Programs

One-on-one training for every kind of dog.

Puppy foundations, reactivity and aggression, manners, off-leash reliability, scent work, and AKC evaluations, all delivered one-on-one, in your home and neighborhood. Jump to what you need.

Last updated: July 2026

Puppy Foundations

Ages 8–20 weeks
Photo: puppy session

Puppy training builds the habits that decide the next ten years. We start early, gently, and in your home, where your puppy actually lives.

The puppy weeks go fast, and the choices you make now stick. Instead of contradicting videos and quick fixes, you get one clear, force-free plan: housetraining, calm handling, and the social foundation that prevents fear and reactivity later.

What we cover
Housetraining & crate comfort
Ending puppy biting
Gentle, safe socialization
Name, sit, and coming when called
Format: one-on-one, in your home · [session length & count TBD]
Ask about puppy training

Reactivity & Aggression

Behavior work
Photo: leash work outdoors

Reactivity training helps a dog who barks, lunges, or freezes learn to stay calm around the things that set them off.

If you've started driving to empty lots at 6am, you're not alone, and it's fixable. We work at your dog's pace, below the threshold where they panic, using my behavior-consultant training (CBCC-KA) to change how they feel, not just how they look. No corrections, no flooding.

What we cover
Leash reactivity to dogs & people
Barking & lunging on walks
Fear & anxiety around triggers
Management for daily life
Format: one-on-one, in your home & neighborhood · [session length & count TBD]
Ask about reactivity training

Basic Manners

Everyday skills
Photo: sit-stay at the door

Basic manners covers the daily-life skills that make living with a dog easy and the front door calm.

These are the cues you'll use a hundred times a week: a solid sit and stay, a polite greeting, and a loose leash that doesn't wreck your shoulder. We build them in the rooms and on the streets where you'll actually need them.

What we cover
Sit, down, stay & place
Loose-leash walking
Polite greetings & door manners
Settle & calm on cue
Format: one-on-one, in your home · [session length & count TBD]
Ask about manners training

Advanced & Off-Leash

Reliability
Photo: off-leash recall

Advanced training builds a recall and manners that hold up in the real world: the park, the vet, the trail.

Once the basics are solid, we proof them against distraction and distance so they work when it counts. This is where "he knows it at home" becomes "he does it anywhere," including reliable off-leash recall where it's safe and legal.

What we cover
Rock-solid recall
Distance & distraction proofing
Off-leash reliability
Calm in busy public spaces
Format: one-on-one, in your home & out in the world · [session length & count TBD]
Ask about advanced training

Scent Work & Enrichment

Confidence & fun
Photo: nose-work search

Scent work gives a busy brain a job: a confidence-building game that any dog can win.

Using their nose is deeply satisfying for dogs and burns more energy than a long walk. It's especially good for shy, anxious, or high-drive dogs: it builds confidence, focus, and a calmer household, and it's genuinely fun for you both.

What we cover
Introduction to nose work
Search games for the home
Confidence for shy dogs
Enrichment routines
Format: one-on-one, in your home · [session length & count TBD]
Ask about scent work

AKC Evaluations (CGC)

Evaluator on staff
Photo: CGC evaluation in progress

I'm an approved AKC Evaluator, so your dog can prepare for the Canine Good Citizen test and take it with the same trainer. No scheduling a stranger.

The AKC Canine Good Citizen program certifies well-mannered dogs across ten real-world skills. Because I both prepare and evaluate, your dog tests in a familiar routine with a familiar person. Less stress, better results. It's a rare setup in the Upstate.

The four AKC steps
1
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy
2
Canine Good Citizen
3
CGC Advanced (CGCA)
4
CGC Urban (CGCU)
Format: prep one-on-one, then test with the same evaluator · [location & paperwork details TBD]
Ask about AKC evaluations
How training works

Whatever the program, the format's the same.

In your environment
We train where the behavior happens: your home and streets.
An individual plan
Built around your dog and goals. Never a class script.
Force-free methods
Reward-based and confidence-building. No fear, no shortcuts.
Measurable progress
Clear steps and homework so you can see it working.
Questions

Frequently asked questions.

About the training
It means we teach with rewards and never with pain, fear, or intimidation. No prong collars, no shock, no leash corrections. Your dog learns what to do instead of what to be afraid of, and those results last.
All of my training is one-on-one and individualized, worked in your home and neighborhood. That way the plan fits your specific dog and the specific places your problems happen.
Yes, reactivity and anxiety are a big part of what I do, and my CBCC-KA behavior-consultant credential is specifically for this work. We go at your dog's pace and never push them into a panic.
It depends on the dog and the goal, but most owners notice change within the first couple of weeks of consistent practice. Behavior work like reactivity takes longer than basic manners. I'll give you an honest timeline up front.
No. The "old dog, new tricks" line is a myth. Adult and senior dogs learn well, and often faster than puppies because they can focus longer.
Logistics
Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Taylors, and Travelers Rest. If you're just outside that, get in touch anyway. I may still be able to help.
I come to you. We work in and around your home, and you get written homework after each session. [Session length and number of sessions per program: TBD.]
[TBD: confirm whether virtual consults are offered and when they're appropriate.] Some coaching and follow-up works well over video; hands-on behavior work is usually best in person.
Just your dog, a flat collar or harness, a regular leash, and some soft treats your dog loves. I'll tell you anything else specific to your plan.
Because every plan is individual, pricing depends on your goals and the number of sessions. Reach out and I'll give you a clear quote after we talk about your dog.
AKC evaluations
The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) is an American Kennel Club program that certifies well-mannered dogs across ten everyday skills: things like greeting politely, walking on a loose leash, and staying calm around distractions.
Yes, that's the advantage of working with me. I'm an approved AKC Evaluator, so I prepare your dog and administer the test. Your dog tests in a familiar routine with a familiar person, which usually means less stress and a better result.
Most trainers have to send you elsewhere to test, often with an evaluator your dog has never met. Combining prep and testing in one place is uncommon in the Upstate and makes the whole process simpler for you.
[TBD: confirm test location and how the evaluation paperwork and registration are handled.]
Not at all. The CGC is open to all dogs, purebred or mixed, of any age. It's about behavior, not pedigree.

Not sure which program fits?

Tell me what's going on and I'll point you to the right starting place. Honestly, even if it's "let's just talk first."