Our Training Team
Meet Our Dog Behavior Experts
Our certified trainers specialize in personalized in-home training, board and train, and behavior consulting. With extensive hands-on experience and professional credentials, they deliver high-quality, effective training tailored to your dog’s needs and your lifestyle.
Our Promise: We act as the bridge between where you are today and the well-behaved dog you envision. Through our proven methods for in-home lessons, structured board and train programs, and targeted behavior consulting, we create clear communication between you and your dog, making training highly effective and enjoyable.
Julie Farris CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
Julie has over 27 years of experience providing training and behavior consulting to dogs of all breeds and sizes using positive reinforcement techniques to teach dogs new behaviors and ensure they are happy and healthy.
She is certified in both behavior consulting and training through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and a graduate of the University of South Florida with a degree in mass communications.
Julie oversees our puppy board and train program as a trainer and expert in behavior involving fear, anxiety, and aggression in dogs.
Terri Smith CPDT-KA, Fear-Free Certified
Terri Smith is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Fear Free Certified Professional, currently serving as a certified trainer and puppy raiser for Nashville Puppy Academy. With over 25 years of experience in the animal care industry—ranging from kennel assistant to managing a successful dog walking company—Terri specializes in life skills, basic manners, and puppy development. Her extensive background includes serving as the Adoption and Foster Care Coordinator for Bonaparte’s Retreat, a Nashville dog rescue founded by country music legend Emmylou Harris.
Terri’s passion for dog training and behavior was sparked when she adopted her first rescue dog, who struggled with significant behavioral challenges. This experience fueled her drive to help dogs gain confidence through skill-building and develop resilience through thoughtful, positive exposure to the world. Her dedication deepened during her tenure at Bonaparte’s Retreat, where she witnessed firsthand how training rooted in learning science and behavior-focused support could transform the lives of both the dogs and their adoptive families.
Nancy, Pretzel, Isabella All-Star Helper Pups
Our helper dogs are invaluable canine teachers who work closely with our trainers to support puppy development in the most natural and effective way. This trio of well-balanced dogs serve as gentle playmates, helping puppies learn appropriate play skills, social cues, and bite inhibition. They act as calm, confident “first friends” for shy or fearful puppies, provide neutral distractions for dogs working on reactivity, and give nervous pups the courage and confidence to explore their environment. By modeling calm, friendly behavior in our farm setting, our helper dogs create safe, real-life learning opportunities that accelerate socialization and build lasting emotional resilience.