A free dog behavior training program designed to help families keep their pets has been expanded after receiving additional funding from the PEDIGREE Foundation.
The program, led by Friends of Williamson County Animal Center, launched in 2025 to reduce the number of dogs surrendered to shelters because of correctable behavior issues. Originally offered in Williamson, Maury and Cheatham counties, the initiative now includes partners in Davidson and Montgomery counties.
Williamson County Animal Center Assistant Director Scott Pieper said the program has evolved based on what organizers learned during its first year. Instead of only helping owners who had already decided to surrender their dogs, the program now encourages anyone struggling with a dog’s behavior to seek help before reaching that point…