UPSTATE DOG TRAINING IS ABOUT...

A family tradition Of caring for dogs

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Jeff & Crystal Jones are the on-site owner/operators of UPSTATE DOG TRAINING. Their story is a Dog Tale.

A Dog Tale

The short version of the story is Jeff met Crystal while visiting (repeatedly) the veterinarian where she worked as a Vet Tech. Jeff of course was there on “official business” for Upstate Dog Training.

As their lives merged they took on more and more responsibility at the family business. Both the business and Jeff & Crystals’ family grew. The business—and Jeff & Crystal’s family outgrew their first locations. So, the business—and Jeff & Crystals’ family, relocated to where they are now. 

Note: Jeff & Crystal are now keeping an eye out for any “official business” errands that their sons, Matthew, James, and Luke have a particular interest in. 


Jeff attended Clemson University and the whole family are avid Clemson fans.


Even so, Upstate Dog Training will board the dogs (not chickens) of Carolina fans.


Jeff’s Mom, Jill Jones, started Upstate Dog Training in the early 90’s as an outgrowth from her love of dogs.
What started as hobby morphed into a business that has impacted four generations of family. Over the years, in addition to Jill’s husband Jimmy, there have been grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles who have played roles in this family oriented business.
Sadly, Jill passed away too young in 2020 with cancer. Jill was a notable “character” who loved life and lived it fully. People who met her tended to remember her. Her legacy lives on in family, business, and of course memories.

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Our Team

Of Course, Our Dedicated Team Of Dog Trainers, Kennel Technicians, Groomers, Office Personnel, Dog Bathers, And General Helpers Has Made Serving Our Community Possible And Fun!

You can learn a lot about people by knowing what they like. And also by what others say about them. So meet our team!

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Crystal Jones

Owner/Operator

I like this breed of dog: Australian Shepard, German Shepard, Papillion

I like this food & snack: Coffee & Coffee

I like this quote: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Him, who strengthens me.

Upstate Dog Training team members say this about me:

Crystal is fun and fair despite all the challenges of operating this demanding business. 

Crystal’s toughest training session is the incomplete training of Jeff. 

When Jeff’s training is complete he will get his “graduation certificate”—which Crystal thinks will be on the 1st of Never.

Crystal’s devotion to her faith, Jeff, and to this business is inspiring to those of us who work here. You have to respect a Godly, hardworking, motherly, tidy, bossy, spunky business-owning mother of three!

Dog Trainers,Kennel Technicians,Groomers,Dog Bathers,kennel,about

Jeff Jones

Owner/Operator

I like this breed of dog: German Shepard

I like this food & snack: Pizza & Reece Cup

I like this quote: _________

Upstate Dog Training team members say this about me:

Jeff is hard-working and thoughtful. He doesn’t ask anyone to do something that he won’t do.

Jeff keeps a happy disposition and seems happiest when hearing Crystal recall stories of his not paying attention to her “training”. He’s even happy being fussed at! Crystal says this is because he can’t complete a thought unless it’s one that he’s happy to hear. We’re still waiting for Jeff to think of his side of this story.

It’s obvious every day that Jeff cares about his faith, family, and this business.

Jeff’s example, support, and leadership keep all of us striving toward improvement.

Smiling woman holding her dog

Kim

Receptionist

I like this breed of dog: The fluffy kind

I like this food & snack: Spaghetti & strawberries

I like this quote: With God all things are possible

Upstate Dog Training team members say this about me:

Kim is the Front Desk Queen. And, she usually keeps a queen’s portion of snacks at arm’s reach. 

We tease her that she should eat in proportion to her productivity and with that she would starve! (Not true)

Kim does a great job managing many moving parts while greeting customers with a smile. She’s a jokester (often the butt—see!), and approaches situations in a motherly way. Thanks, Mom.

Any complaint you may have with anything or anyone at Upstate Dog Training just address it with Kim—it’s probably her fault anyway!

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Renee

Trainer

I like this breed of dog: Pit Bull breeds
I like this food & snack: Anything & all
I like this quote: You can do anything you put your mind to

Upstate Dog Training team members say this about me:

Renee loves those who are funny, motherly, punctual, soft-spoken, patient, gentle, and teacher-like. Rene loves herself! (She’ll want that last sentence removed), but, she should love herself because she has all those traits! And, she loves others without those traits.
Rene is one of Upstate Dog Training’s longest-tenured employees. She’s probably worked the most hours and eaten the most snacks (all deserved).
She’s confirmed that in some cases dog owners do look and act like their dogs. And, that’s usually a compliment to the owner.

Dog Trainers,Kennel Technicians,Groomers,Dog Bathers,kennel,about

Mary

Trainer

I like this breed of dog: Boxer

I like this food & snack: Cheese-It & Chocolate

I like this quote: Job 12:10 In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.

Upstate Dog Training team members say this about me:

 

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Baley

Trainer

I like this breed of dog: Husky

I like this food & snack: Pizza & Nerd Clusters

I like this quote: “You’re grown, you can do what you want”

Upstate Dog Training team members say this about me:

Small in stature, but large in effect. 

Baley practically grew up with Update Dog Training. This may explain her having the heart of a Bull Terrier, the energy of a Jack Russel Terrier, the friendliness of a Yorkshire Terrier, and the hair of a Silky Terrier.

She is at once a sassy, smiling, sweet & spicy spitfire. With this spirit, she works and cheerleads others (co-workers and clients), to do and be better.

Dog Trainers,Kennel Technicians,Groomers,Dog Bathers,kennel,about

Jon

Trainer

I like this breed of dog: Dachshund 

I like this food & snack: Pizza & Chips

I like this quote: Cold nose, warm heart 

Upstate Dog Training team members say this about me:

John is notable for his warm nose.

He also is from Ohio and we all hold that against him (You should too). And, he played in a band.

Dogs somehow understand people’s intent and dogs respond well to John. 

John has a great sense of humor which makes our workplace better—even if we’re the butt of his jokes. 

 It’s OK though because he knows that we all know that he’s the real BUTT!

Dog Trainers,Kennel Technicians,Groomers,Dog Bathers,kennel,about

Luke

Chief Trouble Maker

I like this breed of dog: Australian Shepard

I like this food & snack: Pizza & M&M’s

I like this quote: That’s Crazy

Upstate Dog Training team members say this about me:

Luke’s personality is like a kaleidoscope collided with an Aussie Doodle—colorful, playful, and working. 

He is a costume ambassador for most holidays, but it doesn’t have to be a holiday for fun apparel. On any given day you may see Luke in chicken nugget socks or an improvised bag hat. 

His actions are just as colorful; fake snake pranks, “loving” post-it note messages, antics that antagonize nearly all employees (Luke is an equal-opportunity offender), and endless seized moments that slip by less inclined mischief makers.

Despite all the fun, Luke does work (occasionally), and he makes the work more fun for others. 

The general message that the team wants to send Luke is: We’re gonna get you!

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Megan

All Around Dependable Team Member

I like this breed of dog: Cairn Terrier

I like this food & snack: Fajitas & Chocolate

I like this quote:

Upstate Dog Training team members say this about me:

“Squishmallow” (Adorable stuffed animals) is a word co-workers used to summarize Megan. Reliable, sweet, soft-spoken, hardworking, funny without trying—somehow Squishmallow fits.

But, not to be forgotten, Megan is a redhead, and even a squishmallow at the right velocity could be dangerous! Respect!

 

Dog Groomer with Australian Shepard

Erica

Groomer

I like this breed of dog: 

I like this food & snack: 

I like this quote: 

Upstate Dog Training team members say this about me:

Erica has been a Groomer with Upstate Dog Training for many years. If you could take all the fur she’s cut, spin it into thread, and then knit it into a sweater, it could probably be worn by a very large house.

Erica is very pleasant and focused and will give you a big smile when you ask who does her hair.

 

Dog Trainers,Kennel Technicians,Groomers,Dog Bathers,kennel,about

Doris

Feeding Facilitator

I like this breed of dog: 

I like this food & snack: 

I like this quote: 

Upstate Dog Training team members say this about me:

Doris has been in this world, and at Upstate dog training, for quite a while. She’s mechanically inclined quick-witted, and plain spoken. She helps keep the dog feeding system tidy and organized. Doris can often be found doing her job to the tunes of ’70s and ’80s rock music. We’re still waiting for the dancing that goes with it!

Woman kneeling with two black and white dogs

Jerri

Groomer

 

I like this breed of dog: 

I like this food & snack: 

I like this quote: 

Upstate Dog Training team members say this about me:

Jerry Works diligently and is consistently happy. This is notable because she’s closely related to Mary. These facts garner her great respect,  admiration, and sympathy from all of us. 🥲

 

Lana, a strawberry blonde wearing a dress, and standing with her German Shepard

Lana

Trainer/All Around Dependable Team Member

I like this breed of dog: Long Hair German Shepard

I like this food & snack: Cheeseburger, fries, and anything spicey

I like this quote: It is what it is

Upstate Dog Training team members say this about me:

Lana is our resident bougie Ukrainian Valley Girl. 

She came from Ukraine as a child which may explain her multidimensional approaches to people, dogs, and projects. 

Even cheeseburgers, fries, and jalapenos, probably couldn’t entice more work out of Lana. But it might be a fun experiment.

Just a few minutes with Lana and you sense the worker, teacher, and encourager within her.

Her zeal makes her naturally bossy and her work ethic has you accept it.