Experienced Dog Training in Knoxville, TN

Transformative Dog Training
for Lasting Companionship​

At Knoxville K9 Academy, our mission is to empower you to become the pack leader your dog respects, fostering a strong, harmonious bond. We don’t see bad dogs—just dogs with different needs and limited ways to communicate. Our creative, effective training methods are designed to help your dog thrive, whether you’re addressing obedience issues, teaching fun tricks, tackling aggression, or simply want to strengthen your connection with your canine companion.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your relationship or solve behavioral challenges, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Start your journey today!

Our effective, creative training methods help your dog thrive—whether you’re solving behavioral challenges, teaching tricks, addressing aggression, or simply strengthening your bond—guiding you every step of the way.

Lasting Benefits of Dog Training

Improving Behavior and Strengthening Bonds
The Knoxville K9 Academy Way

Balanced Training for Every Dog

We combine positive reinforcement and corrective techniques to address your dog’s unique needs, ensuring a tailored approach that promotes long-term success.

Building Stronger Bonds

Through clear communication and consistent training, we help strengthen the connection between you and your dog, leading to a deeper, more trusting relationship.

Comprehensive Behavior Solutions

From basic obedience to complex behavior challenges, our holistic training approach addresses a wide range of issues, enhancing your dog’s overall well-being.

Transforming dogs & empowering owners

Expert Dog Training Services for Every Dog

Specialized Dog Training Services

With our balanced training philosophy and experienced trainers by your side, you’ll have the support you need every step of the way. Start your journey towards a well-behaved and happy dog today, find a package that’s right for you, and see the transformation in both you and your companion!

  • Bachelor of Obedience Program

    Private 1-on-1 classes: 1 hour, once per week

    Level one obedience training. Transforming manners, obedience, and respect. Discover the power of communication and how to master the leash.

  • Master of Obedience Program

    Private 1-on-1 classes: 1 hour, once per week

    Level two obedience training. Mastering the art of listening and following commands with/without a leash. Unleash your dog's full potential.
    * You must complete the Bachelor of Obedience Training program first.

  • K thru 9 Puppy School

    Private 1-on-1 classes: 30 minutes, once per week

    For puppies 5 months old and younger. Fostering your puppy’s growth and development. Focus on fundamental obedience and socialization skills in a structured yet positive environment.

  • Immersive Boot Camp Weekend - Dogs Struggling with Aggression/Anxiety Only

    Friday 5:30pm - Sunday 6:00pm, all day training - This program happens once per month!

    4-8 Dog/owner Teams - We will work privately to address issues on Saturday and finish in a group class on Sunday.

    Experience a transformative weekend dedicated to refining your dog's behavior and strengthening your bond. Our immersive behavior modification program combines expert coaching with hands-on exercises to address specific challenges, fostering a harmonious relationship between you and your canine companion.

  • Sleep Away Training - Board & Train - Coming Soon

    By popular demand, we are crafting an incredible, fun, and effective immersive board and train program that will bring your companion back to you a more obedient and happier dog. Don’t worry, we’ll work with you also to better understand commands and the unique needs of your dog.

Knoxville K9 Academy Reviews

Happy Tails: Client Success Stories

Martha
We had the BEST experience with Tommy training our young Australian Shepherd, Olive. A typical herding dog, Olive is energetic, social, and sometimes too smart for her own good. Tommy really trained us more than Olive--he gave us the tools to communicate with her more effectively and engage her mentally. She absolutely loved training with him and is a happier dog for it.
Mackenzie
I took my puppy, Sherman, to Tommy for puppy classes, and it was an amazing experience! Tommy is the best and tailors his classes to fit your dog's needs. He not only helps with your dog but also teaches you how to work with your dog. He has a genuine passion for helping people with their dogs. We had a wonderful time and will definitely be pursuing more training with Tommy. Highly recommend!
Stephanie
Tommy is the BEST! Our whole family loves him! Tommy is a very gifted trainer who obviously enjoys training dogs (and their owners)! His training has given us the confidence to take our puppy with us everywhere we go and know he will behave. Our goal was to have our dog trained to be obedient off leash and because of Tommy, we have accomplished it! Blaze loves Tommy and you can tell by the first picture, Tommy loves Blaze! We are so grateful we chose Knoxville K9 Academy for our puppy’s training
Mallory
I cannot say enough good things about Tommy and his ability to train a dog!! Tommy helped me with my reactive GSD, Zeke. Over 8 classes, Zeke is much more confident and obedient. And I’m a better owner. You have to be careful with a reactive dog. I felt nothing but comfort with Tommy, and Zeke loves him. He would get so excited when we would pull in the parking lot. If you’re looking for a damn good trainer, someone who REALLY cares about your dog and you, you’re in the right place.

Ask Your Dog Trainer

What is Balanced Dog Training?

Balanced dog training is rooted in the principle of using a combination of positive reinforcement and correction techniques to shape desirable behaviors in dogs. It acknowledges that every dog is unique and may respond differently to various training methods. Rather than adhering strictly to one approach, balanced training focuses on finding the right mix of techniques tailored to the individual dog’s needs.

Yes, all dogs can benefit from training! Regardless of breed, age, or temperament, training helps dogs understand boundaries, build confidence, and improve communication with their owners. Whether it’s basic obedience, addressing behavioral issues, or strengthening the bond between you and your dog, training provides structure, mental stimulation, and a positive outlet for energy. Our key is to tailor the approach to your dog’s individual needs, making the experience enjoyable and effective for both of you

Training dog owners alongside their dogs is crucial because it ensures both the dog and owner understand each other’s expectations and communication styles. It empowers the owner to become a confident pack leader, helping them manage their dog’s behavior consistently and effectively. This creates a balanced relationship where both the dog and owner feel understood, which leads to a happier, healthier bond and more successful training outcomes.

No! While the saying is you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, you can teach an old dog better obedience. However, it is crucial that as the owner you are committed and patient to learning alongside your dog.

Absolutely, aggressive, reactive, or anxious dogs are my specialty. While these dogs often get a bad reputation, they’re not bad dogs, they just need to be better understood. We provide specialized boot camp weekends once a month for dogs just like yours!

Refine Your Dogs Behavior & Your Partnership

Your relationship with your dog is our first priority. Contact us today to discover how our expert behavior modification and obedience training can transform your dog’s life. Take the first step towards a harmonious relationship today!