About Us

We understand how owners may feel hopeless, frustrated, embarrassed, anxious, and/or guilty when their dog struggles with issues they may be having and aren't sure where to start… we've been there! We believe that learning, and gaining confidence and trust aren't just important for the dogs, but for their owners as well. Trainers are meant to educate, uplift, and encourage the people just as much as the dogs!

Every dog is different and requires a tailored approach to their training; whether it's basic obedience or behavioral rehabilitation, we can help. We are not here to create a robot dog; our focus is:

  • Clear communication between dog & handler

  • A better relationship between dog & human using the dog's motivation as the driving force

  • Teaching impulse control to help dogs with over excited, aggressive, or anxious behaviors

  • Setting structure in the dog’s routine to help them learn boundaries and reduce anxiety

  • Building obedience skills

  • Teaching owners the art of proper socialization to help their dog learn to be as comfortable & stable as possible

  • Teaching calmness to help the dog learn how to manage excessive energy and anxiety

One of the most important aspects of our training method is aiding owners in understanding how to effectively communicate with their dogs. This builds a confident and engaged relationship between dog and human.

Training owners are equally as important as training their dogs. In order for our training methodology to be effective in the long term; it is crucial for owners to maintain balanced behaviors through continued training and maintenance.

Meet The Team

Emily Meredith - Owner & Head Trainer

 

My name is Emily, and I am the owner of Sweet Southern Dog Training! I have always had a love for animals, and knew since I was a child that I wanted to work with them. I’ve been around animals my whole life, and I honestly cannot even remember the last time I wasn’t around some kind of animal. I grew up watching Animal Planet, dreaming of being a veterinarian on one of those shows. I wanted to help our furry companions! As a young teen, I drove my family crazy with all of the strays I brought home (still do!), especially the birds and little rodents I saved from the cats.

Shortly after high school, I snatched up the first job I could that was animal related – kennel technician. I have worked as a kennel tech at a few locations to gain more experience with dogs, their behaviors, and health, but I ultimately fell in love with watching dogs and their owners transform into something amazing during training. So I pursued my passion by becoming a dog trainer. I have worked as a dog trainer professionally for 7 years now, and I am so in love with my life.

I enjoy working with dogs who are insecure, reactive, and fearful. I love seeing their confidence soar and watching them become the best versions of themselves with training. I also love seeing the look on a client’s face when they see their dog could do things they didn’t think were possible. It’s just so rewarding to me!

When I’m not working with dogs and their owners, you can find me hiking, kayaking, or camping with my own dogs, hanging out with my friends and family, or at dog sporting events!

I am certified in pet first aid and CPR. I am also an AKC evaluator for many exciting AKC Family Dog Programs including AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, AKC Community Canine, Urban CGC, AKC FIT DOG, AKC Trick Dog, and Virtual Home Manners.

Meet The Pack

Sebastian

2016-2021

And the best for last, Bash. I got him not long after I got Daisy. Literally a month afterward. His previous owners posted him on Facebook, and as I was scrolling, I had to do a double-take because I thought I saw Stella. He is her full sibling from the same litter. He loved his mama but definitely loved his sisters the most, especially Stella. They had such a special bond. His other loves included bite work, swimming, and lure coursing. He absolutely adored being a demo dog because he was so eager to please. We also enjoyed bike rides together. Bash was such a special boy. I wish everyone could have met him. Y'all would've fallen in love instantly!