Hound’s Tooth Academy

Training is structured in progressive levels: Puppy Preschool (10–24 weeks), Beginner Obedience (5 weeks), Public Manners (Level 2, 6 weeks), and Advanced Obedience (Level 3, 4 weeks). Each group class meets weekly for 1 hour. Private sessions include a consultation and customized plan. In-home and facility-based programs cover foundational and advanced skills. Drop-in classes allow ongoing practice. Board-and-train is available for intensive behavior modification.

Pricing Summary

Group classes range from $100–$225 for 4–6 week programs. Private sessions are $80 per session or $350 for a 4-session package at the facility, and $550 for an in-home foundational package. Board-and-train services are offered but pricing not listed. Drop-in classes are $10 per session. Equipment is included in package pricing.

Hound’s Tooth Academy is a dog training business founded by Kat Carter and Kelsey Widener, dedicated to helping families train their pet dogs with personalized, science-based methods. Kat, a certified professional with over 20 years of experience, leads group classes, private sessions, and board-and-train programs at their facility in Lexington, NC. They offer structured group classes for puppies, beginners, intermediate, and advanced dogs, as well as in-home and facility-based private lessons. Their training focuses on positive reinforcement and includes foundational skills like sit, stay, come, leash walking, and potty training, along with advanced behaviors for public manners and distraction-proofing. Kelsey specializes in the board-and-train program and has extensive experience working with rescue dogs and behavior modification. The business emphasizes owner involvement, providing written follow-ups, equipment packages, and email support to ensure long-term success.

They also offer drop-in classes for ongoing skill maintenance and AKC CGC testing. Their facility-based training includes a custom equipment package with all sessions, and they provide travel-based in-home training within a defined service area. The team is deeply committed to ethical, compassionate training and integrates pet first aid and disaster preparedness knowledge into their approach.

Accomplishments

Kat Carter is an AKC CGC/CGC-A/CGC-U/STAR Puppy Evaluator and a Certified Pet First Aid & Disaster Preparedness Instructor with ASHI. She is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. Kelsey Widener has rescued and trained dogs for multiple shelters and rescue organizations, with several dogs becoming service, police, or search and rescue dogs.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients begin by selecting a program (group class, private session, or board-and-train) and registering via the online portal or contacting the business. Private sessions include a 1-hour consultation to establish goals and create a custom training plan before scheduling follow-up sessions.