Dogs The latest news in the world of dogs

Photo: Jo Sanders of Rufflife Dog Training of Hard Barks brings dog training to your home.

By Emily Volman

Our pets mean everything to us. But let’s face it: giving them everything they need can take a lot of time and energy! If you’ve ever wished that pet care were more convenient, you’re in luck. We’ve got the scoop on a variety of local pet businesses that come to you, making it easy to pamper Fido all from the comfort of your own home.

Grooming

Aussie Pet Mobile
(615) 430-0005
aussiepetmobile.com

Gone are the days of hunching over the bathtub to scrub your dirty dog, or hauling her to the salon in your car. Let Brentwood-based Aussie Pet Mobile make it easy! “Our emphasis is on individual interaction with your pet,” says co-owners Vicki and David Burkhalter. “We don’t use cages or kennels. We have a fully self-contained Mercedes van equipped with everything we need, including hot water and power.” With their top-of-the-line mobile grooming unit, they can deliver all of your grooming needs, from baths and pedicures to summer shaves and more.

“We provide convenience for the guardian and less stress on the pet,” says Vicki. “Your pet doesn’t have to leave him home environment, he’s not having to wait for hours in a cage until a groomer can get to him and he’s not being exposed to other animals.” Adds David, “A typical grooming salon might have you drop your pet off at 9am and pick up at 3pm. He’s in a kennel for the majority of that time and it can be stressful. We alleviate that stress.”

While the Burkhalter’s fast-growing, four-year-old business is based in Brentwood, Aussie Pet Mobile covers most of Davidson and Williamson Counties six days a week, employing four vans.

Still not convinced? Just ask our publisher, Heather Davis, whose dogs Shelby and Molly receive regular grooming through Aussie. “Convenient, comfortable, stress-free… and they do a fabulous job!” she says.

Pet Waste Removal

Doody Calls
(615) 594-4020
doodycalls.com

Let’s face it: the least desirable job of pooch parenting is the “clean up,” but it has to be done. So why not let someone else do it for you? Lisa and Bill Meek, owners of Doody Calls, offer a handy service that keeps you from doing all the dirty work. “We provide pet waste removal for both commercial and residential clients,” says Lisa. “Whether you need service weekly, twice a month or one time only, we can help. We work with businesses to provide and service pet waste stations, and we even offer a kitty litter changing service.”

The obvious benefit to hiring Doody Calls is not having to do it yourself, but if you have good intentions to do it yourself and then don’t get around to it, you could potentially be harming your entire family. “If you have kids, they shouldn’t play in the yard if it’s full of waste for environmental reasons,” says Lisa. “Dog waste can have so many parasites and those parasites can get in the ground, which can infect people and the water. Also, kitty litter bags can be very heavy and pregnant women shouldn’t be handling it due to toxoplasmosis.”

Doody Calls covers many counties in Middle Tennessee, so check out their website for areas, rates and details on their clean up process.

Tidy Paws
(615) 893-9496
tidypawsonline.com

Tidy Paws, an eight-year-old Nashville-based business owned by Brad Luther, is also a pet waste removal service designed to provide convenience for his clients. In addition to basic waste removal at residences, apartment complexes and community organizations on a routine basis, Tidy Paws also offers extras like yard litter pick up and deodorization.

“A lot of times, around people’s decks or patios, there is a concern,” says Brad. “You don’t want to be sitting outside and have the wind change in your direction. We use an enzyme-based solution to get rid of unpleasant odors. We also offer a step-can service, where the client can pick up their pet’s waste themselves and put it in the step-can that we provide. Then we pick it up, reline the can and dispose of the waste properly.”

Tidy Paws covers most of the greater Nashville area and is reasonably priced. “Our customers are not all wealthy,” Brad says. “Cost depends on yard size, number of pets and frequency, but we have a wide range of customers because we keep it really affordable.” More details on Tidy Paws’ rates, services and areas covered are listed on their website.

Veterinary Care

Pet Bliss Mobile Veterinary Service
(615) 829-0222
petblissmobilevetservices.com

For pets that stress going to the vet, Dr. Jocelyn Allen, DVM not only brings a little of the good old days with her “house call” services, but she brings the whole medical office, too. Should your pet need a comprehensive exam, geriatric care, dental care, radiographs or even minor surgery, Dr. Allen’s van is fully equipped for the job.

“Being mobile is a huge benefit for your pet because it takes the stress out of the experience,” says Dr. Allen. “I’ve seen four people have to hold a dog at a veterinary clinic because the pet was so anxious. Many pets don’t feel comfortable leaving the house and it may hard to transport them. We can do pretty much anything that a regular clinic can do and our prices are very comparable.”

Since Pet Bliss Mobile Veterinary Service covers most of Davidson, Williamson and Maury Counties, this at-your-home service may just be what the animal doctor ordered.

Dog Training and Behavioral Services

Dogs and Kat
(615) 712-6083
dogsandkat.com

Having worked with dogs for over 13 years, Kat Martin is one of Nashville’s premier go-to trainers using clicker training and positive reinforcement to gain desired results. (After all, love goes much farther than punishment, and it strengthens rather than harms your bond with your pet!) The great news is that will also “go to” you. “I offer a variety of group classes on manners, agility, and more,” she says, “but I also do in-home private lessons and behavioral issue sessions.” This not only provides a convenience to you as the guardian, but it’s great for your dog to learn in his own environment. Says Kat, “I like to do the behavioral sessions in your home because you want your dog to learn in the environment where the behavior is occurring, especially if it is a separation anxiety or house training issue. Dogs tend to be very situation specific.”

In addition to gearing the training sessions specifically to your dog’s needs, it can be much more convenient to work around your schedule. “As opposed to a class, where you have to come at a specific time each week, I offer flexibility in scheduling in-home sessions that are convenient for you.”

Rufflife Training of Hard Barks
(615) 477-1265
rufflifeproductions.com

Another local in-home dog trainer is Jo Sanders of Rufflife Training for Hard Barks. A graduate of the Animal Behavioral College, Jo has been mentored by the aforementioned Kat Martin. “I use positive training with the clicker technique,” says Jo, “which means good behavior is reinforced with treats. When I was coming up with my business name I looked at my own two spoiled dogs and their ‘incredibly rough’ life. It just seemed to incorporate everything.”

Jo’s private lessons can solve a variety of issues, such as basic manners, jumping up and potty-training, and she serves a one-hour radius of Nashville. Sanders is also a painter and has a wonderful gallery of whimsical dog portraits of her website—many of which she has donated to Nashville Paw’s annual Art for animals fundraiser for spay and neuter.

So whether you need some help getting your hound to heel or your Papillon to pee outside, your dog is sure to learn how to be her best with Jo’s fun and energetic presence on your side!

Katie’s Dog Training
(615) 480-1883
katiesdogtraining.com

If in-home dog training doesn’t quite fit the bill, Katie Tucker of Katie’s Dog Training has the solution. “I offer a ‘board and train’ program where I come out to your house, do an evaluation and discuss your dog’s needs and goals,” she explains. “Then I bring your pooch to stay with me for a period of time for training. Once he is ready, I bring your dog back and provide follow-up sessions to make sure all the training transfers over to you.”

While this type of intensive training work provides very focused and consistent learning for your dog, it also provides added convenience for individuals who find themselves stretched a little too thin. “People are so busy in their lives and have great intentions, but it’s hard to come home after an eight hour day and work with your dog. I give your pup lots of attention and help her understand what she’s supposed to be doing. Then I can easily teach you how to work with her at home.”

Katie’s clients are located far and wide. “I have clients from Clarksville to Murfreesboro. If you live in Middle Tennessee, I can probably help you.” She also suggests thinking about using your summer vacations as a good time to brush up on your dog’s training. “A lot of people during the summer months will choose to send their dog to training while they go on vacation, when they’d have to board their dog anyway. So that can serve as a real convenience to families.”

Food and Treats

Nature’s Select
(615) 656-3323
delivermypetfood.com

If toiling over pet foods in the aisle of your local pet supply store isn’t how you prefer to spend your Saturday, Nature’s Select delivery service brings the best in American-made, holistic pet food and treats to your door at no extra cost. Locally owned by Jeff and Shani Duncan, they deliver premium foods without the premium price. “Because we don’t have the overhead of a retail store, we’re able to offer free home delivery for the same price or less that you’d pay at a pet supply store,” says Jeff. “People usually like the food first because it’s holistic, and then they get spoiled with the delivery.”

But they don’t just stop at delivering. Says Duncan, “We also keep up with your order history, so after an order or two, we can tell when you might be running low and we can send you an order reminder. It’s one less thing you have to remember. Plus, we don’t have any contracts or hidden fees because we know your schedule or your pet’s diet may change.”

Nature’s Select delivers across Middle Tennessee and offers free samples to make sure your pet agrees with any food before you begin regular service.

Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

Home Run Pet Care
(615) 668-6917
homerunpetcare.com

Running home on your lunch break to medicate an ailing cat or giving a midday potty break to a young pooch is not always possible. That’s why Marge Wild of Home Run Pet Care is just a call away. “We offer that midday help as well as vacation care,” she says. “Some pets don’t do well in a kennel environment, so we offer loving care in your home environment.” In addition to pet care, Marge can transport your pet to appointments, pick up the mail, water your plants and more.

Home Run Pet Care is licensed and insured and all sitters are certified in veterinary first aid and CPR. Marge herself is a former veterinary technician and specializes in working with senior pets. “Our main goal is to take care of your pets the way you would,” she says. For information on service area, rates and more, check out their website and Facebook page.

Brentwood Pet Sitters
(615) 776-4130
brentwoodpetsitters.com

Brentwood Pet Sitters, co-owned by Betty Canfield and Gina Wertz, has been serving the families and pets of Brentwood, Cool Springs and Lenox Village for over six years, largely in part to recommendations from local veterinarians. They specialize in at-home pet care while guardians are on vacation or working, as well as dog walking, feedings and medicating. “It’s a great service for senior and special needs pets because they shouldn’t be disrupted from their routine,” says Betty.

An additional benefit to having a sitter come to your house is home safety. “While you’re on vacation, you have someone coming in, checking on your house, bringing in your mail and newspapers. It’s another layer of security,” Betty says. Their easy online scheduling is an added convenience, available on their website.

Emily Volman is a comedian and writer.  She lives in Franklin with her husband, Mark, and rescue dogs, Josie, Jasper and Ellie. She has been a contributor to Nashville Paw since our debut issue in 2006.