Dog trainer · Shelbyville, TN · reviewed since 2022
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%86+50.5Reliability 26%72+18.8Value 15%91+13.8Experts Score= 83Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.83SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#30 of 64 pet boarding facilitiesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 54%
4.8★★★★★24 Google reviews · 15 photos
96%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
5%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Black Dog Farm 4.8 out of 5 based on 24 reviews, with the owner responding to all feedback. Clients describe services including board-and-train camps, puppy classes, and private lessons, frequently praising the trainer’s punctuality, clear communication, and daily video updates. Recurring themes highlight significant behavioral improvements in dogs, while two low-star reviews criticize the facility for closing a local park on Wednesdays and allege rude staff interactions.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 24 reviews (96% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 24 Google reviews (22 with written comments, 5 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 100% of reviews.
Most recent review: July 9, 2026.
Service: Pet Boarding Facility serving Shelbyville, Tennessee.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score profile vs other pet boarding facilities
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and value; weakest: reliability.
This companyPet Boarding Facilities median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Black Dog Farm - Dog Training: 86/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.A
86
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Black Dog Farm - Dog Training: 72/100 on this factor. Category median: 78.B
72
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 96.–
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ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Black Dog Farm - Dog Training: 91/100 on this factor. Category median: 96.A
91
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Black Dog Farm - Dog Training: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 42.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
24 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars2396%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star14%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 22 written reviews
88%praise
Praise2388%
Complaints312%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price338%
Reasonable563%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude623%
Would recommend623%
Communication519%
Quality & results312%
Speed & response312%
Honesty & trust28%
Price & value14%
What customers talk about
We read 22 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“She is so kind and you can tell she just loves the dogs she’s training.”
“She was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and kind during his training experience and I would recommend her to anyone who is looking for this service!”
“I cannot recommend Kris and Black Dog Farm enough.”
“She took the time to show me the property, explain her process thoroughly, and answer all of my questions.”
“I would highly recommend Kris and her dog training, it's been very effective for us and made having a puppy a great experience!”
“I was honestly very nervous about being away from my dogs for that long, but she immediately put me at ease.”
“When we needed to board our puppy for a few days, Kris’ facility was the best possible option because our puppy already knows her and we completely trust her.”
“No more regrets and worth every penny.”
People customers mention
Kris10 reviews
Farms3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Black Dog Farm - Dog Training for 1 kind of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
JillyLocal Guide · 108 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
Kris is amazing! She is trainer #5 for my miniature schnauzer. Other trainers were able to teach him basic obedience but they could never tackle his leash reactivity.
After spending 2 weeks at Black Dog Farm I can finally take my dog to the vet without them having to clear the lobby or bring him in the back door. He…
Great priceDog training
Chris4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
Crazy Daisy WAS just that. She is just over a 1yo, an Aussie mix, and still has plenty of puppy energy. Unsocialized and out of control, we were at our wits end and regretting taking her in. Kris was our only hope and boy, did she come through! The change has been amazing! Our family, including Daisy, of course, are…
Reasonable priceDog training
Stephanie6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 7 months ago★★★★★
We took our sweet (out of control) frenchie puppy to Kris for a 3 week boot camp. When we sent Lily to Black Dog Farms it was with the hopes that we could turn around Lily’s behavior and enjoy our life as a family. Did Kris ever deliver! Lily had been home for a week and it is like we have a different dog. In…
Reasonable priceDog training
PamellaLocal Guide · 27 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 8 months ago★★★★★
Kris was a great trainer to our toy poodle FENDI. She learned basic commands,
going into her travel kennel with no fuss, and a potty routine. Kris kept me updated with daily videos as well as instructions on how to continue at home training. Thank you for your help with our girl!
Dog training
Mackenzie6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 9 months ago★★★★★
Kris trained our Australian Shepherd with lots of behavior issues (jumping, nipping, pulling on lease, generally not obeying). When she came home from training, she was like a different dog! We are so impressed! Highly recommend Black Dog Farm Training!
Reasonable priceDog training
Larissa3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 10 months ago★★★★★
Kris with Black Dog Farms was wonderful for our Irish Setter, Copper! She was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and kind during his training experience and I would recommend her to anyone who is looking for this service! Thank you, Kris!
We sent our two dogs, Owen and Peanut, to Black Dog Farm for a 3 week training camp. We had several issues with them that needed correcting. There was food guarding, excessive nonstop barking, ignoring our commands and some aggression issues with Peanut. We were at wits end! Sending them to camp is one of the best things we’ve ever done. Kris is amazing and we can’t say enough good things about her. She really knows how to get through to and train dogs. We received videos everyday showing Kris working with our dogs which was a great help for referring back to in order to continue the training methods and exercises she did with them. She also sent us texts in the evenings to keep us posted with how they were doing and what she would be working on in their next session.
We are so pleased with all Kris did with them. She is so kind and you can tell she just loves the dogs she’s training. When she brought our dogs home, we were given leashes, collars, treats and basically everything she used in her classes. They behavior has improved so much and they are behaving so much better. It is a joy to have them home with us. I cannot recommend Kris and Black Dog Farm enough.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to work with these two little guys! So rewarding to hear your words and know that I made a difference in the pup's lives as well as yours! Keep up the good work!
Jilly McNealLocal Guide · 108 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jilly has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Kris is amazing! She is trainer #5 for my miniature schnauzer. Other trainers were able to teach him basic obedience but they could never tackle his leash reactivity.
After spending 2 weeks at Black Dog Farm I can finally take my dog to the vet without them having to clear the lobby or bring him in the back door. He can go to doggie daycare now! He's much calmer but he still has the schnauzer personality that I love but he's not anxious and nervous around dogs when he's on leash and she fine tuned his obedience.
I use to rely on his e-collar for obedience but I haven't needed it since he returned from Black Dog Farm.
Thank you so very much Kris!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Jill, I am so glad to hear that Toby can go to daycare now! I know how important that was to you. And living through his test visit to the vet, it is so rewarding to know that you can also have a conversation with the receptionist and nobody has to leave the office. Keep up the good work and happy training to you.
Heather Yaple4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Heather has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I cannot recommend Black Dog Farms enough! I sent both of my dogs to train with her — one for three weeks and the other for two — and the experience exceeded every expectation I had. Each dog received a customized training plan tailored to their specific needs, including basic obedience, reactivity, and pack training.
I was honestly very nervous about being away from my dogs for that long, but she immediately put me at ease. She took the time to show me the property, explain her process thoroughly, and answer all of my questions. Throughout the training, she was an excellent communicator, regularly sending updates and videos that I can continue to reference and use while working with my dogs at home.
The results were truly night and day. Walks are no longer stressful — I actually look forward to them now! My dogs are attentive, more confident, and continue to improve as I reinforce what they learned. The transformation has been incredible.
What also stood out to me was how much individual attention she gives each dog. She doesn’t overbook, and I always felt confident that my dogs were getting the time, care, and consistency they needed to succeed.
I had previously invested in another trainer for one of my dogs and spent more money for far less progress. With Black Dog Farms, I paid less, saw significantly better results, and achieved more in a shorter amount of time. If you’re looking for realistic, lasting success with your dog, this is absolutely the place to go.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Heather, working with your dogs has been a joy. They had their own challenges, but just needed some clear , confident guidance. With my help, you are that leader. My joy was watching you guys make that first solo walk as a pack. Keep up the great work.
Chris Macaluso4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Chris has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Crazy Daisy WAS just that. She is just over a 1yo, an Aussie mix, and still has plenty of puppy energy. Unsocialized and out of control, we were at our wits end and regretting taking her in. Kris was our only hope and boy, did she come through! The change has been amazing! Our family, including Daisy, of course, are all much happier and calmer. No more regrets and worth every penny. I’d recommend in a heartbeat!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you for your kind words and the opportunity to work with Daisy. It's all about the dogs here at Black Dog Farm. And I love to see and hear all of the success stories for my extended pack! Keep up the good work.
khayden alexis1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews khayden has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We took our sweet (out of control) frenchie puppy to Kris for a 3 week boot camp. When we sent Lily to Black Dog Farms it was with the hopes that we could turn around Lily’s behavior and enjoy our life as a family. Did Kris ever deliver! Lily had been home for a week and it is like we have a different dog. In addition to that Kris provided us with plenty of text/call/video support to continue Lily’s training once she was home. Thanks Kris for all you have done to help Lily be the dog we knew she could be!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
She is such a joy to have at the farm! Very smart, and opinionated. But once you read the book of instructions to her, she decides it's best to follow them. Can't wait to see her again.
Pamella TonazziLocal Guide · 27 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Pamella has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Kris was a great trainer to our toy poodle FENDI. She learned basic commands,
going into her travel kennel with no fuss, and a potty routine. Kris kept me updated with daily videos as well as instructions on how to continue at home training. Thank you for your help with our girl!
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Thank you for the joy of working with FENDI. She is one of the pluckiest little pups I've had the pleasure of working with.
Mackenzie Garcia-Fazenbaker6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mackenzie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Kris trained our Australian Shepherd with lots of behavior issues (jumping, nipping, pulling on lease, generally not obeying). When she came home from training, she was like a different dog! We are so impressed! Highly recommend Black Dog Farm Training!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 9 months ago
Thank you very much! Bean was so much fun, especially when she was being a good girl!
Larissa Delk3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Larissa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Kris with Black Dog Farms was wonderful for our Irish Setter, Copper! She was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and kind during his training experience and I would recommend her to anyone who is looking for this service! Thank you, Kris!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 10 months ago
Working with Copper was a joy. Thank you for the opportunity to bring out his desire to focus and learn.
Amanda Marshall3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Amanda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Kris had my 6 year old lab for two weeks and I still can’t believe the progress she was able to make with him. I have a brand new dog and it has completely changed our world. Not only do I feel more connected to him but I can already see the impact on our quality of life and my stress levels. I absolutely hated going on walks with him before BDF and now I’m jumping at the opportunity to take him out. He even goes to public places with me, which I NEVER would have imagined before. Kris was amazing to work with - she communicated well while she had my pup and was great in the transition process and helped me learn how to implement his training at home. I could not recommend this training more!! The only regret I have is not doing it sooner!
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Bennett was a bit confused on who was in charge. But once he got the notion that he didn't have to worry anymore he was a pleasure to work with. I'm so happy to hear that you and Bennett are enjoying life as a team now, and that I could play a small part in that progression.
