The Dog Wizard Upstate

Services Offered: Puppy Obedience Training, Board and Train Dog Training, Dog Day Training, Group Dog Training Classes, Private Dog Training Lessons, Specialty Dog Training, American Kennel Club (AKC) Training, Boarding

Pricing Summary

Pricing varies as programs are customized after a free evaluation.

What’s Unique About The Dog Wizard Upstate, In Their Words

The Dog Wizard Upstate brings a personal touch to every session, adapting techniques as needed – including for owners with visual impairments – and building real-world skills through outings to local spots like Tractor Supply. Families can choose between board-and-train or a more gradual in-home course, and the team has a knack for turning around even set-in-their-ways older dogs, often faster than owners expect. Free support events keep training going after graduation, and the location has built enough local goodwill to run community touches like its own “Unruly Dog Contest.”

Our Take

The Dog Wizard is a team of dog trainers specializing in behavior, obedience, and anxiety training. They aim to help dog owners achieve a well-trained dog that promptly obeys commands, can spend time alone without being destructive, safely bonds with people, and doesn’t get spooked by strange dogs or people during outings.

The Upstate team adapts its approach session by session, including working with owners who have visual impairments, and builds real-world skills through outings to local spots like Tractor Supply. Families can choose board and train or a more gradual in-home course, and the trainers have a knack for turning around older dogs set in their ways, often faster than owners expect. Free support events continue after graduation, and the location has built enough local goodwill to run its own community event, the Unruly Dog Contest.

They offer accessible, proven techniques designed to last a lifetime, focusing on helping dogs make better choices and respond to owners rather than impulses. Their training goes beyond basic commands, teaching dogs to stay engaged and follow through even in distracting environments.

The Dog Wizard also provides additional services such as boarding, doggie day care, grooming & grooming acclimation, and retail & pet products. They emphasize teaching the entire family how to best use the learned skills for a long, healthy, and happy relationship with their dog, providing all necessary tools for long-term success.

Accomplishments

The Dog Wizard team comprises experienced trainers with diverse backgrounds. Krissy Spero, Owner/Trainer, has been working professionally with dogs since 2016, opening her own training business in 2018. She is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) and is a CGC and STAR Puppy evaluator, as well as an experienced puppy temperament tester. Krissy emphasizes continued education for her staff, ensuring they stay updated on the latest methods.

Carmen Epting, a Dog Trainer with over six years of experience, graduated from The Dog Wizard Academy in March 2022. She is also a proud member of the IACP, actively pursuing continuing education and holding certifications in Pet CPR and First Aid, and Prong Collar Assessment. Carmen is an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator and has extensive experience with service dogs and behavior modification. Sara Goberdhan, another dog trainer, brings a solid background in veterinary medicine to her role.

How to Get Started!

To get started, The Dog Wizard Upstate offers a free evaluation, which can often be done at your location. This evaluation allows trainers to meet you and your dog, discuss your training goals, and recommend a customized program. You can call them to set up this initial consultation.