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
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