Southern Tails Dog School

Group classes meet once a week for six weeks, with each class lasting 60–90 minutes. Programs include New Puppy Training (10–16 weeks), Beginner Obedience (OB 101), Advanced Obedience (OB 102), Loose Leash Walking, K9 Nosework, Canine Good Citizen prep, and Canine Acting. Classes are structured to build skills progressively, with homework assignments and hands-on activities. Canine Good Citizen certification is administered in week five by appointment. Private lessons are customizable and available for any age dog, with scheduling by phone.

Pricing Summary

Group classes cost $239 for a six-week course with a $25 deposit required to secure a spot. Private lessons are offered in packages of three and cost $86 per hour. A half-hour mini-lesson is available for $45. Training treats are sold on-site for $7–$13.

Policies

There are no make-up classes for missed sessions, but students can catch up during class or schedule a private lesson at $86/hour. Dogs must be vaccinated and current on Bordetella, DHLP+P, and Rabies. Dogs in season must notify the school in advance and use protective panties. Dogs that are ill should not attend; owners may observe without their dog. No retractable leashes allowed. Students must sign a waiver before registering.

Southern Tails Dog School is a dog training business located in Asheboro, NC, offering group classes and private lessons for dogs of all ages, from puppies to adults. They specialize in positive reinforcement training methods and provide a range of programs including New Puppy Training, Beginner and Advanced Obedience, Loose Leash Walking, K9 Nosework, Canine Good Citizen prep, and Canine Acting. Their instructors are highly experienced and passionate, with over 30 years of collective excellence in dog training. They emphasize building strong owner-dog relationships through clear communication, fun exercises, and behavior insights. Private lessons are available in-home or at their facility for those who prefer one-on-one instruction. They also offer a free online puppy book and sell training treats and equipment on-site. Their sister business, Canine Players Dogs for Film, highlights their expertise in advanced canine performance training.

They require up-to-date vaccinations for all dogs and provide detailed guidelines for class preparation, including leash and treat recommendations. Classes meet once a week for six weeks, with small class sizes to ensure personalized attention. They encourage owners to attend consistently and offer optional half-hour mini-lessons for extra help at a reduced rate.

The school fosters a supportive, family-friendly environment where owners of all experience levels—especially first-time dog parents—feel encouraged and empowered. Instructors adapt training styles to suit individual dog temperaments, including shy, reactive, or high-energy breeds, and focus on real-life distractions and confidence-building.

They do not offer boarding, grooming, walking, or daycare services, but they do provide AKC Canine Good Citizen certification testing as part of their program.

Accomplishments

Over 30 years of excellence in dog training. Instructors include Caroline Currie, CPDT-KA, certified to teach K9 Nosework. They offer AKC Canine Good Citizen testing and have a sister business, Canine Players Dogs for Film, showcasing advanced canine performance training.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must complete an online registration form, then pay a $25 deposit to secure their spot in a class. Vaccination records must be texted to the school before class begins. First-time puppy owners are required to read the free online book “After You Get Your Puppy” by Dr. Ian Dunbar. Private lessons require a phone call to schedule with Ally.