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 — Certified Dog Trainer in Columbia, South Carolina
Tom Kelly is a certified dog trainer serving Columbia, Richland County, and surrounding areas including Lexington, West Columbia, Irmo, Cayce, Blythewood, Forest Acres, Red Bank, Seven Oaks, Dentsville, Springdale, dedicated to helping dogs and their families build lasting, trusting relationships. Using positive, science-based methods tailored to each dog's age, temperament, and specific challenges, Tom makes training effective, enjoyable, and built to last.
❤️ The best dog trainers don't just train dogs — they teach you how to communicate with yours. Tom brings that philosophy to every session, working alongside you and your dog to build trust, consistency, and real, lasting results.
What Tom Can Help With
Obedience & manners — reliable commands and respectful behavior at home and in public. Leash & walking confidence — ending pulling, lunging, and stress on walks. Behavior modification — addressing reactivity, anxiety, fear, and aggression. New dog foundations — building good habits and confidence from the start.
Why Book Tom on PetWorks?
Verified, certified professional with credentials you can trust. Personalized one-on-one sessions — in-home, mobile, or on-site. Force-free, positive reinforcement methods that are humane and proven. A judgment-free approach focused on the wellbeing of both you and your dog. Backed by real reviews from pet parents across Richland County and Lexington, West Columbia, Irmo, Cayce, Blythewood, Forest Acres, Red Bank, Seven Oaks, Dentsville, Springdale.
How Booking Tom on PetWorks Works
Booking Tom is secure and straightforward.
Review Services: Browse Tom's training packages and services listed on this page and choose the one that fits your dog's needs.
Click "Book Now" or "Request Quote": If you see a package that fits, you can book directly. If your situation is unique or you'd like to discuss your dog's specific challenges first, click "Request Quote" to start a conversation with Tom.
Secure Payment: All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Klarna. Your payment is held safely and only released once the booking is confirmed.
PetWorks Care Coverage: Every booking includes PetWorks Care Coverage, giving you peace of mind and access to our dedicated concierge team if you ever need support.
Connect & Schedule: Once your booking is initiated, you'll use the PetWorks Inbox to coordinate the best time and location for your session and share any details about your dog that will help Tom prepare.
Ready to get started? Browse Tom's verified reviews, compare credentials, and book confidently on PetWorks — serving Columbia, SC and the surrounding Richland County area.
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