Two Good Dogs Blog: An Interview with Ali Hemyari of Nashville K-9 (Part 1/3)

An Interview with Ali Hemyari of Nashville K-9 (Part1/3)

by Michael Quaranta

A few Saturdays ago I delivered Granola Barks samples to Ali Hemyari, a trainer with over ten years experience training police and search and rescue dogs, for a two day training program with the Nashville K-9 Tactical Team. After Ali field-tested Granola Barks he offered to answer a few questions about himself, Nashville K-9, and Granola Barks.

1. Two Good Dogs: How long have you been training working dogs professionally?

Hemyari: Nashville K-9 has been training dogs for over 25 years of combined experience. Myself, I have been training for over ten years and I’m currently the director of two working County K-9 units.

2. Two Good Dogs: In your experience, what is a common mistake people make when trying to train their dog?

Hemyari: The most common mistake I see when people are training their dogs is the amount of pressure they place on the dog when they become frustrated. It just leads to more frustration of both the dog and human. We train in a high energy, high positivity, high reward environment. We want the dog to work for us because they want to, not out of force.

3. Two Good Dogs: If a dog arrives on your doorstep with no training at all, what is the first step you take toward training that dog?

Hemyari: First step is bonding- playing, taking the dog everywhere, socializing with the other dogs, then training. I want the dog to feel extremely comfortable before I even begin the fun stuff.

4. Two Good Dogs: When you are training a working dog, what do you look for in a training reward/treat?

Hemyari: Most working dogs are high toy and high prey drive dogs. My personal Belgian Malinois is more crazy for a tug or tennis ball over a treat. But in obedience training, I can’t have her in high drive mode the entire time, so using Granola Barks to build up the obedience and giving her the ultimate reward of her toy makes everything easier.

5. Two Good Dogs: After field testing Granola Barks with the Nashville K-9 Tactical Team, what is your evaluation of the product?

Hemyari: I think it’s an excellent product. It not only leaves your hands feeling clean, but they’re small enough to break in half and the dogs enjoy them.

6. Two Good Dogs: Would you recommend Granola Barks to clients of yours and dog owners?

Hemyari: Absolutely. It’s a good reward that’s healthy and enjoyable for the dog.

We greatly appreciate Ali’s time and willingness to try out and review our Granola Barks. We’d also like to thank him for his service and dedication to the Middle Tennessee community.