Why Knoxville Dog Owners Choose Our NePoPo® Training

When searching for dog training in Knoxville TN, you'll find many options. David Van Fleet at Paws & Applause is a NePoPo® Graduate bringing world-class training methods that go beyond traditional obedience to create truly transformed dogs.

Exclusive Opportunity: David Van Fleet is a NePoPo® Graduate bringing this revolutionary training system to East Tennessee. Used by military, police, and professional trainers worldwide.

Serving All Knoxville Areas

  • West Knoxville
  • Farragut
  • Bearden
  • Cedar Bluff
  • Hardin Valley
  • North Knoxville
  • Fountain City
  • Powell
  • Halls
  • Karns
  • South Knoxville
  • Seymour
  • Chapman Highway
  • East Knoxville
  • Holston Hills

Board & Train Programs - Transform Your Dog in 2-8 Weeks

Unlike typical Knoxville dog trainers who offer weekly classes, our Board & Train programs provide:

  • Intensive Daily Training: Multiple sessions per day with our NePoPo® Graduate
  • 24/7 Reinforcement: Your dog lives the training, not just practices it
  • Real-World Proofing: Training in various environments and situations
  • Family Integration: Comprehensive handoff sessions to transfer skills to you
  • Lifetime Support: Ongoing guidance after graduation

Why Knoxville Dog Owners Make the 20-Minute Drive

We're located on Tomotley Road in Maryville — a straight shot down Alcoa Highway (US-129) from anywhere in the Knoxville metro. Clients from Farragut typically take Pellissippi Parkway to 129 South and arrive in about 20 minutes. From West Knoxville or Bearden, it's a quick hop onto I-140 to Alcoa Highway. Even from North Knoxville, Powell, or Fountain City, you're looking at 30 minutes or less.

Here's why Knoxville families choose to make that drive instead of using a local trainer:

  • Knoxville has no NePoPo® Graduate. The closest one is David Van Fleet at our facility. This methodology is used by K9 units, military trainers, and competitive handlers worldwide — and David is the only person in East Tennessee trained in it. Learn how NePoPo® works →
  • Board & train gets results that weekly classes can't. Many Knoxville clients come to us after spending months in group obedience classes at PetSmart or local trainers without seeing lasting change. Our immersive 2-8 week programs create permanent behavioral transformation because your dog lives the training 24/7.
  • We specialize in the dogs other trainers give up on. Reactive on walks through Lakeshore Park? Lunging at other dogs on the Neyland Greenway? Anxiety when you leave for work downtown? These are the cases we handle every week — and the results speak for themselves with 202 five-star reviews.
  • Your dog stays in our home, not a kennel. Unlike Knoxville boarding-training combos that house dogs in warehouse-style kennels, your dog lives in our trainer's home with a maximum of 2-3 board-and-train dogs at any time.

Training Programs for Knoxville Dogs

Basic Obedience (2-3 weeks)

  • Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Heel
  • Leash manners
  • House manners
  • Crate training

Advanced Training (4-6 weeks)

  • Off-leash reliability
  • Distraction proofing
  • Public access training
  • Advanced commands

Behavior Modification (6-8 weeks)

  • Aggression rehabilitation
  • Anxiety/fear issues
  • Resource guarding
  • Reactivity

"We tried 3 different trainers in Knoxville before finding David. The NePoPo® method completely transformed our aggressive German Shepherd. Worth every penny and the drive from West Knoxville!"

- Michael R., Farragut

What Knoxville Clients Say

"We live in Hardin Valley and tried two trainers closer to home first. Neither could handle our reactive Husky. David's board and train program was a total game-changer — our dog now walks past other dogs on the greenway without lunging. The 20-minute drive was the best decision we made."

- Amanda K., Hardin Valley

"My neighbors in Bearden recommended Paws & Applause after their Lab came back from a 4-week program like a different dog. I enrolled my anxious rescue and the results exceeded every expectation. David genuinely cares about every dog he works with."

- Jason T., Bearden

Investment in Your Dog's Future

Board & Train programs start at $125/day and include:

  • Premium boarding accommodations
  • Multiple daily training sessions
  • All training equipment
  • Daily progress updates via ProPet
  • Comprehensive handoff training for owners
  • Follow-up support

Limited Spots Available for Knoxville Dogs

With only 15 boarding spots total, our Board & Train programs fill months in advance. Don't wait to transform your dog!

Call (865) 300-5988 to Reserve