Who We Are
About Us
Owner’s Word
Peanut’s Pet Care was founded in honor of my first dog, Peanut, a spirited, three-legged Mini Aussie who taught me the true meaning of resilience and loyalty. With over 20 years of experience working with animals of all shapes and sizes, I’ve dedicated my life to helping pets and their owners build stronger, healthier relationships. As a certified dog trainer with additional certifications in pet CPR and first aid, I take a balanced, thoughtful approach to training that’s tailored to each dog’s needs. Whether it’s training, walking, or daily care, we treat every animal like they’re part of our family, because to us, they are.
John Hay, Owner & Founder
Peanut’s Pet Care is a professional dog training business based in Ball Ground, GA, focused on helping owners build clear communication, structure, and confidence with their dogs at every stage of life. With years of hands-on experience working with dogs of all breeds, temperaments, and backgrounds, we provide practical, results-driven dog training throughout Cherokee County and North Georgia.
We specialize in obedience training and behavior modification, offering both foundational programs and customized one-on-one sessions tailored to your dog’s specific needs. Our four-week basic obedience program covers the most commonly requested skills, while private training allows us to address individual goals and challenges. Behavior modification sessions focus on issues such as leash pulling, barking, reactivity, house training struggles, and more.
Every training plan is built around what you and your dog need most. Unlike many trainers, we do not require an expensive evaluation before getting started. We begin working on your concerns from the very first session.
Training sessions are primarily hosted on our Ball Ground property, where we are building a dedicated dog training area designed for focused private lessons and small group classes. Basic obedience and introductory agility group classes will be launching soon once setup is complete. Clients travel to our training property for most sessions, allowing us to work dogs in a controlled, distraction-rich environment. Limited in-home training is available within select areas for an additional travel fee.
Peanut’s Pet Care has been recognized for the quality of training we provide. In 2024, we received Cobb Life Magazine’s “Best of Cobb” awards, earning 2nd place in pet training and 3rd place in pet sitting. In 2025, we followed that with a 3rd place award in pet training. Additionally, we were named “Best Dog Trainer in Marietta” by BusinessRate in both 2024 and 2025.
We provide professional dog training services throughout Cherokee County, Pickens County, and North Fulton County, working with clients in Ball Ground, Canton, Jasper, Woodstock, Holly Springs, Milton, and East Marietta. Our programs focus on obedience training, behavior modification, and structured group classes designed to help dogs and owners succeed in real-world environments.
Contact us today to learn more about our dog training programs and availability as we continue to grow throughout North Georgia.
Our Story
Follow our journey
With a vision in mind we went to work. We built the necessary framework to ensure your pets were taken care of the right way.
Peanut’s Pet Care officially launched! Starting out small, in less than a year we’ve already assisted hundreds of clients across all fields. Without anything less than a 5 star review!
Peanut’s Pet Care has been thriving and is currently working on ways we can expand and service as many clients as possible across our entire business.
Peanut’s Pet Care was voted #2 Dog Trainer and #3 Pet Sitter in all of Cobb County by Cobb Life Magazine’s “Best of Cobb 2024” Awards.
Peanut’s Pet Care will continue to grow in both dog training and pet care and has been named BusinessRate’s “Best Dog Trainer in Marietta” two years running.
Peanut’s Pet Care has moved to Ball Ground, GA to focus on dog training and will soon have an open outdoor facility!
About John
John has worked with animals from a very young age in a wide range of roles. From caring for typical family pets to showing and breeding livestock and rehabilitating local wildlife, his experience spans species, ages, and abilities; including working with disabled animals. He’s dedicated his life to ensuring every animal is treated with the respect, patience, and care they deserve.
Professional Certifications & Experience:
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Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA®)
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Obedience, companion, and behavior modification (reactivity & aggression) certified through Atlanta Dog Trainer Academy
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Puppy training certified through Karen Pryor Academy
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Reactivity training (Click to Calm) under Emma Parsons
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Pet CPR certified through the American Red Cross
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Pet first aid and CPR certified through internationally recognized PetTech
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Local, regional, and national titles in showing and breeding across multiple animal breeds
Philosophy:
John’s approach to training and pet care is built around one simple belief — it’s all about the bond between the pet and their owner. Once that connection is established, everything else falls naturally into place.
A Connecticut native, John has called Georgia home since 2015 and currently lives in Marietta with his wife Taylor. Their busy household includes three dogs (Charlie, Frodo, and Shiloh), two cats (Nala and Dizzy), a ball python, crested gecko, two tarantula, and a few fish. Peanut, the beloved dog who started it all, remains at the heart of everything John does (04/24/08 to 09/09/22). Peanut has since been joined by cat Thor (10/20/24) and dog Baby (09/29/24), who all watch over them all from above.