Wilde Acres

Wilde Acres provides comprehensive dog training through several program formats. Their core offerings are “Board and Train Retreats,” where dogs live on-site for immersive training. Puppy Training Retreats (for dogs under 6 months) focus on manners, socialization, potty training, and basic commands, with an option for advanced off-leash training at 7-9 months. Adult Dog Training Retreats (for dogs over 6 months) cover on-leash obedience, nuisance behaviors, and off-leash recall, with longer stays recommended for advanced skills.

Specialized board and train programs include Bird Dog Training for hunting and competitive gun dogs, focusing on field work, gunfire desensitization, and specific commands like “Whoa” and “Fetch.” Behavior Modification programs address issues like aggression, extreme anxiety, and fear, with customized lengths of stay. Service Dog Training offers tailored programs for service or therapy dogs, covering public access manners, mobility assistance, and crisis response.

For owners who prefer not to leave their dogs overnight, Dog Day Training provides 8 full-day sessions over 4 consecutive weeks, focusing on obedience and behavioral issues. Private Dog Training offers one-on-one lessons for customized goals, including obedience, manners, and behavior modification. Group Dog Training Classes are available for puppies and older dogs, covering basic obedience and specific skills like e-collar recall. Most programs include follow-up “Handler Classes” to ensure owners can maintain their dog’s learned behaviors.

Pricing Summary

Wilde Acres offers various training packages with different pricing structures. Puppy Training Retreats range from $2,650 for 2 weeks to $10,000 for 8 weeks. Adult Dog Training Retreats are priced from $3,000 for 2 weeks to $6,200 for 5 weeks. Dog Day Training is a 4-week package for $1,950. Private Dog Training costs $250 for 1 lesson, $1,000 for a 5-lesson bundle, and $750 for a 5-lesson alumni bundle. Behavior Modification programs start at $1,900 for the first week, with additional weeks at $1,600 each. Bird Dog Training is an 8-week package for $6,000. Service Dog Training prices vary and require an initial consultation fee of $250. Group classes include puppy classes at $120 for 3 classes or $50 each, obedience and e-collar classes at $500 for 9 classes, and Dog Talks at $200 for a working spot or $100 for an audit spot. Handler classes are free for graduates. Deposits ($300 or $600 depending on the program) are required to hold reservations and are refundable within 7 days of the start date; the remaining balance is due upon drop-off or the first lesson.

Policies

Deposits for most training programs are refundable within 7 days of the scheduled start date if the client chooses to cancel. The remaining balance for retreats and training packages is due upon drop-off or at the first lesson/training day.

Wilde Acres is a premier dog training and boarding facility located on a 20-acre campus in Glyndon, MD, serving the Baltimore and DC metropolitan areas. Founded by Carter Wilde, the business utilizes proven methods developed over two decades of experience working with thousands of dogs.

Their training philosophy, described as “complete dog training,” incorporates leashes, collars, treats, toys, and praise, establishing firm boundaries while allowing freedom. They combine modern, science-based techniques with extensive practical experience.

Wilde Acres offers a wide array of services including various dog training retreats (board and train programs) for puppies and adult dogs, day training, private lessons, group classes, behavior modification, service dog training, and bird dog training. In addition to training, they provide dog boarding and grooming services. They also operate a shop selling dog accessories and beds.

Accomplishments

Founder Carter Wilde has two decades of experience in dog training, having worked with over 5,000 dogs. The Wilde Acres team is noted for holding “top-of-the-line dog training credentials.”

How to Get Started!

To begin training, clients can book a consultation through the Wilde Acres website. For Behavior Modification and Service Dog training programs, an initial private consultation is required to assess the dog’s needs and formulate a custom training plan. For group classes, advanced registration is necessary and can be done by emailing or calling the office.