Meet the Middle TN K9 Team
Military working-dog handlers, Special Forces trainers and lifelong rescue advocates. These are the Middle TN trainers who will work with you and your dog, every session.
Off Leash K9 Training Middle TN is the Murfreesboro-area franchise of the nationally recognized Off Leash K9 Training brand, serving Smyrna, Lebanon, College Grove, Mt. Juliet, and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities since 2017. Company Facts →
Jacob Robinson
Head Trainer- USMC Veteran · 9 Yrs
- MARSOC K9 Handler
- Ex-Vohne Liche Lead Instructor
Jacob Robinson is a 9 year Marine Corps Veteran with 3 combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan with a working dog.
While in the Marine Corps, Jacob served with Marine Special Operations (MARSOC) for 6 years as a multi-purpose canine handler and lead trainer. During this time, Jacob trained the Marine Corps Special Operations handlers and their dogs to work together as a team.
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Jacob is widely regarded as one of the top trainers in the military community. He has also had the pleasure of working with some of the best trainers in the world, as well. Once being honorably discharged from the US Marine Corps, Jacob was hired on at the world famous Vohne Liche Kennels to serve as their lead instructor for some of the nation’s top military and law enforcement handlers.
Jacob has a vast amount of experience in tracking, trailing, scent implementation, obedience, bite work, and behavior modification. He has trained hundreds of dogs over the years and has the ability to not only train dogs, but train owners to properly handle their dogs.
If you want your dog to be amazingly obedient in any and all environments, and have a dog that compliments your life, not complicates it; contact Jacob Robinson!
Jeff
Dog Trainer- 9+ Years Training
- 8 Years with OLK9
- Toy Poodles to Cane Corsos
With over nine years of dedicated dog training experience, Jeff has spent eight of those years as a key member of the Off Leash K9 team. What began as a local neighborhood and family pet-sitting service quickly transformed into a professional career and a lifelong passion for improving communication between owners and their dogs.
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Jeff has worked with a vast range of breeds, from the small Toy Poodle to the powerful Cane Corso and everything in between. He takes immense pride in strengthening the bond between humans and their canine companions and is excited to help you start this incredible journey.
Chris
Dog Trainer- Police K9 Officer · 1999
- 7th & 5th Special Forces
- Dept. of State K9
Chris has always loved dogs. This led to jumping at a chance to be a K9 Officer at his police department in 1999. In 2005 he handled a dog in Iraq during OIF III.
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In 2007 he was a founding trainer for SOFMPC with 7th Special Forces. His time there included 4 deployments to Afghanistan where he also handled a dog. Trained 6 teams in K9 Patrol activities for 12 weeks in Saudi Arabia. Handled 2 different dogs over 3 years for the Department of State at the Baghdad Embassy Complex. 3 years and 2 months as the trainer for 5th Special Forces.
These days he enjoys training dogs for pet owners and sharing the information they need to have the relationship they always wanted with their furry friends.
Cody Tallent
Dog Trainer- USMC · 2002–2011
- NSW K9 Contract
- Vohne Liche · AMK9
Cody Tallent is a dedicated and accomplished dog trainer whose career blends military discipline with top-level working-dog experience. He served in the United States Marine Corps from November 2002 through February 2011, where he developed the leadership, focus, and work ethic that continue to define his training approach.
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Following his service, Cody trained for several premier working-dog programs, including Vohne Liche Kennels, Houston K9, and AMK9, where he gained hands-on expertise in detection, patrol, and specialized operational dogs.
From 2018 to 2025, Cody was a trainer for Cobra K9 on the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) contract, contributing to one of the most demanding canine programs in the world.
Driven, knowledgeable, and deeply invested in canine development, Cody brings a high standard of professionalism and results to every dog he trains.
Jesse
Dog Trainer- U.S. Army · 22 Yrs
- EOD Technician
- Rescue-Dog Owner
Jesse is a retired U.S. Army veteran with 22 years of service, spending the majority of his career as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician and leader. During his military career, he worked alongside military working dogs, law enforcement K9 teams, and specialized canine units supporting training missions, security operations, and VIP protection details.
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After retiring from the Army, Jesse turned his passion for dogs into a career. He enjoys helping dogs and their owners build stronger relationships through clear communication, consistency, and trust.
As the owner of a rescue dog, Jesse has a special appreciation for fearful, misunderstood, and second-chance dogs. He believes every dog deserves an opportunity to succeed and takes pride in helping dogs build confidence while giving owners the tools needed to create lasting results.
When he’s not training, Jesse enjoys spending time with his wife and son, restoring classic Volkswagens, and spending time with his own dog.
Elliot
Dog Trainer- Marine Corps Veteran
- Outdoor Explorer
- Good-Vibes Duo
I’m a proud Marine Corps veteran, and now that I’m back in civilian life, I spend my days embracing the simple joys of outdoor adventures. Whether it’s hiking a trail, exploring new places, or just enjoying a quiet moment, my dog and I are always on the go, soaking in the fresh air and wide-open spaces.
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My dog is the ultimate sidekick—strong, loyal, and ready for anything. With ears that could practically pick up radio signals, she’s always by my side, whether we’re on the move or just relaxing together. She may be bigger than your average dog, but she’s a total softie at heart.
Me? I’m the human half of the partnership. I’m the one making sure my dog gets all the treats and that we both enjoy every second of our downtime.
Together, we’re about strength, loyalty, and making the most of every moment—whether that’s on a trail or just catching a sunset.
Heather
Dog Trainer- Rescue & Foster Advocate
- Behavior Modification
Heather is a dedicated dog trainer based in Nashville with a lifelong commitment to animal rescue. As a compassionate lover of animals, Heather has fostered numerous dogs, providing them with the care and attention they need to thrive.
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With a deep-seated passion for behavioral modification, Heather excels in transforming the lives of dogs and their owners, ensuring harmonious relationships built on understanding and trust.
Ready to meet the team in person?
Call (615) 905-6559Leadership and Ownership
Off Leash K9 Training Middle TN was founded in 2017 by our Head Trainer, Jacob Robinson, a 9-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former MARSOC multi-purpose canine handler, and it is veteran-founded and operated: Jacob leads the training program at our Murfreesboro facility, with the trainers you see above.
We are part of a locally owned Tennessee group with sister locations in Nashville (Off Leash K9 Training Nashville) and Clarksville (Off Leash K9 Training Clarksville): one ownership group, one training team, one phone number, (615) 905-6559. Each location is an independently operated franchise of Off Leash K9 Training, the national brand founded by Nick White. Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Wilson County and the communities south and east of us are served from this facility.
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