Golden Compass Canine Training
Service area: Serving Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Leland, and the greater Cape Fear region.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Competition / Agility
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Puppy Training
- Basic Obedience
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Recall
- Potty Training
- Separation Anxiety
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Private Facility
- Board and Train
- Day Training
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Giant
- Herding
- Sporting
- Working
- Terriers
- Doodles
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
- ✓ E-Collars
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
Golden Compass offers five core programs: Puppy Pioneers (10–16 weeks) for foundational socialization and obedience; Explorer (6+ months) for on-leash manners and basic commands; Expedition for off-leash reliability and advanced recall; Voyager, a 21-day intensive board and train with e-collar training and weekly owner coaching; and Pathfinder Day Training for targeted daily sessions on leash manners, recall, and minor behavior issues. All programs include owner education and ongoing support through Facebook groups and monthly park meetups.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Programs range from $500 for Puppy Pioneers to $2,500+ for Expedition and Voyager board and train. Day Training and private lessons are available with custom pricing. A complimentary 15-minute Compass Call is offered to assess needs before enrollment.
Testimonials
My husband & I recently completed multiple training courses through Golden Compass for our 11 month old, chocolate lab Otto & have nothing but wonderful things to say about this organization!
Between puppy preschool, day training & the e-collar program, we now feel very confident in Otto’s off leash skills, recall & ability to socialize safely with people & other dogs in public spaces. We no longer require a harness when we go out & have no more issues with leash pulling. The trainers, Lauren & Kayla, are wonderful teachers who seem to truly care about helping each & every dog become the best version of themselves. They are always available to support you & answer your questions. We learned SO much in the time that we spent with them & it has made our lives as dog parents much easier & more fun! We are forever grateful to this team & would 100% recommend their services again & again!
– Anonymous
I tried other trainers in the area before I made the switch to Golden Compass Canine Training and I am SO thankful I did! They are hands-down worth the investment! Their training transformed Jax, (my dog) and the follow-up support through structured daycare has been invaluable. The team genuinely cares, making sure every lesson sticks and that progress continues well beyond the initial sessions. For anyone who wonders if the cost is justified, I can say the results and the peace of mind are priceless. Golden Compass offers incredible, lasting value for anyone serious about their dog’s development.
– Jax’s Owner
I just finished the expedition program with my 3 year old golden retriever and couldn’t be happier with our outcome. Before our training, I thought we were going to have to live with Dillon’s puppy-like behavior forever. He was impulsive, no leash skills, no recall, and was always getting into trouble! Kayla helped change all of that for us and now Dillon is so much more well behaved and a joy to have around! Walks are enjoyable again, he’s able to chill out when we need him to, and he actually comes when we call him. I couldn’t recommend Golden Compass and specifically Kayla as a trainer more!
– Dillon’s Owner
About the Trainer
Golden Compass Canine Training is a professional dog training business serving Wilmington, NC, and surrounding areas for over 10 years. They offer customized training programs for puppies, adolescent, and adult dogs, focusing on building strong owner-dog relationships through balanced training methods that combine positive reinforcement with clear boundaries. Their services include Puppy Pioneers for early socialization and obedience, Explorer for basic to advanced on-leash manners, Expedition for off-leash reliability, Voyager for 21-day board and train, and Pathfinder Day Training for focused daily sessions. They also provide agility classes, structured daycare, and monthly park meetups to reinforce skills. Their whole-dog philosophy considers nutrition, environment, health, and grooming to create lasting behavioral change. Trainers have over 25 years of combined experience and specialize in behavior modification, leash reactivity, recall, and socialization.
They emphasize no gimmicks or shortcuts, offering practical, personalized solutions with zero judgment. Clients receive ongoing support through Facebook groups, park meetups, and follow-up coaching. The team includes certified trainers with hands-on experience in resolving extreme behavioral cases and competitive agility.
Additional services include dog daycare, structured play with treadmill exercise, and access to a safe, clean facility for training and socialization.
Accomplishments
Trainers have over 25 years of combined experience in dog training. Lauren, head trainer, has over 10 years of experience handling extreme behavioral cases and competitive agility. Kayla has hands-on experience with a renowned training company. Rebekah brings over a decade of experience managing daycare and boarding facilities. All trainers are deeply involved in the local dog community and emphasize real-world results.
How to Get Started!
Begin with a complimentary 15-minute Compass Call to discuss your dog’s needs, challenges, and goals. Based on this conversation, a tailored training plan is mapped out to match your dog’s breed, temperament, and lifestyle.

Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
Monday: 9am-4pm
Tuesday: 9am-5pm
Wednesday: 9am-5pm
Thursday: 9am-6pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Associations
- AKC
- APDT
- IAABC
Languages
- English
Other Services Offered
- Dog day care center
Location
6603 Market St unit 3, Wilmington, NC 28405Listing Tools for Trainers
For Golden Compass Canine Training Only
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