

How the work starts

The entry point is a comprehensive 90-minute initial consultation, booked online, covering the dog's behavioral and environmental history, an assessment of current behaviors and conditions, collaborative goal-setting and next steps. A Training and Behavior Questionnaire is to be completed beforehand. A free discovery call is also offered if you want to ask questions first. Package pricing and new-family-member discounts are available for follow-up purchases, with details on request rather than published.

Method

The stated framing is relationship-based and evidence-led – "targeted, holistic, evidence-based interventions" aimed at reducing stress for both dog and owner, with an emphasis on wellness, enrichment, environmental design and family education. The site describes itself as an LGBTQ and woman-owned business, and lists hours as Tuesday to Saturday, 10-4.

Who this suits

Owners with a fear, anxiety or aggression case who want a credentialed behavior consultant working in the home, and who are comfortable with an assessment-first process rather than booking a fixed program off a price list.