401-932-3509
Ben Hutchinson
Owner/Head Trainer | Background and Experience
Ben is from a college town in Rhode Island and grew up an avid reader, Eagle scout, and athlete. After college he pursued his dream of enlisting in the Army as an in infantry soldier. During his time in the service Ben specialized as a Tactical Explosive Detector Dog handler. After serving five years he was honorably discharged and it was two years later he started his own dog training and boarding business with his Belgian Malinois "Bila" at his side.
Ben built a word-of-mouth following by showing off Bila's skills in and around Savannah. Five years later he has a booming boarding and training operation and is working to expand further. Ben works tirelessly for his clients new and old and never stops short of changing lives!
Ben is certified by multiple government agencies, has trained and worked with some of the top trainers and kennels in the country, and has decades of hands on experience treating behavior issues and teaching obedience and manners. Ben has trained multiple Service and Therapy dogs with a variety of specializations. Nose work, agility, drafting/carting, no bite defense, Ben teaches it all and more.
What sets Ben and At My Side K9 apart from the rest?
We know choosing a Trainer can be daunting - how do you know who to trust? Here is why you should choose Ben and At My Side K9:
Experience
Ben's background as a working dog handler laid the framework for him to go on to gather decades of hands on experience handling dogs. Good dogs, "bad" dogs, rescues, special needs, Ben has seen and handled a huge variety of cases.
Education
Canine behavior and psychology is as complex as humans', with whom they have evolved. Ben believes that to effectively modify behavior one must first understand why is it being exhibited. This informed approach allows him to connect with almost any dog he meets.
Empathy
Education and Experience are invaluable tools, but the most crucial component to Ben's approach is simple Empathy. No matter the situation, Ben will meet you and your pup right where you are and gently guide you to meeting your goals.
Meet the At My Side K9 Pack!
Abigail Smith (Abby)
Kennel Manager
Abby began working with Ben in August of 2021 and has grown into an indispensable part of the team. She manages the farm while Ben is away teaching lessons, giving the boarding dogs the opportunity to play all day long. She is also apprenticing under Ben to become a trainer, something she dreamed of as a child but never thought would be her career!
Abby is from Sylvania, GA and attended Valdosta State University where she studied Psychology, which she loves applying to her work with the pups!
Bila
Belgian Malinois | 9 years old
Ben rescued Bila at 18 months old and worked with her to overcome her traumatic past. She became his demo dog for the business and was instrumental getting At My Side K9 started. Bila went out with Ben all over Savannah and amazed passerby would ask how he got her to behave so well, he would tell them he trained her! Bila is semi-retired now and prefers to stay on the farm, but she still works by helping out with lessons. She loves to chase goats and chickens, play with the water hose, and bark at the neighbors' ATVs!
Patty Mayonnaise
Hound Mix | 6 years old
Patty came to Ben as a rescue pup in need of serious training, she had been kicked out of foster after foster because no one could manage her. By the end of her training she had stolen his heart and he decided to keep her. Her shining characteristic is her ability to play with almost any dog at their pace! We always use her in lessons because she is so friendly and easy-going with every dog she meets. Patty loves to lay in the sun and bake like a Patt-ato!
Wolfgang
Giant Schnauzer | 3 years old
Wolfgang or "Wolfie" joined Ben's pack in July of 2022 at just 10 weeks old. Since Bila and Bruce were getting on in years, Ben wanted a puppy to train as a demo dog as well as a protector for the farm. He chose a Giant Schnauzer based on their versatility as a working dog, from guarding livestock to pulling a cart. As working dogs, they thrive with experienced handlers. Ben chose Wolfie from his litter based on his energetic and driven personality, he also just happened to be the largest and is now 29 inches tall at the shoulder and well over 80lbs!
The Ladies: Nilly, Pizza, and Black Betty
Yard Goats | 6 years old
When Ben moved to the property that would become his farm almost seven years ago, the entire backyard was covered in thick Georgia scrub brush. He cleared it by hand that first Summer, and when it came back with a vengeance the next Spring he knew he needed some help! He found these girls on Craigslist and brought them home to put them to work. Today the entire acre and a half is clear of underbrush! They answer happily to Ben's call of, "Hey La-dies!!" because that means treats! Nilly is the queen bee and protector of our little herd, fending off any pups that get too nosey. Pizza and Betty follow her lead! The Ladies also help with dog training: they help to desensitize dogs to different types of animals, and serve as a strong distraction for training pups!
Java
"Mini" Pig | 7 years old
Java got her name because when Ben got her as a piglet she looked like a little java bean! She weighed just about 15 pounds as a baby but is around 200 now! Ben raised her by hand as an inside pet, she was even potty trained just like the pups! However as life got busier and more dogs started coming inside, she chose to hang out in the backyard more and more. Now she lives outside full time, but has her pick of several comfy sheds to snooze in! In the Summer she loves a good mud hole to stay cool in, and in Winter she keeps nice and toasty warm snuggled into the straw in her insulated shed. She loves to snack on acorns and roots that she digs up, as well as plenty of treats from the kitchen. She is a big fan of back and belly rubs from Ben, but much less enthusiastic about visits from the farrier to tend her hooves! She is a valued member of our pack, just like the goats she helps to desensitize client dogs to farm animals and helps them learn important manners and impulse control.
In Memorium
Bruce | 12 years
Bruce the Great Pyrenees was raised by Ben from a puppy. When he was 2 years old they moved out to our farm, and Bruce began to take his role of Livestock Guardian very seriously. He patrolled the perimiter of our property daily and often chose to sleep outside on guard. He was wary of visitors and made sure all the client dogs knew he was in charge. He was a loyal and loving companion to Ben and is greatly missed.
Get in Touch!
The best way to get in touch with Ben is to text him at: 401-932-3509
We strongly encourage text messages over phone calls! Because of the nature of our business Ben is often with clients or surrounded by dogs, making phone calls difficult.
