About Take Flight Dog Training

Expert Dog Trainers Helping Tennessee Dogs and Families Succeed

At Take Flight Dog Training, we believe every dog has the potential to soar to the level that their genetics will support them! Our mission is to shape better behavior in both dogs and their owners by creating clear, positive training, and effective communication.

Based in Cookeville, TN, we proudly serve the surrounding communities of Sparta, Lebanon, Crossville, Livingston, Algood, Spencer, and Nashville offering personalized training programs for dogs of all breeds and temperaments.

Our team consists of certified dog trainers with advanced knowledge in canine behavior, obedience, behavior modification and dog sports. With backgrounds in working-dog disciplines managing difficult shelter dogs and training service dogs, we combine practical experience with proven training techniques to deliver measurable results.

Meet Our Team

Jess Trainer & Owner

About Jess

Jessica has been a trainer in the community that you all know and love for the past 13 years. She was a training director for another dog training facility before going out on her own with a vision.

As a teenager, she was introduced to the 4H dog program, then began competing with two dogs in the Protection Sports Association (PSA,) and has assisted in preparing dogs for Highway Patrol. Though she dabbles in other sports for fun, currently Jess is focused on competing with her own dogs, and client dogs in IGP/Schutzhund, PSA, AKC Barnhunt, and Obedience.

Jess is an active foster and has assisted in rehabilitating a vast number of dogs for rescues over the years, including Shelly’s Angel’s Saving Strays (SASS), All About Rescues and Fixin’ (AARF), Blue Ridge Bull Terrier Rescue, and the Bull Terrier Rescue Mission. Jess is currently an evaluator and consultant for Blue Ridge, and the Rescue Mission’s more difficult dogs. By working through the hard cases, Jess has dramatically improved their adoption success.

Jess is the trainer for Isaac Loves His Hooman, non profit service dog organization, who places the dogs with veterans to boost their quality of life, and assist them with daily living.

She is the mother of a eight-year-old boy, has a horse, and five active dogs to keep up with! Growing up on a farm, she has gotten to deeply appreciate dogs that are genetically designed to fulfill not only themselves, but us. Jess has also been very focused, and her passion drives her to better herself as not only a dog trainer, but a coach for humans. Her training “toolbox” is always growing, and her techniques have refined into a comprehensive plan that can be structured for each individual dog’s personality. You will find Jess deeply caring and enjoying the journey that you chose to embark on with your dog!

Jess is not only an AKC Canine Good Citizen, Fear Free Boarding Specialist and Trick Dog Evaluator. She is certified in Pet First Aid and CPR and has passed the Certification for Professional Dog Trainers exam – requiring a minimum of 300 approved hours mentoring, and a comprehensive knowledge assessment test focused on learning theory, client instruction, and husbandry.

Certifications & Training

Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Association of Professional Dog Trainers

AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, American Kennel Club

American Red Cross Pet First Aid and CPR Certified

Association of Pet Dog Training (APDT) Member

Working titles earned-

PSA PDC 2018 – Thunderhawk’s Heavy Artillery (Zook)
Begleithund Test (BH) 2018 – Thunderhawk’s Heavy Artillery (Zook)
Begleithund Test (BH) 2013 – Envy
Therapy Dog International, Certified Team (Ruth) - 2013
Midwest Veterinary Conference – February 2019
Aggression in Dogs: Safety, Defensive Handling & Training - April 2019
IGP- OB1- High in Trial (Zook) - 2019
Debbie Zappia Seminar: Competition Obedience – Dec 2018
Competition Obedience, Tracking & IPO Retrieve – Dec 2016
IPO Helper Seminar with James Laney – Oct 2015
Qualified for IWPA National Championships - 2018
Jesse Cortez/ Amanda Caldron Working Dog and Helper seminar - 2019
AKC Barnhunt- Novice Title- 2020
IGP 1: 90-96.5-86- Nov 2021
BH- Nov 2021
PA (protection alert) x2 dogs - March 2022
FO (family obedience title) x2 dogs - High in trial score - March 2022
IGP 2: November 2022. High Obedience Score
- WDA FO- Two Dogs- Magnus and Chopper -2024
- IGP 3- 2024 with "Bazooka"
- Do More With Your Dog/Advanced Trick Dog Title x2
- IGP 1- 2024 with "Joker"

Continuing Education Classes / Webinars –

Worked Up!- Understand, Assess and Soothe Arousal in Sport Dogs
Home Alone – Treating Separation
Pet First Aid and CPR Certification Class – American Red Cross
- CBCC Examination Prep Class
Normal or Not – Common Behavioral Disorders
Precision Heeling
- Knock Knock, From Chaos to Calm
- Chaos to Calm 2 Class
- Fear Free Boarding Class and Certification-2024

Certifications-

IGP BH with Helix-2025
Shed Dog 1- with Shiva 2025
Trailing and Locating 1- with Shiva 2025
Urban locating 1- with Shiva 2025

Chloe Manager / Head Trainer

About Chloe

Chloe came into our life here at Take Flight, for a reason. She started her journey with us as a client with her sporty lab, Floyd, and is currently being mentored to compete with her Lab and Dutch Shepherd in competitive obedience and tracking under Jessica, business owner.

Chloe is dedicated to building not only her own future, but her clients’ futures that she loves dearly and is so passionate about. Her duties consist of greeting clients for pick up and drop off, making sure that the dogs on the property have their needs met, as well as guiding the board and train dogs and their owners, to success!

Chloe offers private lessons, teaches group classes, and works with pet parents who choose our boarding and training options.

Certifications & Training

Thomas Kennel Tech / Project Manager / Trainer

About Thomas

As the business owner’s fiancé and a full-time presence on the property, Thomas provides consistency, reliability, and support across all areas of the operation.

When Thomas isn’t traveling with the National Guard, you’ll find him here at Take Flight working hands-on with the dogs or welcoming clients during pickup and drop-off. He spends his time engaging dogs in training, assisting with daily care, and performing helper and decoy work for our working dogs.

Thomas serves as a steady anchor. He supports daily logistics, helps manage projects and improvements, and is often the behind-the-scenes problem-solver who helps everything stay on track. His calm presence, work ethic, and willingness to step in wherever needed make him the steady rock to lean on.

Thomas’s dedication to the dogs, the facility, and the people who trust us with their pets makes him an indispensable part of the Take Flight team.

Certifications & Training

Payton Technician

About Payton

Payton enjoys taking the time to get to know each dog that walks through our doors. He has a calm, steady presence and is especially thoughtful about meeting dogs where they are emotionally, not just physically.

Payton has a goal of becoming a trainer here at Take Flight Dog Training, and he approaches his role with focus and intention. He pays close attention, asks great questions, and learns quickly as he continues to build his handling, management, and safety skills.

Many dogs who are unsure around men respond exceptionally well to Payton. His quiet confidence, patience, and consistent interactions help nervous or hesitant dogs relax, build trust, and gain positive experiences.

You may see Payton walking a dog, doing a training session, bathing your dog, or providing daily care.

Certifications & Training

Cheyann Technician / Office Assistant

About Cheyann

Cheyann plays a key role in keeping Take Flight Dog Training running smoothly behind the scenes. She enjoys being hands-on with the dogs while they’re here and is a natural with the pups in our care, bringing a calm, attentive presence to her work.

In addition to working directly with the dogs, Cheyann helps keep our day-to-day operations organized and on track. From assisting with scheduling, communication, and office flow to supporting the team wherever needed, she helps ensure that both dogs and clients are well taken care of.

Cheyann is also an enrichment specialist for both our training and boarding dogs. She focuses on providing thoughtful, appropriate enrichment that supports each dog’s mental engagement, emotional balance, and overall well-being during their stay.

Cheyann is passionate about expanding her knowledge of all things dog and is excited to continue growing within the dog training world. Her curiosity, reliability, and attention to detail make her a valued part of the Take Flight team.

Cheyann attended TCAT of Livingston in 2022 for Administrative Office Technology and graduated in March of 2023. She holds five Microsoft certifications, which means there’s a good chance you’ll be chatting with her on the phone or interacting with her during office hours.

Certifications & Training

Travers

About Travers

Travers joined Take Flight Dog Training after helping during the construction of our facility and quickly became an essential part of the team. He is driven, observant, and learns quickly, with strong developing skills in dog handling, management, and safety. Travers plays lacrosse at Cookeville High School and is passionate about kayaking. He does a great job with the dogs and continues to grow as a handler every day.

Certifications & Training

Krystal

About Krystal

Krystal is passionate about animals and loves spending time outdoors with her husband and their dogs. Whether she’s curled up with a good book or out on an adventure, she brings calm, curiosity, and care into everything she does.

Before joining Take Flight Dog Training, Krystal worked at a local spay and neuter clinic as part of her goal of becoming a veterinary technician. Through that experience, she developed a strong foundation in animal care and handling. Along the way, she discovered a growing passion for dog behavior and training and became eager to learn everything she could about working hands-on with dogs in a training environment.

Krystal is deeply invested in expanding her knowledge, developing her skills, and continuing her education in dog training. We’re excited to support her growth and be part of her journey as she builds a future working closely with dogs.

Certifications & Training

Achievements and Credentials

Voted “Cookeville Hall of Fame” Best Dog Trainer three consecutive years
Pet First Aid Certified trainers on staff
Recognized by local communities as “Best Neighbor” on NextDoor

Fear Free Boarding Certified Specialists
AKC Evaluators
Certified Pet Aromatherapy Specialist

Whether you’re starting with puppy training, improving your relationship through obedience and house manners, or preparing for advanced dog sports, Take Flight Dog Training provides the guidance, resources and structure your dog deserves.