Dog Training Services in Lake Norman

Comprehensive training solutions tailored to your dog's unique needs and your family's lifestyle

Schedule a Consultation

Our Training Programs

We offer a variety of training options to address every need, from basic obedience to complex behavioral issues

Basic Obedience Training

Our Basic Obedience Training program is designed to teach your dog essential commands and proper manners, creating a well-behaved companion that responds reliably to your cues. This foundational training is perfect for dogs of all ages and breeds who need to learn or refresh their basic skills.

Through positive reinforcement techniques, your dog will learn to:

Sit, Stay, and Come

Master these essential commands with reliable response even with distractions

Loose-Leash Walking

Enjoy walks without pulling, making exercise pleasant for both of you

Leave It & Drop It

Prevent your dog from picking up harmful items and release objects on command

Proper Greeting Behavior

Teach your dog to greet people and other dogs calmly without jumping

Program Options:

Program Duration Details
Private Sessions 4-6 weeks One-on-one training at your home or our facility
Group Classes 6 weeks Weekly classes with other dogs in a controlled environment
Board & Train 2 weeks Your dog stays with us for intensive daily training

Puppy Training & Socialization

The early months of your puppy's life are crucial for developing good behavior patterns and social skills. Our Puppy Training program focuses on positive experiences and gentle guidance to help your puppy grow into a confident, well-mannered adult dog.

Our puppy training program includes:

Basic Commands

Age-appropriate training for sit, stay, come, and gentle leash walking

Socialization

Controlled exposure to different people, dogs, environments, and situations

Potty Training

Effective housebreaking techniques and crate training guidance

Bite Inhibition

Teaching your puppy appropriate play behavior and gentle mouth control

Program Options:

Program Age Range Details
Puppy Kindergarten 8-16 weeks Focus on socialization, handling, and basic manners
Puppy Basics 16-24 weeks Building on early skills with more structured training
Private Puppy Sessions Any age One-on-one training for specific puppy challenges

Behavior Modification

If your dog is struggling with challenging behaviors like aggression, anxiety, or reactivity, our Behavior Modification program can help. We use science-based methods to address the root causes of problem behaviors and create lasting positive change.

Our behavior specialists can help with:

Leash Reactivity

Transform walks from stressful to enjoyable by reducing barking and lunging

Separation Anxiety

Help your dog feel secure when left alone and reduce destructive behaviors

Fear & Anxiety

Build confidence and coping skills for fearful or anxious dogs

Aggression Management

Address aggressive behaviors with safety protocols and behavior modification

Behavior modification programs are highly personalized based on your dog's specific needs. We begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand the underlying causes of the behavior before creating a tailored training plan.

Private Training Sessions

Our one-on-one private training sessions offer personalized attention and customized training plans to address your specific goals and challenges. These sessions are ideal for dogs who need focused work on particular issues or for owners who prefer individual guidance.

Benefits of private training include:

Personalized Attention

Training tailored specifically to your dog's needs and learning style

Flexible Scheduling

Sessions arranged at times that work for your busy lifestyle

Real-World Practice

Training in your home environment where behaviors actually occur

Owner Coaching

Hands-on guidance to improve your handling and communication skills

Private Training Options:

Package Sessions Best For
Single Session 1 hour Addressing a specific issue or training question
Basic Package 4 sessions Building fundamental skills and addressing minor issues
Comprehensive Package 8 sessions Complete training program for multiple skills or behaviors

Group Training Classes

Our group classes offer a structured, social environment for dogs to learn while practicing skills around other dogs and people. With small class sizes (maximum 6 dogs), we ensure each dog-owner team receives plenty of individual attention while benefiting from the group dynamic.

Benefits of group training include:

Social Learning

Dogs learn from watching other dogs and practice focusing despite distractions

Structured Progression

Weekly classes build skills systematically with homework between sessions

Community Support

Connect with other dog owners facing similar challenges

Cost-Effective

More affordable than private training while still providing quality instruction

Current Group Class Schedule:

Class Day/Time Duration
Puppy Socialization Saturdays, 10:00 AM 6 weeks
Basic Obedience Tuesdays, 6:00 PM 6 weeks
Advanced Obedience Thursdays, 6:00 PM 6 weeks
Leash Reactivity Sundays, 2:00 PM 8 weeks

Service Dog Preparation Training

While we don't certify service dogs, we offer specialized training to help prepare dogs for potential service work. This program focuses on building the solid foundation of obedience, focus, and public access skills that service dogs need before specialized task training.

Our service dog preparation program includes:

Advanced Obedience

Rock-solid response to commands even with significant distractions

Public Access Skills

Appropriate behavior in stores, restaurants, and other public settings

Temperament Assessment

Evaluation of your dog's suitability for service work

Handler Training

Guidance on legal rights, responsibilities, and handling techniques

This program requires a significant commitment of time and practice. We'll work closely with you to determine if your dog is a good candidate for service work and provide honest feedback throughout the training process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our dog training services

How do I know which training program is right for my dog?

We recommend starting with a free consultation where we can assess your dog's needs, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate program. Every dog is unique, and we'll help you choose the option that best addresses your specific situation.

How long does it take to see results?

Many clients see initial improvements within the first few sessions, but lasting behavior change typically takes 4-8 weeks of consistent practice. The timeline depends on the specific behavior, your dog's temperament, and your commitment to practicing between sessions. Complex behavioral issues may require longer-term training.

Do you use treats in training?

Yes, we use positive reinforcement methods that include treats, praise, play, and other rewards. Treats are especially helpful in the early stages of training to establish behaviors. As training progresses, we gradually reduce the frequency of treats while maintaining the desired behaviors.

Is my dog too old to train?

No! The saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" is a myth. Dogs of any age can learn new behaviors and modify existing ones. While puppies may learn some things more quickly, adult and senior dogs often have longer attention spans and can make excellent students.

What training equipment do you use?

We primarily use flat collars, harnesses, and 6-foot leashes for most training. We do not use or recommend shock collars, prong collars, or other aversive tools. We'll help you select the most appropriate equipment for your specific dog and training goals.

Do you offer any guarantees?

While we can't guarantee specific results since they depend on many factors including owner follow-through, we do guarantee our commitment to you and your dog. If you're not seeing progress, we'll adjust our approach or recommend alternative solutions to help you reach your goals.

Ready to Start Training?

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your dog's needs and create a personalized training plan.