Hearth and Hounds, LLC

Private training sessions focus on basic obedience, loose leash walking, recall, crate training, and behavior modification. The Canine Good Citizen program includes a 1.5-hour initial session followed by four 30-minute weekly practice sessions and a final evaluation. Group classes are held at the client’s location over five weeks with a set curriculum for dog- and people-friendly dogs. Training emphasizes owner education with detailed follow-up materials and video resources.

Pricing Summary

Private training is $90/hour for the first session with discounts for additional sessions. The Canine Good Citizen Package is $575 for six sessions. Teacher for Hire group classes (2–4 dogs) are $500 for five weeks, with per-class discounts for larger groups. Custom options available upon request.

Hearth and Hounds, LLC is a dog training business based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, led by two certified professional dog trainers, Susan Spinks and Melanie Berk. They offer science-based, positive reinforcement training focused on building emotional connection and mutual respect between dogs and their guardians. Their approach emphasizes “yes” over “no,” using reward-based methods to teach obedience, behavior modification, and life skills. They provide private in-home and public space training sessions, group classes at client locations, and a structured Canine Good Citizen preparation program. Both trainers are deeply committed to lifelong learning, regularly attending advanced workshops and conferences. They specialize in puppies, fearful or anxious dogs, and behavior challenges like reactivity and leash pulling. Their training includes detailed follow-up emails, video resources, and personalized guidance tailored to each family’s needs.

Susan has over a decade of experience, including managing a dog training program at Paws4ever, and holds multiple certifications including CPDT-KA and completion of the Pat Miller Canine Behavior and Training Academy. Melanie brings 12+ years of experience, a Master’s in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts, and specializes in shy, anxious dogs and puppy training. Both are active members of the Pet Professional Guild and Association of Professional Dog Trainers, and use only positive, force-free methods.

They serve Chapel Hill and immediate surrounding areas with no travel fee within 5 miles. Their services are designed to empower owners to become confident, effective trainers through hands-on coaching and ongoing support.

Accomplishments

Susan Spinks is a CPDT-KA certified trainer since 2016, completed Level 1 and 2 of the Pat Miller Canine Behavior and Training Academy, is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and earned the Pet Dog Ambassador designation. She managed the Dog Training Program at Paws4ever from 2020–2022. Melanie Berk is a CPDT-KA certified trainer with a Master’s in Animals and Public Policy from Tufts Veterinary School, a Certified Canine Enrichment Technician (DN-CET), and has over 12 years of experience in animal behavior. Both regularly attend national conferences including Clicker Expo and IAABC.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can contact Susan or Melanie via email to discuss their dog’s needs and schedule an initial session. Training begins with an assessment in the home or a local public space, followed by personalized session planning and follow-up resources.