We recently adopted Raven, an 18-month old female German Shepherd into a household with 2 other dogs and 3 cats. After several stressful incidents at home between Raven and the other animals, we quickly realized we were in over our heads with training and obedience and needed professional help. We found The Dog Knowledge and immediately enrolled her in the 4 week program. Raven had severe anxiety and trust issues, and wouldn't open up to the trainers for the first 7-10 days. Unfortunately this set her behind in her class, and she wasn't able to graduate on time. We almost gave her away, as we thought our household was going to be too much for her level of fear and anxiety. However, TDK didn't give up on her, or on us! They continued to work with her for an additional 2 weeks, and Dennis brought her home for an in-home session this past Monday. In her first 3 days at home, we've noticed such an amazing change! She is staying on "place" in our living room while the cats hover around her, and is showing amazing restraint. She is also loose-leash walking like a champ! She is noticeably more relaxed and at ease. Most importantly, Dennis transitioned her back to us in a way that gave us the tools and confidence we needed to maintain her training and continue to work with her at home. We are so happy to have our girl home and extremely thankful and grateful for everything TDK has done for our family! read more

How is it that there are 30 reviews for this place, and NONE of them 'make the cut'? I reviewed the Dog Knowledge after my dog went there years ago, and was recommending to a friend so went to the page to get the link, and see that not only has my review not 'made the cut', but neither has a single review?!? I did check out the link showing the criteria, and stating that advertisers don't get any special treatment, but at the top of the page for the dog knowledge are several PAID advertisements for dog training facilities, with the reviews for the dog knowledge hidden at the bottom (after clicking a link). I used to think YELP was a great place to get CUSTOMER'S honest opinions about businesses, and have relied on it in the past, but now that I see it's 'pay to play', I'm going to start looking elsewhere for an alternative. If I wanted the opinions of companies, I'd just watch their commercials. Think about changing your ridiculous policies, or you're going to start losing a lot of people very quickly. You won't be getting my clicks anymore if this sort of behavior keeps happening. Also, the Dog Knowledge is awesome. My dog came out of the 'boot camp' program a perfect little angel, and that husky pup was far from it when she went in. I can't recommend the dog knowledge enough. read more

My dogs have been going to TDK their entire lives. Oreo started going there as a puppy about 7 years ago for day care, boarding and even their 6 week training camp. He is the most amazing dog ever and still knows all of his commands. He gets super excited every time he gets picked up by TDK car or I drop him off there. I recently got another dog, Gizmo, who went to the 2 week puppy farm experience. I could immediately see a change when he came home and he responds to some commands even at such a young age. I fully trust TDK to take care of my dogs / train them whether for one day or an extended period of time. I know that it's a great place because of how happy they are when they get there!! read more

I would recommend The Dog Knowledge to anyone! They have done wonders for my dog and trained me a great deal as well. My GSD just completed a 4 week training program with them and we are light-years from where we were prior. If you are looking for training please consider them. They are ethical, affordable, and most of all extremely kind. read more

Debbie and the dog knowledge staff have real passion for DOGS! Sallie, my lab pup has been treated as a member of the family since she arrived in Charlotte from places west of here. Debbie first took her to the farm because of her age and training needs at the time then graduated her to regular training classes as she progressed. Sallie is now a certified therapy dog, fearless in the PT geriatric environment, stays placed during barre and pilates classes, and is the greeter at the office. Thanks Dog Knowlwdge! read more

We recently rescued a 10-month-old boxer we call, "Goose." He was named after the character, "Goose" in the movie, "Top Gun." However, unfortunately he was more like the Tasmanian devil you see in cartoons than Goose in Top Gun. We had him for two weeks before bringing him to The Dog Knowledge. Those initial two weeks we had him at home felt like 3 months. Every day was a struggle. He was wild, reckless, challenging to walk, attempted to dominate everyone in the household, counter-surfed and was destructive. He turned our world upside down. We heard from one of my wife's clients that Debbie and her team at The Dog Knowledge were able to help strong behavioral cases like his and to help assimilate problem dogs into households. Our current lifestyle can't sustain anything that isn't harmonious with our existing dog, work schedules, travel and the overall rhythm and routine of our home. If he didn't majorly improve, then we sadly would have to return him to the rescue organization that we adopted him from and/or find another home for him. We didn't have the time or energy to try multiple things to help, so we couldn't afford to not get it right on the first try. Per the strong recommendation from my wife's client, we decided to reach out to Debbie and her team at The Dog Knowledge. Upon completing our initial consultation, we signed him up to train at their facility. We found her facility not only staffed with excellent trainers and support staff, but a wonderful space to be in. From all of the cool antiquities, the spacious indoor training area, the pool and the area where the dogs are boarded, everything is wonderful and clean. In our initial meeting, Debbie and Caitlyn sat and talked with us, patiently answered our many questions and made us feel hopeful that our pup could be a part of our family. The initial training course was 4 weeks, but because of some of his behavioral issues and our busy schedule he stayed a little longer. He was in attendance there for 6 weeks. Throughout those 6 weeks, our experience in dealing with Debbie and her team at The Dog Knowledge was excellent. I consult with companies regarding customer experience, therefore I pick up on every detail especially when it costs us our time, energy and money. Our journey with them from our initial consult, to our mid-way through training with Katelyn, to graduation, to our in-home post training session with Nick and everything in between was stellar. Their communication and consultation was thorough and detailed. We never felt confused by any of their correspondences, nor rushed through any of the training exercises they had us participate in during our dog's training and our post training session. We had every confidence in them and felt thoroughly comfortable entrusting them with our dog for those 6 weeks. They earned our trust from the first consultation and every interaction after only reinforced that trust throughout the training process. We plan to board our dog with them each month when we travel and have them provide additional training in areas that will arise as he matures. My wife and I would recommend Debbie and her team at The Dog Knowledge to anyone and everyone who has a dog that needs a little help, or A LOT of help. Many Thanks and Much Appreciation to Debbie, Katelyn, Nick, Brittany, Sarah and the entire Support Staff at The Dog Knowledge. Adam Pack, Elizabeth Queener, and "Goose" read more

Exceptionally happy with our experience at The Dog Knowledge! Beautiful facility and caring staff. Had our dog stay with them for a training course and have been very pleased with the results. Also a great daycare option for our dog and would not hesitate to board with them. The Dog Knowledge is a great asset for the city! read more

The Dog Knowledge training program did not disappoint! We sent our 6 month old English Cocker Spaniel puppy, Maggie, to their 4 week training program and while it was hard to be away from her for that long, it was totally worth it! We were impressed with how well Maggie does on walks in our neighborhood, how well she listens, and how well behaves. We had an in home training session with Nick and he helped us understand the best way to work with Maggie in our home and offered full support if we run into any issues. For those that do not have the time or experience to train your dog, this is the place to go! read more

The training at The Dog Knowledge is amazing. They exceeded our expectations! Our dog Molly is a much calmer, better behaved dog after her training. She walks perfectly on her leash even with my 7 year old high energy son. They worked with us to tailor her training to meet our specific needs and provided a home visit after training to assist with implementing her newly learned skills. Nick was our trainer and did our home visit. He was great! I highly recommend them! read more

So impressed by the owner Debbie, our trainer Nick, and the whole The Dog Knowledge team. Our dog, Bertie, participated both in the early puppy 2 week program on the farm and the 4 week training program. We could not be happier. Each time she was treated with personalized care. It's hard to leave your pup for a few weeks, but with this excellent crew you can be confident your dog is receiving the best training. They really listen to your needs and concerns and tailor the experience to fit your dog. We continue to use them for daycare and boarding needs. I highly recommend this group. Thank you, The Dog Knowledge! read more

I had the opportunity to meet Austin with the Dog Knowledge and a service dog in training named Trusty. This organization is amazing. They have high standards for the quality of training they provide. They are very responsive and actively educate the public. The use only positive reenforcement. I highly recommend this organization. read more

I don't know about the lying on TV issue but as a person that has used them for 7 years, I have been satisfied with their training and boarding services. My dog always comes back a little better behaved than when I left her so they are doing something right. They have been extremely accommodating and I like that I can bring my dog in for boarding without a reservation. I have several friends that use them and they have also been pleased. read more

We sent our dog Tucker to The Dog Knowledge for a 4 week training session. It was a difficult decision to be a part from him for that amount of time, but we knew, with the right training, he would be much happier at home and with the family. We were right! Tucker loved his time there and the training he had with Nick, Katelyn and team. Nick came to visit with us and Tucker after training and gave us thorough and simple techniques to continue his progress here! Tucker is so much less anxious and happier! We highly recommend The Dog Knowledge and their team! read more

We have been members of TDK for many years. Our first dog went there for day care for eight years. He loved going there, was well treated, and enjoyed it when we boarded him. It improved his quality of life and was a real convenience for our family. He died in 2016, and TDK helped us get our current dog, an English Cream Golden fully trained by TDK. The result of the training was eye opening for me. The first dog had some basic training and was an excellent dog, but the fully trained dog is obedient in every way and just as loving as the first one. He's a pleasure in every way. TDK trains service dogs as well as pets. They can accomplish whatever goals you have for your dog. Perhaps more important is the quality of care that the staff extends to the dogs and their owners. They hire the nicest people as well as the most competent. Whether you need day care, boarding, training or all of those services, I think you'll be happy if you try The Dog Knowledge. read more

Every single person I have been in contact with at The Dog Knowledge has been pleasant and informative. Excellent training with a professional team approach! Thank you so much for training and certifying Ava as my service dog! She is just awesome! She has made such a positive impact on my life! Also you did an outstanding job with my boxer rescue,Jenny,and certifying her as a therapy dog! You will always come highly recommended by me! read more

What a cool place for dogs! They have a little dog town set up outside with real buildings and kennels for your dog. The staff is so careful and thoughtful when it comes to taking care of your beloved pet. I was completely at ease leaving my best buddy there while I was out of town. It really is like a doggy resort because there's so much for your og to do and its so much better than leaving him/her at a regular dog kennel. They offer all kinds of training classes too, which I haven't signed up for yet but am considering. read more

We joined Nov. 2010 - bringing our young brittany in to burn some energy on the tread mill and were please to get SO much more. She has since attended a week (plus) of boot camp, learned at least 10 new clicker tricks, started agility course training, LOVES going for boarding and has made so many new "friends" at open play time. The best thing I've learned from the great staff at TDK is how important it is to stimulate her mind. Making her think, learn new things, interact with me and others in our home has been invaluable. When she gets to use her brain to work towards completing a task she is happy, worn out (yay) and a chilled out and lovable doggie. Thank you guys!! read more

The Dog Knowledge is amazing. I have a 10 year old dog that developed severe thunder phobia and separation anxiety a year ago. I had been told by numerous people that at her age there was nothing that could be done. The Dog Knowledge made a committment that if they assessed her and felt they could help they would be 100% committed to working with her. Thunder phobia is gone. Still working on separation anxiety but true to their word they are committed to helping and have continued her training beyond the package time. I also discovered that I had a very social dog who greatly enjoyed the company of others. Our quality of life is so much better. I continue to take her to day care a couple of days per week. I love seeing her so happy and it gives me a peace to know that in her senior years she is happy and content with her life. Money well spent. read more

The Dog Knowledge is special and wonderful! Whether you are looking for exceptional training, a full-service facility to come and work and play with your dog and meet other dog lovers, or a place that you can board your dog with absolute trust that your dog will have a great time and be very well taken care of--TDK is for you. It is evident in so many ways that the owner and every single member of the TDK team love dogs and take great care to get to know their human and canine clients. Everyone there treats my dog as if he were one of their own. The facility itself is very unique--every little detail conveys that this is a well-run, friendly and welcoming place. I highly recommend The Dog Knowledge! read more

All I can say is "WOW!!!" My 7-year old dog has been attending doggy daycare several days a week for her entire life. She has attended doggy daycare out of state as well as others in Charlotte. I found The Dog Knowledge online last August and decided to give it a try. This place is AMAZING! When my dog started attending she was a bit apprehensive of strangers and was often very shy around other dogs when I was not around. After 2-weeks of day care at The Dog Knowledge she transformed into a confident and social dog (who was still very well behaved). Debbie and her team are amazing and treat my dog with so much care---my dog comes home from day care and boarding very happy (and tired). I recommend this place to anyone! I have to say, this is the BEST doggy daycare I have ever been to in the country---excellent staff, beautiful clean facility and the best care around! read more

I am so thankful that we found The Dog Knowledge. We have a 5 month boxer that is very precious to us. We started out looking for the best place to board him, but we found so much more. The training is amazing. We joined and left him for daycare/play dates to burn off his puppy energy. He loves it and so do we. We went for our first vacation and did not even worry about him. After leaving him for five days, he was trained to heel on the leash and he was trained to maintain place. The best thing about The Dog Knowledge is that when we came back to pick up Bentley, he didn't care about leaving and when we go back he is so excited to be back. The staff is amazing. While we were on vacation we received pictures of Bentley learning his new commands and having fun in the pool and playing with his new pals. It was awesome and we were able to enjoy vacation that much more. Before leaving, we were trained how to maintain all the new commands and even how to expand on them. TDK will spend the time with you needed to work with your puppy/dog. The staff genuinely loves dogs and it is their life, not just a job, and you can tell. I would recommend TDK to anyone and everyone I know. Whether it is for training, day care or boarding, TDK is awesome from all aspects. We are so happy to have found this and look forward to being members for a long time to come. read more

Atchie had never been away from us, so it was a difficult decision to send him to the 4-week training camp at The Dog Knowledge. He went in a high strung, we'll do it my way kind of guy and came out with a new attitude. Archie still will escape to chase our outside cats, but now he will reliably come when called the first time--this is something that never would have happened before attending The Dog Knowledge classes. He also is getting ready to take his Therapy Dog Certification exam, and I feel sure he will pass. I had a lovely dog to start out with that was sometimes out of control, and now I have a reliable buddy I can take anywhere, and he will be a perfect gentleman. Thanks to all the wonderful staff who dedicate their lives to helping dog owners like me have the best relationship with my dog. I take Archie weekly for small sessions because he enjoys it so much - the sessions are free--part of the cost of the package. Each time Archie arrives 4 to 6 staff members come up and greet him by name. He then turns to me to tell me how happy he is to see them. This is as good as it gets. The trainers are kind but get the dogs in training to do what they want because they are intelligent. The living quarters are lovely--if they were bigger I'd come for a stay myself--swimming, tread mills, TV, all sorts of exercise equipment, how neat this place is. read more

My dog and I love the dog knowledge! In the morning all I have to say is "TDK?" And she goes nuts! Right now I'm at school and need more time studying so I take my dog for day care some mornings and she always comes back exhausted. She just finished 8 weeks of training and its been fantastic. I am so happy cause I tried training her to do these things on my own and didn't seem to be getting anywhere. I am so thankful for the dog knowledge read more

We LOVE The Dog Knowledge! My dog recently spent 2 weeks at TDK's Canine Bootcamp. Not only am I impressed with the results I see in my dog after those two weeks, but also I am continually impressed and appreciative of the ongoing support they provide to my dog and me. The facility is amazing and the trainers are top notch. I am so grateful to The Dog Knowledge and am so happy they opened such an awesome facility for dogs so close to my house. read more

Amazing facility, amazing trainers, amazing staff. Couldn't think of one bad thing to say!

I can't say enough good things about The Dog Knowledge. We just picked our dog up from a three-week training program and have been so impressed with the results. We have utilized daycare and boarding as well and have been equally pleased with both. The owner and staff love dogs and really took great care to get to know our dog. We are so thrilled to have found The Dog Knowledge and I highly recommend them to any dog owner. read more

We sent our 7 month old hound to The Dog Knowledge Puppy Training Camp and could not be more pleased with the results! They worked with our pup on basic obedience and socialization, but more importantly, they continue to work with us on how to practice and implement at home. We became members soon after Puppy Camp ended and have made TDK a place to go for swimming, playtime, and brushing up on obedience. I feel very comfortable calling with questions and very welcome whenever we show up for playtime or an obedience class. We also have started boarding our pup at TDK and he absolutely loves it! It is such a fun and safe environment. I am so glad that we made the decision to come to TDK. read more

What a great place! My husband and I use them and attend all thier events and shows as well. Very professionally put together, and I couldnt say enough nice things about the owner. If you love your dog like I do, I HIGHLY recommend the dog knowledge! read more

I have taken my dog to The Dog Knowledge since they opened, and it's by far the best place for animals. I mostly used their boarding facilities (imagine a Wisteria Lane of cottages for dogs!), but I've also witnessed a lot of dog training in their gym/facility. Hands down, it will be the place I take my next puppy for training, as well as it's boarding! Debbie, the owner, is one of the most knowledgeable people I know in the business, and her care/love for the dogs is very apparent. You will love this place!! read more

Wonderful experience for both my German Shepherd and myself! The trainers were amazing and very professional! They took the time to spend almost two hours with my dog and I, helping to train both of us. In just a short time, the training techniques they used with my dog during that time had already shown to make her more comfortable and were visually what she needed to continue to progress. Highly recommend The Dog Knowledge and their trainers! read more

From my very first phone call to bringing my puppy home from training, my experience with The Dog Knowledge could not have been better. Debbie Lange and her staff have a wealth of knowledge and experience that was such a reassurance to a new puppy owner like myself. They took my 7 month old puppy who was very high spirited, as well as skittish, and returned to me a happy, confident puppy that can follow instructions, stay on her place bed, heel on a walk at whatever pace I choose, interact positively with other dogs and generally be a joy to have around. They even taught her to sleep in her crate without any protest! The best part is that all of this was done without the use of a shock collar! While at The Dog Knowledge my puppy was so happy and well taken care of, and they kept me posted on her progress and well being through emails, pictures and even a video. When we picked her up, Debbie and Jeff spent more than 2 hours teaching us how to continue with our puppy's training. Furthermore, since I have had her home, they have followed up with an at home visit, and I have taken her (and me) to The Dog Knowledge for a little refresher! I can't say enough about my experience with this facility, and although we live more than 90 miles away, it is well worth any travel inconvenience to have had such a wonderful experience. Please feel free to message me if you have any questions. * * * read more

I am SOOOOOO THRILLED with this place . I have had my dog Ares for two years. I did the eight week package because my little man is my lifeline and such a help. This place not only gave him an amazing obedience foundation, but have taken it a step further as far as getting him certified as a service dog in training. Not only have they done that but they have been there for me with any questions I have and I have been able to come in at any time and get help. If you trust the foundation they have created and you pay attention and handle your dog the way they teach you, there is no reason your dog won't excel. The staff is so friendly and my little guy is so happy to see them every time we have been in. I have also noticed my dog is so much happier now that he know what's expected. He loves to to all the things they taught and more. I would highly recommend this place to anyone. read more

Honestly, the most amazing training center in the SouthEast. The staff are all certified trainers who believe in positive training NOT SHOCK COLLARS. Also they are willing to help with any dog problem. They know the psychology behind why dogs do what they do. And if you are looking for an incredible place for your dog to board and for doggy day care, they offer small play groups and the neatest little cottages for your dog to spend the night. I can't say enough good about this amazing place. Debbie T. read more

My decision to purchase a Groupon for an assessment by a trainer was what I thought would be one more futile attempt at finding someone that could help undo the negative effects of training by an e-collar. Although the collar was only used for a year, it left my Golden Retriever, Sydney with a legacy of behavioral and psychological issues that I've been struggling with for almost 4 years. It was with much skepticism that Sydney and I walked in the door of TDK last Wednesday to sit down (well, I was sitting and Sydney was panting and pacing) for our meeting with Debbie. It took less than 30 minutes of some behavior changes and Sydney was sitting calmly at Debbie's feet while she and I had one of the first civilized conversations I've been able to have in a long time without being 'nagged' by my dog! By the time we finished our session, it was me that was panting and pacing....with anticipation of getting Sydney started on some of the recommended exercises as well as giving consideration to other suggestions for reshaping his behavior. In just the few days since my visit, Sydney is a different dog and I am in awe! I'm definitely looking forward to becoming a member of the TDK club! Thank you, Debbie for probably saving my sanity and showing me the sweet, smart and obedient dog that was there all along. read more

I first attended the free puppy seminar to gather information before our puppy came home with us. They give you a packet of info which was very helpful during the first weeks home. After she was vaccinated I started taking her to TDK for short training sessions for our benefit but also so that she was fully comfortable before her "puppy camp" as we called it. I was so impressed with the trainers and the facility. I loved the idea of Sams village. Makes leaving your dog so much better. Our dog Ivy spent 4 weeks in basic obedience. She is such a joy now. No real problems prior to training but definitely an untrained puppy. She is calm and confident. Heels well. The place bed is not to be believed!!! It was worth it just for that. My worries prior to leaving her were that she would not remember me. Not to worry. Your dog will definitely remember you. It is pricey, but worth every cent!! It's a life long commitment so the cost is definitely worth it. I would highly recommend it. Trainers are the best. it's fun to visit and watch train, and to take classes. The dogs love it there too. It seems like they are very happy there. read more

Jeff has been working with two of my dogs for the past 6 months. They both now have their Therapy Dog Certification, one has already begun his job helping people in Charlotte. Thanks Jeff for all your help turning my crazy dogs into good good dogs. I was just there this week and Archie was so happy to be there. Everyone is so nice to him, and he loves coming back - he's starting agility now and I think hie will excel at it. After leaving his training session we stopped in a store. Everyone came over and told me what a fantastic dog my Jack Russell is and just kept praising his demeanor and behavior. I love now that I can call my dogs form any point in the yard where they are chasing squirrels, and they come flying to me. What a difference. And the living quarters are lovely, and there is so much for the dogs to do. We joined for the year and come back often. Even though it is a 45 minute drive, we come every week as they love it so much. read more

During the recent DNC (Democrat National Convention) in Charlotte, I chose to board Reina, my youngest Siberian Husky, at The Dog Knowledge ("TDK"), where she had been trained. I have found that everyone at TDK is passionate in their care for and training of dogs. Like any parent of a human or canine, I dreaded the call I hoped would never come: "Your child/dog has been injured and is on her way to the doctor / hospital / veterinarian." That call came on Thursday. Within minutes of the call, I was at our vet's office where Reina was already being attended to! Paul from TDK was there waiting on me and Reina. After checking in her welfare and care plan, Paul and I returned to TDK where I was shown the video of her accident (which truly it was) as well as the site of the accident, which they had already remedied! My point is that TDK responded expeditiously and executed OUR mutually agreed upon action plan flawlessly! I could not be happier with TDK's response to this incident. I have found everyone at TDK to be personable and professional. Debbie even offered convalescence day care since I had job responsibilities and, not to mention, two other Siberian Huskies to tend to at home. Reina is pretty much recovered now and I have absolutely no qualms about her returning to TDK for day care or boarding. Thank you, TDK staff, for taking such good care of my little girl and all of the others placed in your care. I will recommend you to anyone who will listen! read more