Dogtrain Inc

Dogtrain Inc. offers a structured progression of training programs designed to meet various needs. The Puppy Pre-School is a 4-week course for puppies aged 10 weeks to 5 months, covering essential puppy behaviors like house training, crate training, biting, and basic obedience. This class includes free access to DogTrain Play Groups and discounted private appointments.

The Beginner Class is a 5-week program for dogs 5 months and older, focusing on foundational obedience skills such as heel position, attention, sit, down, stay, and addressing common adolescent issues like jumping, barking, chewing, and digging. Enrollment includes one half-priced private lesson. The Advanced Class, a 4-week program, is for graduates of the Beginner Class and aims to fine-tune handler skills, laying the groundwork for Canine Good Citizen and more complex training.

Beyond these core classes, Dogtrain Inc. provides Continuing Education opportunities for Advanced Class graduates, including drop-in Rally, Baby Agility (for fun), and Competition Class for those interested in competitive obedience. For more individualized attention, Private Individual Training offers flexible, one-on-one sessions at their facility, ideal for working at a custom pace or addressing specific issues like dog reactivity. Additionally, Specialized Day School programs are available, such as Retriever Day School for hunting companions and Family Dog Day School for concentrated training on specific behaviors, both requiring daily drop-off and pick-up.

Pricing Summary

Private Individual Training costs $100 per 30-minute appointment, with a discounted rate of $550 for a package of 6 appointments. Group classes include Puppy Pre-School at $200 for a 4-week program, Beginner Class at $250 for a 5-week program, and Advanced Class at $200 for a 4-week program.

Continuing Education classes are offered on a drop-in basis for $25 per class, or a frequent flyer card can be purchased for $125 for six classes. The Family Dog Day School program is priced at $600 for 8 days of training. Many group class enrollments include the opportunity for half-priced private lessons.

Policies

Pre-registration is required for all group classes. Dogs must have current vaccinations to participate. For the Beginner Class, dogs with any aggression issues must be screened prior to registration for a group class. No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policies are provided in the content.

Dogtrain Inc. is a well-established, balanced dog training business located in Wilmington, NC, serving the Southeastern North Carolina area for over 35 years. Their primary goal is to help dog owners transform their dogs into well-behaved companions by teaching effective communication and life skills. They focus on helping dogs navigate distractions, behave appropriately at vets and groomers, build confidence in new environments, and settle calmly at home.

The business offers a variety of training options, including group classes, private individualized appointments, and specialized day school programs. Their unique approach combines personalized, flexible, and balanced training methods with Kinaesthetics BodyWork and nutrition, which has successfully helped many dogs with behavioral issues remain in their homes. Dogtrain Inc. was also a pioneer in the region, being one of the first facilities to offer a Puppy Pre-School Program. They do not provide dog boarding services.

Diane Gallagher, the owner, has a deep background in dog handling and training, while Lauren Daniel, another trainer, brings her passion for competitive dog sports to the team.

Accomplishments

Diane Gallagher, the owner of Dogtrain Inc., has a distinguished career in dog training spanning over 35 years. Her active involvement began around 1967 as a professional handler, a career that lasted 15 years and included numerous Championships in the United States and Canada across all seven dog groups, with highlights such as Best in Show wins. She transitioned to teaching obedience classes to the public in the early 1980s.

Diane was instrumental in building Dogtrain Inc. from 1993 and has been at its helm since 1998. She is deeply involved in Retriever training, having helped establish the Hunt Test program with the Central New York Retriever Club. Since October 2012, she has personally finished ten Junior Hunters, eight Senior Hunters, and one Master Hunter in AKC Hunt Tests, and has coached five clients to achieve their own titles. Her Standard Poodle, Chase, notably earned a Master Hunter title in April 2018, making it one of fewer than 25 Standard Poodles to achieve this title at that time.

Lauren Daniel, another trainer, began her journey at Dogtrain at eight years old, later interning and becoming a class instructor. Her personal passion lies in Hunt Tests and Competitive Obedience/Rally, inspiring many students to explore dog trialing.

How to Get Started!

To begin training with Dogtrain Inc., clients are encouraged to book an appointment through their contact page. For group classes, pre-registration is required, and all dogs must have current vaccinations. Dogs with aggression issues seeking to join the Beginner Class must undergo a pre-screening process. Enrollment in the Advanced Class requires successful completion of the Beginner Class or a private assessment of skills. Those interested in the Retriever Day School should be aware there is a waiting list.