Charlotte Dog Training & Behavior Counseling

At the Humane Society of Charlotte, our training philosophy is based on behavioral science, positive reinforcement and strengthening the human animal bond. We offer group classes, private training lessons, puppy playgroup, and phone/email consultations to help mitigate the behavior challenges you are having with your dog. 

If you have any questions about dog training in Charlotte, contact our Behavior and Training Team at training@humanecharlotte.org.

What Can I Expect From Dog Training?*

The goal of any training class is to help you forge a healthy and harmonious bond with your pup. Dog training classes afford insight into how your dog’s mind works, allowing you to understand how to encourage positive behavior.

The following vaccines are required to attend training classes: DHPP, Rabies, and Bordetella. Email vaccine documentation to training@humanecharlotte.org, or bring them to your first class.

*HSC’s training lessons are not suitable for dogs with extreme fear issues, exclusively in-home behaviors such as housetraining or crate training, separation anxiety, or aggression. Please refer to an in-home trainer for these issues. Additionally, your dog may not be responsive during the lesson due to the distracting environment.

At the Humane Society of Charlotte, we offer:

Dog Basics for Everyone

Do you want to learn more about dog training in a relaxed environment without the commitment of signing up for a group class?

If so, join us for a free orientation where we’ll cover topics like:

• Training equipment
• Reinforcement tools
• Crate training tips
• Enrichment ideas

This orientation is for owners only. Please leave your pup at home.

*NEW* Specialty Focus Group Class

These one-hour group classes are intended for friendly, healthy dogs that are at least six months old. Progress through each focus topic at your own pace! 

• Loose Leash Walking: Does your dog pull on leash? This class is for you! Start to train your dog verbal commands and spatial recognition while walking on leash. 
• Impulse Control: Begin to teach your dog the three hard-hitting impulse control cues: leave it, drop it, and wait.  

• Mat Training: If your dog loves to jump on guests at the door, this class is for you. Start to train your dog to “go to their place” when your guests knock at the door. 
• Recall: Say goodbye to chasing your dog through the neighborhood! During this class, you will begin to teach your dog to come when called no matter the distraction. 

Private Dog Training Sessions in Charlotte

Our private training lessons are a learning session for both dog and owner! During our lessons, we discuss the reason why the behavior is happening, how to manage the problem, and training exercises to help improve the issues. 

These lessons are $60 for 1 or $150 for a package of 3 (saving you $30!), last about 45 minutes to an hour, and are held at the Humane Society of Charlotte. Our package of 3 is a great choice for more difficult behavioral issues such as reactivity, if you have multiple behaviors you’d like to work on, or if you feel you need all the help you can get! 

Six-Week Dog Training Group Classes

These classes meet for one hour, once a week for six weeks. Group classes are intended for friendly, healthy dogs that are at least six months old. Progress through Levels One, Two, and Three to get the full training experience with your dog.  

If you have questions about where to start, please contact training@humanecharlotte.org. 

Level One 

You’ll be learning about: 

• Socialization: By being around other humans and dogs, your pup will understand how to react to its environment in a healthy way, without fear or aggression. 
• Manners: Your pup will learn basic commands like sit, stay, down, come, wait, leave it and touch.  
• Leash Training: Dogs will be introduced to collars/harnesses, and practice walking on a leash without pulling, lunging, or barking. 

Level Two

You’ll be learning about: 

• Heel Walking: Your dog will learn how to walk directly beside you without pulling or lunging ahead of you. 
• Public Manners: By adding “real-world” elements into our training, your dog will feel confident performing commands in high stimulating, public environments. 

• The 4-Ds: We will add diversity, duration, distraction, and distance to previously learned commands. 

Level Three 

You’ll be learning about: 

• Maintaining Focus: By building consistency in all of our commands, your dog will provide you with continuous focus during training.  
• Mastering Manners: Your dog will learn how to have excellent manners, both in your home and in public. 
• Consistency: We will add real-world distractions which will develop consistency in a variety of useful commands. 

Puppy Power Playgroup

This is a 45-minute playgroup-style class for new puppy owners. This class is intended for fully vaccinated puppies between 16 weeks and 6 months old. Here’s what to expect:

• Puppy socialization through off-leash play
• Tips and tricks from a dog trainer
• Make new puppy friends!

How Much Does Pet Training in Charlotte Cost?

Pet training is an investment in both you and your dog’s future. How much pet training costs depends on whether you opt for group classes or private, one-on-one training sessions. 

At the Humane Society of Charlotte, you can expect to pay:

• Dog Basics for Everyone – FREE
• Specialty Focus Group Class – $40
• Private Training Lessons – $60 for one private session or $150 for a package of three 
• Puppy Power – $20
• Six-week group classes – $185

If you are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to afford pet training in Charlotte, contact our Community Outreach Team at outreach@humanecharlotte.org.

Meet Our Dog Trainer

Hello everyone! My name is Olivia. I am a Charlotte area resident with my dog, Yuki. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a strong passion for animals. I have over 5 years of personal and professional experience training dogs. Through my experience, I’ve gained exposure working with dogs of all ages and temperaments.

My mission is to spread my knowledge of dog training and behavior to benefit both pup and parent. I believe that having a thorough understanding of your dog’s behavior will increase your ability to train, therefore strengthening the bond between you and your dog. Through using force-free and positive reinforcement methods, I believe any dog is able to make significant progress with the right techniques. 

Charlotte Pet Training FAQs

If you have any questions about pet training with HSC, contact our Behavior and Training Team at training@humanecharlotte.org.