Southport Pups

Southport Pups offers structured programs including Puppy Power for puppies under 6 months, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, and FIT DOG (Bronze, Silver, Gold levels). Programs combine in-person or video sessions with daily at-home practice using games and puzzles. The FIT DOG program includes weekly Zoom reviews and skill submissions. Private lessons are tailored to individual needs, with focus on behavior modification, obedience, and life skills. Online mini-courses and free resources support ongoing learning.

Pricing Summary

Private lessons start at $125 per hour. Group classes like AKC FIT DOG Bronze are priced at $150 for a 6-week course. The Puppy Power program and online mini-courses are available at discounted rates, including a limited-time summer offer of $97 (originally $350). A complimentary CORE LEARNING video is offered for free to new clients.

Southport Pups is a dog training business founded and led by Karen Falciani, a certified and highly experienced trainer dedicated to positive, holistic dog training. Karen helps dog owners build essential life skills in their dogs while strengthening the human-canine bond through science-based, reward-based methods. She offers both in-person and online training sessions, specializing in puppy training, loose leash walking, behavior modification, and AKC-certified programs like S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, and FIT DOG. Karen’s approach emphasizes understanding dog behavior, using games and puzzles to teach commands, and empowering owners with practical tools they can use daily. She also provides specialized programs for senior dogs, rescue dogs, and reactive pets, all grounded in positive reinforcement. In addition to training, she offers free resources, online mini-courses, and a private Facebook community for ongoing support.

Karen is certified by Absolute Dogs in PRO DOG Training and holds multiple AKC evaluator certifications including FIT DOG Bronze, Silver, and Gold, as well as S.T.A.R. Puppy, CGC, and Fetch Judge credentials. She is an active member of the Professional Pet Professionals (PPG), Shock-Free Coalition, and the World Scent Dog Association, where she is a Level 1 Scent Four Six (S46) instructor. Her training philosophy is rooted in canine science, continuous education, and compassion, making her a trusted resource for dog owners seeking lasting, humane results.

Accomplishments

Karen Falciani is certified by Absolute Dogs in PRO DOG Training, Geek, and Genius courses, having completed over 50 courses with them. She holds AKC certifications as a FIT DOG Evaluator (Bronze, Silver, Gold), S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluator, CGC Evaluator, Community Canine Evaluator, Urban CGC Evaluator, and Fetch Judge. She is a Level 1 Scent Four Six (S46) Instructor with the World Scent Dog Association. Her dog Sasha holds multiple AKC titles including Agility, Fit Dog, Scent, and Animal Actor. Karen regularly attends professional trainings, webinars, and retreats to stay current in canine science.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can start by filling out a contact form on the website to share their dog’s details and training goals. They are then invited to access a complimentary CORE LEARNING video and join the private Facebook community. From there, they can book a private lesson, enroll in a group class, or sign up for an online course through the booking portal.