Happy Dogs Training

Happy Dogs Training offers comprehensive programs for puppies and adult dogs, focusing on manners, obedience, and problem-solving through private lessons, tutoring, and group classes. Puppy programs cover potty training, crate training, socialization, and basic manners, while adult dog programs address basic obedience, problem behaviors like jumping and barking, and specialized skills such as therapy or service dog skills.

Behavior modification programs are tailored to address complex issues like reactivity, aggression, fear, and anxiety, utilizing a multi-step approach starting with an intake call and assessment. Agility training is available for dogs 8 months and older, progressing through various levels from foundations to masters coursework, with both private lessons and 6-week group classes.

Tutoring lessons provide one-on-one training with a trainer for faster dog-focused learning, complemented by private lessons for owner involvement. Complete programs combine private, tutoring, and group sessions for a well-rounded experience. Dog walking services include neighborhood walks, decompression walks, and enrichment visits, with options for dogs with behavioral challenges.

Pricing Summary

Private lessons: 30-minute Agility Evaluation $55, 30-minute Agility Lesson $65, 60-minute Agility Lesson $125. Behavior Assessment: In-Home $225, Virtual $200. Private Behavior Lessons (60 min): 4 lessons $800, 6 lessons $1200, 8 lessons $1550. Pay-as-you-go Behavior Lessons: 30 min $110, 60 min $220. Private Dog Programs (60 min): 4 lessons $615, 6 lessons $915, 8 lessons $1200. Pay-as-you-go Dog Program Lessons: 30 min Tutoring $85, 60 min Lessons $165. Puppy Private Lessons (60 min): 3 lessons $460, 6 lessons $900. Tutoring Lessons (30 min): 6 lessons + 1 private $585, 8 lessons + 1 private $760. Group Classes (6-weeks, 1 hour): Pre-Agility $225, Level 1-8 Agility $250 each, Manners Class $225, AKC Canine Good Citizen $225, AKC STAR Puppy $225. Drop-in Group Classes: Adult Dog Playgroup $40, Puppy Socialization $40, Adult Social Assessments $50. Specialized Behavior Group Classes (5-weeks, 1 hour): Reactive To Relaxed $400, Control Unleashed $400. Dog Walking: 30-min Neighborhood Walk $35, 30-min Enrichment Visit $35, 60-min Decompression Walk $65, 60-min Walk + Enrichment $65. Walking Packages: 4×30-min $130, 6×30-min $195, 8×30-min $245, 4×60-min $250, 6×60-min $375, 8×60-min $485. Discounts: Virtual training 10% off, 15% discount for dogs in foster care/rescue, payment plans available for private training programs. Add-on discounts for combining services.

Policies

Cancellation policies are available via a provided link. Make-up classes are not guaranteed for missed group classes.

Happy Dogs Training is a dog training business that believes in a positive reinforcement approach, emphasizing the use of dogs’ motivators to create enthusiasm for learning. Their goal is to create happy, healthy, and well-behaved dogs using a fun and compassionate approach, guided by evidence-based methods and the latest research in canine behavior.

The business offers a variety of services including private training lessons, behavior modification, group classes, agility training, and dog walking. They focus on fostering strong, healthy relationships between dogs and their owners, empowering owners with tools and knowledge for effective communication.

Happy Dogs Training is committed to high-quality services, continuous knowledge expansion, and ethical standards, prioritizing compassion and kindness. They offer in-home training, on-site training at their Charlotte/Northlake and Mooresville locations, and virtual lessons.

Accomplishments

Piper M Novick (Owner & Training Director): CPDT-KA, ABCDT, AKC Canine Good Citizen and Star Puppy Evaluator, Pet CPR and first aid Certified. Professional Member of APDT, Pet Professional Guild, CATCH Academy Mentor Trainer. 10+ years professional dog training, 12+ years competitive dog agility. Selected for Junior European Open AKC/USA Team (2017) and European Open AKC/USA Team (2016). UKI National Championship Games Finalist (2015), AKC Junior National Champion (2013). Earned Masters-level titles in AKC and UKI, competed at national/international tournaments.

Shari Spiewak (Trainer & Group Class Instructor): CPDT-KA, CCDT (CATCH Canine Trainers Academy), AKC Canine Good Citizen and Star Puppy Evaluator, Cat & Dog First Aid and CPR Certified. 3+ years professional dog training. Volunteers at Humane Society of Charlotte.

Linda LeFauve (Behavior Trainer): CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified Trainer. Board of Directors for Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), member of APDT Marketing and Communications Committee, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). 20+ years professional dog training experience, deep expertise in complex behavior cases and aggression.

Nicole Green (Trainer & Dog Walker): ABCDT, Pet CPR and first aid Certified, Fear Free Certified, Ian Dunbar: Sirius Dog Trainer Academy, Karen Pryor Clicker Training Course. 5+ years animal welfare, 2+ years professional dog training, 1+ year mentoring under Linda Lefauve.

Amanda Lipsey (Agility Coach): 14+ years competitive dog agility, 2+ years professional dog training. Agility titles in CPE and NADAC. 7 different top 10 NADAC rankings for 2024 and 2023. Competed on a national level.

Halina Jones (Agility Coach): 20+ years training/competing in dog agility, 10+ years teaching agility. Former Agility Team Leader at For Your K9. Competed and placed at AKC National Agility Championship, AKC Invitational, Brittany Nationals, Westminster. Earned 14 MACH and 3 PACH titles.

Meagan Skelton (Agility Coach): Control Unleashed Certified Trainer, Certified UKI and USDAA Agility Judge. 20+ years professional experience, 5+ years as Agility judge, 20+ years competitive agility. Masters titles in AKC, UKI, USDAA. Competed on a national level.

Benah Stiewing (Office Admin & Virtual Trainer): CPDT-KA. 10+ years hands-on dog training, 7+ years professional dog training, 10+ years competitive agility. Masters titles in USDAA, UKI, AKC. National level competitive experience. Titles in AKC Trick Dog, NADD Dock Diving.

How to Get Started!

For private training (dog programs, puppy programs), the process begins with a free training intake call to discuss goals and needs, followed by connecting with a qualified trainer to set up a schedule and start the program. For behavior modification, it starts with a behavior intake call, then an in-person or virtual assessment lesson, and finally, continuation with a training program or individual lessons. For group classes, direct registration is available online, with no prior consultation required, though a 10-minute phone consultation is suggested for specialized behavior modification classes. For agility, Pre-Agility class does not require an evaluation, but all other levels require a 30-minute evaluation lesson.