If you’re searching the web trying to piece together the best dog trainers in Charleston, SC, we’ve put together a selection of the city’s top providers of dog training below.
1. K9 Control Training
After a few sessions at K9 Control Training, you may not even recognize your pup. The head trainer at K9 Control Training has over a decade of dog training experience and previously worked for law enforcement in the Special Operations K-9 Division.
K9 Control Training offers a free consultation to determine what service would be best for your pup’s needs. They then offer board and training packages tailored to your dog’s needs, including training for both on and off-leash behaviors. Prices vary depending on services required – contact K9 Control Training for an estimate.
2. Z&E Canine Manners
At Z&E Canine Manners, the highly experienced trainers will work their magic to transform your dog’s behavior with a few short courses. Trainer Nildan has a very strong background and 15 years of experience in canine behavioral sciences. Her training resume is extremely impressive and you can be sure she will put all her knowledge into action when training your dog.
Services include puppy training – which is $100 for 4 x 1-hour sessions. Basic dog obedience classes are also available, covering basic commands, leash walking, and more. This 6-week course is $125 and includes an additional (free) orientation class. Private sessions in your home are also available – prices vary depending on the type of training that your dog requires. Contact Z&E Canine Manners to learn more.
3. Coastal Canine Academy
Coastal Canine Academy offers in-home dog or puppy training. Founder Jill began Coastal Canine Academy over 10 years ago and has two decades of experience when it comes to doggy behaviors. Jill is a full member of the Association for Pet Dog Trainers and is also certified in pet CPR and First Aid.
Private lessons are available at your home for an average of $90 per lesson (discounts may be available for multiple lessons). Group sessions are also available, where your dog will learn to socialize and follow basic obedience commands. Contact Coastal Canine Academy to learn more.
4. Off Leash K9 Training Charleston
Off Leash K9 Training offers obedience classes and training for dogs of any age, size, and breed. Trainer Russ uses the same training techniques that are applied in the Military and Law Enforcement to train working dogs – it is a highly effective, unique training system that gives remarkable results.
Off Leash K9 Training has several packages for puppy training, as well as basic obedience classes where your dog will learn to come when called, sit, heel, stop unwanted behavior like digging in the trash or jumping on people, and more. Advanced obedience classes are also offered, as well as board-and-train services. Contact Off Leash K9 Training to learn more.
5. Bark Busters Home Dog Training Charleston
Bark Busters offers dog training in the comfort of your own home. Owners James and Michelle have been operating Bark Busters in Charleston for over a decade and have trained more than 4,000 dogs in the area. They are both certified behavioral therapists and obedience trainers and are well regarded by the veterinary community.
They offer special services for puppy training, as well as personal, one-on-one dog training in your home (where many behavioral issues arise). They have basic obedience classes on offer for all breeds of dogs, and special options if your dog has a specific area that needs addressing. Contact Bark Busters Charleston for more information.
6. Holy City Canine
Holy City Canine offers affordable dog training for your four-legged friend. Trainer Jonathan is a former US Marine who also attended the International School for Dog Trainers and is also a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. Jonathan takes his training seriously and knows the importance of a properly disciplined and trained pup.
Holy City Canine offers an immersive in-home board and train program, where your dog spends at least 14 days staying with Jonathan, where he can provide intensive one-on-one training with your dog. Puppy training is also available in the form of a 4-week program, setting both you and your puppy up for a loving and successful relationship. Contact Holy City Canine to learn more.
7. The Dog Wizard Charleston
The team at The Dog Wizard understands that each dog is unique, learns differently, and needs different training techniques to achieve a successful result. Owner and trainer John has been around animals his whole life and learned his skills as a trainer through The Dog Wizard training academy. He loves making a difference in the lives of the dogs and owners he meets.
Puppy classes include basic obedience training (learning commands such as come, sit, place, down, off, and leave it, as well as how to walk on a leash), socialization, and housebreaking. Group classes, private lessons, and board and training packages are also available – contact The Dog Wizard Charleston to learn more.
8. Charleston Dog Training
All trainers at Charleston Dog Training are certified professionals offering training for dogs of any ages. They will improve your dog’s behavior and also teach you how to continue to train your dog at home. Owner Mary ran her own dog walking business before attending the National K9 School for Dog Trainers and becoming a certified trainer. Mary can see the potential that each dog has and wants you to see it in your own pup.
Programs include potty training, dog boot camps (where your dog will undertake a 14-day training course learning leash manners and more than 10 specific commands), and board and train programs where your dog enjoys immersive training on-site. Contact Charleston Dog Training to learn more or enroll your dog.
9. Alpha Dog Training
Alpha Dog Training offers affordable, quality training for pups all over the Charleston area. They accept all breeds of dogs and have been operating throughout Charleston for two decades. Owner Jeff and his experienced trainers have many years of professional training under their belts and would love to meet your four-legged friend.
Alpha Dog Training offers in-home or traveling basic obedience courses, in the form of 4 x 60-75-minute lessons. With Jeff (owner and head trainer) this course is $500, but if your dog isn’t experiencing major behavioral issues, you can choose to do the course with an assistant trainer for $400. Single lessons are also available for $110. Contact Alpha Dog Training to learn more.
10. Dog Daze
Dog Daze offers boarding, daycare, grooming, and training to pups across Charleston, SC. Owner Charlie is a dog training expert and is very active in the Charleston community. He is heavily involved in the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation and scours local shelters to find dogs who may be good candidates for being rescue dogs.
Board and train programs are available for puppies over 4 months of age and involve socialization, an introduction to leash walking, crate training, name recognition, bite inhibition, potty training, and more. 2-3-week basic obedience board and train programs are available for dogs over 6 months of age and include the learning of basic commands as well as minor behavior modification. Contact Dog Daze to learn more about the services offered.
“Emily is an avid writer and dog lover who usually prefers the company of pets over people. Based in Los Angeles, when not stuck in traffic she spends her days reading in the sunshine, relaxing at the beach, or planning her next adventure.”
