In 2006, Karen became an active member of the World Detection Dog Organization (WDDO). Karen served for several years as Vice President of the organization, where she organized educational conferences for the WDDO reaching out to scent detection groups of many different disciplines.
She is part of an elite group of K-9 scent detection trainers authorized to train for the WDDO.
In 2013, Karen moved to Dickson, TN, just outside of Nashville where she took over dual roles; opening K-9 Scent Detection Services and management of a 200 plus Kennel and Training Facility. Working under the support of K-9 Scent Detection Services, Karen is pioneering a new business model focusing on helping others succeed in their dreams of building a K9 scent detection business.
Thus, Karen trains and makes available certified Mold and Bed Bug Scent K-9s for other businesses. She consults as an expert in her field showing other scent detection businesses ways to improve their operations, saving their clients time and money.
In 2018 Karen, her husband and their 7 dogs moved to Lyles TN to pursue a dream of owning a farm with plenty of room to build a barn for boarding and training; where we can focus on balanced obedience and scent detection training.
In 2020 Karen and Doug had the barn completed. We now have our beautiful barn for our boarding and training pups in addition to our countless trails, country roads, creeks, and wild life.
Currently, our barn can hold over 100 dogs! Karen and our Thurman’s Place team continually update their knowledge with classes and courses to help them better understand dog knowledge! Then our team helps you as the owner/pet parent to ensure that your dog gets structure and balance in their daily lives! Once your dog goes through one of our training programs, you all officially become a part of the Thurman’s Place family for life! We are here with you always to ask questions/advice or for you all to come out to the farm for one of our Alumni Pack Hikes where you can spend time with more of the Thurman’s Place family!