About Dogtrain Inc

Dogtrain Inc has been at 3101 N Kerr Ave in Wilmington for decades, and describes itself as "one of, if not the longest running balanced dog training businesses in Wilmington, NC", with more than 35 years in the business.

The class schedule

Everything is taught indoors at the facility. The published classes are Puppy Pre-School, a Beginner Class, an Advanced Class, and Individual Training. Beyond those, the site publishes Continuing Education opportunities – a Competition Class plus ongoing Rally – for owners who want to keep going after the standard ladder. Group classes are explicitly family-oriented: the business says it encourages "the participation of ALL family members" on the grounds that "a good companion dog needs to be responsive to everyone in the family".

The approach

The stated goal is to teach "dogs and their owners how to navigate life as a 21st Century Dog – how to work through different types of distractions, behave better at the vets and groomers, build confidence". The method is described as a personalized, flexible and balanced approach.

Who runs it

Diane Gallagher runs the business. The site says she relocated to Wilmington with her husband Steve in 1991 and took up training there, and that she bought out her partner's share in 1998 and "has been at the helm ever since". A second trainer, Lauren Daniel, has her own page. The business serves Wilmington, Hampstead, Leland and Carolina Beach among others.

Note for readers: the class list published online may run behind the schedule you get by phone, so call to confirm the current session.