SERVICES
OUR MISSION
Our life's mission is to provide dog training programs that result in obedient and confident dogs who are eager, and enthusiastic to work with you, not for you. Using our unique KeenDog training method, our experienced and dedicated trainers will coach you how to have both on and off leash control of your dog in a way that results in a happy dog who looks to you for guidance no matter what environment you are in.
Our belief is that proper communication in a fun and consistent manner is the key to successful obedience training and behavior refinement. As you learn to communicate with your dog using the KeenDog Training System, you will begin to enhance your life with your dog, instead of your dog hindering it. Private one-on-one sessions, board and train, group classes and real world KeenDog activities are are aimed at building a bond with your dog who looks to you as their leader and best friend, gaining both love and respect from your dog. This innovative approach to dog training will ensure a lifetime of enjoyment for you both.
At KeenDog, we take a modern, balanced approach to training. We use a wide variety of training methods and tools that benefit the dog, as we do not want dogs to be reliant on one training system (think if we only use treats, once that treat goes away so does your dog’s listening skills). We use marker training, lure training, body motion, play, leash training and e collars in our training programs. All behaviors are taught in private and then you and your dog advance to our group classes to continue your skills in real world environments.
We primarily serve the Charlotte, NC and Fort Mill, SC area including Pineville, Matthews, Monroe, Huntersville, Concord, Indian Land, Tega Cay, Rock Hill, and more. We believe that dogs all over the country (and overseas!) can benefit from our unique approach. If you are not local to the Carolinas, check out our Out-of-State Dogs page!
JUMP TO OUR SERVICESWE OFFER A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS & ONLINE COURSES TO FIT YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
If you're looking for a hands-on, in-home option...
If you prefer a hands-off approach and want us to lay the groundwork...
If you want to start your puppy off right, then let us finish their training...
If you want to give your puppy the perfect jumpstart...
If you want us to hand select and raise the perfect puppy for you...
If you're not local to the Greater Charlotte area...
If you are looking for a self-guided training option...
If you're looking for a hybrid self-guided and one-on-one option...
If you want to expand your skills as a trainer and business owner...
INCLUDED IN TRAINING
TRAINING HIGHLIGHTS
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Ability to walk your dog on and off-leash with other dogs and people around
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Consistently and confidently call your dog back to you no matter what environment they are in
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Place command – ability to send your dog to a specific boundary and stay there until released; extended staying ability up to 30+ minutes
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Calm indoor behaviors
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Automatic side sits when you stop on your walks
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Focus on you, the handler, through severe distractions
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Confidence building for young, skittish, nervous, and aggressive dogs
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Eliminating unwanted behaviors such as jumping, nipping, chewing, destructive behaviors, soiling in the house and excessive barking
COMMANDS
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NAME RECOGNITION – look to you for direction when name is given
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HERE – recall to handler
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SIT – sit and remain in position until released, automatic sits at heel position
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DOWN – down and remain in position until released
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PLACE – go to a specific boundary and remain until released (bed, crate, etc., 30+ min)
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HEEL – walk on left side, nose to knee, auto sit when handler stops walking
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SWITCH – switch from left side to right when heeling
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LETS GO – follow along, less structured loose leash walk
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WATCH – make eye contact with handler
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TOUCH – two paws on object, i.e. a rubber feed bowl
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OUT – drop a toy
MARKERS
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KEEN/CLICK – terminal marker / release word for food reward direct from handler; builds drive, enthusiasm and engagement
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GET IT – terminal marker / release word for toy reward or food reward delivered indirectly by handler (tossed out)
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YES – terminal marker / release word for toy reward direct from handler (optional)
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FREE – terminal marker / release word with no reward (freedom is the reward)
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GOOD – duration marker; let’s your dog know you like what they are doing and to keep doing that behavior; food, affection, or praise reward
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NICE – duration marker; let’s your dog know you like what they are doing and to keep doing that behavior; no reward (optional)
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EH-EH – lets your dog know that they are on the wrong track
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NO – stop unwanted behaviors
GROUP CLASSES
Our group classes, and our flourishing community, truly set us apart. The KeenDog lifestyle is meant to be one of enjoyment for both you and your dog!
We don’t believe that training should stop after you solidify the fundamentals, thus why we offer many group classes that are held throughout the Greater Charlotte area!
Group class access comes complimentary with all of our training packages!
TRAINING PROGRAMS
PAYMENT PLANS
Some of our packages can be split into payment plans consisting of two or three payments, billed monthly. If you are interested in paying using a payment plan, click below to select a package.
