Better Dog Training
Service area: Serves Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas; offers virtual training nationwide.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Service Dog
- Therapy Dog
- Working Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Separation Anxiety
- Biting / Nipping
- Potty Training
- Resource Guarding
- Fearfulness
- Stealing Food
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- In-Home
- Board and Train
- Video Calls
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Giant
- Herding
- Sporting
- Working
- Hounds
- Terriers
- Doodles
- Brachycephalic
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
Training programs begin with a free evaluation to assess the dog’s behavior and owner goals. Programs include in-home training where owners learn alongside their dog, board and train (dog stays with trainer for intensive work), and virtual sessions with video guidance and app support. The BetterDog System uses rapid-start techniques with follow-up sessions to ensure long-term success. Programs are tailored for specific issues like aggression, fear, or leash pulling and include ongoing owner education.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pricing is customized based on the dog’s needs and selected program (in-home, board and train, or virtual). No public rates listed; clients receive a personalized quote after a free evaluation.
Testimonials
My mom adopted a Dachsund-Chihuhua mix that we discovered was very fearful of new people and would attempt to bite anyone unknown to her. We tried to overcome this issue on our own, but had no luck so I contacted Better Dog Training. I worked initially with Mark, but was transferred to Chelsea. Chelsea is totally amazing and worked patiently with me to teach Sophie to overcome her fears and be confident in her interactions. She’s now a very happy dog who greets new people willingly with eye contact and tail wagging that often leads to lap sitting. No harsh methods were ever suggested and all new behaviors were learned solely with positive reinforcement.
– Client
My yellow lab puppy started training a few months ago with Mark when I was at my breaking point managing her “bad” behaviors (totally normal puppy things but hard with managing small kids). After the first session she was like a new dog. Now she’s almost 11 months old and truly the best dog I have ever met! She’s wonderful with our kids and a true member of our family. Thank you!
– Client
Better Dog Training has been amazing training Diamond and deserve a HUGE thank you! I adopted Diamond as a very reactive dog, I could barely bring her in public. I tried to train her and just felt helpless. After just a few sessions with Better Dog Training, she is like a different dog! It’s amazing. Diamond is truly loved by her trainer and he has changed our lives completely. 100% would recommend!
– Client
About the Trainer
Better Dog Training, founded by Mark Thompson in 1984, is a professional dog training service based in Charlotte, NC, offering personalized in-home, board and train, and virtual training solutions. With over 40 years of experience, Mark specializes in resolving complex behavior issues including aggression, reactivity, fearfulness, leash pulling, barking, and separation anxiety using the proprietary BetterDog System, which emphasizes positive reinforcement, canine body language understanding, and owner education. The business provides tailored programs for all dog types and ages, from puppies to seniors, and supports families, service dogs, therapy dogs, and working dogs. They offer a free evaluation to customize training plans and guarantee immediate behavioral improvements on the first lesson. Additional services include virtual training for clients outside Charlotte, and they support the community through the New Leash on Life Program, which trains inmates to rehabilitate unadoptable dogs.
Their training methods are grounded in proven, science-backed techniques that avoid harsh corrections, focusing instead on reward-based learning and consistent repetition to create lasting behavioral change. Clients receive video guides, online notes, and a custom training app to reinforce progress between sessions. Better Dog Training is highly recommended by local veterinarians and has helped hundreds of dogs overcome severe behavioral challenges, restoring harmony to homes and enabling dogs to enjoy public spaces safely.
Accomplishments
Mark Thompson has trained over 10,000 dogs since 1984 and developed the BetterDog System. He has trained dogs for police, service, epilepsy alert, and hearing assistance roles. Better Dog Training is Charlotte’s #1 vet-recommended dog trainer and runs the award-winning New Leash on Life Program, which partners with prisons to rehabilitate dogs and reduce inmate recidivism.
How to Get Started!
Begin with a free, no-obligation evaluation to assess your dog’s behavior and customize a training plan. Contact via phone or online form to schedule your evaluation.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
9am-5pm
Associations
- AKC
Languages
- English
Other Services Offered
- Pet boarding service
Location
1727 Sardis Rd N, Charlotte, NC 28270Listing Tools for Trainers
For Better Dog Training Only
Update Your Info
To update your profile, contact us with your changes.
Share Your Achievement!
Let the world know you’ve been recognized by Goody Doggy as a top-ranked dog trainer in Charlotte. Add your achievement badges to your website to stand out from the competition and convert more website visitors into clients.
Upgrade Your Profile - Get Featured!
Become the obvious choice for dog owners in the Charlotte area and grow your dog training business.
- 3x More Views – Featured profiles are seen first and visited the most
- Qualified Leads – A constant stream of motivated Charlotte clients
- Enhance Your Profile – Stand out from the crowd with more photos, social media links, and custom sales copy
- More Web Traffic – Improve your site’s search engine exposure (SEO)
- Build Your Brand – Establish trustworthiness and prestige