Upstate Dog Academy
Service area: Upstate Dog Academy is located in Greenville, SC, and serves the Greenville community. Their board and train facility is on the west side of Greenville, South Carolina. Private lessons can be taught in various environments, including clients’ homes, local breweries, coffee shops, and parks. They also serve clients from across the country through their board and train programs.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Therapy Dog
- Behavior Modification
- Service Dog
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Jumping on People
- Potty Training
- Recall
- Reactivity / Aggression
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Board and Train
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Intensive Program
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ Food Rewards
Upstate Dog Academy offers canine training programs based on “The Upstate Way,” which emphasizes communication and building a strong relationship between dogs and humans. They use balanced training methods, incorporating positive reinforcement to shape behaviors and introducing “aversives and tools” as dogs mature.
Programs are structured in phases, typically 3 to 4 weeks long, and range from “Puppy Foundations” (covering potty training, crate training, basic commands like sit, down, come, place, leave it) to “Basic Obedience” and “Advanced Obedience.” Advanced programs cater to specific goals such as creating Emotional Support Animals or Therapy Dogs. They also offer private lessons conducted in various environments (home, public places) and board and train programs.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Training programs are broken down into phases, typically ranging from 3 to 4 weeks. Specific pricing details are not provided.
Testimonials
“James and his awesome assistant were great! They came right on the schedule time and we’re extremely helpful with getting us on track with Zeus. Looking forward to more sessions and working with him more! Highly recommended if you are looking for a trainer in the area.”
– Mutasim Alsalti
“We are extremely pleased with the training that our 1 yo lab received with James and the pack. Trooper is a very smart dog but needed a little refining in that he loves everyone hence would jump on anyone in sight to show his love! James worked with Trooper for 3 weeks and he is a different dog in a good way. He is still our Trooper but in control. James and Kandi were very responsive to texts, questions, etc. I trusted them even to the point of boarding Trooper with them while on a recent vacation. If you want to enjoy your dog to the max, take him/her in public with no worries, etc, James is the trainer for you. I can’t recommend him enough. Go get yo dog trained!”
– Allyson McCall
“The staff is awesome , they are friendly, out going, energetic, and amazing with there training. My dog is stubborn but James made progress with him. I’d recommend Upstate to anyone.”
– Brittney Crooks
About the Trainer
Upstate Dog Academy is a dog training business dedicated to “Creating Custom Made Companions From Dogs.” They specialize in canine training and companion building, aiming to help dogs and humans strengthen their relationship. Their training philosophy, known as “The Upstate Way,” is balanced, emphasizing positive reinforcement to shape behaviors while also incorporating “aversives and tools” as dogs mature.
They offer a range of programs from “Puppy Foundations” to “Advanced Obedience,” catering to various goals such as developing well-mannered family pets or trained therapy dogs. They provide regular updates to owners, including video updates on Mondays and weekly reports on Fridays, and conduct an “outtake session” before graduation to ensure a smooth transition for the dog and owner.
The academy is led by James Osco, the Head Trainer, who has decades of experience. The team also includes Carlos Paul, the Lead Trainer, and Shelly Bixby, an Associate Trainer, along with Junior Handler Corey Taylor. They are committed to delivering high-quality canine training.
Accomplishments
James Osco, the Head Trainer and “Upstate Dog Guy,” has decades of experience working with and owning many dog breeds, dog training apprenticeships, training seminars, and countless obedience training certifications. He has years of obedience training experience in the Greenville community and across the country. Carlos Paul, the Lead Trainer, has extensive knowledge in communicating with and listening to dogs, and experience working with “hard dogs” in behavior modification programs. Shelly Bixby, an Associate Trainer, has a strong background working with animals, including training horses.
How to Get Started!
Dog owners can start their journey by contacting Upstate Dog Academy to schedule a consultation. For the fastest response, they are advised to call James directly.

Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Dog day care center
- Pet boarding service
- Pet trainer
Location
12 Grahl Ct, Greenville, SC 29611Listing Tools for Trainers
For Upstate Dog Academy Only
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