Each family has different needs; lessons will be individualized accordingly. Clients will learn positive, force-free training methods to apply not only to traditional cues but to everyday life with their dog. We will move past traditional obedience, which can function as a “band aid” to behavior problems. You will learn why punishment-based or “balanced” training is harmful and ineffective. Our approach is centered around Family Dog Mediation. Lessons are tailored to fit each family’s lifestyle and goals, but your trainer will always remain realistic to your individual dog’s abilities.

Our training is: fear and force free, progressive positive reinforcement. We use honest, humane, and respectful methods grounded in the sciences of both ethology and psychology. We pride ourselves on using non-invasive, non-aversive techniques.

We DO NOT: use outdated training methods, employ punishment techniques, use harmful tools such as: prong, choke, or e-collar, rely on fear or intimidation tactics or promote alpha/dominance theory (scientifically disproven- see resources below)

Our Pledge: Our organization pledges to not use or support the use of prong collars [or other aversive tools]. We understand that these collars can inflict injury, harm an owner’s relationship with their pet, and lead to behavior problems. We will help spread the word to our community about the advantages of choosing positive reinforcement-based training equipment and methods. -SF SPCA

Traditional obedience does not solve behavior problems nor does it meet the needs of most pups. We offer practical options that meet the needs of the modern family.

Owner and Lead Trainer Kristen Noel is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and a Certified Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). She is also a Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM) and a Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP). She is a Certified Reactivity Specialist, Certified Puppy Specialist and Certified Children and Dog Specialist though the Dog Training College. She has completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course and attended the Aggression in Dogs Conference with world-renowned aggression expert Michael Shikashio.

Trainer Kelsey Shank is a Certified Reactivity Specialist, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and a Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM). She has completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course and attended the Aggression in Dogs Conference with world-renowned aggression expert Michael Shikashio.

Trainer Amanda Cassidy holds an Associate in Applied Animal Behavior, is an Animal Behavior College Certified Trainer (ABCDT), Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP), Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM) and AKC Certified CGC and STAR Puppy Evaluator.

Trainer Lauren Millerick is a Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM) as well as AKC Certified CGC and STAR Puppy Evaluator. She has completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course with world-renowned aggression expert Michael Shikashio. Lauren is currently enrolled in the Dog Training College to continue to expand her knowledge and certifications.

We are insured through Business Insurers of the Carolinas.

See our Team Page for full bios

YES! As our slogan states, we are truly “training people for their pups.” Training without a guardian present is highly ineffective; for this reason we do NOT recommend day programs or board & train options. A professional trainer may work with your dog successfully without you present- this does not mean you will have the skills to work with your dog successfully at home. Let us teach YOU how to be the best paw-rent you can be 🐾

As with any other service-based profession, when you hire a service provider you are paying for so much more than the time we spend directly together.  Your fee covers the our prep work, driving time to and from the training location (and the gas it takes to get there), time spent preparing notes and online materials so that the information you need to succeed is easily accessible to you (for life!), and the cost of the equipment needed to create any of those materials or to deliver training.  

Our rates also cover our business operating costs (insurance, licensing, marketing, etc.), so that we are able to provide these services to you.

Furthermore, Modern Dog emphasizes bringing the highest levels of up-to-date knowledge based in real standards of education, training, and credentialing. Our rates account for our years of experience, education, and being some of the only credentialed behavior consultants, dog trainers, enrichment technicians and collaborative care partners in the area as well as all of the other credentials we collectively hold. 

Our trainers hold or are actively pursuing the highest possible standards in professional credentialing and certification.

When you hire a professional, you are paying for their time, education and expertise. You are here because you can't fix your problem yourself. You're looking for qualified insight, from someone who has the education and experience to be able to teach you. That is what we provide- and providing this requires all of the above.

At the end of the day only you can truly answer this question.  Our methods are proven, backed by the most modern science and far more extensive than traditional dog training. What you will learn will fundamentally shift the way you approach working with your dogs, forever- and you’ll be able to apply that to any dog you may add to your family in the future. What is that worth to you? 

We adhere to the CCPDT Code of Ethics and cannot make any guarantees for our work with you. Dogs are sentient beings and not machines to be fixed. The rate and amount of progress made is the responsibility of client. Client effort between training sessions determines the pace of training. Your trainer is responsible for teaching the fundamentals needed. Clients must work daily using techniques provided. Lesson packages will be individualized to client needs, however, behavior modification may take any number of weeks to months and no timeframe can be given. Our lesson packages are your start; you may add on lessons as needed.

The training of a dog is a dynamic process, not fully in the control of any party, so there are no guarantees of any specific result and no refunds for training.

We offer a payment plan through afterpay upon request; payment will be made in four equal installments over six weeks. No interest will be charged for payments made on time. The convenience fee for using afterpay is 6%

There will be no refunds for any type of training. Your payment secures a dedicated slot in our schedule, preventing other potential clients from booking that time or class.

The training of a dog is a dynamic process, not fully in the control of any party, so there are no guarantees of any specific result and no refunds for training.

Class transfers to private training will be determined by your trainer on a case-by-case basis, as necessary based on the FAS scale. 𝘌𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥.⁣

⁣

Board and Train Position Statement from Modern Dog Training:

We do not provide nor recommend board and train services. The board and train setup is extremely ineffective overall; the dog may respond to the trainer but it is highly unlikely any success will carry over to everyday life at home or for the guardian.

The most effective training option is private in-home lessons. In this setup, we work together to teach the guardian how to effectively manage and communicate with their dog.

We caution against any type of board and train for health and safety reasons. There are many facilities and trainers that can endanger and/or otherwise cause harm to your dog both physically and physiologically when the guardian is not present. Most trainers who offer board and train are not credentialed; educated trainers recognize the ethical risks of removing a dog from their home environment for training.

We choose to handle all our communications via email to ensure we can best accommodate our clients' needs. This method maintains a clear, written record of all correspondence for both the client and their trainer. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out via email. We're here to help!

Please note the office hours for our secretary are Tuesday-Saturday, 1pm-6pm.

Each trainer's schedule may vary; we strive to respond to all emails within 24-48 business hours.

We are closed on Sundays and Mondays; responses will be sent in the order that emails were received starting on Tuesday during office hours.

We know that your time is valuable and that no one can be available 24/7. Similarly, our business hours are set to ensure quality service while respecting and maintaining a healthy work-life balance for our team.

Thank you for your patience and understanding!