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Certified dog trainer
Julie C. Farris
Julie C. Farris

Goodlettsville, TN

Instinct Dog Training

Instinct Nashville is a fusion of the leadership and training teams from Veterinary Behavior Solutions, Sabra Dog Training, and Rescue Me! Dog Training. Our team members, comprised of certified trainers, behavior consultants, and veterinary behaviorists, have spent the past decade+ helping thousands of Nashville-area dogs and owners navigate through behavior issues big and small.

Training Philosophy: Nature-Driven Nurture™

Services:

  • Private Coaching
  • Board & Train Camps
  • Boarding
  • Puppy Raising Camps

We include lifetime free alumni support & community with all training programs.

Certifications:

  • Certified trainers
  • Behavior consultants
  • Veterinary behaviorists

Specializations:

  • Puppy training
  • Obedience training
  • Behavior issues
  • Separation anxiety
  • Leash reactivity
  • Resource guarding
  • Handling issues

Training Methods:

  • Positive reinforcement
  • Nature-Driven Nurture™

Customer Reviews:

  • “We've enjoyed and benefited from training as much as our dogs have, marveling at the effectiveness of Instinct's approach to working with individual dogs' temperaments to achieve goals and behaviors that improve the quality of ALL our lives. Our relationship with our pets have been enriched and expanded beyond imagining…the entire team are exceptional and an absolute pleasure to work with.
    Kate S.
  • “Instinct completely changed my relationship with my dog (for the better). The stress I experienced before during walks and when meeting new people is gone, and I can spend more time now enjoying my time with Benny. I would recommend Instinct to anyone seeking positive reinforcement training for their dog.”
    Andrew H.
  • “I have a Rottweiler pup that was not very well socialized when she came to us at 10 weeks of age. She came from a rural setting into an environment with zero grass, lots of loud noise (freeway, planes, trains, and motorcycles) and exponentially more people. Jessica W. patiently answered all of my questions, and, through weeks of training, my hyper-vigilant pup has grown into a pretty confident dog who can finally relax enough to have fun! Jessica is kind, non-judgmental, professional and courteous. It is readily apparent that she is passionate about pups. Thank you, Jessica, for giving Nola the push that she needed to relax and enjoy life. We really appreciate it and you!”
    Carolyn W.
  • “Jess Stone was absolutely fantastic with Glitchie (g), my little rescue. G was a pandemic puppy and while incredibly playful, was very nervous about encountering people and dogs in our housing area, which manifested as aggression. Jess by was great; I watched G pick up life-skills to help her diffuse her energy and anxieties in amazing ways. She was patient, kind, but also vigilant while I got used to the steep learning curve of dealing with a very energetic and leash aggressive dog. It's been over 5 months since we did training, and g has retained all the life-skills Jess taught her. I look forward to booking follow-ups in the future. I can't recommend Jess highly enough!”
    Glitchie & Family
  • “Brandi trained my young French Bulldog, Violet, over 12 weeks, first for the good citizen test and then for some tasks related to her becoming a trained service dog. Violet and I both love her. Her teaching methodology made Violet very comfortable and eager to learn. Brandi is always very positive. I recommend her to everyone. Brandi is now training my daughters dog.”
    Violet & Family
  • “Jessica W. is awesome! She has helped our family tremendously with our dogs and given us the confidence to handle them in any situation. Both of our dogs have learned proper leash walking, recall skills, as well as “settle” down on the mat. She also helped us to implement fun games and activities which keep them happy and engaged. Our larger dog, Goose, is very high energy! He struggled with overexcitement and anxiety in the home and in new environments, which led to excessive barking, pulling on the leash and other difficult behaviors. Jessica’s training has taught us the techniques to manage his behavior and create an environment for learning and fun, wherever we go!”
    Goose & Family

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.

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