Building connection. Creating freedom.
Living in harmony with your dog.
Real skills. Real connection.
For everyday adventure.
We help you and your dog build confidence, communication, and reliability so you can explore more and worry less.
Training for real life.
Built for trail walks, neighborhood streets, public outings, and the everyday life you actually share with your dog.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Ready to build more freedom, clarity, and confidence with your dog? Start with a free consultation so we can learn more about your goals, your dog, and the right training path for real life.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationTrusted By Asheville Dog Owners
Real experiences from owners building clearer communication, greater confidence, and reliable skills with their dogs.
We entrusted them with one of the most unique and challenging dogs we’ve ever worked with, a primitive breed with a significant trauma background who had been in our care for around 18 months. This was not a “standard” training case by any stretch. From the beginning, I made it clear that I had no expectations for outcome, only the hope that she could gain some exposure to experiences I simply couldn’t provide in our rural environment (things like car rides, walking in town, and navigating new people and surroundings).
What Joey did with her in just three weeks was nothing short of remarkable.
Instead of approaching her with a one-size-fits-all method, he took the time to truly understand who she was through her history, her instincts, her fears, and her pace. He adapted. He learned. He stretched himself as a trainer to meet her where she was, rather than forcing her into a mold. That alone speaks volumes about his character and skill.
Because of his work, this dog made meaningful, tangible progress and was able to transition successfully to a new home with my sister, something that once felt completely out of reach.
If you have a dog that others might consider “too much,” “too different,” or “too difficult,” Joey is exactly the kind of trainer you want in your corner. His patience, humility, and willingness to grow alongside the dog set him apart in a big way.
We are incredibly grateful for the care, dedication, and heart that both Joey and Katie put into their work.
When we started working with Joey, we were focused on building a strong foundation: basic obedience, leash skills, structured walking, and reliable off-leash recall. Not only has he helped her master all of those, but he’s done it in a way that built her confidence and strengthened our relationship with her. Not to mentioned, she’s built a strong bond with Joey and loves when she has training or boarding sessions with him!
What’s been most impressive, though, is the emotional regulation work. Our girl used to be reactive when she saw other dogs — she’d get overstimulated and struggle to stay calm. Joey didn’t just “correct” the behavior; he helped us understand it. Through clear guidance, structure, and consistent training, she has learned how to manage her emotions and stay composed around other dogs. The transformation has honestly been amazing to witness.
Joey is knowledgeable, patient, and deeply committed to both the dogs and their owners. He takes the time to explain the “why” behind what he’s teaching so you leave each session feeling empowered, not overwhelmed. It’s clear this isn’t just a job for him — he genuinely cares.
If you’re in Asheville and looking for a trainer who understands all breeds and can help you build a calm, well-mannered, confident dog, Joey is your person. We’re so grateful for him and the progress we’ve made.
Joey takes Darla for a 1 hour adventure at least once weekly (usually to our local park) and his sessions provide both physical and mental exercise. We have learned that a tired beagle is a better behaved beagle, and her sessions with Joey have been an essential part of our weekly routine. We love receiving photo/video updates of their sessions, and Joey is always really great at communicating any issues/questions.
Darla has also boarded with Joey on two separate occasions, and she always looks like she’s having more fun during our vacations than we are 🙂 she loves the company of his two dogs, Penny and Wiley. We have complete peace of mind when she is in his care, and we are so grateful. I’m pretty sure she would move in with him if she could.
Lastly, with his experiences in dog training and in veterinary medicine, Joey has helped guide us/advise us through Darla’s training journey, and we have made so much progress with her over the last 6 months with his help.
Training Services
Dog training built for freedom, without compromising your sanity or their autonomy.
Private Lessons
One-on-one coaching for owners who want clear guidance, better communication, and practical training they can use at home, on walks, and in everyday life.
Day Training
Trainer-led sessions designed to give your dog focused practice, structure, and real-world skill building while still keeping you involved in the process.
Immersive Programs
A deeper training experience for dogs who need consistency, clarity, and guided development across real-life environments and everyday routines.