Featured Client Stories
Who we are
Celebrating the journeys of our dogs and their families.
Katie is a an excellent and knowledgeable dog trainer. Her 3 week on leash training class was the perfect solution to my wild natured puppy problem.
My only concern going into the training was my sweet little puppy monster would turn into Robot Puppy Good Girl 9000; however, when I got her back not only was her behavior and recall improved dramatically, but her joyous puppy personality remained 100%!
My little coonhound is better behaved both in the home and on leash around town – no more pulling, so much more sitting and listening, and as a bonus she was taught to untangle her self from the leash!!! Thanks again, Katie!
Wanda, On Leash Training
– Dillon Siff
Thank you so much for helping our family and be such an amazing trainer to Zeus. Today was the first time in over 8 plus years that I went out in public and didn’t worry about my daughter getting away from me. You gave me my life back. I hadn’t realized how much stress that put on me every outing that we used to go on. Today was marvelous.
…and a note about her daughter sleeping through the night for the first time ever…
She got up once, but my husband told her to go back and lay with Zeus and she did!! they both just now woke up. 7:38AM.
Zeus, Autism Service Dog
– Casey Hughes
We had not had a new puppy in 14 years when we got Rosie and were having so much trouble with every aspect of puppy training that we were seriously considering returning her to the breeder. Instead, we took Rosie to ADT for Puppy Head Start training. She was there for 3 weeks during which we received daily report cards and pictures. At the end of training, we received hands-on training from Katie. We also received a graduation video that we can use for reference when we have questions. ADT made a world of difference! Rosie had mastered house breaking, was able to sleep through the night in her crate, and had learned basic commands.
Since then, we have attended some Saturday group sessions, where Rosie earned her AKC STAR Puppy certificate, and Rosie returned to ADT for 3 weeks of off-lease training. Again, we received thorough training, including a short hike, and a graduation video to ensure that we are able to continue the training at home.
Katie has a calm, positive approach to training. She is very accessible whenever we reach out with questions.
We also board Rosie at ADT when we go out of town. The kennels are roomy and clean and the dogs there always seem happy. When we arrive at ADT, Rosie perks up and is very excited to see Katie and Larkin. Rosie is so excited to be there that I don’t think she even notices when we leave!
Rosie: Puppy Head Start, Group Classes & Boarding
– Joanne Edelman
Client: Hope Botts
Memphis’ Story: From Puppy Prospect to Service Dog in Training
Memphis, a golden retriever from one of Appalachian Dog Training’s previous litters, has grown into an incredible partner for her handler, Hope. From the very beginning, trainers saw her potential, and she’s exceeded every expectation — excelling in training, loving the water, and demonstrating the steady, confident temperament needed to thrive in public access work.
Now approaching her second birthday, Memphis is already practicing advanced tasks like deep pressure therapy, behavior interruption, and public access skills in busy environments. Whether she’s tucking calmly under a table at Starbucks, navigating a crowded grocery store, or joyfully swimming with a toy in her mouth, Memphis balances work and play beautifully.
“Memphis has become my whole world. Knowing there is a chance for her to help be a part of continuing to preserve the breed and share great puppies with other families makes me so happy!”
– Hope Botts
“I have been so proud of her lately. She has found a huge love for water and retrieving everything you throw, so we are hoping to do dock diving for fun in the future. She is also doing AMAZING with public access and being better and better every day. I don’t know what I’d do without her and am so grateful that our trainers found your program!“
– Hope Botts
“Her favorite thing to practice is tuck when we are out, because she enjoys people watching. This past week she demonstrated rear end awareness with a shopping cart and did amazing in the grocery store on a busy Saturday.“
– Hope Botts
