Learn More About Celtic Canine

My name is Tori Zach. My passion for animals began at a young age. I grew up surrounded by dogs and spent much of my time teaching them tricks like shake, roll over, and spin. Throughout my childhood, I participated in agility and basic obedience classes with several of my dogs, which helped lay the foundation for my love of training. As I got older, that passion only deepened, leading me to pursue dog training as a profession. For the past five years, I’ve worked as a professional dog trainer, gaining hands-on experience with hundreds of dogs, each with their unique personalities and challenges.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from many accomplished trainers and attending numerous seminars covering various areas of dog training. My experience includes training service dogs, personal protection dogs, and teaching advanced obedience. I’ve worked with dogs struggling with behavioral issues like anxiety and reactivity, and I’ve successfully helped many families bring balance back into their homes.

I’ve also trained police K9s, both dual-purpose and single-purpose, and many of those dogs are now actively serving in departments across the U.S. In addition, I’ve trained and competed in PSA (Protection Sports Association) with three dogs, a journey that has taught me valuable lessons in precision, patience, and teamwork.

Whether I’m working with pet owners, sport dogs, or law enforcement, I bring the same dedication and care to every dog I train. I treat every dog as if they were my own. The greatest reward is watching owners light up with pride when they see what their dog is truly capable of. Many people ask what my favorite breed is to train, and my answer is always the same: the one who wants to engage with me. The magic lies in figuring out how to make that connection, and that’s what I love most about what I do.

I’m located just outside of Nashville, Tennessee, and proudly offer services to the greater Nashville area and its surrounding communities.

My Training Philosophy

At Celtic Canine, I follow a balanced training approach rooted in trust, clarity, and confidence. I begin by building a strong relationship with each dog through bonding and positive reinforcement, rewarding desired behaviors using food, toys, or praise. This creates a positive association with training and lays the foundation for effective communication. As we progress, I focus on teaching clear expectations while maintaining fair and consistent standards. When appropriate, I incorporate negative reinforcement to address unwanted behaviors in a constructive manner. By combining both positive and negative reinforcement thoughtfully, I help dogs become confident, reliable, and well-adjusted, with a clear understanding of their role, boundaries, and the relationship they share with their handler.

Testimonials

Ashley Jago

“Tori is, hands down, one of the most driven and energetic trainers I’ve had the pleasure of working with. She thinks outside the box, and her training style is not “one size fits all.” She truly trains the dog in front of her. I have three dogs—two Belgian Malinois and one XL American Bully—and she has played a large role in the development of all three, as well as in my own development as a handler.

Tori is always able to problem-solve in any situation, whether it involves competing in sport, personal protection work, or just everyday pet dog training around the house.

She is a wonderful trainer and an even more wonderful person, and I feel truly lucky to have been able to learn so much from her.”

Gary Pentecost

“Absolutely loved working with Tori over the past few years! She helped me tackle aggression issues with both my Doberman and Malinois—each with their own unique challenges. Tori takes the time to truly connect with your dog, understands what makes them tick, and tailors her approach to fit their needs. Not all dogs are the same, and Tori gets that. Whether you want a well-mannered companion or a top-tier protection/sport dog, Tori will help you and your pup reach your goals together. Highly recommend!”

Contact us

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