John Bautz discovered his natural talent for training dogs at just 12 years old when a neighbor hired him to attend private sessions with a local dog trainer and practice the techniques at home. This early experience ignited a lifelong passion for working with animals and led to what is now over 25 years of training animals professionally. As a young adult, John spent some time in the mainstream workforce practicing as a design engineer. He quite honestly found sitting at a desk to be a torturous experience, so he left the corporate world to pursue his dreams as a horse ranch owner and animal trainer. At the ranch, John expanded his skills to train a variety of animals… even a duck…and he also began breeding cows, horses, and goats!  His unique and innate ability to connect with animals, his expertise in training, and his ability to individualize his coaching style to help people establish better relationships with their animals, has laid the foundation for what would become Best Life Labradoodles. John’s training style is most notable for his ability to train the dog and educate the human handler at the same time. This allows owners to feel empowered and confident to carry on with training throughout the dog’s life.

Janis Bautz has always been the ultimate dog lover. As a child, she cherished playing dress-up with her pup, and her love for dogs never faded. She also has a passion for working with young children with challenges, which led her to working initially in the special education population and then to owning a successful pediatric therapy business. Her lifelong love for learning led to a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and Behavior Analysis. Her advanced degree allowed Janis to bring her expertise in education to the world of dog training. She enjoys translating the training process by breaking down complex behaviors into achievable steps, explaining their methods for reinforcing positive habits, and analyzing behaviors based on research proven methods. Her enthusiasm for Australian Labradoodles is infectious, and she plays a vital role in creating educational content for their clients and the social media community.

John and Janis have spent over 30 years as entrepreneurs, learning the value of exceptional service, strong customer relationships, and unwavering integrity. In 2012, they purchased a ranch where they boarded and trained horses, and bred a variety of farm animals. Then in 2014, they brought home their first Australian Labradoodle—and it was love at first sight. Instantly captivated by the breed’s intelligence, temperament, and charm, John and Janis began researching and planning to breed Australian Labradoodles. Knowing they had found their true calling, they launched Best Life Labradoodles originally in the Chicago area, and they are now located in Arrington, Tennessee, near Nashville. Best Life Labradoodles resides on a seven acre property with a beautiful home that includes a training facility and plenty of room for the dogs to play and learn. They service both local clients in middle Tennessee and throughout the United States.

Mitchell Bautz, John and Janis’ son, grew up surrounded by animals, learning firsthand the values of patience, kindness, and responsibility. With three sisters to teach him a LOT about patience and a household that treated animals like family, Mitchell developed a strong work ethic, outstanding core values, and a deep appreciation for the human-animal bond. His adult career began with a Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia University in Chicago and a strong desire to follow an entrepreneurial path that he really felt passionate about….animals. His parents eagerly invited him to join their endeavors, knowing all that he would bring to the table. He is known for his genuine, trustworthy nature, which shines through in his work with families and their dogs. Whether training pups or sharing outdoor adventures with his own dogs around Nashville, Mitchell embodies the spirit of Best Life Labradoodles. His calm confidence is not only reassuring to dogs but also to the families he helps guide through their journey of companionship and training.

Our family’s diverse backgrounds, combined with decades of experience in training, education, entrepreneurship, and business, have shaped Best Life Labradoodles into what it is today. We are dedicated to breeding exceptional Australian Labradoodles with a focus on health, temperament, and companionship. We believe that a well-trained, well-bred, well-loved dog enhances life in immeasurable ways, and we take great pride in helping families find their perfect furry companion.

From our early experiences with animals to our deep understanding of training and behavior, our journey has led us to this incredible mission—matching extraordinary dogs with extraordinary people. We’re honored to be a part of your journey in finding a four-legged family member who will bring joy, love, and adventure into your life.

Welcome to Best Life Labradoodles, where every dog and every family gets to live their Best Life!