About Discovery K9

Discovery K9 trains from a farm in Shelbyville and describes its catchment by road rather than by county: conveniently located near Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, Murfreesboro and Smyrna, "making us a top choice for local dog owners." Its subtitle is "Professional Dog Training and Owner Education," and owner education is treated as the product rather than a courtesy: "Educating Both Ends of the Leash."

What they publish

The ladder is fully priced. Private Lessons are a "'train the trainer' style course" covering come when called, loose leash walking, sit, down, stay and place, at "5 Lessons for $600". Puppy Foundation Skills is an "on-leash training program … Designed specifically for puppies under 6 months old", a "14 Day Program $1800". The Intermediate Board & Train adds "Place training", impulse control against "stealing food off the counter", "Distance recall", threshold and boundary control and "Distraction training", over a "21 Day Program $2400". The Advanced Board & Train is "for the owner that wants total off-leash freedom" – "Obedience around a multitude of distractions (on and off leash)", "'Come' when called in any environment", plus named behavior problems including "Jumping on people", "Separation anxiety", "Bolting through doorways" and destructive chewing, with "Field trips to pet friendly locations – pet stores, coffee shops and more" – a "30 Day Program $3000" that "includes a place bed & E-Collar Technologies Training Collar." Boarding is sold separately at "$50 per night".

The method

The site states its position against force: "Unlike outdated methods that rely on force and fear, we prioritize positive, relationship-based techniques that yield superior, long-lasting results without harming the bond between you and your pet." The approach is described as "Grounded in scientifically proven methods and enriched by years of hands-on experience, our reward-based system prioritizes effective communication between you and your dog."

The team

Three trainers are named on the site – Margaret Trudrung, Sheri Trudrung and Ashley Beard – and the business claims "over 100 years of combined experience" with a background in education behind its curriculum. It also describes itself as competing rather than only teaching: "Our team has excelled in the demanding dog sport of 'IGP' or 'Schutzhund,' achieving multiple High in Trial wins and competing at national and international championship events," and says it will help owners "aiming to compete at high levels."

Where the dogs stay

Boarding and board-and-train dogs are not kennelled in rows: "Your dog will reside with us as a valued member of our family, not in a crowded kennel alongside other dogs," on a "Spacious 10+ Acre Farm: With multiple fenced-in areas and turn-out yards", with "agility equipment, dog treadmills, and FitPaws equipment", and a deliberate cap – "we only accept a limited number of dogs at a time."