Doggie du Good Atlanta

Group obedience classes are offered in Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels, covering foundational commands and off-leash reliability. Private training is available in-home or at the facility, tailored to specific behavioral issues. Board and train programs last a minimum of 7 days and focus on obedience, manners, or behavior modification, with a complimentary pickup lesson. Agility and scent work are offered as specialized programs. All programs require pre-enrollment and a hold harmless form before starting.

Pricing Summary

Group obedience classes cost $160 for a 6-week session (1 hour/week). Private training is $125/hour, with an 8-hour package discounted to $900 (valid for 6 months). Board training is $185/day with a 7-day minimum. A 3% fee is added for credit card payments. Cancellations within 24 hours for group classes and 48 hours for private lessons avoid fees; otherwise, 50% of the reserved fee is charged. Training packages are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Policies

Cancellations for group classes must be made within 24 hours; otherwise, a 50% fee is charged to the credit card on file. Private lesson cancellations require 48 hours’ notice with the same 50% fee. Training packages are non-refundable and non-transferable. A credit card must be kept on file for all clients, regardless of payment method. A $65 fee is charged for insufficient funds on checks.

Doggie du Good Atlanta is a professional dog training business offering private lessons, group obedience classes, board and train programs, agility, and scent work. Founded by Melissa Connelly and Karen Smalley, both certified Canine Good Citizen evaluators with decades of combined experience, the team specializes in positive, relationship-based training grounded in competition-level obedience and agility. Melissa has trained over 2,000 dogs and holds expertise in USDAA and AKC agility, while Karen has earned the prestigious AKC Utility title with her Border Collies and brings a background in education to make training concepts accessible to owners. They operate from two locations in Atlanta and Cumming, providing both in-home and facility-based training. Their boarding services include daily playtime in a fully fenced yard, and board and train programs are customized to address obedience, behavior, or household manners. They also offer specialized programs for recall, leash walking, reactivity, and separation anxiety.

The business emphasizes personalized attention, with trainers who are active competitors and certified evaluators, ensuring high standards. Their facility-based boarding and training allow dogs to socialize and play safely, while private lessons offer tailored solutions for complex behavioral issues. They serve a wide range of dog ages and types, from puppies to seniors, and support families seeking well-mannered pets or competitive success.

Doggie du Good is proud of their team’s achievements, including multiple AKC and USDAA titles, and their commitment to continuing education through seminars with top trainers like Susan Garrett and Karen Holick.

Accomplishments

Melissa Connelly has trained over 2,000 dogs and holds titles in USDAA and AKC agility. Karen Smalley earned the AKC Utility title with her Border Collie Casey, achieving three consecutive first-place legs in one weekend — a rare feat. Both are AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluators. Karen’s dog Bodhi has competed in obedience, flyball, and appeared in national TV commercials. Melissa’s dog Zeek is the 4th ranked Boxer in the nation in USDAA agility. The team has over 25 combined titles in obedience, agility, conformation, flyball, and dock diving.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must contact the business via phone or email to book an appointment. A hold harmless form must be completed and returned before training begins. Group classes require pre-enrollment due to limited capacity (max 10 participants). Board training requires a deposit for programs longer than 7 days.