About Happy Dogs Training

Happy Dogs Training is a force-free dog trainer serving North Charlotte, Concord and the Lake Norman area. Its FAQ puts the method plainly: "Happy Dogs is force-free, we utilize positive reinforcement and teach your dog without any fear or pain." Asked whether it uses shock collars, it answers "Never."

Private lessons at home or online

Private lessons come to you, at home or off-site at local parks and public areas. They cover basic obedience, puppy skills such as potty and crate training, everyday problems like jumping, barking and counter-surfing, and behavior modification for reactivity, aggression, resource guarding, fear and separation distress. Specialized options include service dog skills, therapy dog work, the AKC CGC program and trick training. Virtual lessons run over Zoom for clients anywhere.

Group classes in two places

Group classes run at two training locations: an outdoor training space at One Lucky Pup in North Charlotte, and a private field off Brawley School Rd in Mooresville. Puppies can join socialization classes from 10 weeks, there is an AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy class, and older dogs move on to classes such as focus around distractions. Registration opens four to six weeks before each session.

Agility

Agility is taught only at the Mooresville field, for dogs at least 8 months old, from a pre-agility class through leveled six-week classes up to masters coursework, with private lessons by appointment.

Board and train

The Board & Train page describes stays of two to four weeks at One Lucky Pup, a boarding facility Happy Dogs partners with: Happy Dogs does the training and follow-up lessons with you, and One Lucky Pup looks after your dog. The FAQ says board and train is not offered at this time, so ask whether it is running.

Getting started

Private training starts with a free intake call; group classes can be booked online without a consultation. The owner is a CPDT-KA certified trainer.