Dog Leaders

Offers intensive board and train programs (2, 3, or 4 weeks) with daily one-on-one training, public exposure, and socialization. Dogs live at the trainer’s property in a climate-controlled space from 7am–6pm. Owners receive weekly updates, photos, and a final in-person training session to learn how to maintain commands. One-on-one in-home or on-site sessions available for owners seeking direct instruction. Service dog training is a 3–6 month program with public training and advanced command work. No guarantee of service dog certification. All training uses praise-based reinforcement with no treats, prong, or e-collars. Command list includes heel, sit, down, stay, leave it, doorway manners, and more.

Pricing Summary

Board and train programs: pricing available upon call. One-on-one training: $150 per 60–90 minute session. Boarding: $40/day, paid upfront. Service dog training: pricing available upon call. Payment plans available on a case-by-case basis.

Policies

No cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated on the website.

Professional dog trainer certified through the United States Department of Labor with over 12,000 hours of dedicated service dog training experience. Dog Leaders offers board and train programs, one-on-one in-home or on-site training, service dog training, and boarding services. They specialize in eliminating behavior issues like leash reactivity, aggression, jumping, and poor manners using calm, assertive leadership techniques based on service dog training methods. Training emphasizes positive reinforcement with praise only—no treats, prong collars, or e-collars. Owners are trained alongside their dogs to maintain commands and build lifelong leadership skills. Dogs are trained daily from 7am to 6pm in a climate-controlled facility with public exposure and socialization. They provide weekly progress updates, photos, and end-of-program owner training sessions.

Their approach is rooted in service dog standards, helping pets achieve high levels of obedience and calm behavior in any environment. They tailor programs to individual dogs and offer payment plans upon request. All training uses consistent verbal commands and hand signals, with equipment provided for continued practice at home.

Additional services include pet boarding at $40/day, with socialization based on temperament, and customized service dog training programs lasting 3–6 months or longer.

The trainer, Charles Perdue, holds a 4,000-hour certification from the U.S. Department of Labor and has trained service dogs placed nationwide.

They serve dog owners in Roanoke, VA and surrounding areas.

No free consultation is offered; clients must call to discuss services and pricing.

All training is conducted by Charles Perdue personally.

They do not offer group classes, video training, or dog grooming services.

They do not use punishment or aversive tools.

They provide a thick round rope leash and training collar to owners upon program completion.

They do not guarantee service dog qualification but train dogs to meet high behavioral standards.

They train dogs of any breed, size, or age.

They train dogs with fearfulness, reactivity, biting, jumping, leash pulling, doorways issues, and recall problems.

They do not offer puppy-specific programs separate from general training.

They do not offer therapy or competition training.

They do not offer dog walking, daycare, or pet sitting.

They do not provide insurance documentation.

They do not list social media links.

They do not list cancellation or rescheduling policies.

They do not offer a booking portal; all scheduling is done via phone call.

They train dogs in public environments daily as part of their program.

They provide detailed command lists and owner training to ensure long-term success.

Accomplishments

Owner Charles Perdue holds a 4,000-hour certification from the United States Department of Labor in service dog training, with an estimated 12,000+ total training hours. Trained service dogs placed with disabled individuals across the United States.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must call or text Charles Perdue at 540-314-4991 to discuss their dog’s needs, available programs, and scheduling. No online booking or email consultation is offered.