The Educated Hound

All training programs are conducted on their 5 1/2 acre farm, with boarding dogs housed in a state-licensed and inspected facility on the property. They offer two main training options designed for fast results, focusing on on and off-leash listening around significant distractions. No dog is considered too small or too big to benefit from their training.

Their primary offering is “Home & Farm based Training,” an immersive board and train program where dogs stay on the farm. During this program, dogs learn house manners and on/off-leash obedience around the farm’s unique distractions, including various farm animals. After mastering new skills, dogs are taken on adventures to dog-friendly stores or parks to ensure they can listen anywhere. Upon completion, owners receive a first lesson to learn how to maintain their dog’s new behaviors.

They also offer “Specialty Training: Trained Retrieve” on a case-by-case basis. This program teaches dogs to pick up objects (fetch) using clicker/marker work, requiring dogs to be food-driven, eager to learn, and non-aggressive. While they do not train service dogs, this program, combined with their Board & Train, can help owners achieve a well-behaved dog capable of retrieving dropped items.

The Educated Hound is a dog training business founded by husband and wife team, Josh Blanchette and Jessie Bohanan, located on a 5 1/2 acre farm in Cartersville, Georgia. They guarantee to teach dogs to listen even while off-leash, aiming for superb manners, loose-leash walking, and stopping behaviors like darting out doors, jumping on guests, or excessive barking.

A unique advantage of their training is that dogs learn in their family home environment and benefit from the distractions provided by their small farm, which includes various farm animals like pigs, goats, and chickens, as well as house cats. This exposure helps dogs learn to listen regardless of surrounding distractions. They take a small number of students at a time to ensure each dog receives personalized attention.

The business offers home and farm-based training where dogs stay on the property, learning house manners and on/off-leash obedience. After initial training, dogs are taken on adventures to dog-friendly stores or parks to generalize their skills. They also offer specialty training like “Trained Retrieve” on a case-by-case basis, which teaches dogs to pick up and return objects using clicker/marker work. While they do not train service dogs, this program can complement their Board & Train for well-behaved dogs that can retrieve items.

Jessie Bohanan is highlighted as an expert trainer who also trains dog owners to maintain control. The facility is state-licensed and inspected, and they have their own pack of dogs and other animals that assist in socializing and distracting training. In addition to training, they provide pet boarding and pet sitting services.

Accomplishments

Jessie Bohanan, a co-founder, has a long history of dog training, having trained over 2,000 dogs and puppies during 8 years as a head trainer before starting The Educated Hound. Her education includes The Michael Ellis School For Dog Trainers. Her credentials cover Basic and Advanced Obedience, Remote Collar Specialization, Retrieval Training, Clicker and Marker Training, Deaf and Disabled Dog Experience, Small Dog Specialization, Aggression and Behavior Modification Expertise, Puppy Rearing and Development, AKC FDC Judge, AKC CGC Evaluator, AKC Trick Dog Evaluator, and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy instructor.

Josh Blanchette, the other co-founder, serves in a management role in the Air Force and handles behind-the-scenes operations. His education includes the Community College of the Air Force, International School for Earth Studies, Tom Brown Jr Wilderness Survival and Tracking School, and National Cave Rescue Commission, Small Party Assisted Rescue. He has received awards for Dean’s List, civilian job performance, and military service, including Non Commissioned Officer of the year in his Wing in 2019. His credentials include AKC CGC Evaluator, Dog Appreciator, Dog’s Best Friend, and Puppy Enthusiast of the year from 2021-2023.

How to Get Started!

To begin, prospective clients are encouraged to call to schedule a free phone consultation. Due to limited space in their popular programs, calling to reserve a spot is recommended.