Ridgeside K9 Knoxville

Our 2 dogs (9 months and 2.5 years old) recently completed Ridgeside K9’s 6-week General Obedience Training and we are very happy with the results. This was our first experience with a Board-and-Train program. To be honest, we had never even considered it before. Naturally, we were nervous about the length of the program. We were worried about our dogs “forgetting us” and if their training will change their personality. They have a pretty pampered life with very little alone time and lots of playtime, walks and a big yard. We worried about the change of environment for them. ALL our worries were just that. Worries. After talking to Mike, the owner, we felt a lot better. He took his time and addressed all of our concerns. Ridgeside K9 did a great job taking care of our dogs and teaching them to be well behaved pups. Sammi, our dogs’ trainer, was wonderful. She communicated with us often via text and email and we were able to contact her directly anytime. The weekly videos were very helpful for our family. Our kids are so attached to both dogs, but seeing them on videos eased their sadness and made them excited for their return home. The dogs’ health has been cared for wonderfully as well. As a veterinary technician, things like their clean and shiny coats, bright eyes and great weight caught my attention. Both dogs seemed to have a lot of fun. Sammi said they got to enjoy their daycare program along with the training. Both our dogs now listen well and walk well on their leashes. They are still the same silly and playful dogs we dropped off and they settled right back in at home. They simply understand now what is expected of them. We would highly recommend Ridgeside K9!

We brought our 3 year old gsd/belgian malinois, Gus, to RIdgeside K9 in Knoxville for extreme dog reactivity. Before training, I couldn’t enjoy taking him to public places because he became completely unmanageable at the sight of other dogs. It was overwhelming and stressful for both of us. We started with a great phone consult with the owner, Mike Lilley, followed by an in-person consult with our trainer, Julio and Gus. After discussing Gus’s behavior and goals, we decided on the 6 week board and train program, focusing on his reactivity. Throughout the program, Julio kept us updated with emails and videos showing Gus’s weekly progress. He answered all my questions, explained what he was working on, and suggested equipment changes when needed. We always felt informed and supported. When we arrived for the “go home” consultation, Julio explained and demonstrated all the techniques he used while training Gus. He also gave me hands on practice so I could confidently apply the corrections and commands myself. Within the first week of Gus being home, Julio came to our house to help with the transition back into our daily routine and our new habit of daily walks. Julio not only trained our dog-he helped train me, giving me the skills and confidence to handle Gus. I am so pleased with the work Ridgeside and Julio have done. They have truly changed our lives by allowing me to be able to share more of life’s moments with my dog.

5 stars for Ridgeside K9 in Knoxville!! We rescued a puppy in November, and we wanted to get her started on the right foot with training and socialization to avoid any issues as she entered adulthood. We researched many training facilities but felt drawn to Ridgeside- so we scheduled a consult. Mike made us feel so welcome and answered all our questions. Nova started the 6-week board & train in January and just graduated last week! We now have a balanced, well-behaved puppy who we can trust in any setting. Her trainer Sammi was absolutely amazing and truly laid the foundation for Nova's success. We plan to bring her back for doggie day care a few times a month so she can play with her friends and keep up with the socialization (and also, she simply loves being there). Thank you to the entire Ridgeside K9 crew for taking such good care of our girl!