Ridgeside K9 Knoxville

Ridgeside K9 Knoxville offers comprehensive dog training programs, including Board and Train, Private Dog Training, and Puppy Training, all designed to bridge the communication gap between dogs and their owners. Their approach emphasizes clear communication and balanced training, creating an environment where dogs are motivated to learn.

Board and Train programs are customized and facility-housed, ranging from 3 to 6 weeks. Clients receive weekly progress reports and photos, and programs conclude with facility lessons for owner turnover. These programs focus on obedience, impulse control, loose leash heeling, and eliminating problem behaviors like jumping, counter surfing, and digging. Advanced programs aim for 100% reliable recall and proofing in high-distraction environments, utilizing tools such as prong and e-collars.

Private Dog Training consists of 5 or 7 one-on-one sessions, focusing on building a strong obedience foundation. These sessions address issues like crate training, potty training, loose leash walking, general behavioral issues, separation anxiety, place command, impulse control, stays, and reactivity. While private training is not for aggressive dogs (who require a separate 4-6 week aggression rehabilitation program), it helps owners learn how to motivate, engage, and communicate effectively with their dogs using various balanced training tools and techniques.

Puppy Training programs, such as the 2-Week Puppy University and Puppy All-Inclusive, lay the foundation for basic obedience, crate training, and potty training. They help alleviate common puppy behaviors like jumping, biting, excessive barking, and anxiety. Training starts at their facility and progresses to public environments for proper exposure and socialization, utilizing positive reinforcement with food and toys for young puppies.

All training programs include a strong focus on owner education, with a 3-hour turnover session at graduation to ensure lasting success. Ridgeside K9 Knoxville offers lifetime support, weekly refresher training sessions (Wednesdays at 5 PM in summer, Saturdays at noon in winter) for prior clients, monthly pack walks, and an online platform for ongoing questions and community connection. They tailor their methods to each dog’s individual personality, situation, and goals.

Pricing Summary

Board and Train programs are priced as follows: a 3-Week Intro On-Leash program costs $2,500; a 4-Week Basic On-Leash program is $3,500 and includes lifetime support; and a 6-Week Advanced Off-Leash program is $4,500, also including lifetime support and phone call availability.

Private Training packages include: 5-Lessons for $850, and 7-Lessons for $1100, both of which include a training collar.

Puppy Training programs are: 2-Week Puppy University for $1,800, and the Puppy All-Inclusive program (10-day puppy board & train plus adult 2-week training) for $3,800.

Grooming pricing is determined based on the dog’s coat condition, weight, and desired haircut, and an accurate estimate requires an in-facility visit.

Policies

All dogs boarding at Ridgeside K9 Knoxville must have current Rabies, Bordetella (Kennel Cough), and DHPP or DAPP vaccines. Shot records must be received before the day of arrival, with no exceptions. If vaccinations are renewed at the time of expiration, a 24-48 hour waiting period is required before the dog can arrive at the facility.

For overnight stays, clients are required to provide their dog’s food and any necessary medications, which should be brought in their original packaging. Personal toys and belongings, as well as bones that can break, splinter, or cause impaction (including rawhides), are not permitted. The facility provides bedding for boarding dogs. Training collars should not be worn for more than 12-15 hours per day and can be removed when the dog is sleeping or crated.

Ridgeside K9 Knoxville (RSKTN) was established from a lifelong passion and dedication to training dogs and bridging the communication gap between them and their owners. They boast over 20 years of experience training farm and working dogs, police canines, and thousands of pet dogs. Their head trainer, Mike Lilley, is committed to providing comprehensive training designed to last the lifetime of your dog.

Every training package is customized based on individual needs and goals to build a stable, confident bond between you and your dog. Ridgeside K9 Knoxville offers a wide range of pet training solutions, including puppy training classes, potty training, loose leash walking, and basic cues like sit, roll-over, and bark.

Beyond training, they also provide dog boarding, doggie daycare, and dog grooming services. They emphasize clear communication and balanced training, creating an environment where dogs are motivated to learn and engage. Their process focuses on both dog training and owner education to ensure lasting success, offering lifetime support, weekly refresher training, monthly pack walks, and an online platform for clients.

Ridgeside K9 Knoxville is part of the larger Ridgeside K9 family, with locations in other states.

Accomplishments

Mike Lilley, the owner and head trainer, possesses over 20 years of experience in training farm and working dogs, police canines, and thousands of pet dogs. He served as a State Law Enforcement Officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), where he was recognized as Officer of the Year for his region and NWTF Officer of the Year. He was a founding member of FWC’s Resource Protection Unit and was selected for the FWC K9 program, achieving certification in tracking, article recovery, and fish and game detection through NAPWDA.

Later, Mike worked as a dual-purpose patrol dog handler with the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, certifying in Patrol, Tracking, and Narcotics detection through FLECA. He earned his Police K9 Trainer’s certification after assisting with a large K9 school. In 2016, he became a professional dog trainer and was promoted to Sergeant over the K9 Unit, successfully training multiple police K9s for his agency and assisting others. Mike is an instructor for K9s United, providing modern training techniques to law enforcement agencies nationwide, and has worked with Military Special Forces K9 teams in Australia and Colorado. He is a Silver and Gold school graduate of the world-renowned NePoPo training method.

The grooming team includes a groomer with over 4 years of experience and a Certified Canine Esthetician, specializing in sporting breeds, doodles, creative grooming, and standard poodles. Another groomer has 18 years of experience, is also a Certified Canine Esthetician, and specializes in doodles and pet styles.

How to Get Started!

To begin services with Ridgeside K9 Knoxville, clients can schedule a free evaluation by completing an online form or calling (865) 509-8848 for immediate over-the-phone assistance. For grooming appointments, clients can schedule by calling 865-419-7579 or by completing the online form. For doggie daycare, no reservation is required for daily pay, but vaccination records must be uploaded to an online account once a client profile has been created.