K-9 Companions Nashville

K-9 Companions Nashville offers a variety of training programs, with their K-9 Bootcamp™ being the most popular. This is a 2-4 week intensive total immersion course where dogs stay at their facility and are trained daily for 45 minutes by multiple trainers, including exposure to other dogs, cats, and horses. Owners receive the “Dog Training 101” book, weekly photo/video updates, and daily text/phone access to trainers from 8 am to 8 pm. Upon pickup, owners participate in an orientation, demonstration, and hands-on lesson at the facility. Two weeks later, an in-home lesson is provided (within 70 miles) to address home manners and problem-solving. Owners are expected to practice 20 minutes daily for four weeks, and ongoing support includes additional facility lessons available at no extra charge for a year.

Their courses include Level 1 All Breed Problem Solving & Obedience, which covers basic commands (Heel, Sit, Stay, Come, Down, “No”, “Okay”), house manners, stopping at doors/gates/curbs, the “place” command, and behavior around company. Level 2 Off-Leash Obedience (Open Spaces) focuses on advanced off-leash control around distractions. Level 3, “College for Your Dog,” allows clients to choose a major: Advanced Dog Obedience Training & Agilities, Service Dog Training & Certification, or Therapy Dog Training & Certification. Service dog training typically takes about two years when starting with a puppy and requires completion of all levels, including a minimum of three tasks for the handler and Public Access Training. The CGC test is a mandatory prerequisite for service and therapy dogs and is conducted with the owner as the handler. Training begins at four months of age after puppy shots, with off-leash training continuing at 10-12 months. They also provide a DIY Dog Training Course and an Online Dog Trainers Course.

Pricing Summary

K-9 Companions Nashville offers free consultations and free Canine Good Citizen (CGC) testing for all client dogs, with tests offered quarterly. Service dog training costs range from $7,000 to $10,000, which does not include equipment, dog purchase, or veterinary care. Therapy dog training costs are similar to service dog training but are at a lower price point due as they do not require the teaching of specific tasks. 100% non-profit organization (NPO) funding is available for qualified veterans with PTSD and/or TBI for service dogs in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.

Policies

K-9 Companions Nashville requires a letter from a licensed physician or psychiatrist before training a service dog. The applicant’s dog must pass a temperament test to qualify for service dog training; if not, a new dog will be required. They only certify dogs that have completed their full training program (Levels 1-4) and do not certify dogs trained by other trainers unless the client is willing to put the dog through their course. For service dog training, clients are involved in the training process; if the owner is not physically capable, an assistant must be provided for daily training and care. Advance reservations are suggested due to the facility’s small capacity of 10-12 dogs at a time.

K-9 Companions Nashville is a family-owned business founded in 1979 by Karen Freeman Duet, with over 45 years of experience in dog training. They are recognized as pioneers in the field, known for training dogs and certifying new dog trainers. The business is veteran-owned and woman-led.

They specialize in solving existing behavior problems and preventing them, using a “Natural Way” training style that teaches owners to communicate with their dogs using natural canine language. Their state-of-the-art boutique facility in Mount Juliet, TN, is purposefully small, training only 10-12 dogs at a time to ensure personalized attention and a stress-free environment. The facility features stainless steel runs on epoxy flooring with central air, heat, and an air exchange system, where dogs can train indoors comfortably.

K-9 Companions offers comprehensive training for family pets, aiming for well-behaved dogs with proper manners. They also provide highly specialized Service Dog Training for veterans with PTSD, TBI, and MST, as well as for families with autistic children. Additionally, they train Therapy Dogs for individuals who wish to provide comfort in hospitals, nursing homes, and other settings. They offer rehabilitation services for dogs with fear aggression or other behavioral issues.

Beyond training, K-9 Companions Nashville operates an online store where clients can purchase approved items for boot camp, including crates, enclosures, training equipment, service and therapy dog equipment, travel safety items, creature comforts, puppy and baby gates, dog food, supplements, and books. They also offer courses for aspiring dog trainers, including an online program.

Accomplishments

K-9 Companions Nashville boasts 45 years in business, founded in 1979 by Karen Freeman Duet. Karen is the author of five published books on dog training, including “The Home & Family Protection Dog,” “The Business Security K-9,” “Advanced Schutzhund” (nominated for a Maxwell Award), “Dog Training 101,” and “MILLION DOLLAR DOG TRAINER. Making Millions in the Billion Dollar Pet Industry.” The business is recognized as pioneers in dog training and certifying new dog trainers, and they are internationally recognized celebrity and VIP dog trainers.

Karen Freeman Duet began her career at age 18 after successfully training and showing her AKC Labrador Retriever in obedience trials. She is a graduate of the Stephen Cobb Business School of Dog Training and apprenticed with other trainers, studying European dog sports. She has obtained multiple titles in obedience and championships in conformation with her Rottweilers. Co-owner George Duet is a U.S. Army Retired (Special Ops) warrior who was involved in the military K-9 program and served as Kennel Master at Ft. Benning, GA, in 1965. Both Karen and George are certified Personal Protection Specialists, having graduated from The Executive Protection Institute, and have provided K-9 protection for celebrities, executives, and dignitaries, including explosives and narcotics detection for various entities. The “K-9 Bootcamp™” slogan is a trademarked term by the company, originating from clients nicknaming their training in 1985 due to George’s background as a retired Army Drill Sergeant. The staff includes Certified Master Trainers (CMT) Emily Seifert (Training Director) and Gracie Evans (Manager), and Certified Trainers (CT) Clare Conway and Mallory Fletcher. Alexa Salley is also part of the team and is fluent in Spanish.

How to Get Started!

To begin training with K-9 Companions Nashville, prospective clients can contact them for a free consultation. This initial step allows them to discuss their dog’s needs and learn about the available courses. Based on client testimonials, the process may also involve a visit and evaluation of the dog before signing up for a training program like the K-9 Bootcamp™.