About Us
Dog Trainer in Knoxville, Tenn.
Knoxville, Tenn., dog trainer, Lincoln DeSouza, (CCTBS), was inspired to start Balanced Paws K9 Training after having troubles with his own dog, an Australian Shepard that suffered from behavioral issues. After a long time searching for the right approach, Lincoln discovered and learned more about dog psychology. The approach fundamentally transformed the dog from scared and reactive to calm and confident in a relatively short time. Lincoln was surprised to find that the approach transformed him, too, making him a more thoughtful, loving and understanding leader.
Why Choose Balanced Paws K9 Training
Dogs can teach us a great deal when we are willing to slow down, observe and learn from them. The challenges we experience with our dogs often reveal areas where we can grow as handlers, leaders and companions. Some of the reasons clients connect with our approach include:
Learn how you affect your dog’s behavior.
We emphasize calm, collected leadership based on love.
Creating balance in body, mind and heart.
Meet Our Trainers
Lincoln DeSouza, CCTBS
Founder, Owner, Head Trainer, & Behaviorist
Lincoln has spent the past 13 years helping dogs and their people build calm, connected, and balanced lives together. Certified through the Animal Behavioral Institute, he specializes in dog psychology, obedience training, leash work, e-collar conditioning, and behavioral rehabilitation.
BalancedPawsK9 Training started humbly—right in Lincoln’s own backyard. With no marketing budget, just a leash in hand and a pack of dogs by his side, he walked the streets, building trust the old-fashioned way: through results and word of mouth. That grassroots beginning shaped the hands-on, heart-led approach BalancedPaws is known for today.
Before launching the company, Lincoln managed Pet Play at a local veterinary hospital, where he worked extensively with dogs experiencing serious behavioral issues. He now carries that experience into every training session, blending structure, patience, and leadership.
Lincoln continues to sharpen his craft through ongoing mentorship with world-renowned Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan and internationally respected behaviorist Cheri Lucas—combining real-world experience with guidance from the best in the field.
His mission remains the same as it was on day one: to guide dogs and their humans toward a life rooted in trust, structure, and mutual respect.
Laurie DeSouza
Founder, Co-Owner & General Manager
Laura is the backbone of Balanced Paws. Her compassion for both the dogs and staff and work ethic are absolutely contagious. She has nurtured both humans and dogs all her life. We would be lost without her guidance.
Megan Lawson, CCTBS
Head Trainer & E-Collar Specialist
Megan’s journey with Balanced Paws K9 Training began back when it was still run out of Lincoln’s backyard. Starting in daycare and operations, she quickly found her passion in training and, under Lincoln’s guidance, stepped into her role as Head Trainer. Today, she helps lead the team with heart, structure, and a commitment to ongoing education. Megan holds her CCTBS certification and continues to grow both personally and professionally.
“I never believed in myself as much as Lincoln has,” she shares. “I have a very reactive Aussie who didn’t start out that way. Through our methods, I’ve helped her—and myself—navigate tough moments and come out stronger. Life is full of ups and downs, but it’s made better by those who love you. And sometimes, the ones who love the most have four legs.”
At home, Megan is surrounded by a lively pack—a Pittie, Husky, German Shepherd, and her Aussie—along with three wonderful (and equally wild) kids. She leads our e-collar classes and has a gift for helping clients feel seen and supported, guiding each dog-and-human team with compassion, clarity, and confidence.
Her favorite quote: “As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.” – Rumi
Erica Scharn
Trainer
Dogs have always been a huge part of my life, and getting to work with them every day is something I truly love. My passion is helping dogs and their owners build a better relationship through communication, structure and trust. I earned my Bachelors Degree in Animal Science from UT, where I further developed my understanding of animal behavior, care and communication. Combining that education with hands-on experience has helped me shape my approach to training dogs of all personalities and energy levels. One of my favorite parts of this job is seeing the progress each dog makes and helping owners feel more connected and confident with their dogs. When I'm not training, you can usually find me spending time outdoors, working with my lab mix Luna or my basset hound Poppy. I'm incredibly grateful to do what I love every day and to be part of each dog's journey.
Abbygale Law
Boot Camp Enrichment and Kennel Operations Supervisor
I began my career as a veterinary technician and later transitioned into working in dog daycare environments. Through years of hands-on experience with dogs in a variety of settings, I've discovered that this is exactly where I'm meant to be.
Working with dogs is more than a job for me - it's a lifelong passion that has only grown stronger over time. I'm truly grateful to be part of the BPK team and to continue doing what I love every day.
For a Different Kind of Dog Training
At Balanced Paws K9 Training, we don’t just focus on verbal commands. Though commands are important, they’re just one part of the training. It also involves attending to the mental, physical and instinctual needs of the dog, ensuring their health in mind, body and spirit. If you think that our psychological approach to dog training is right for your canine companion, please contact us. We can provide your pup with an Initial Behavioral Assessment and Consultation (I.B.A.C.) to evaluate their behaviors, allowing us to get to the root of the issue.