Balanced Paws K9 Training

Group classes are 5-week courses held on Wednesdays at 6pm and Saturdays at 11am in Knoxville, focusing on obedience with a dog psychology twist. Boot camp is a day training program for dogs of current or previous clients, including pack walks, socialization, and one-on-one training. E-collar training is offered in private or group sessions with a foundation on low stimulation. Rescue dog rehabilitation includes home assessments and adoption support. The Learn to Lead workshop is a 3-day intensive program held in July 2025. Shadowing program allows owners to observe Lincoln during real sessions for $300/day. All programs emphasize understanding dog psychology and owner leadership.

Pricing Summary

Group classes are 5-week courses with pricing available upon call. Private training and e-collar sessions are scheduled individually. Boot camp and shadowing programs have set fees ($300/day for shadowing). Pet sitting is limited to current boot camp clients. No public pricing listed; clients are encouraged to call for details.

Policies

Boot camp hours are 7:30 am – 4:30 pm. Visitor/walk-in hours are 2-3 pm. Closures include major holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving week, Christmas through New Year). The Learn to Lead workshop runs July 18-20, 2025. No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated, but clients are instructed to call to sign up or inquire about availability.

Balanced Paws K9 Training is a dog training business founded by Lincoln DeSouza, a certified Canine Training and Behavior Specialist (CCTBS), who has spent 13 years helping dogs and their owners build calm, connected, and balanced relationships. They use a dog psychology-based approach centered on the philosophy of “Exercise, Discipline, then Affection” to help owners understand their dog’s instinctual needs and behaviors. Services include group classes, private in-home training, e-collar training, boot camp day training, rescue dog rehabilitation, and a unique Shadowing Program where owners can observe training sessions. They also offer pet sitting for current boot camp clients and a special program called Balanced Paws Pals that connects children with disabilities with dogs to develop social and work skills. Their team includes certified trainers with hands-on experience working with reactive, fearful, and rescue dogs, and they emphasize owner education as a key part of success.

They operate two locations: Knoxville, TN and Cincinnati, OH, with a 7,000 sq ft facility in Knoxville for group classes and boot camp. Their training methods focus on building trust, leadership, and communication using low-stimulation e-collar techniques, pack walks, and behavior assessments. They do not push one-size-fits-all solutions but instead tailor training to each dog’s needs and the owner’s lifestyle.

The business began as a grassroots operation with no marketing budget, relying on results and word of mouth, and continues to prioritize authentic, heart-led training over commercialized methods. They are mentored by renowned behaviorists Cesar Millan and Cheri Lucas, and their team includes trainers who were once clients themselves, demonstrating the effectiveness of their methods.

Accomplishments

Founder Lincoln DeSouza is certified through the Animal Behavior Institute as a Canine Training and Behavior Specialist (CCTBS) and has 13 years of hands-on experience. He was mentored by Cesar Millan and Cheri Lucas. The team includes multiple CCTBS-certified trainers. The business began in Lincoln’s backyard and grew through results and word of mouth without a marketing budget. They have successfully rehabilitated reactive, fearful, and rescue dogs, with documented transformations shared in client testimonials.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to begin with a free initial consultation or behavior assessment, which can be conducted in-home. Group classes require calling to sign up for the next 5-week series. Boot camp is open only to current or previous clients. The Shadowing Program requires direct inquiry and costs $300/day. E-collar training and private sessions are scheduled by calling or contacting Megan directly.