Areas served: North Charleston, SC and surrounding Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties
North Charleston's dog training landscape includes certified professionals serving the rapidly growing areas from Park Circle to the Naval Weapons Station communities. Local trainers address common challenges specific to the Lowcountry environment, including leash reactivity in high-traffic areas like Riverfront Park and recall training near tidal marshes. This directory evaluates providers based on trainer certifications (CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP), training methodologies (positive reinforcement vs. balanced), class formats, and specialized services including puppy socialization, basic obedience, and behavioral modification for issues like separation anxiety and aggression.
The Doggie Disco, owned by groomer Madi with 15+ years of experience, is a full-service dog care facility in Hanahan offering professional grooming for all breeds, stress-free boarding and daycare, and AKC training with positive reinforcement methods. Specializing in anxiety-aware, personalized care for dogs of all sizes and temperaments, they've earned recognition as Holy City's #1 Best Pet Groomer and Best Pet Resort. Madi's commitment to continuing education and her own pack of three dogs reflect a genuine passion for providing tail-waggin' care.
Wild Wags is a comprehensive dog training and care facility in North Charleston offering obedience training, behavior modification, professional grooming, boarding, and daycare services. Founded in May 2023 and expanded in summer 2025, they specialize in helping dogs and owners learn together through hands-on training programs. Their expertise in behavior modification combined with full-service pet care makes them a one-stop destination for dog owners seeking training solutions and reliable care.
Dog Ops is Charleston's premier dog training company offering board & train programs (2-4 weeks), obedience training, puppy training, behavioral modification, and aggression management. Led by certified military working dog trainers with Department of Defense credentials, they specialize in solving real behavioral issues like leash reactivity, separation anxiety, resource guarding, and aggression through science-based methods. They serve Charleston's most discerning pet owners with guaranteed results, mobile training throughout greater Charleston, and lifetime support included with every program.
Dog Training Now Charleston, owned and operated by lead trainer Mary Leonardis, offers comprehensive dog training and boarding services in Mount Pleasant. Their immersive training programs include potty training, obedience, behavior modification, leash manners, off-leash training, and safety skills for dogs of all ages and breeds. They provide multiple training options including Puppy Preschool, Day Training Academy, Board and Train programs, private lessons, and one-on-one consultations, with trainers working directly with both dogs and owners to ensure lasting results at home.
K9 Control Training is a professional dog training facility in Charleston specializing in board and train programs, obedience training, behavioral rehabilitation, and socialization for dogs of all sizes and breeds. They use their proprietary K9 Control Training Method™, a motivational-based approach that addresses issues from leash pulling and aggression to separation anxiety and destructive behaviors. The facility offers introductory board and train programs with follow-up lessons and lifetime group classes, plus in-home training sessions, day camp, and refresher courses to ensure lasting results and long-term support.
Activate Canine Dog Training, run by Alicia Hale in Summerville, specializes in balanced, reward-based dog training with 10+ years of hands-on experience and E-Collar Technologies certification. They offer six flagship programs ranging from the Apprentice Package (7-10 days for leash walking and manners) to the Reset Package (21-42 days for behavioral issues like aggression, anxiety, and reactivity), plus board & train, private sessions, and ongoing maintenance programs. All graduates receive unlimited follow-up lessons at no extra cost through their lifetime training guarantee, with owner-focused coaching to ensure training sticks at home and in real-world situations.
Sit Means Sit Dog Training Charleston offers comprehensive professional dog training for all ages, breeds, and temperaments. Their certified trainers specialize in obedience, behavior modification, aggression, reactivity, and anxiety using science-based positive reinforcement methods. They provide multiple training options including Board & Train, Day Training, private lessons, puppy training, group classes, and therapy dog training, all designed to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners.
Purely Positive Dog Training is a certified, experienced dog training service specializing in positive, customized behavior solutions for dogs and puppies. Led by Susan Marett (CPDT-KA, CSAT), the business offers private in-home training, family dog training, puppy training, separation anxiety specialist services, and group classes—both in-person and virtual via Zoom. With nearly 25 years serving the Lowcountry, Purely Positive focuses on real-world results that fit busy families' schedules, addressing issues like aggression, anxiety, fear, jumping, leash pulling, and housebreaking.
Key2K9 Dog Training & Behavior, owned by Ali Wadham, provides comprehensive dog training and behavior services in Mount Pleasant. The business offers basic to advanced obedience classes, private one-on-one sessions, small group classes, walk and train programs, and specialized behavior modification for aggression, anxiety, jumping, pulling, and other issues. Ali uses caring, compassionate methods tailored to each dog's unique needs and also offers virtual consultations for convenience.
The Pet Mahal is a full-service pet care facility in North Charleston offering dog boarding, doggie daycare, grooming (bath services), and dog training programs. Founded to provide luxurious, home-like accommodations, the facility features spacious private suites with raised beds, posh bedding, and 24/7 security cameras. Their experienced staff includes certified dog trainers (NADOI-certified and AKC evaluators) and caregivers who provide daily attention, indoor/outdoor play, treats, and soothing amenities—making it the go-to choice for pet parents seeking premium, affordable care.
My Three Dogs Coleman is a full-service pet care facility in Mount Pleasant offering dog boarding, daycare, grooming, and training services. With a dedicated team experienced in caring for dogs of all ages and temperaments, they provide a safe, supervised environment where pets receive individualized attention and exercise. Their comprehensive services make them a one-stop destination for pet owners seeking reliable care, whether for short stays, regular daycare, or professional grooming and training.
My Three Dogs is a full-service pet care facility in West Ashley offering dog boarding, daycare, grooming, and training services. The facility provides a safe, supervised environment where dogs can play, socialize, and receive professional care while their owners are away or at work. With experienced staff and a focus on individual attention, My Three Dogs specializes in keeping dogs happy and healthy during their stay.
The Dog Talker is Charleston's leading dog behavior expert and Licensed Family Dog Mediator®, specializing in aggression, fear, anxiety, reactivity, and resource guarding. Founded by Vivi Myslik Jorgensen, a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, the business takes a holistic, welfare-first approach that goes beyond traditional dog training by helping owners understand the root causes of their dog's behavior. Services include signature behavior programs, puppy training, in-home consultations throughout the Charleston area, and virtual Zoom sessions worldwide.
Z&E Canine Manners is a Charleston-based dog training company offering comprehensive puppy training, obedience classes, behavior consultation, and specialized training programs. They provide both private in-home lessons tailored to individual dogs and group classes for socialization, manners, leash skills, and agility. The team is veterinarian-recommended and works with local shelters and rescue groups, offering discounts to staff and adoptees.
Blackhorse K9 is a professional dog training company in the Charleston area specializing in obedience, manners, and personal protection training. Their versatile team works with dogs of all breeds and ages, from puppies needing basic obedience to adult dogs with behavioral challenges. They offer weekly training lessons, doggy daycare with training, board and train programs, and specialized personal protection dog (PPD) training including bite work and Schutzhund training.
No Xcuses K9, LLC is a professional dog training company in Summerville specializing in obedience training, behavior modification, and board-and-train programs. They work with dogs of all ages and temperaments, helping owners address common behavioral issues while building strong bonds with their pets. Their experienced trainers use proven methods to create lasting results and provide owners with the tools and knowledge needed for long-term success.
Charleston Dog Training Club is a professional dog training facility in North Charleston offering comprehensive obedience training, puppy classes, behavior modification, and board & train programs. The club specializes in helping dogs of all ages develop good manners and addresses behavioral challenges through positive, science-based training methods. Whether you have a new puppy or an adult dog with specific needs, they provide customized training solutions to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners.
good girl! dog training is an independent dog training business in Charleston specializing in obedience training and behavior modification for dogs of all ages. The trainers work with owners to develop customized training plans that address specific behavioral challenges and build strong, positive relationships between dogs and their owners.
The Doggie Disco is the top-ranked dog training provider in the area with a Lantern Score of 84.55/100 and a 5-star rating from 92 reviews. Owner Madi brings 15+ years of grooming and dog care experience, making it ideal for anxious dogs, breed-specific needs, and owners seeking all-in-one care including boarding and training.
Dog Ops, LLC (Lantern Score: 84.00/100) and K9 Control Training (Lantern Score: 83.73/100, 284 reviews) both specialize in aggression management and anxiety issues. For advanced behavior expertise, The Dog Talker (Lantern Score: 80.93/100) is Charleston's leading aggression and behavior expert, specializing as a Licensed Family Dog Mediator® in reactivity, fear, and resource guarding.
Dog Ops, LLC (Lantern Score: 84.00/100) and K9 Control Training (Lantern Score: 83.73/100) both offer intensive 2-4 week board and train programs specifically designed for busy professionals and executives. Sit Means Sit Dog Training - Charleston (Lantern Score: 83.50/100, 184 reviews) is also highly rated for board and train services with certified trainers.
Wild Wags (Lantern Score: 84.32/100, 78 reviews), Dog Training Now Charleston (Lantern Score: 83.82/100, 58 reviews), and Purely Positive Dog Training (Lantern Score: 83.33/100, 145 reviews) all specialize in puppy training. Z&E Canine Manners (Lantern Score: 79.74/100) and Charleston Dog Training Club (Lantern Score: 77.56/100) also offer dedicated puppy classes for first-time owners.
Purely Positive Dog Training (Lantern Score: 83.33/100, 145 reviews) led by Susan Marett (CPDT-KA, CSAT) specializes in in-home training for families wanting convenience. Key2K9 Dog Training & Behavior (Lantern Score: 82.74/100, 82 reviews) also offers virtual training options for busy professionals seeking flexible solutions.
Purely Positive Dog Training is led by Susan Marett with CPDT-KA and CSAT certifications, while Activate Canine Dog Training (Lantern Score: 83.56/100) is run by Alicia Hale with E-Collar Technologies certification and 10+ years of hands-on experience. Dog Ops, LLC (Lantern Score: 84.00/100) is led by certified trainers specializing in board and train programs.