North Star K9 Training
Ranked #2 in Knoxville and #18 in Tennessee
Service area: Knoxville, TN area
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Service Dog
- Therapy Dog
- Competition / Agility
- Behavior Modification
- Working Dog
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Biting / Nipping
- Potty Training
- Fearfulness
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Board and Train
Program Formats
- Sessions Package
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Herding
- Sporting
- Working
- Hounds
- Doodles
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
- ✓ Martingale Collars
- ✓ Pinch Collars
- ✓ E-Collars
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
North Star K9 Training offers various programs tailored to individual dog and owner needs. The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Sessions consist of 6 thirty-minute private positive reinforcement sessions over 6 weeks at their facility, covering foundational topics like potty training, nutrition, and basic commands. This program is for puppies up to 8 months old who have had their second round of vaccines.
Private Sessions are available in 4 or 5 one-hour packages, held at their facility over 4 or 5 weeks respectively, for dogs 6 months and older. These sessions focus on the 7 basic obedience commands (come, sit, down, place, off, break, heel) and are customizable, with homework provided weekly. The 5-session package includes an e-collar. Additional 1-hour private sessions can be added.
Hybrid Training Camp combines a 7-day board and train with 5 one-hour private sessions, customizable for problem areas and basic obedience. Dogs live with a trainer during the camp, receiving photo and video updates. This program is for dogs 6 months and older, with 7 months or older recommended.
Adventure Training Camps (2, 2.5, or 3 weeks) are intensive board and train programs where dogs live with a trainer and learn the 7 basic commands in various environments. The 2-week camp is for general obedience, while the 2.5-week camp is recommended for dog/animal reactive dogs, high anxiety dogs, and in-training emotional support animals. The 3-week camp is recommended for human reactive dogs, high anxiety dogs, and in-training service animals. All Adventure Training Camps include a lifetime guarantee with access to the North Star Alumni Club, offering free monthly pack walks and exclusive access to Stepping Stones small group sessions for continued support. A free initial lesson/meet and greet is optional for these camps.
Advanced training options are available for those who have mastered basic commands, including therapy dog development, service dog development, behavior modification, dog-friendly backpacking and hiking adventures, dog sport foundations, and trick training. They do not offer group classes, but provide monthly pack walks and small group Stepping Stones classes for alumni.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Sessions: $300 for 6 thirty-minute private positive reinforcement sessions. A minimum deposit of $150 is required.
4 Private Sessions: $500 for 4 one-hour private sessions. A minimum deposit of $250 is required.
5 Private Sessions: $700 for 5 one-hour private sessions, including e-collar introduction. A minimum deposit of $350 is required.
Add 1 Private Session: $100 for an additional 1-hour private session. A minimum deposit of $100 is required.
Hybrid Training Camp: $1700 for a 7-day training camp combined with 5 one-hour private sessions. A minimum deposit of $850 is required.
2 Week Adventure Training Camp: $2700 for a 14-night board and train. A minimum deposit of $1350 is required.
2.5 Week Adventure Training Camp: $3200 for a 17-night board and train. A minimum deposit of $1600 is required.
3 Week Adventure Training Camp: $3700 for a 21-night board and train. A minimum deposit of $1850 is required.
For private sessions, full payment is due at the start of the first class. For training camps, full payment is due by the start date. A non-refundable processing fee of $25 applies to private sessions and $100 to camps, which can be avoided by paying in full with cash or check. Deposits for camps are non-refundable.
Policies
A first lesson money-back guarantee is offered for private sessions if the trainer is notified at the first lesson; otherwise, no refunds are provided after the first lesson. Deposits for training camps are non-refundable. Booking packages online does not guarantee a specific date range; clients will be contacted and offered the first available spot.
Testimonials
“I cannot say enough amazing things about Lindsey and Chloe Brock. They made Stella going to training as easy as possible. Stella is the princess of the house and she is like our child and Lindsey took her time coming to our home to pick her up, Let us become comfortable with her and explained everything step by step before taking Stella to “camp”. We got updates, pictures, videos, daily. We were able to call or text whenever we wanted to check on her. The never complained or acted like we were a burden. When she came back, she was so happy and you could tell that they had taking such amazing care of her. she was with them for two weeks and I almost think our Stella loved being there more than she likes being at home lol. they have become like family and Stella has two amazing aunts that have really helped her behavior and now we’re able to take her places which has improved her quality of life as well as ours. I cannot tell you how thankful we are for them 10 out of 10 stars.”
– AMANDA
“Bootsie, my mom’s dream dog, was a precious, large and full of energy puppy. We were worried she might be too much for mom to handle and thanks to Shannon we were so wrong. After her 2 week board and train we couldn’t believe the difference. Here we are 2 years later and we couldn’t have asked for a better dog for mom. Bootsie is mom’s best friend and so well behaved now. Shannon worked miracles and we are so thankful!”
– CHRISTI
“I would highly recommend Kami Lambert for dog training! She trained my 5 month old Golden Doodle and it was the best investment. While she had him she not only trained him, she loved on him and kept me updated with pictures, videos and texts about his progress and day to day adventures. Oliver is the most fun and well behaved pup now!”
– KELLY
About the Trainer
North Star K9 Training is a balanced dog training company focused on providing tailored experiences for dogs and families. They prioritize client and dog satisfaction, ensuring no one has a less than stellar experience. They believe no dog is “too hard” or “too scary” and aim for every dog to return home better and more confident.
The company’s core values include Dog’s Best Life, Community/Relationships, Teamwork, Work Ethic, and Exceeding Expectations. They are a dedicated team of trainers who collaborate closely, ensuring clients receive the collective support of the entire team.
North Star K9 Training offers various programs customizable to individual dog and owner needs, including basic obedience, behavior management for anxiety, reactivity, or aggression, therapy dog development, service dog development, and introductions to scent work, dog sports, or agility. They are located conveniently in the heart of downtown Knoxville and were voted Cityview’s Best of the Best GOLD 2023 and 2024.
Accomplishments
North Star K9 Training was voted Cityview’s Best of the Best GOLD in 2023 and 2024. They have been featured on an American Dream TV Segment and in a Graphic Creations Customer Spotlight.
Lindsey Brock holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in Wildlife and Fisheries Management and was part of the University of Tennessee Women’s Rugby Football Club. She successfully trained her aggressive rescue pit bull, Buckley, from potential behavioral euthanasia and has experience working for a large franchise training company, helping hundreds of dogs with aggression/anxiety management.
Chloe Brock holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee and has experience in retail management. She helped build a large K9 training company in Asheville from new to popular.
Shannon Thurston has dedicated her life to animal welfare, volunteering for German Shepherd Rescue and organizing stray animal efforts. She became well-known in the German Shepherd Rescue Community after saving two death-row dogs whose stories went viral in 2007 and served as the Tennessee Coordinator for Southeast German Shepherd Rescue. She has over 20 years of Social Work experience, including as a special needs adoption coordinator. Shannon is an AKC Evaluator for S.T.A.R. Puppy, CGC, CGCA, and CGCU. She has completed Pet Tech Training for PetSaver and Pet CPR & First Aid and holds certifications with the American Man trailing, Police & Work Dog Association (AMPWDA), AKC Scent Work Judges Education Seminars, and Service Dog Specific Training.
Morgan Worsham holds a Bachelor’s from the University of Tennessee and a Master’s degree in civil engineering from Virginia Tech. She is the captain of the Knoxville Toss and Fetch team and a member of Knoxville’s Big Orange Blast flyball team.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients are encouraged to call or text to reserve a spot, as trainers are typically booked 1-4 months out. For reactive, anxious, or aggressive dogs, clients should reach out before booking to ensure the best package fit. An optional free first lesson/meet and greet is available for Adventure Training Camp packages to ensure suitability and allow training to begin prior to the camp. Clients can also use the contact form on the website for inquiries.

Contact Information
Certifications
- Credentialed
Associations
- AKC
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking