About Middle Tennessee K9 LLC

Middle Tennessee K9 runs board-and-train programs out of the trainer's home rather than a kennel, with a stated cap of no more than four dogs in training at once. The head trainer is named as Barron, who the site says holds a B.S. in Animal Science and has over a decade of animal behavior knowledge.

What you can book here

Three programs, all board and train, differentiated by length and scope. Puppy Training is a 3-4 week program covering crate training, table manners (begging, jumping), loose leash walking and everything in the adult on-leash obedience program. The adult On-Leash program runs four weeks and covers down, walking on a leash, sit and recall. The Off-Leash program runs five weeks, building on the on-leash skills so the dog responds reliably in varied environments without a leash. All three include training equipment. In-home private lessons are offered for owners who want to be the primary teacher – the site calls itself "professional spotters" in that role – and generally run an hour. Behavior Modification is a separate track for human aggression, dog-on-dog aggression, fears, anxiety and shyness, starting in the home and working outward. Ask about prices.

An honest limitation, stated by them

The board-and-train page says plainly: "This program only addresses obedience issues and does not cover behavioral issues." If aggression or anxiety is your problem, you are being pointed at the behavior modification track instead, which the site says "requires a lifetime of commitment management".

Why longer, in their words

The site argues against the two-week programs common in the market, and dedicates the first week to decompression: "Many dogs come to us from environments where communication was unclear or inconsistent. This can create confusion and anxiety, making training a challenge." The stated response is that "Our first week is dedicated to helping your dog decompress from any previous stressors and begin to unwind."

Claims and credentials

The business states 20+ years training dogs in Nashville, a Certified Regional Helper position with the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, a Tennessee Governor's Award for Excellency and Service from the Department of Agriculture, work with the Tennessee State Veterinarian, and Certified CGC Evaluator status. It says it has multiple trained therapy dogs in service in Nashville-area schools.

Practical notes

Payment is typically 100% before drop-off, though the site says it will try to work with individual situations, and discounts are offered for multiple dogs from the same household. Visiting during a board and train is generally not allowed, though facility tours are. Service extends to Kentucky, with a facility in Scottsville.