Skiptown Dog Training

Professional dog training for pups and their people. Because you deserve to do life together.

Your pup shouldn’t have to miss out. And neither should you.

Man walking and petting a dog in a garden in Charlotte, NC

We know how hard it is to leave your pup behind while you head out for a brewery afternoon or trip to the beach. 

We also know how stressful it is to bring your dog along only to have them pulling at their leash, barking at other dogs, and running off no matter how many times you yell their name.

And yet, finding the right solution can feel like a balancing act.

  • You want a well-behaved pup who listens and follows rules and you want them to remain their silly, happy selves 
  • You want your dog to have boundaries and know when enough is enough and you don’t want to scold 
  • You want a training experience that’s effective and actually enjoyable for you and your pup

That’s where we come in.

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We’re here to show you that training can be attainable, rewarding, and yep, we’re gonna say it — fun

Skiptown dog training helps you understand your dog’s behavior so that you can bring out the behavior you want, in a way that’s rewarding to BOTH of you. 

Our experienced team of trainers uses the industry-leading positive reinforcement protocol known as LIMA.

Behavioral change through encouragement and positivity

LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) emphasizes using humane and effective strategies for training and behavior change while avoiding unnecessary punishment. All Skiptown trainers follow LIMA and prioritize positive reinforcement, continuous learning, and a systematic problem-solving approach. 

In group training settings and 1:1 training, our team promotes a respectful and individualized approach that aims to prevent the potential negative effects of punishment.

It’s about giving your dog the confidence they need to be the good girl or boy you already know they can be.

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Making dog training less complicated

Our experienced trainers use positive reinforcement methods to teach obedience, manners, and real-life skills. With Skiptown training, here’s what you can expect:

Convenient and flexible sessions

Life is BUSY. We get it. That’s why we’re committed to offering courses at a variety of days and times throughout the week, including evening and weekend sessions. Plus, booking training is quick and easy in the Skiptown app.

Individual attention for every pup

We know that what works for some dogs might not work for ALL dogs. Group sessions will be kept small enough for each dog (and their parent) to get personalized guidance and attention. If something isn’t clicking for your pup (or for you) we’ll find a way to make it work.

Comprehensive training for all stages

We’re here to help you and your pup get the most out of life together, no matter where your pup is right now or where you want them to be. We’ll have courses covering everything from basic puppy obedience to loose leash walking, agility, and more. 

Effective strategies for your pup AND you

Your dog will learn methods that can lead to life-long behavioral changes. And you’ll be learning right alongside them. Each course will include handouts and homework so that you can continue working on lessons at home, ensuring long-term success.

We're dog lovers, first and foremost

Our trainers are qualified professionals (see below for a list of certifications) who will love your pup just as much as our daycare and boarding Skippers do. We promise your pup will be treated with kindness, respect, and plenty of belly rubs.

A safe environment your pup already loves

Pup safety and comfort will ALWAYS be our number one priority, and that goes for training, as well. Plus, if your pup is already a Skiptown pup, you can trust that they’ll be in a space they love and are comfortable in. 

READY TO SIT, STAY, PLAY?

From basics to far beyond, we’ve got options for just about every pup and parent out there. 

See the full schedule and sign up in the app!

And more courses are coming soon!

  • Tricks Class
  • Obedience Level 1 — Puppy Program
  • Intro to Scent Work

An introduction to training basics! Our Obedience Level 1 course is where you and your pup lay the groundwork for a lifetime of well-behaved adventures. From fundamental obedience skills to building a strong foundation for future training, this course ensures you and your pup start your training journey on the right paw.

The Details:

  • Location: Skiptown
  • Sessions: 6 weekly sessions, 1 hour long
  • Price: $210 ($35/session)
  • Group Size: 4-6 dogs 

After graduating, your pup will be able to…

  • Pay attention to you when you call their name 
  • Reliably come to you from 12+ feet away
  • Respond to sit, lie down, and side commands
  • And learn the basics of stay, leave it, and drop it

We’ll also cover…

  • How to turn playtime into training
  • Focusing and training practice with distractions
  • Dog socialization skills

This course is right for you if…

  • You have a dog that needs to work on basic manners, listening skills, and focusing around distractions.

This might not be a fit if…

  • Your dog exhibits extreme reactivity on leash or aggression towards other dogs or people

After this course…

  • Your pup will be able to take level 2 classes, including obedience level 2, tricks class, enrichment, scent-work, loose leash walking, AND MORE!
  • You’ll also be well on your way to a CGC (Canine Good Citizen) certification

Get ready to turn heads! Our Obedience Level 2 course takes the foundation established in basic obedience to new heights. Dive deeper into impulse control, master place cues, and elevate those basic skills, showcasing just how skilled your pup can be. It’s training that makes tails wag and people take notice!

The Details:

  • Location: Skiptown
  • Sessions: 6 weekly sessions, 1 hour long
  • Price: $210 ($35/session)
  • Group Size: 4-6 dogs 

After graduating, your pup will be able to…

  • Easily go to their place or bed at your command
  • Sit and wait at doors or when getting leashed up
  • Hold a stay and reliably recall across a large area
  • Learn how to control impulses and say ‘Say Please’

We’ll also cover…

  • Impulse control games
  • Pattern games for redirecting attention
  • Difference between high and low-value rewards

This course is right for you if…

  • Your pup has basic training down and is ready to focus on the next level of skills.

This might not be a fit if…

  • Your pup struggles to focus on commands on leash around other dogs
  • Your dog doesn’t know level 1 skills (marker signals, sit, down, short distance recall, and consistently responding to their name)

After this course…

Tired of the leash tug-of-war? Join our Loose Leash Walking & Public Skills course and transform your walks from chaotic to calm. Say goodbye to unruly barking, jumping, and pulling in public settings. This course is your guide to achieving enjoyable outings with your pup, fostering a harmonious and well-behaved partnership on the leash. 

The Details:

  • Location: Skiptown
  • Sessions: 6 weekly sessions, 1 hour long
  • Price: $210 ($35/session)
  • Class Size: 4-6 dogs 

After graduating, your pup will be able to…

  • Walk calmly by your side around a myriad of distractions
  • Be able to control their manners out in public
  • Be easily redirected when they get distracted

We’ll also cover…

  • Lots of redirection techniques to keep your pup’s focus on you.
  • Teaching your pup that you’re way more exciting than chasing the neighborhood squirrels.

This course is right for you if…

  • Your pup has an understanding of the basics but needs some work controlling their impulses on leash or in public.

This might not be a fit if…

  • Your pup struggles to focus on commands on leash around other dogs
  • Your dog doesn’t know level 1 skills (marker signals, sit, down, short distance recall, and consistently responding to their name)

After this course…

Ready to add a dash of flair to your dog’s repertoire? Join our Tricks Class and discover the joy of learning 10 new tricks together! Engage your dog’s brain and body in this fun-filled class, perfect for graduates of basic training. It’s not just about tricks; it’s about the shared fun and bonding that come with each playful, impressive feat.

The Details:

  • Location: Skiptown
  • Sessions: 6 weekly sessions, 1 hour long
  • Price: $210 ($35/session)
  • Class Size: 4-6 dogs 

 

After graduating, your pup will be able to…

  • Do 10 fun tricks! Crawl, find It, hold, kiss, do push-ups, spin, “paws up”, touch-target (hand & target stick), high five, shake, and jump through a hoop

 

We’ll also cover…

  • Ways to evolve these tricks into even more fun and advanced skills
  • How to submit for your AKC Novice Trick Title

 

This class is right for you if…

  • You and your pup want a fun challenge, to improve your bond, and build confidence.

 

This might not be a fit if…

  • Your dog is easily distracted or not able to recall back to you with other dogs moving around.
  • Your dog doesn’t know: level 1 skills: marker signals, sit, and down.

 

After this class…

  • You’ll have the tools to get an AKC Trick Dog certification
  • For more mental stimulation, you can try our scent-work class or enrichment seminars.
  • Other next steps could include obedience levels 2-3 or loose leash walking.

Choose a training experience as unique as your furry friend with our One-on-One Training sessions. Tailored to the individual needs of your pup, this bespoke program focuses on overcoming basic obedience hurdles and behavioral challenges, paving the way to advanced skills in a supportive, distraction-free environment.

The Details:

  • Location: Skiptown
  • Sessions: 3 weekly sessions, tailored to your schedule
  • Price: $225 (just $75 per session!)
  • Bonus: Includes a 30-minute consultation call to perfectly tailor the training plan to your pet’s unique personality and your personal goals

This class is right for you if…

  • You’re seeking a more personalized training approach.
  • Your dog needs extra help with foundational obedience.
  • Your pup struggles to maintain focus when there are distractions.
  • You prefer the undivided attention of a private session to foster your pet’s learning and growth.

Puppies, assemble! Join Obedience Level 1 – Puppy Program for an introduction to puppy basics and socialization, covering not only essential obedience skills but also the crucial first steps in the art of socializing your puppy. Let the fun—and learning—begin!

The Details:

  • Location: Skiptown
  • Sessions: 6 weekly sessions, 1 hour long
  • Price: $210 ($35/session)
  • Class Size: 4-6 dogs (under 6 months)

After graduating, your pup will be able to…

  • Pay attention to you when you call their name 
  • Reliably come to you from 12+ feet away
  • Respond to sit, lie down, and heel/side commands
  • And learn the basics of stay, leave it, and drop it

We’ll also cover…

  • How to turn playtime into training
  • Focusing and training practice with distractions
  • Puppy socialization & desensitization skills

This class is right for you if…

  • You have a puppy that needs to work on basic manners, listening skills, focusing around distractions, and general socialization.

After this class…

  • Your pup will be able to take level 2 classes including obedience level 2, tricks class, enrichment, scent-work, loose leash walking, AND MORE! 
  • You’ll also be well on your way to a CGC (Canine Good Citizen) certification

Ready to add a dash of flair to your dog’s repertoire? Join our Tricks Class and discover the joy of learning 10 new tricks together! Engage your dog’s brain and body in this fun-filled class, perfect for graduates of basic training. It’s not just about tricks; it’s about the shared fun and bonding that come with each playful, impressive feat.

The Details:

  • Location: Skiptown
  • Sessions: 4 weekly sessions, 1 hour long
  • Price: $120 ($30/session)
  • Class Size: 4-6 dogs 

After graduating, your pup will be able to…

  • Do 10 fun tricks! Crawl, get on (“hop up”), kiss, do push-ups, spin, “paws up”, touch-target (hand & target stick), high five, shake, and jump through a hoop

We’ll also cover…

  • Ways to evolve these tricks into even more fun and advanced skills
  • How to submit for your AKC Novice Trick Title

This class is right for you if…

  • You and your pup want a fun challenge, to improve your bond, and build confidence.

This might not be a fit if…

  • Your dog is easily distracted or not able to recall back to you with other dogs moving around.

After this class…

  • You’ll have the tools to get an AKC Trick Dog certification
  • For more mental stimulation, you can try our scent-work class or enrichment seminars.
  • Other next steps could include obedience levels 2-3 or loose leash walking.

Unleash the detective in your dog with our Intro to Scent-Work class! Engage in scent games that transform your pup into a prize-seeking superstar. Beyond providing mental and physical stimulation, scent-work is a confidence-building adventure for all dogs. Join us for a scent-sational journey! (“Scent-sational” — you know we had to.)

The Details:

  • Location: Skiptown
  • Sessions: 4 weekly sessions, 1 hour long
  • Price: $120 ($30/session)
  • Class Size: 4-6 dogs 

After graduating, your pup will be able to…

  • Find a scent pouch on command that’s been hidden out of sight!

We’ll also cover…

  • How to teach them to find new scents/objects
  • Scent-work games for at-home practice

This class is right for you if…

  • Your pup loves learning new skills and challenges or if they have extra energy to burn.

This might not be a fit if…

  • Your dog is easily distracted or not able to recall back to you with other dogs moving around.

After this class…

  • For more mental stimulation, you can try our tricks class or enrichment seminars.
  • Other next steps could include obedience levels 2-3 or loose leash walking.

Want to see our team’s certifications? We thought you might.

Skiptown’s training team holds these credentials and completes all required ongoing education and re-certification as needed: 

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SEE THE TRAINING SCHEDULE AND SIGN UP NOW IN THE APP!

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New courses roll out every few weeks! Sign up now and get emailed as soon as new training rounds open up.

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A lady giving treats to a golden retriever in Charlotte, NC
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Where you and your pup live your best lives

At Skiptown, our mission has always been to help you and your pup live your best lives together. We created Skiptown to make pet parenting simpler and more fun, and we can’t wait to help you live an even richer life with your pup through training.  

Whether you’re looking for puppy basics to advanced training, we’ll help you strengthen your bond with your pup and gain the confidence you both need for a stress-free life of adventure together!

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