Z&E Canine Manners
Service area: Serves Charleston, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, Johns Island, West Ashley, James Island, Mt. Pleasant, Park Circle, Summerville, and Monks Corner.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Competition / Agility
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Potty Training
- Biting / Nipping
- Fearfulness
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Day Training
Program Formats
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Giant
- Herding
- Sporting
- Working
- Hounds
- Terriers
- Doodles
- Brachycephalic
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
Group classes include Puppy Socialization (8–14 weeks), Puppy-B-Good (10–22 weeks), AKC STAR Puppy (up to 6 months), Adult Manners & Obedience (basic and intermediate levels), AKC Canine Good Citizen, City Manners, Rally Obedience, Agility for Fun, Scent Work, and more. Classes are 4–6 weeks long with weekly sessions. Private in-home sessions are customized for specific behavior issues or training goals. Day training is available during work hours. Workshops are offered periodically on single topics like polite greetings or leash walking.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Private sessions are tailored to individual needs; group classes cost $180–$200 for 4–6 weeks. Puppy classes range from $180–$200, adult obedience classes are $195, and specialty classes like agility and rally are $195. Registration closes 72 hours before class start; refunds are issued less processing fees if dropped 48 hours in advance. Discounts available for shelter staff and adoptees.
Policies
Classes require a minimum of 3 registrants to run; if canceled due to low enrollment, classes are rescheduled 1–2 weeks later. Registration closes 72 hours before the start date. Students may drop a class up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund minus processing fees. Vaccination records must be provided and may be verified with the veterinarian. Some puppy classes include owner-only orientation sessions.
Testimonials
“We highly recommend the puppy socialization class with Z&E Canine Manners. Our puppy lacked confidence/social skills and after the class he really came full circle and plays and greets dogs of all sizes! He also learned basic commands which have become very useful in day to day training and activities! It was a great class for us as well, full of information that will help us be a happy family.”
– Jessica, Lee, & Buoy (West Ashley)
“As a first time dog owner i was confused by all the training videos and methods i found online. A friend recommended Z&E and We took the Puppy Good Manners class. Nildan’s energy, enthusiasm and ability to get the puppies to do what she/we wanted with positive reinforcement was amazing. I’m looking forward to more progress in the intermediate class! My puppy is well on his way to becoming a southern gentleman.”
– First-time owner
“Nildan’s training methods are nothing short of a miracle! Our once bossy pup is now much more well-behaved thanks to Nildan’s positive reinforcement techniques and clear communication. She has a true gift for connecting with dogs and their owners (we needed it!), creating a fun and supportive learning environment. We’re forever grateful for Nildan’s expertise and patience and doggy voice – she’s truly the best in the business!”
– Client
About the Trainer
Z&E Canine Manners is a veterinarian-recommended dog training and behavior consulting company based in Charleston, SC, offering in-home private lessons and group classes for puppies and adult dogs. They specialize in temperament assessments, manners and obedience training, problem behavior solving, and canine sports like agility and rally obedience. Their training methods are rooted in positive reinforcement, with no use of shock, yelling, or aversive tools. They provide structured puppy socialization programs, adult obedience classes, and specialty workshops including scent work, leash walking, and polite greetings. They also offer day training for dogs while owners are at work and consult with local shelters and rescue groups, offering discounts to staff and adoptees.
Their group classes are held at a large fenced-in outdoor space on James Island, and private sessions are conducted in the client’s home for personalized attention. They emphasize early socialization to prevent fear and reactivity, with classes designed for puppies as young as 8 weeks and continuing through adulthood. Their curriculum includes AKC STAR Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, and AKC Rally Obedience programs, making them a comprehensive choice for families seeking both foundational skills and advanced training.
Z&E Canine Manners is known for its supportive, educational approach, with trainers like Erin Kienzle and Nildan providing clear, patient instruction. They also offer free educational resources, blog content, and videos to help owners understand canine behavior and training science.
Accomplishments
Z&E Canine Manners is veterinarian recommended and has been featured in a Lowcountry Live! interview. They provide training programs aligned with AKC standards and consult with local animal shelters and rescues. Their trainers are recognized for effective positive reinforcement methods and community education.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients can browse class offerings on the website, register online for group classes, or contact the business to inquire about private sessions or day training. Vaccination information is required during registration. For behavior issues, clients are encouraged to reach out directly to discuss options and schedule a consultation.

Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
10am-9pm
Associations
- AKC
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Location
Charleston, SC 29412Listing Tools for Trainers
For Z&E Canine Manners Only
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