Lucky Dog Training Asheville
Ranked #2 in Asheville and #19 in North Carolina
Service area: Asheville, Western North Carolina
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Service Dog
- Therapy Dog
- Competition / Agility
- Working Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Separation Anxiety
- Biting / Nipping
- Potty Training
- Fearfulness
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- In-Home
- Board and Train
- Day Training
- Video Calls
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Equipment:
- ✓ Pinch Collars
Lucky Dog Training Asheville offers three main program types: Basic, Jumpstart, and Accelerated Board & Train (B&T). The Basic Program, called “GOOD DOG,” consists of three private training sessions plus three follow-ups, where the owner does most of the training. The Jumpstart Program, “BEST DOG EVER,” provides a half-day intensive training session to kickstart the training process.
The Accelerated Board & Train programs are weeks-long immersion experiences, described as “summer camps for dogs.” These include training videos, private sessions, weekly group sessions, and ongoing trainer support, designed to accelerate results and simplify the owner’s work. Specific B&T programs mentioned are “Wonder Weeks Puppy,” “Dog of Your Dreams,” “Wonder Dog,” and “Greatest Dog in the World.”
Puppy training is for dogs younger than 6 months, starting as early as 8 weeks old, covering house training (crate and potty), manners (stopping biting, barking, jumping), socialization, and foundation obedience (focus, recall, self-control). Adult dog training, for puppies 6 months and older, addresses skills like loose leash walking, stopping leash pulling and reactivity, and off-leash training. A minimum 2-week B&T is recommended for anxious dogs, with a 6-week B&T ideal for raising a puppy to an adult and addressing all types of anxiety issues.
Pricing & Policies
Policies
Visitors are not allowed in private training areas for safety, liability, and training reasons, as owner visits can disrupt the calming process for anxious dogs. Virtual or online private sessions can be arranged while dogs are in board and train sessions if necessary.
Testimonials
“We recently adopted a young, energetic lab/shepherd mix from the shelter. Abby was very fearful, extremely under-socialized, and quite leash aggressive, lunging and barking at other people and dogs. She also immediately developed separation anxiety. When Abby first met Dr. K, she barked and lunged almost uncontrollably. After only a few sessions with Dr. K, she is calmer, has nice leash manners, and walks past people without any fuss. She spends time calmly in her crate, jumps willingly into the car for rides, and is well on her way to becoming the calm companion that we know she can be. In addition to training Abby, Dr. K’s approach has trained us in how to manage and socialize our dog.”
– Abby / Fearful & Aggressive
“As soon as we met and spoke with Kathryn (Dr. K), we knew she was going to be perfect for our puppy! Through her training and techniques, she is helping us sculpt our puppy into the dog of our dreams. We recommend Lucky Dog Training Asheville to anyone, whether you have just got a puppy or have a dog that needs a helping hand. Dr K’s an outstanding trainer who simply adores dogs. Thank you so much Lucky Dog Training Asheville!”
– Xena / Warrior Princess Puppy
“It is one thing to have a dog with “issues”, but it is quite another to have a Saint Bernard with “issues”. When 2 other local trainers did nothing to stop Luca’s extreme behaviors, we were desperate and decided to give it one more try. That is when a friend recommended Kathryn and Lucky Dog Training Asheville. This was the best decision we could have made. Kathryn embraced Luca’s issues and quickly got him turned in the right direction. She was willing to be creative as she stopped his unwanted behaviors. As he improved, she encouraged me to keep pushing Luca for more and better behaviors. She saw the potential in him when others gave up. She coached us through the process. Kathryn has helped give us an XL dog with XXL personality that we can control. Luca now give us joy and companionship without the constant worry of bad behaviors. I can honestly say that without Kathryn, Luca’s life would be a sad and confined existence, which would be so stressful to him and his mom and dad.”
– Luca / BIG Dog with BIG Issues
About the Trainer
Lucky Dog Training Asheville offers puppy and dog training programs, specializing in dog anxiety. They use unique, innovative dog training methods based on dog biology, aiming to make training simple, easy, and fun. Their trainer, Dr. K, holds advanced degrees in animal biology and possesses extensive experience in dog training and animal behavior.
The business utilizes its “Muttley Crew” of trained dogs to enhance client dogs’ training experiences by demonstrating skills, comforting anxious dogs, and engaging in play. They focus on turning problem dogs into well-behaved “poster pups.”
Training options include private sessions, jumpstart days, and residential Board & Train (B&T) programs. They emphasize fast, lasting results with kind and gentle guidance, providing long-term trainer support for peace of mind.
Their residential B&T programs are 100% home-based, avoiding kennel runs or outside cages, with client dogs living in a comfortable home environment with a professional trainer and friendly, trained therapy dogs. These programs offer round-the-clock, immersive training, similar to summer camps, with continuous practice of skills throughout the day and night. Additionally, they sell dog training books, online classes, and “Calypso Prong Collar Covers” through “THE DOG’S PERSPECTIVE Website.”
Accomplishments
Dr. K (Kathryn) is a professional dog trainer, consultant, and educator. She holds advanced degrees, including a master’s and doctorate in Evolutionary Biology, which inform her unique training methods. Her extensive experience in dog training and animal behavior began as a seasonal keeper at Brookfield Children’s Zoo near Chicago, where she trained dogs for educational demonstrations in obedience, tracking, retrieving, sheep herding, agility, and service work.
She has pursued educational opportunities with top trainers in Illinois, Georgia, and North Carolina, including Nancy Patton of Atlanta’s Dogwood Obedience Group. Dr. K is an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator, and her personal dogs have competed in obedience, tracking, and dock diving.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients are encouraged to contact Lucky Dog Training Asheville to learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation. The business aims to discuss the puppy or dog’s needs and help find the best program to fit their training goals.

Contact Information
Certifications
- Credentialed
Associations
- AKC
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Pet supply store
- Pet trainer