The Dog Wizard Lake Norman

I recently sent my 9 month old puppy Jesse through the 21 day Jumpstart Board & Train program and I am beyond pleased with the results. I chose the Dog Wizard thanks to their stellar reviews and a personal recommendation from a coworker who has had several pups go through their program successfully. I’ll admit that the initial days were a little nerve-wracking for this first-time Dog Mom, sending her baby off to ‘college’, after we had only been together for 6 weeks! :) However, once I started getting frequent progress reports via text and social media posts, and could actually SEE her growth & transformation, I knew I had done the best thing for my girl and for our long term relationship. Plus, she looked so HAPPY and EAGER to be working with her trainer, Kassie. Jesse was already a relatively well-behaved pup for her age; and when I signed up for this program I had a few goals in mind: 1) loose-leash walking/heel by my side; 2) freedom to take her out to dog friendly businesses and me have the confidence in knowing how she would react - and not require me to provide her with distractions (bones, chews, etc); 3) recall/off-leash ability mainly for peace of mind when I have other family members & friends care for her when I’m traveling. Kassie ABSOLUTELY delivered on all three of my goals and then some. She also did a great job turning the training reins over to me, spending the better part of two hours teaching me how to work with Jesse and setting us both up for a successful transition; after all, the 3 week program is one thing - but it doesn’t end there - I have to put the work in as the owner to maintain the foundation that has been built. Kassie clearly has a passion for dog training and I cannot thank her enough for what she has done for us. My pup came home as an improved, confident, more obedient version of the one that left! Money well-spent and I have nothing but the highest regard and recommendation for the Dog Wizard of Lake Norman & Gastonia, and especially Kassie. Can’t wait to see her out when we get together for group walks! PS: If my cat were writing this review, he would say he’s frustrated that Jesse isn’t as interested in him anymore (she will hold her down/stay on her bed like it is her JOB, much to his dismay).

We were very pleased with the training from The Dog Wizard!!! I worked with Melanie to determine the type of training (we chose private), and Michelle came to our house to work with our two Golden Retriever pups (9 and 10 months old) each Saturday for 8 weeks. Michelle did a wonderful job!! She was always prompt, patient, and has such a calm, easy-going demeanor! Winston and Woody listened to her immediately! My husband and I looked forward to Michelle’s visits! She communicated well with us! The positive reinforcement training methods are easy to learn and practice. I can actually take both Goldens for a walk by myself without them pulling on the leash! We can take them anywhere and are confident that they will behave. We plan to continue to practice the strategies Michelle taught, and look forward to possible “mini sessions” with other owners and their pets. So thankful we found The Dog Wizard and Michelle, and for the friendships we’ve made! 🤗

WARNING. ANIMAL ABUSE. Do not send your dog here!! They kept my dog Sunny for the 3 week training program and not only did he come back with no improvement to his behavior, he came back traumatized. They deprived him of play time which is vital to exercise and neglected to tell me about it until I asked when he got home. They did not follow thru with the updates as promised, they did not brush his coat (he is a poodle and poodle’s require daily brushing). He came come so matted his groomer even was angry and raised questions of neglect. It has been months and he still is fearful and anxious. He also got fleas while he was there. Staff is impossible to contact and they refuse to acknowledge any issues. It has been months and my dog still hasn’t been quite the same. It breaks my heart to imagine what he went thru in their “care”. Please do not subject your dog to this company.

We highly recommend The Dog Wizard Lake Norman. Melanie and her team really listened to our needs for our 5 month old golden retriever puppy and implemented the best plan for her. We had issues with puppy biting and impulse control mainly. Typical puppy behavioral things. She completed the jumpstart puppy program which is 21 days or more typically and I swear she is a new dog. She responds well to the commands that Melanie instilled in her while she was there. The "place" and "off" commands have been life savers for us. She no longer constantly play bites or jumps on our two little ones. She is still a puppy, but with better manners :) She is much better behaved on walks. She had issues with eating things like dirt, grass etc. and now we say "off" and she redirects to a treat instead. We are so happy we chose The Dog Wizard Lake Norman to help us with getting our Dolly on the right track. Thanks again!

Melanie and team were extremely helpful with our two puppies! We put them through their board and train program, and we were really struggling before they left, between puppy fights, not being able to walk them, always in go mode and now that they are home with us following what Melanie set the ground rules for they are SUCH great dogs! Relaxed, calm, able to walk them and so much more. With a baby on the way soon this was so important for us, and we are so happy to stumble upon this group. Highly recommend!