The honest answers to the questions we get most about board and train, our methodology, pricing, and what to expect. If your question is not here, ask us directly or book a free 15 minute consult.
Programs and Pricing
How much does dog training cost in Chattanooga?
Across Chattanooga in 2026, group classes run $150 to $400, private lessons run $90 to $175 per hour, and board and train programs run $2,500 to $7,000 depending on length and what is actually included. At Anvil K9, our 3 Week Adult Board and Train is $3,000 and our 6 Week Puppy Board and Train is $6,000. Both include lifetime support, written training plans, follow-up sessions, and the in-person handoff. No hidden fees. Full pricing breakdown here.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We use Affirm financing, which lets you spread the cost over 12, 24, or 36 months at competitive rates. You apply at checkout, get an instant decision, and pick the monthly payment that fits your budget. Rough math: $3,000 over 24 months is roughly $140 to $165 per month depending on your credit. Affirm runs a soft credit check that does not affect your score.
Is the price negotiable?
No. The flat fee covers a fixed amount of trainer time, kennel overhead, materials, and follow-up support. Discounting it would mean cutting one of those, and we would rather hold the line on quality than chase deals.
Do you offer a money-back guarantee?
No, and you should be skeptical of any trainer who does. Behavior change depends on what happens after the dog goes home, which we do not control. We can guarantee the work we do during the program. We cannot guarantee what you do with it. Our lifetime support is built specifically to keep you on track after handoff.
What is the difference between the 3 Week and 6 Week programs?
The 3 Week Adult Board and Train is for dogs 8 months and older. The 6 Week Puppy Board and Train is for puppies 12 weeks to 8 months. Puppies need two extra weeks because they require more developmental time, shorter and more frequent training sessions, and structured socialization windows. The methodology is the same, the curriculum is age-appropriate.
Why is the puppy program more expensive?
Two extra weeks of board, daily training, and the higher trainer time per day that puppies require. Puppies do not absorb training the way adults do, so we run more sessions per day at shorter durations to match their attention span.
Do you offer group classes or private lessons?
No. We focus exclusively on board and train. The reason: we get better outcomes with sustained, daily, expert handling than we ever did running weekly hour-long lessons. If group classes or private lessons are what you want, we can recommend other Chattanooga options that do them well.
Methods and Approach
What is NePoPo training?
NePoPo (negative-positive-positive) is a balanced dog training method built around motivation, markers, structured pressure, and the release of pressure. The dog learns to perform behaviors not just because they get rewarded, but because they understand a clear consequence system. Done right, it produces dogs that work reliably under distraction, off-leash, and in the real world. Full NePoPo guide.
Do you use e-collars?
Yes, when appropriate. We use modern, low-level e-collars within the NePoPo system to teach off-leash reliability. The e-collar is a communication tool, not a punishment device. Used correctly at the right level, your dog perceives it as a tap, not a shock. More on e-collar work.
Is balanced training cruel?
No. Balanced training, done correctly, is more humane than purely positive training in real-world cases. The reason: a dog who only knows what produces rewards but never learns the consequence of ignoring a recall on a busy road is a dog who eventually gets hurt. Structured pressure, applied fairly, gives dogs clarity. Clarity reduces anxiety. Anxiety is what looks like aggression or shutdown.
What is the difference between balanced and positive-only training?
Positive-only (R+) trainers reward desired behaviors and try to ignore or redirect unwanted ones. Balanced trainers reward desired behaviors AND apply fair, structured consequences for ignored cues. Both have a place. Balanced wins for off-leash reliability, reactive dogs, and aggression cases. Full comparison.
Do you use prong collars?
Yes, when appropriate. A properly fitted prong collar, used correctly, is a precision communication tool that distributes pressure evenly around the neck. It is far gentler than a flat collar attached to a pulling dog. Misused, it is unpleasant. We teach you to use it correctly during the handoff session.
Logistics and What to Expect
What does my dog need to bring to board and train?
Their regular food for the full stay, vaccination records, any medications in original containers, their normal collar and leash, and one comfort item like a worn t-shirt or familiar toy. Skip multiple toys, treats, beds, and chews. Less stuff is better. Full prep checklist.
Can I visit my dog during the program?
No. Visits disrupt the routine, get the dog amped up, and slow progress. We send updates instead. The handoff session at the end is where you re-engage with your dog. Most owners find the first 48 hours after drop-off harder than the dog does.
What if my dog gets sick during the stay?
We contact you immediately. For non-emergencies we work with your existing vet. For after-hours emergencies we use the closest 24-hour clinic and notify you in real time. Veterinary costs are your responsibility, same as any boarding situation.
How often will I get updates?
You will not get daily texts. We are training, not narrating. Expect a check-in within the first few days, periodic milestone updates, photos and short clips when there is something genuinely worth showing, and an immediate call if anything medical or behavioral comes up.
What happens at the handoff session?
You hold the leash, you give the commands, we coach. The dog does what they have been doing for the past month, but now with you driving. By the end you have practiced enough that the new patterns feel real. Plan to set aside about an hour. It is the most important hour of the entire program for you.
How long does training actually take?
Foundational obedience and reliable behavior takes 4 to 6 weeks of board and train, depending on the dog. Maintenance and lifelong polish takes the rest of your dogs life. The board and train establishes the foundation. Your daily handling reinforces it. Full timeline.
Outcomes and Results
Will my dog be off-leash trained?
Yes, that is one of the goals of the 3 Week program. By the end you will have a dog with reliable recall, place command, and off-leash obedience as a foundation. Off-leash work continues to develop in the months after handoff as you practice in new environments.
Can you fix aggression?
Aggression is rarely fixed in the sense of erased. It is managed through structure, clear leadership, and structured exposure. We have worked with reactive and aggressive dogs successfully and we have also told some owners honestly that their case needs a behaviorist plus a vet, not just training. Realistic aggression guide.
Can you train an older dog?
Yes. The old saying about old dogs and new tricks is wrong. Adult dogs often learn faster than puppies because they have longer attention spans. The 3 Week program is built for adult dogs of any age.
What if the training does not stick after we get home?
Most issues post-program are handler-side. The cue got soft, the consequence faded, the routine slipped. Lifetime support is built specifically for this. Text or call, send a video, we coach you through the slip. Most cases resolve in one conversation.
Will my dog still love me after?
Yes. The fear that structured training breaks the bond is one of the most common worries we hear. The opposite happens. Dogs who understand the rules relax. Dogs who relax connect. Most clients tell us their relationship with the dog deepened after the program because it stopped being a battle.
Decision Factors
How do I know if my dog is ready for board and train?
If your dog is current on vaccinations, in normal health, eats normally, and is at least 12 weeks old (for the puppy program) or 8 months (for the adult program), they are ready. The free consultation walks through your specific dog and confirms fit before booking.
Should I do board and train or private lessons?
Board and train wins for owners without 5 to 10 hours per week to train consistently. Private lessons win for owners with that time and patience. Full comparison.
What is the right age to start training?
Eight weeks is fine for foundational handling and socialization. Twelve weeks is when the 6 Week Puppy Board and Train opens up. Adult programs start at 8 months. There is no wrong age, only different curricula. Puppy training timeline.
Do I need to be experienced with dogs?
No. The handoff session and lifetime support are built specifically so non-experienced owners can keep the training intact. We teach you everything you need. The most important quality is consistency, not experience.
What if my dog has never been in a crate?
Most dogs adjust to crating within 2 to 4 days in a structured environment. Start practicing crate time at home before drop off if you can, even just feeding meals in the crate with the door open. If your dog has true crate-related anxiety, tell us during the consultation and we adjust the plan.
Service Area and Travel
Do you serve outside Chattanooga?
Yes. Most clients drive in from Chattanooga, Hixson, Red Bank, Signal Mountain, Ooltewah, and Ringgold. We have had dogs come in from Knoxville, Nashville, and Atlanta. Pricing is the same regardless of where you start.
What if I cannot drive in for the consultation?
The free consultation is by phone. You can book a time online or call (423) 290-7584. Drop-off and pickup are in person, but everything before that can happen remotely.
Still have a question?
The fastest way to get a real answer for your specific situation is the free consultation. Book a 15 minute call or send us a message. Either way, you hear back within one business day.
Anvil K9 Dog Training LLC is veteran owned, NePoPo Gold Certified, and based in Chattanooga, TN. Serving Hixson, Red Bank, Signal Mountain, Ooltewah, and Ringgold.