Dog lovers in Fayetteville can find training in town or in nearby Raeford or Raleigh. The choices range from small etiquette schools to top-notch nationally recognized training institutions. A lot of canine education experts seem to have settled in the Fayetteville area, which is great for you and your dog.
Highly rated trainers are just minutes from downtown, or up the road if you don’t mind a scenic drive. Raleigh is also dog-training central. It’s not too far away so the trip may be worth it depending on your expectations. Here’s a rundown of some of the top dog trainers in the area to check out.
Top 10 Dog Trainers in Fayetteville
1. Miss Belle’s Etiquette School for Dogs
- Website: http://www.missbelles.com/
- Address: Raeford, NC 28376
- Phone number: (910) 583-1924
Head on up 401 to this dog school. With a 5-star rating on Yelp, the business does house calls and even follows up on Skype. Owner Michelle Huntting uses scientific methods. Her certifications include the Animal Behavior College and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
The author and public speaker offers group classes, in-home training, and “The Zen Dog”, an online class. She’s also pursuing a graduate degree in behavior analysis. If you want a flexible dog trainer and your pup needs some behavioral changes, Miss Belle’s is for you.
2. Obedient K9 Dog Training Academy
- Website: http://www.dogtrainingnc.com/
- Address: 2908 Cliffdale Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
- Phone number: (910) 802-0557
Just minutes from downtown, the academy is focused on your dog’s overall health and well-being. Here you’ll find obedience training, as the name suggests. This school is serious about training – leading benefits are listed on the website as is a cool promotional video.
It has been featured on television and in newspapers, and even highlighted as an Apprentice Judge for K9 Pro Sports. You can bet these guys can set your dog straight. They’ve even trained and sold dogs to law enforcement agencies and are “Certified Decoy” for the Virginia Police Canine Association.
3. Kranenburg Canine Training Center
- Website: http://www.kranenburgdogtraining.com/
- Address: 1121 Diehl St, Raeford, NC 28376
- Phone number: (910) 476-2812
If you want to change your dog’s bad habits in a positive way, then this center is the right choice. Continual reinforcement and exercise by the owner – you – is emphasized after graduating the course. Several training packages include private lessons, puppy training, and a weight loss program.
There’s even a free, honest assessment. The center works to find the best program for each individual dog. Payment for one package can go towards another if a dog needs additional training, which is pretty fair. Lots of people find one session was enough.
4. K-9trainer4u
- Website: http://www.k9trainer4u.com/
- Address: Cliffdale Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28314
- Phone number: (910) 476-8052
This local dog trainer offers behavioral assistance for puppies or young dogs and even for adult canines. Its protocol is based on the latest research and knowledge of industry experts. The program goes step by step to address every stage of development and training.
In part, the training is for you too. The program shows dog owners how to say they’re unhappy with their pet’s behavior using proper commands. Basic obedience, intermediate, advanced, and breed/size specific training are provided. You can also enroll in private in-home classes.
Also, K-9trainer4u provides search and rescue training for dogs and also assists with adoptions.
5. Silver Run Dog Training
- Website: http://www.riverrundog.com/
- Address: 2660 River Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28312
- Phone number: (910) 483-9213
Here’s a training facility 10 minutes from downtown Fayetteville. The company takes pride its classes held in a climate controlled indoor facility or an outdoor fenced arena. The basic obedience class is open to dogs at least 12 weeks old.
Another option is agility training. It doesn’t only teach your dog to run through obstacles, but also builds its trust and confidence. A four week course makes being outdoors even more fun for dogs and their owners. Daily drop off training and vacation boarding services are provided.
6. Blessed Oasis Pet Resort
- Website: http://www.blessedoasis.com/
- Address: 7355 Stoney Point Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28306
- Phone number: (910) 321-0001
Billed as a pet vacation spot with luxury amenities, this facility also offers dog training conveniently on the west side of town. Classes are led by resident dog trainer Joel Gutierrez. You’ll get basic training, potty, off-leash, obedience, and also behavioral issue training.
Positive reinforcement and assertiveness are used to get your dog in line with your expectations. Each training session is custom tailored, as Joel has been training dogs for over 10 years. Puppy classes range up to six weeks long. Joel is certified by The Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers.
7. Paws in Training
- Website: http://www.pawsintraining.com/
- Address: 1032 Turner Meadow Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Phone number: (919) 896-2589
Paws in Training is just up the road in Raleigh and treats behaviors such as urination, fear, separation anxiety, and aggression. Skilled methods of positive reinforcement, science, and intellect are used to get your doggie trained, based on science and not intimidation.
Opt in for group classes or get your dog trained at home. Home sessions include homework not just for your pooch, but for you too. All 90 minute sessions are followed up with phone, email, and video support. The company also offers veterinary services plus access to training products.
8. Born to Lead K9 Academy
- Website: http://www.borntoleadk9.com/
- Address: Raleigh, NC
- Phone number: (919) 938-3353
Ryan Douglas is the Head Trainer and offers everything from basic obedience to advanced training that includes owner education. You’ll learn how to manage your canine’s behavior even off the leash. There’s even a human class on basic dog psychology and behavior.
Born to Lead proclaims it’s “The last dog trainer you’ll ever need to hire for any reason.” It’s a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. Training is based on a philosophy of reinforcing trust.
Also, positive communication and individual attention are used to manage different dog temperaments.
9. Sandhills Dog Training LLC
- Website: http://sandhillsdogtraining.com
- Address: 230 Broken Ridge Trail, West End, NC 27376
- Phone number: (910) 673-0074
Also using a positive reinforcement method, Sandhills is run by Abby Ganin-Toporek CPDT. She’ll come to your home for training that lasts from two to eight weeks. Obedience programs, behavior modification, group lessons, and the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program are open to enrollment.
It’s also possible to train adult dogs, and this trainer can do just that. Take the CGC preparation course to prepare you and your dog for AKC certification. This is good if you want it to pass the Canine Good Citizen test. Options, options, options. There are also training products to buy online.
10. Tarheel Canine Training, Inc.
- Website: http://tarheelcanine.com
- Address: 230 W Seawell St, Sanford, NC 27332
- Phone number: (919) 774-4152
They specialize in police dog training so you can bet they can teach your pet obedience. From basic commands to communication, to off leash training, Tarheel does it all. There’s also multi-phase in-board training based on psychological principles and comprehensive behavior modification programs.
Safe to say, there is a range of expert dog training options. Dog Trainer’s School, however, is open to anyone who wants to break into dog training while, if you’re looking for protection or sports dogs, you’ll find them here. You can also buy various dog-related items from the online ProShop.