Dog Town Training Academy LLC

Dog Town Training Academy offers a variety of training programs tailored to different needs. Group classes provide a structured, step-by-step learning environment over seven-week sessions, where owners learn and practice with their dogs, progressing through levels from Puppy/Beginner to Intermediate, Advanced, and “Darn Good Dog.”

Private lessons are available for specific problem-solving, specialized training, or individualized instruction, allowing clients to concentrate on their most pressing concerns or get a head start on training. The Puppy Playschool is a day training program, operating Monday through Friday, focusing on general manners, socialization, exercise, house training, crate training, and addressing problem behaviors.

The Board & Train program offers an immersive experience where dogs stay with instructor Liza Williams for 2-3 weeks or more, receiving 24/7 training. This program includes an initial evaluation and follow-up private consultations, with a preference for positive methods, repetition, consistency, structure, and leadership, avoiding electronic collars unless specifically requested.

For specialized interests, the academy provides a “Drop In” Breed Handling class on Wednesdays for conformation show ring preparation, young dog training, and practice for handlers. Agility instruction is offered at an outdoor field in Snow Camp for competition or fun, requiring prior class completion or approval. Additionally, Nose Work classes are available to help dogs develop their natural scenting abilities.

Pricing Summary

The Board & Train program costs $1600.00 for a 2-week program and $2100.00 for a 3-week program.

Policies

For the Breed Handling class, all attending dogs must have proof of vaccinations and signed waivers. Puppy Playschool operates by appointment only with limited enrollment. Early registration is suggested for group classes as enrollment is limited. The Board & Train program includes an initial evaluation and follow-up consultations.

Dog Town Training Academy LLC, established in 2006, is celebrating 19 years of dog training. They operate a 7,200 sq. ft. training center that includes a small specialty store and a professional groomer. Their mission is to offer the best in dog training and help owners understand the wonderful relationship dogs can bring.

The academy provides a comprehensive range of services, aiming to be “Your Total Dog Training Center.” These services span from basic puppy and beginner classes to advanced performance and show training, including Playschool, custom training, grooming, and a Board & Train program. They focus on helping clients build a better relationship with their dogs, addressing various needs from problem behaviors to competition aspirations.

Accomplishments

Mary Isenhour-Long, the owner and trainer, began obedience training in the mid-80s and has earned titles in obedience, agility, conformation, herding, and freestyle with personal and client dogs. She has received several awards, qualified for the Eastern Regional Obedience Championships, and twice qualified in the Most Versatile Aussie division at the ASCA Nationals. Mary is an approved ASCA Senior Rally and Obedience Judge, having judged across the US, Germany, and Belgium, and is an evaluator for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen and Star Puppy program. She also has over 14 years of experience as an instructor of Commercial Art and Advertising Design and worked full-time at Bon-Clyde Learning Center, a premier dog training facility.

Liza Williams, an Associate Instructor, began competing in dog shows at 10 years old and has bred, trained, and shown English Springer Spaniels for over 30 years, achieving National Obedience Springer of the Year and Tracking Springer of the Year titles with her dog, Tango. She also trains Border Collies for obedience and herding. Mary Ann Wilkins, the Dayschool Supervisor, started at Dogtown in 2009 and became full-time in 2012, becoming involved in training and leading custom programs. The business itself has been operating since 2006, and the staff collectively boasts over 60 years of combined experience in dog training, with a background in training all breeds and temperaments.

How to Get Started!

To get started, clients can contact Dog Town Training Academy via phone at 336-570-1144 or email at isenhour_long@bellsouth.net. For group classes, registration forms can be picked up at the office, requested via their “Contact Us” page, or mailed, with early registration recommended due to limited enrollment. The class schedule is available on their Facebook page, by phone, or email.

For private lessons, clients should call to schedule an appointment. Puppy Playschool also requires a call to schedule an appointment. The Board & Train program begins with an initial evaluation, which can be reserved by calling. For the Breed Handling class, attendees must contact the academy before 4:00 pm on Wednesday to confirm their attendance. For grooming services, clients should call Amy Crawford directly at 336-383-8798 to schedule an appointment.