About Blue Bridge Dog Training

Blue Bridge Dog Training works from 6155 Old Dayton Pike in Hixson, by appointment six days a week. Its site sets out a three-step process in its own words: "Teach the Behavior", then "Expect What Is Taught" – guiding the dog "into reliably performing the behavior many times under different circumstances" – and finally "Allow only what is expected", at which point "a different response is not allowed (imminent threat of harm or injury excepted)".

What they publish working on

The published commitment is "professional obedience training, behavior modification, and service to our clients", within "a safe, secure, and stimulating environment for client dogs".

Who runs it

The about page is written about Jeff, the trainer and owner, who it says has been training dogs professionally since 2011, starting in Illinois before moving to Tennessee. The site states he is a Certified Dog Trainer (CDT) through the International Association of Canine Professionals and a professional member of the organization, and that the business complies with "the applicable sections of IACP's Best Practices for Pet Dog Training Businesses". It also records that he wrote the "Ask A Trainer" column for the Chattanooga Times Free Press "4Paws" section and was published in the IACP journal In Safe Hands, and that he and his dog Fiona were a therapy dog team for several years with Human Animal Bond in Tennessee.

What they say about method

The site frames the work around the relationship rather than obedience alone: "Training skills are important, but he should trust and depend on you for provision and protection." It is openly faith-based, taking Psalm 23 and the image of a shepherd caring for sheep as its model, and it adds a limit most sites do not publish: "If we do not believe we can help with your situation, we will tell you."