16 Paws LLC

Training programs include one-on-one behavioral evaluations, owner education sessions, and intensive day training (8 hours) as an alternative to board and train. Dog daycare is offered as an educational, small-group program where dogs learn calm behavior through peer modeling. Board and train services are customized based on individual dog needs. All programs emphasize consistent structure, leadership, and positive reinforcement. Owners receive daily updates, photos, and home practice tips to reinforce progress. The daycare program is designed to be a daily extension of training, helping dogs generalize good behavior at home.

Pricing Summary

Behavioral Evaluation: $75, 1:1 Owner Education: $177, Day Training Intensive: from $250, Phone/Video Consultation: $77, Intake for Daycare: $77, Dog Daycare: from $48/day, Overnight Boarding: $78/night, Nail Trim: $27, Puppy Selection: request to book. Pricing is transparent with no hidden fees; packages available for ongoing training.

16 Paws LLC is a dog training and daycare business based in Wilmington, NC, run by a certified canine behaviorist who specializes in rehabilitating dogs with reactivity, aggression, anxiety, and other stubborn behavioral issues. The trainer works primarily with dogs that have been rejected by traditional daycares or deemed “untrainable” by other professionals, creating a safe, supportive environment they call “the land of weirdos and misfits.” Services include private behavioral evaluations, one-on-one owner education, day training intensives, board and train programs, and educational dog daycare. The facility offers a hybrid approach combining structured training with pack-based learning, where dogs learn calm, focused behavior by observing and interacting with other well-mannered dogs. The trainer uses modern, science-backed methods rooted in canine cognition research, emphasizing leadership, consistency, and positive reinforcement to build trust and reduce anxiety. Additional services include overnight boarding, nail trims, puppy selection guidance, and a loyalty rewards program. The trainer’s personal dog, Ponga, a Great Dane, exemplifies the calm, confident “Zen dog” philosophy they teach. All services are delivered at their private facility in Wilmington, NC.

The trainer holds certifications from Will Atherton Academy, Duke University, and Michael Ellis via Leerburg, and is recognized as a Will Atherton approved trainer. Their training philosophy rejects outdated dominance models, instead focusing on providing clear, loving structure to help dogs feel secure and confident. Clients report dramatic improvements in their dogs’ behavior, with many noting their pets become calmer, more obedient, and emotionally balanced after attending daycare or training sessions.

The business also fosters community through social media, group discussions, and regular updates to owners, ensuring consistency between training at the facility and at home. Gift cards and a rewards program are available for ongoing clients.

Accomplishments

Owner is a Will Atherton approved trainer with certifications in Advanced Canine Training and Behavior, Dog Emotion and Cognition (Duke University), and Developing a Relationship With Your Dog (Michael Ellis/Leerburg). Ponga, the trainer’s personal dog, is registered under the name “I Dream of Ponga,” reflecting her unique cognitive profile as a Protodog. The business has built a strong reputation for successfully rehabilitating dogs deemed untrainable by others.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients begin by booking a Behavioral Evaluation or Intake for Doggy Daycare, both 45–60 minutes long and priced at $75–$77. A meet-and-greet is required before enrollment in daycare or training. Clients receive a “guidelines and expectations” document prior to their first visit to ensure alignment on goals and protocols.