Dog Training Testimonials
Chelsey and Todd Shearer
I realized one day that if my kids were going to grow up with a pet, it was time to find one. My daughter picked out a 3 month old puppy from the local animal shelter. He, "Harley", was very sweet and loving, but also very active. His normal puppy behavior included biting, chewing on things, jumping on us and, of course, accidents in the house. After two weeks of care and numerous visits to a local pet store for training, I realized that I needed help beyond bribing my dog with treats in hopes that he would behave. Fortunately, our beloved veterinarian suggested a couple of trainers' names, and we were especially intrigued with the program at Canine Inc. After meeting the owner, Jon Stolzer, we knew we would benefit from sending our newest family member to his beautiful facility. Although it was hard to part with our puppy after having him for only a few weeks, we knew that Harley would be happier in our home if he had confidence in himself and received praise from us instead of constant reprimands. As we expected, Harley came home a little bigger and a lot more disciplined. His spunky personality remained, but he also enjoyed pleasing us with his controlled behavior. Our investment in Harley has lead to months of relaxed enjoyment with a wonderful companion. Jon Stolzer and his staff's hard work has given us what we dreamed of - a happy, loving and obedient dog!
As Jon worked with Harley, he also took a great deal of time working with my husband and myself. We learned a great deal about dogs - especially the fact that dogs enjoy the company of another dog. We are a very busy family of four, and I was truly worried about Harley having enough companionship and exercise. Deciding to find Harley a buddy led us to yet another wonderful aspect of Jon's business; Canine Inc. also specializes in importing and training protection dogs! Being able to have another loving family dog and companion for Harley who is also able to protect my family was an incredible concept and a comforting gift to a family with a dad who travels frequently. Jon personally picked "Bear" for our family, and he has been a perfect fit. After having experienced one attempted robbery before Bear was with us, I am extremely grateful to know that Bear will faithfully protect his family in any emergency. He is an impressive dog with an intimidating appearance, but he is also just as loving and friendly as Harley. Meeting Jon and working with Courtney and the rest of the staff at Canine Inc. has been one of the most fortunate things to happen to our family. As promised, Jon continues to work with Bear, Harley and us. He is a talented, dedicated trainer, and we couldn't be happier with the emotional and monetary investments we have made.
Colin Dayan Vanderbilt University Professor and Author
A few things that really impress me about Stella, after being at Canine Inc. She's lost none of her spunk and spirit, but has become a more thoughtful and disciplined dog. Not disciplined in the sense of rigorous control but rather the kind of thoughtfulness that comes with consistent, loving, and sensitive training: a reciprocity between human and non-human animal that is incredible to see.
One of my big questions concerned whether or not Stella could spend 2 months away from home and then adjust to being back with me and my husband. Not only did she adjust, but she enjoyed us more than we had known before. My walks with her are a pleasure. This led me to realize that Jon builds up a relationship through mutual respect and care.
To have control, to earn respect without any kind of overbearing treatment or threatening behavior is quite something. I've seen too many trainers use harsh methods. What is most fantastic about Jon's method is his utter respect for the dog's nature. In Stella's case, this meant that he did not try to defeat her or change her instincts--instead he understood them. This understanding means everything to me. For dogs are not humans. Their energy is different and wonderfully unique. All too often, trainers try to domesticate dogs, turning them into impoverished icons of their former selves. Stella has returned from Canine Inc. more true to herself and her talents than when she went. I cannot thank Jon enough for his prescience, his intelligence and compassion.
Dr. Jeff Abelt Veterinarian, Leiper's Fork Veterinary Services Mobile Clinic
We recommend and refer our clients to Jon Stolzer and his team at Canine Inc. We have seen great results with a variety of training and behavior issues. Jon can help people build a stronger relationship with their dog!
David Burkhalter and Vicki Silvera Aussie Pet Mobile – Brentwood, TN
As the owners of Aussie Pet Mobile – Brentwood, TN we interact with many people and their beloved pets on a daily basis. We and our groomers have been fortunate to meet a few of Jon’s “students” and their owners. The owners are very satisfied and talk very highly about Jon, his training techniques and the results. All of our groomers enjoy the opportunity to work with these dogs; it’s always a pleasure grooming a well behaved, confident and happy pet.
Periodically, we encounter a client of ours that is interested in modifying or improving their pets behavior. When asked, we always recommend Jon and Canine, Inc. They offer a full range of training programs to fit any need from basic obedience to protection. It’s great to know that we have a true professional providing excellent training right here in Middle Tennessee.
Angel May MARS Petcare & The Pedigree Foundation
Jon, thank you for sharing your expert knowledge in dog behaviors with the PEDIGREE Foundation Advisory Council. Your unique insight to the way dog's think has helped to focus our funding on programs that will make longer term impacts on the health and well-being of shelter dogs.
Julie Stein and Snow the Pit Bull Wildlife Biologist (Yale MES 2000)
My dog Snow is a rescue with a unique story. She is an ex-fighting dog, a Pit Bull, rescued from the ghettos of Memphis. When she was taken off of the streets she had fresh fighting wounds, a wire collar embedded into her neck, tire tracks on her side, her pelvis was broken in three places, and her knee joint was crushed. At just 18 months old, Snow’s life had been pretty miserable and mostly at the hands of humans. When Pit rescuer Donna Velez got the call that there was a fighting dog in someone’s front yard that they wanted removed, she quickly assessed the dogs condition and realized that euthanasia might be the most merciful thing for this animal. She didn’t know if Snowy would be aggressive in her injured and disoriented state so she got down on the ground and called to her. Miraculously, Snow crawled on her belly and into Donna’s lap. That act of forgiveness is what saved Snow’s life. Soon after, I read about Snowy’s story on Petfinder and adopted my first Pit Bull.
Because there is a lot of breed discrimination against Pits out there, and because of Snow's unique history, I knew it was going to take a special trainer to work with Snow. We found that trainer in Jon. For Snowy to go from being a street fighting ghetto dog in Memphis to politely walking the streets of Forest Hills and Belle Meade in Nashville, making friends all along the way, is truly a doggie rags-to-riches story. And for her to go from the mean streets to adapting to life as a 'civilian', earning her Canine Good Citizenship Award in just 9 months time under Jon’s supervision is the best testimonial I can think of for a dog trainer.
As a Conservation Biologist (www.scentmark.org), my focus is on large carnivores including the ancestors of our domestic dogs, wolves. I've studied wolf behavior with the world's experts both in captivity and in the wild. While I'm not a professional dog trainer, I do understand canine behavior from its roots. I found in Jon someone who both appreciated that knowledge and understood how to apply it to my dog.
We are so looking forward to working more with Jon in the future. My goal is to have Snowy become a therapy dog as we all have so much to learn from her story.
Nick Francis President of Project83, Inc.
Jon and the staff at Canine Inc have worked with our French Briard named Elvis for the last several months and are incredibly pleased with the results.
We got to know Jon through 12 weeks of group classes that he taught in Nashville. While the classes were a great foundation for Elvis, it was important to take his obedience a bit further. I take him everywhere with me, including work every day and many public places. For his own safety and happiness, I wanted him to be comfortable in any situation.
We sent Elvis to the beautiful Canine Inc. in-kennel facilities for three months. Although we missed him a lot, he was having a blast every day making friends and learning advanced obedience. Throughout that time, Jon was there to give on-demand progress reports, answer questions and even send us some photos!
It's hard to put into words how incredible Elvis is now. He can be completely off-leash in practically any situation without leaving my side. He loves training, which is a tribute to Jon and the Canine Inc team in how they love these animals. I can call Elvis from any situation, have certainty that he will not be a distraction at work and trust him to be on his best behavior around other animals. Did I mention he is only one year old? Most of all, I know my dog is really happy!
Jon has been working with us every week since we got Elvis back. Despite popular belief, he doesn't have a magic wand and it's important for me to continue Elvis' progress. It makes all the difference in the world having Jon coach me through every step of the way.
Whether it's training a new puppy or rehabilitating some existing issues, Jon and the Canine Inc. staff are by far the most capable trainers around. I trust him with the life of my dog and look forward to having any of our future dogs trained by this phenomenal team.
Jesse and Sherri Ingram Owner and CEO of Ingram's Pest Management
Many thanks go out to Jon Stolzer and Canine Inc. for their great work with our puppies. Ace, our German Shepherd has been protection trained and Rico, our American Bulldog has gone through the general obedience training and will eventually continue on through protection training as well. We have been fortunate to work with Jon on several occasions and have seen the techniques he uses to train the dogs. By doing so, we have witnessed his incredible gift and the bond that forms with each animal in his care. Through that bond, Jon was able to teach each of our dogs more than we ever imagined. They listen and they obey, but more importantly, they are a part of our ‘pack family’ and would protect us to the end.
We would recommend Canine Inc. for training in general obedience, behavior issues, protection and everything in between. The old saying ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ does not apply to Jon and his crew. I promise, you will not be disappointed with what they have to offer and in the end, you will be amazed at what they will accomplish. Thanks again to Jon and Canine Inc!
The Ingram Family
Ryan and Becky Suter Nashville Predators Hockey Player and 2010 Olympic Silver Medalist (Ryan)
After viewing the facility and meeting Jon and his staff, we were confident in leaving our one-year-old golden, Favre, with Canine, Inc.
We were excited for Favre to experience the extended time with the other dogs and the chance to feel a part of “a pack”. When we picked him up, Favre was very compliant, and seemed to be happy to please. Jon worked specifically with him to increase his obedience with the doorbell and guests (especially kids!), and Favre has learned to sit and wait until he is released. Before training, it was a nightmare trying to hold him back, while getting a package or greeting an incoming guest.
Jon continued to come to our house after the initial training at his facility to work on some instruction in Favre’s everyday surroundings. He also committed to the additional training sessions until we were satisfied with Favre’s behavior. Not only did Favre learn a lot from Canine, Inc., but my husband and I also did, given the many tips and behavioral explanations Jon provided us
throughout the process.We are happy to recommend Canine, Inc. and Jon Stolzer to any dog owners looking for a good trainer.
Phil and Patti Everly Country Music Hall of Fame Artist
"We have had our 2 1/2 yr old male Akita, Gable, since he was 8 weeks old, and have used several trainers in that time to be able to handle our dog. He had dominance issues since he was a puppy, not knowing how to play with other dogs, as well as being overly energetic and excitable while on walks, greeting people and seeing other dogs. We even thought about finding him a more suitable home, which was heartbreaking.
Meeting Jon Stolzer has been wonderful, he has solved all of our problems with our dog's behavioral issues, and we now have our sweet, balanced boy back at home! Jon is a very fair and kind trainer and we highly recommend using Canine Inc. for any and all issues with your dog. "
Larry Pareigis President and CEO of Nine North Records
"My wife Katie & I had fallen in love with and adopted an American Staffordshire Terrier some months back. All seemed well as Blue is a very loving, sweet dog, but soon enough he was exhibiting some real aggression toward other dogs and intense fixation on birds, squirrels, etc. Since his major source of exercise – and ours – were long walks, you could imagine how challenging these became.
Enter Jon Stolzer and Canine Inc: recommended to us by the great place that we board our dog (The Farm At Natchez Trace), Jon did an assessment and we set a date for Jon and his team of professionals to work their magic, and they did.
Now the same loving, sweet dog who left for Canine Inc. is back home with a newfound sense of being a balanced member of our pack & our walks have become a pleasure, not an ordeal.
We are very thankful to Jon and his crew for the superb work they did with Blue and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend his services to anyone in need of training or behavioral work with their dog(s).
He’s simply the best there is. Thanks, Canine Inc.!"
Steve Craver President and CEO of Communicate to Connect
"We have 1-1/2 year old English field lab by the name of Cody. We were quite concerned as dog owners as to his behavior and obedience as we have a lot of house guests and clients. We talked with many trainers and were never satisfied with what they were able to deliver . We heard about Canine Inc. and set up a session with Jon Stolzer and quickly realized Jon’s approach to dog training is comprehensive and unique. He is a true dog behaviorist. He began working with us when Cody was 7-8 months old and he helped us understand Cody from the dog’s perspective and trained us accordingly.
Cody quickly responded to Jon’s training techniques and is not only a lovable, fun family member but an obedient, well trained and disciplined dog. We cannot thank Jon enough for what he has done for our family. We highly recommend him!"
Nathan and Melisa
"They always have the best interest of the dog and owner in
mind and develop a personalized training plan based on those interests."
Edie
"Jon knew exactly what to do. It was a step by step process. In the 1st week I saw immediate results."
Aaron and Julie
"Jon took over and it was like WOW. It was immediate correction. I would recommend Canine Inc. to anyone."
