About the Academy
Your All in One Puppy Training Solution
At Nashville Puppy Academy, we set the standard in puppy development by grounding our programs in the science of how dogs learn and the critical role of early, proper and safe socialization. Our Board and Train programs and in-home services deliver structured, positive exposures and skill-building at the right stage of development. Our methods are based on established principles of learning science which use clear timing and rewards to strengthen desired behaviors efficiently and humanely. The result is a more adaptable dog who fits naturally into your Nashville routine — with fewer behavior issues and stronger long-term habits. We love helping puppies develop the real-world skills and emotional stability needed to thrive throughout their lifetime.
We offer these training service options:
Founded by Julie Farris, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
Nashville Puppy Academy was founded by Julie Farris, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, a behavior consultant and dog trainer with over 27 years of experience in canine behavior and training. Since 2007, Julie has offered personalized training, board and train, and behavior consulting throughout the Middle Tennesee area. She also served as a behavior technician for board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Beth Strickler DVM, MS, DACVB at Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital and Veterinary Behavior Solutions. She is the former co-owner of Instinct Dog Behavior and Training and has provided extensive behavior support to Nashville-area dog rescues for decades.
She created Nashville Puppy Academy to focus on puppies and adolescent dogs, giving owners the knowledge and support often missing in those vital first months. Many new puppy parents are unaware of breed-specific genetics, realistic behavioral expectations at each life stage, or how dogs actually learn. Without this understanding, small challenges can grow into bigger problems. At Nashville Puppy Academy, we’re here to walk beside you during those important first months and years, offering personalized support through our programs all tailored to your home and lifestyle.
Build stronger bonds, one puppy at a time.
Our Mission
Our mission at Nashville Puppy Academy is to nurture confident, well-adjusted dogs by guiding puppies through every stage of their growth, learning, and development. Using positive, reward-based training, we emphasize proper socialization, age-appropriate expectations, breed understanding, enrichment, and the science of how dogs learn. We provide flexible programs tailored to each family’s lifestyle and deliver lifelong support, helping puppies and their people build strong, loving relationships through gentle, effective coaching for both ends of the leash.
Why Nashville Families
Choose Our Academy
Veterinary-Informed Standards
We prioritize your puppy’s safety, health and physical well-being alongside their mental growth.
The 10-Acre Advantage
Our North Nashville facility offers a peaceful, distraction-controlled environment where puppies can explore and learn at their own pace.
Positive, Play-Based Methods
We utilize science-based reinforcement. No harsh corrections—just rewarding techniques that keep puppies eager to learn.
A Boutique Experience
We intentionally limit the number of puppies we take in. This ensures your pet receives the high-touch, individual attention they deserve.
Lifelong Support
Our commitment doesn't end when the lesson does. Every graduate receives a lifetime of email support to navigate any future milestones.
Start your Puppy’s Education Today
Whether you are looking for the immersive results from our popular 3-week home tutoring, a virtual consultation to tackle immediate potty-training hurdles or a training camp while you are on vacation, we are here to provide the guidance you need. Let’s build a foundation of good manners and mutual respect that lasts a lifetime.