Professional Board and Train for Alcoa Dogs
If you're in Alcoa and looking for a board and train program that actually delivers lasting results, you're in luck — we're right next door. Located just 10 minutes south of Alcoa on Tomotley Road in Maryville, Paws & Applause offers the closest professional board and train in the area with a level of expertise you won't find anywhere else in East Tennessee.
Your dog moves into our trainer's home — not a kennel — for 2-8 weeks of immersive, daily training. We take only 2-3 dogs at a time so your dog gets personal, one-on-one attention from David Van Fleet, East Tennessee's only NePoPo® Graduate trainer. This is truly customized training built around your specific dog and your specific goals.
Why Alcoa Dog Owners Choose Paws & Applause
- Closest to Alcoa: Just 10 minutes south via US-129 — closer than any Knoxville trainer
- NePoPo® Graduate Trainer: The only Graduate-level NePoPo® trainer in East Tennessee
- 197 Five-Star Reviews: Across Google, Facebook, and Rover from real families
- Only 2-3 Dogs at a Time: Truly personalized daily training, not a crowded facility
- Home Environment: Your dog lives in our trainer's home, learning real-world manners
- Owner Training Included: You learn how to maintain everything your dog has learned
- Woman & Veteran Owned: Serving our Alcoa neighbors with integrity
How Board and Train Works for Alcoa Families
Board and train is the most effective way to address behavior problems quickly. Your dog stays with us for 2-8 weeks, receiving multiple structured training sessions every single day. Because your dog is immersed in training around the clock, they make faster progress than with weekly lessons alone. By the time your dog comes home to Alcoa, they've built new habits through hundreds of repetitions in real-life situations.
We know it's hard to hand your dog over, even for a short time. That's why we send regular video updates so you can watch your dog's progress right from your phone. Before pickup day, we schedule hands-on go-home training sessions so you know exactly how to maintain everything your dog has learned. You don't just get a trained dog back — you learn how to keep them that way.
Board and Train Programs Available to Alcoa Dogs
2-Week Foundation Program
Perfect for: Basic obedience and manners
- Sit, down, stay, come, heel
- Leash manners
- Crate training
- Basic impulse control
4-Week Behavior Modification
Perfect for: Moderate behavioral issues
- Reactivity and leash aggression
- Resource guarding
- Jumping, barking, pulling
- Advanced obedience
6-8 Week Intensive Program
Perfect for: Severe behavioral challenges
- Aggression rehabilitation
- Severe anxiety or fear
- Multiple behavior issues
- Off-leash reliability
Common Behavior Problems We Fix for Alcoa Dogs
Alcoa families come to us with all kinds of behavior challenges. Here are the most common issues we solve in our board and train programs:
- Leash pulling and reactivity: Walks become enjoyable — loose leash, calm passing of other dogs and people
- Aggression toward dogs or people: David specializes in aggression rehabilitation using proven NePoPo® protocols
- Ignoring commands: Reliable recall, sit, down, stay, and place — even with distractions
- Jumping on guests: Your dog learns to greet calmly, every time
- Separation anxiety: Your dog learns to be calm and confident when you leave
- Destructive behavior: Chewing, digging, and counter-surfing are replaced with good habits
- Door bolting: Solid door manners and reliable recall
"We live right off Hunt Road in Alcoa and our pit bull mix had terrible leash aggression. David had him for 4 weeks and the transformation was unbelievable. He walks right past other dogs now without even flinching. So grateful we found Paws & Applause."
- Jessica & Tim P., AlcoaWhat Makes Our Training Different
Home-Like Environment
Your dog lives with our trainer's family, not in a kennel. Real-world training in a real house with real distractions.
Regular Video Updates
Watch your dog's progress on your phone. See the transformation happening in real time.
Owner Training Sessions
Before your dog comes home, we teach you exactly how to maintain their new behaviors.
Lifetime Support
Questions after your dog comes home? We're here. Ongoing support for all our Alcoa clients.
"The drive from Alcoa is nothing — literally 10 minutes. Our German Shepherd was reactive and anxious, and after 6 weeks he's a completely different dog. Worth every penny."
- Ryan M., AlcoaEasy to Reach from Anywhere in Alcoa
We're located at 7337 Tomotley Road in Maryville, just south of Alcoa. No matter where you are in Alcoa, getting to us is quick and easy:
- From downtown Alcoa: 10 minutes via US-129 South
- From Alcoa Highway area: 8 minutes via US-129
- From McGhee Tyson Airport area: 12 minutes
- From Eagleton Village: 10 minutes
- From Louisville Road area: 15 minutes
The Board & Train Process
Free Consultation
Call us to discuss your dog's specific issues and goals. We'll recommend the right program length.
Drop-Off Day
Bring your dog with their food, medications, and a favorite toy. We handle everything from here.
Daily Training
Multiple structured training sessions daily using NePoPo® methodology, plus real-world practice.
Video Updates
Regular video progress reports sent to your phone so you can see the transformation happening.
Go-Home Training
Hands-on sessions teaching you to maintain and build on your dog's new skills at your Alcoa home.
