Contented Canines - Dog Training and Behavioral Care - Columbia, SC
Struggling With Your Dog's Behavior? Pulling on leash, overreacting to dogs or people, digging, jumping up on guests, always overexcited, fearful? Learn to address behavior by changing how your dog relates to you and its world here at Contented Canines!
What started as a hobby helping shelter dogs become more adoptable, has evolved into an avocation to help dogs and their humans live better lives together! Beyond reading, self-study, and training hundreds of shelter dogs, I have also sought out high-quality training and certification to provide me the knowledge and tools to better help you and your dog.
I first trained with Cesar Milan, taking his Fundamentals I course in 2014. That experience inspired me to make the leap into helping dogs full-time. I have continued to volunteer each year at TCW Fundamentals I classes in Florida to help others discover the power of dogs to change their lives!
As I left the Army, I attended Starmark Academy for Professional Dog Trainers, a 3- month, intensive, hands-on residential dog training academy. In 2015 I graduated from Starmark as a Certified Dog Trainer and Canine Behavior Specialist.
I have continued to educate myself by learning from nationally recognized trainers like Heather Beck (K9 Lifeline, Utah), Martin Deeley (International School for Dog Trainers, FL), Mark and Stephanie McCabe (Training Between the Ears (TBTE) and Nelson Hodges (Canine Human Relationship Institute (CHRI, TX). CHRI certified me as a Relationship Based Trainer in June 2021.
Locally, I am a member of the Greater Columbia Obedience Club and advise the board of the NOMA Bark Park. Professionally, I am a professional member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and I regularly attend the IACP annual education conference to further my knowledge and understanding of dogs, their humans and how to help both make a better life together!
Please contact and book my private dog training services on Petworks. Thank You.
- Licensed
- Certified
- Bonded
- Insured
- Online Sessions
Pricing Packages
Face to face (snout) assessment of dog behavior and environment. Get immediate actions to help address identified issues and a recommended plan to change you and your dog’s life together for the better. You will be amazed at how small changes in YOUR behavior can dramatically change your dog's behavior! Includes 1 month subscription to the CO-OP, FaceBook-based training resource group.
(Suspended for COVID) Learn to live well with another species! Your dog is its best when it sees the human as its leader! Focus: dog psychology, canine communication, and creating a calm, willing follower by earning your dog’s respect and trust. 5 sessions-Includes booklet, cot and leash.
Builds a balanced relationship of mutual respect and trust between you and your dog using simple exercises and a structured program. Helps create a contented canine (and human) by resolving both your and your dog’s frustrations! The Private Foundation Training Program includes 8 plus hours of training, written materials, a training leash and premium dog cot. It provides for flexible scheduling, can include the whole family and it is available as either in studio or in-home.
How do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
- Private Dog Training
- Dog Behaviorist
What training tools do you use?
- Back-clip Harness
- Barriers
- Clicker
- E-Collar
- Front-clip Harness
- Head Collar
- Leash
- Long Line
- Martingale Collar
- Muzzle
- Praise/Affection
- Prong Collar
- Slip Lead
- Toys
- Treats
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Dog Obedience Training
- Pet Behavior Modification
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Dogs
What licensing do you have?
- Business License
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- IACP Certified Dog Trainer (IACP CDT)
- National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI)
Proud member of...
- International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP)
Do you offer mobile services?
- Yes
Education
MA in HR Development (Training People)
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
Columbia SC
What year did you begin serving pets?
2015
How did you hone your craft?
Formal certification from Starmark Academy for Professional Dog Trainers (Hutto, TX) and follow-on training at Canine-Human Relationship Institute (Blue Ridge, TX), K9 Lifline (SLC, Utah), Training Cesar’s Way
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
A dog is best if it believes it’s humans are the leaders- the Protect, Provide Guide and Direct from a relationship of trust and respect.
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
Helping humans and their dogs to live better lives together is my purpose!
SERVICE AREA: Within 25 miles, including Columbia SC
Distinction
How do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
- Private Dog Training
- Dog Behaviorist
What training tools do you use?
- Back-clip Harness
- Barriers
- Clicker
- E-Collar
- Front-clip Harness
- Head Collar
- Leash
- Long Line
- Martingale Collar
- Muzzle
- Praise/Affection
- Prong Collar
- Slip Lead
- Toys
- Treats
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Dog Obedience Training
- Pet Behavior Modification
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Dogs
What licensing do you have?
- Business License
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- IACP Certified Dog Trainer (IACP CDT)
- National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI)
Proud member of...
- International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP)
Do you offer mobile services?
- Yes
Education
MA in HR Development (Training People)
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
Columbia SC
What year did you begin serving pets?
2015
How did you hone your craft?
Formal certification from Starmark Academy for Professional Dog Trainers (Hutto, TX) and follow-on training at Canine-Human Relationship Institute (Blue Ridge, TX), K9 Lifline (SLC, Utah), Training Cesar’s Way
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
A dog is best if it believes it’s humans are the leaders- the Protect, Provide Guide and Direct from a relationship of trust and respect.
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
Helping humans and their dogs to live better lives together is my purpose!
🐾 About Tom Kelly – Expert Mobile Dog Trainer based in Columbia, SC
Tom is a trusted professional dog trainer in Columbia, SC, dedicated to helping dogs and their families build lasting, trusting relationships. With years of hands-on experience working with dogs of all sizes...from playful puppies to seasoned seniors, Tom Kelly uses positive, effective, science-informed techniques to make training enjoyable, rewarding, and results-driven for you and your dog.
🏙️ Personalized Training Right at Your Home
Living in a busy urban or suburban environment can bring unique challenges for dogs - distractions, new neighbors, and varying routines. Tom Kelly’s canine training services bring expert guidance directly to your door, providing flexible schedules, personalized attention, and safe, fun walks and training sessions for dogs of all energy levels.
🐶 Obedience & Manners – Teaching reliable commands and respectful behavior
📏 Leash & Walking Confidence – Ending pulling, lunging, and stress during walks
🧠 Behavior Modification – Addressing fear, anxiety, reactivity, or unwanted behaviors
🐾 Puppy Foundations - Socialization and good habit development from the start
❤️ Transforming Your Dog’s Life - and Yours
Training is about more than obedience. It’s about connection, trust, and confidence. When your dog understands expectations and communicates clearly, everyday life becomes calmer and more joyful. Imagine stress-free walks, confident greetings at home, and a deeper bond built on love, patience, and understanding. Tom Kelly is dedicated to helping you and your dog experience this transformation.
📘 Training Tools & Techniques
Tom Kelly uses customized, positive methods tailored to each dog’s needs:
🎯 Clicker or reward-based reinforcement
🦴 Treats, toys, and praise for motivation
🐾 Safe harnesses and leashes for structured practice
🧠 Behavior plans focused on sustainable, long-term results
These techniques strengthen good habits, reduce problem behaviors, and make training fun for your dog.
📌 Book a Session With Tom Kelly Today
Ready to see lasting results with your dog? Book a virtual or mobile dog training session with Tom Kelly in Columbia, Richland County, Lexington, West Columbia, Irmo, Cayce, Blythewood, Forest Acres, Red Bank, Seven Oaks, Dentsville, Springdale, SC at your convenience.
Whether you’re tackling basic obedience, leash issues, or more complex behavioral concerns, expert guidance is just a click away. Explore verified reviews, request quotes, and start your journey toward a happier, more harmonious life with your four-legged companion!
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