North Star K9 Training

5.0 Stars,176 Reviews
513 Cooper St, Knoxville, TN 37917

Service area: Serves Knoxville, TN and surrounding areas within the metropolitan region.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Family Dog
  • Service Dog
  • Therapy Dog
  • Competition / Agility
  • Behavior Modification

Specialty Focus Areas

  • Basic Obedience
  • Puppy Training
  • Leash Pulling
  • Reactivity / Aggression
  • Jumping on People
  • Barking Excessively
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Biting / Nipping
  • Potty Training
  • Resource Guarding
  • Fearfulness
  • Recall

Training Formats Offered

  • Private Lessons
  • Board and Train
  • Day Training
  • Video Calls

Program Formats

  • One-Time Consultation
  • Sessions Package
  • Intensive Program

Types of Dogs

  • Small
  • Medium
  • Large
  • Giant
  • Herding
  • Sporting
  • Working
  • Hounds
  • Terriers
  • Doodles
  • Brachycephalic

Age of Dogs Trained

  • Puppy (<1 year)
  • Adolescent (1-2 years)
  • Adult (2-8 years)
  • Senior (8+ years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods: 

  • Balanced Training

Equipment: 

  • Clickers
  • Food Rewards
  • Harnesses
  • Flat Collars
  • Martingale Collars
  • Pinch Collars
  • E-Collars
  • Obstacle Courses

North Star K9 Training offers AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Sessions for dogs under 8 months, 4–5 private sessions for dogs over 6 months, hybrid programs combining private sessions and board-and-train, and intensive Adventure Training Camps lasting 2–3 weeks. Programs are customized per dog and family, covering obedience, behavior modification, reactivity, aggression, therapy, service, and sport training. All programs include lifetime support and follow-up guidance. Board-and-train occurs in trainer homes, not a facility.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Pricing varies by program: AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy sessions, 4–5 private sessions, hybrid programs, and Adventure Training Camps (2–3 weeks). Specific rates are listed on their online store. Lifetime support is included with all programs. No public pricing details provided beyond program names.

Policies

Includes a lifetime guarantee with all programs, ensuring ongoing support. No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated, but clients are encouraged to communicate directly with trainers for adjustments.

Testimonials

North Star K9 has been an absolute lifesaver for our family! We’ve been working specifically with Morgan, and we couldn’t be more impressed. She’s been amazing with both of our dogs–our German Shepherd, Sasha, and our Pitbull, Daisy–each with their own unique challenges.

Sasha joined our household as a 9-month-old pup with no prior training or structure, which led to challenges with obedience, impatience, and reactivity. Morgan approached her training with a perfect mix of structure and compassion, helping Sasha become more focused, calm, and responsive. The difference in her behavior has been night and day. Morgan also introduced us to Toss & Fetch, which has been an amazing outlet for Sasha’s endless energy and a great way for us to bond with our high-drive girl who acts like she’s got a full-time job to do.

Daisy, on the other hand, is incredibly sweet but very stubborn. Morgan knew exactly how to handle her strong-willed personality and taught us strategies that actually work. Daisy is now more cooperative because we understand what drives her.

What really sets NSK9 and Morgan apart is how much they care. They’ve gone out of their way to help make our household less chaotic and far more enjoyable. We’ve always felt supported–not just with our dogs, but as dog owners trying to do the right thing.

If you’re looking for knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely dedicated trainers, we highly recommend North Star K9 and especially Morgan! 10/10.
– Family of Sasha and Daisy

I had the pleasure of working with Morgan from North Star K9 to help train my young bloodhound, Kahlua. Kahlua had been struggling with anxiety, especially around people and in the busy downtown environments. After doing some research, I decided to enroll her in North Star K9’s two-week boot camp program — and I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I have made for her.

The transformation in Kahlua has been incredible. Not only did Morgan work with her on all the foundational obedience commands, but she also helped her build confidence in situations that used to overwhelm her. Since returning home, Kahlua has continued to thrive. She is much more relaxed and comfortable in public settings — we can now take her to restaurants and stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Dick’s Sporting Goods without any issues. She listens well, walks nicely on a leash, and is noticeably more confident and at ease around people. She even enjoys the attention now!

We continue to practice her training daily, which helps reinforce everything she learned, but she also gets time to just be a happy, playful dog. The balance is perfect. Morgan did not just train Kahlua — she cared for her like her own, and it is clear that her love and respect for animals is at the heart of everything she does.

Even after the camp ended, Morgan has stayed in touch to check in on Kahlua’s progress, which I really appreciate. That ongoing support means everything and speaks to her dedication. The lifetime guarantee with North Star K9 which is included in the contract — is another fantastic benefit.

This entire experience has been more than worth the investment. Kahlua is now able to live her best life, full of confidence, adventure, and joy — and that would not have been possible without Morgan’s patience, expertise, and genuine passion for what she does. I highly recommend her and North Star K9 to anyone looking for a skilled and compassionate trainer. Thank you, Morgan, for everything!
– Carla, Gary and Kahlua

Chloe and Lindsey did an absolutely amazing job with my Bru man! Before he left for adventure training camp he was a bit of a handful to say the least. He really struggled with selective hearing along with some aggression with other dogs but when I got him back it was a night and day difference! Before adventure training camp I really struggled taking Bru to the park and out in public but now he goes practically everywhere with me! Not only did they make my life so much easier, they also made Bru’s life so much better just due to the fact he can go out and enjoy the world now!
– Bru’s Owner

About the Trainer

North Star K9 Training is a locally owned and operated dog training business in Knoxville, TN, dedicated to providing personalized, balanced training for dogs of all ages, breeds, and behavioral challenges. They specialize in tailoring programs to each dog’s unique needs, whether it’s basic obedience, puppy training, reactivity, aggression, separation anxiety, or advanced skills like service or therapy dog development. Their team of certified trainers offers private sessions, hybrid programs, and intensive board-and-train options, including Adventure Training Camps where dogs stay with trainers for 2–3 weeks. They emphasize compassionate, relationship-based training and pride themselves on never turning away a “hard” or “scary” dog. All clients receive lifetime support and follow-up guidance. The business also supports community initiatives through Buckley’s Training Legacy, donating training to shelters and rescues. Their trainers are deeply experienced, with backgrounds in animal rescue, social work, and working with high-needs dogs.

They serve families seeking not just obedience, but lasting behavioral change and confidence-building for both dog and owner. Their approach combines structure with empathy, ensuring no dog or owner falls through the cracks. They also offer AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy classes and specialized programs for scent work, agility, and dog sports.

North Star K9 Training is a Gold Award winner for Best of the Best in Knoxville (2023 and 2024) and is known for its team-based, collaborative training model where clients benefit from the collective expertise of all trainers.

Accomplishments

North Star K9 Training was voted Cityview’s Best of the Best GOLD in 2023 and 2024. Trainers have advanced backgrounds in animal rescue, social work, and working with high-needs dogs. Lindsey Brock trained her own aggressive rescue pit bull to overcome behavioral euthanasia. Shannon Thurston has rescued hundreds of German Shepherds and has over 20 years of social work experience. The team has been featured on American Dream TV and by local media.

How to Get Started!

Client engagement begins with an online booking through their store page. Prospective clients fill out a contact form with details about their dog, breed, and behavioral concerns, and select a program of interest. A free initial consultation is offered to assess needs and match the dog with the right trainer.

North Star K9 Training featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • 21+ Years Experience

  • Insured

  • Free Consultation

Availability

  • Weekdays
  • Weekends
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening

Hours

9am-9pm

Certifications

  • Credentialed

Associations

  • AKC

Languages

  • English
  • wheelchair accessible entrance
  • wheelchair accessible parking

Other Services Offered

  • Pet boarding service

Location

513 Cooper St, Knoxville, TN 37917

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