Joey
Joey is a street dog from Naples, Italy. He was adopted when the owner, Katie, was serving in the Military and volunteering dog training to military families stationed overseas. Joey would destroy crates, doors, and escape all enclosures. He was passed along to 7 homes before he landed on Katie's doorstep for "training". If anyone could help his severe separation anxiety, it would be the local dog trainer. Well, Joey quickly bonded to her senior dog, and the rest is history!
Currently, Joey's nickname is "Slick" because he is sneaky and lazy. Joey is an amazing worker when he wants to. He helps to socialize all the student dogs, wether they are fearful, dominant, or just under socialized. He has an amazing way about them, providing confidence for dogs that are scared, and standing strong to dogs that try to challenge him. He is the perfect example of calm yet assertive. Joey also works as a "tester dog" on Behavior Evaluations for clients and at the County Animal Shelter. He is quite the dog! There is nothing like a semi-feral street dog from Italy. He has successfully completed search and rescue trailing and bed bug detection!
He provides a great distraction while the others are working, and is always happy to help "clean up" dropped treats after class. Everyone loves Joey!!
Currently, Joey's nickname is "Slick" because he is sneaky and lazy. Joey is an amazing worker when he wants to. He helps to socialize all the student dogs, wether they are fearful, dominant, or just under socialized. He has an amazing way about them, providing confidence for dogs that are scared, and standing strong to dogs that try to challenge him. He is the perfect example of calm yet assertive. Joey also works as a "tester dog" on Behavior Evaluations for clients and at the County Animal Shelter. He is quite the dog! There is nothing like a semi-feral street dog from Italy. He has successfully completed search and rescue trailing and bed bug detection!
He provides a great distraction while the others are working, and is always happy to help "clean up" dropped treats after class. Everyone loves Joey!!
Summer
Summer has successfully completed the highest level of training at Appalachian Dog Training LLC, Service Dog, and has been selected for our breeding program. Her genetics, training and temperament will be passed onto her offspring, ensuring healthy, exemplary future service and therapy puppy candidates.
Summer is also a Nationally Certified Therapy Dog, through Alliance of Therapy Dogs. She volunteers at the local rest home, education centers, and for a highly specialized program in our region, the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Western North Carolina serving citizens in time of crisis.
In her time at the Training Center, she is a wild and free instigator, zooming though the fields and play yards. Summer inspires play from every puppy, dog, cat, bunny, you name it. She is always about a good time! Summer loves to learn and continues learning advanced tricks, and Search and Rescue (Trailing). If your puppy or dog needs help socializing, Summer will take him under her paw and change them forever. She is an amazing heart dog, with both people and pets.
Summer is also a Nationally Certified Therapy Dog, through Alliance of Therapy Dogs. She volunteers at the local rest home, education centers, and for a highly specialized program in our region, the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Western North Carolina serving citizens in time of crisis.
In her time at the Training Center, she is a wild and free instigator, zooming though the fields and play yards. Summer inspires play from every puppy, dog, cat, bunny, you name it. She is always about a good time! Summer loves to learn and continues learning advanced tricks, and Search and Rescue (Trailing). If your puppy or dog needs help socializing, Summer will take him under her paw and change them forever. She is an amazing heart dog, with both people and pets.
Sage
Sage belongs to Megan, one of our trainers. Or rather, maybe Megan belongs to her. Sage is a cattle dog, or red heeler, and is as sassy as they come. Sage’s first year with Megan wasn’t an easy one. She was overly mouthy, controlling, and extra bossy with humans and other dogs, which got her into trouble often. With hard work, consistent training, and learning how to be told “No,” Sage has become a helpful member of the crew, and is well on her way to being a full time training assistant for Megan. She has many jobs at Appalachian: distraction dog, confidence builder, behavior evaluator, fun police, and demo dog. When Sage isn’t working, she is out adventuring with her person, hiking, camping, biking, swimming, and she’s always up for something new! She is the perfect trail dog and companion, who only nips at Megan’s heels now when she needs reminding that it’s been too long since the last hike!
Teddy Bear
Teddy Bear is a cutie pie of a pony! He is a 4 year old gelding, very friendly, smart and of course mischievous! Teddy Bear is a wonderful addition to the Appalachian family as he can help show our client, therapy and service dogs that ponies are friendly and nothing to be scared of.
We searched wide and far for such a perfect little pony that would enjoy the dogs and even become bonded to them. Teddy loves going on pony walks, eating nicker treats, and grazing. He is great on a lead and even trained to ride, although I say he's a little short for that!
We searched wide and far for such a perfect little pony that would enjoy the dogs and even become bonded to them. Teddy loves going on pony walks, eating nicker treats, and grazing. He is great on a lead and even trained to ride, although I say he's a little short for that!
Zeus & Molly
A beautiful pair of friendly little goats accompany Teddy Bear in friendship, grazing and trouble. Molly is the beautiful white/cream goat just 1 year old. She always comes up to us for a pet and a hopeful treat. Zeus has pretty striping and highlights on his legs. He is friendly too, but certainly more will to head butt you if you don't quickly produce a treat! This bonded pair adds a lot of life and love to our training program.
Ziggy
Ziggy the cat was adopted by Summer from Henderson County Animal Shelter. Summer picked Ziggy out for her 1st birthday present and they still are the best of friends! Ziggy is very helpful in class and provides a nice distraction for dogs practicing their obedience training.
Ziggy loves dogs, dog treats, and even the giant bunnies! Zig is very social with dogs and helps to teach them that cats are not scary, but that the are always in charge of dogs. Cats rule and dogs drool, right Ziggy?
Barley
Barley is a Flemish Giant Rabbit.
We selected Barley for his gentle temperament and big size which does help him navigate the training center safely. Barley helps out by just being his cute self. Dogs that do not exhibit predatory drive may be able to interact with them directly and all dogs gain valuable experience by working on their training commands outside of their enclosure.
Barley enjoys a big indoor enclosure and also an outdoor pen to enjoy fresh green grass friends!