The Humans of Union Hill
Hi, I’m Ashley!
Dog trainer, lifelong animal lover, and founder of Union Hill Canine.
My journey with dogs began long before I held a certification—it started in childhood, in a home full of wagging tails and the presence of patient pups who taught me how to listen without ever speaking a word.
Today, I’m a certified professional dog trainer, but my work goes beyond teaching “obedience.” I help people and their dogs find calm, clarity, and connection—whether that’s learning how to walk politely on leash, navigate the real world with confidence, or just live together with more ease and joy.
Before Union Hill Canine came to life, I spent years working in animal rescue—most notably with Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary and Crossroads Pets Rescue. I’ve cared for dogs from every background, including those who’ve known fear, confusion, and uncertainty. That experience taught me how to truly listen, how to earn trust, and how to tailor training to each individual dog and their story.
Now, I live on a little hillside farm just outside Nashville with a crew of ten beloved dogs, four very opinionated chickens, and one ridiculously old parrot. My life, my home—and my work—is full of muddy footprints, puppy snuggles by the campfire, and the kind of everyday magic you can only find in the spirit of an animal.
If you’re looking for a trainer who understands that your dog is more than just a pet—that they’re family, a companion, a soul you’re lucky to walk beside—I’d love to meet you both.
Professional Certifications:
Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
Fear Free® Certified Professional Trainer
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Instructor
AKC FIT DOG Instructor
AKC Trick Dog Evaluator
AKC Temperament Test Evaluator
AKC Fetch Judge
Meet Andy
Builder, dog dad, and calm companion to the whole pack.
Though he doesn’t run the training sessions, Andy is an essential part of life at Union Hill Canine. When he’s not running his construction business, you’ll find him lending his hands—and his heart—to the dogs. He’s the one behind the thoughtfully built spaces: the cozy kennels, the fun play yards, the winding paths through tall grass. Every fence post, patio, and pup-friendly detail has Andy’s care behind it.
But more than that, he’s a calm presence that dogs naturally trust. Whether he’s helping a nervous pup settle in, sitting quietly with a shy dog who just needs time, or tossing a ball in the sunshine, Andy brings a steady, grounding energy to the property.
Right now, he’s hard at work building our next additions: an on-site grooming salon and an agility course to add even more enrichment to each pup’s stay.
He may not be front and center, but the soul of Union Hill wouldn’t be the same without him—and the dogs seem to know it.