Business Details
24 Years
experience
Expert Dog Training in Asheville, NC
Asheville Dog Academy is a family-owned and operated business dedicated to enhancing the relationship between dogs and their owners through proven, science-based training methods. With over 20 years of combined experience, our team specializes in practical obedience training, behavioral modification, and customized programs tailored to each dog's unique needs. We utilize a balanced approach combining positive reinforcement and corrective techniques to ensure lasting results.Our certified trainers, recognized by Training Without Conflict, prioritize clear communication, relaxation exercises, and real-world application to foster confidence and harmony. Clients across Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties consistently praise our ability to transform challenging behaviors into reliable obedience, making us a trusted leader in dog training.
Services
Obedience Training
Board & Train Programs
Puppy Primer
Reactive Dog Training
CGC Testing
Zoom Consultations
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of experience in science-based dog training
- Customized programs for obedience and behavioral issues
- Certified trainers using proven, humane methodologies
- Positive results for over 1,000 local dogs annually
- Comprehensive follow-up support for long-term success
Associations and certifications
- Training Without Conflict Certified Professional Dog Trainer
What people say
Life-changing results
Professional trainers
Effective behavioral correction
Confident public behavior
Compassionate methods
Services
Obedience Training
Our obedience programs teach essential commands like sit, stay, come, and loose-leash walking while addressing common issues like jumping and barking. Using balanced methods, we build clear communication between dogs and owners. Clients learn to maintain training through real-world distractions, ensuring reliable behavior in any environment.
Board & Train Programs
Dogs live with professional trainers for 21-42 days, receiving 24/7 structured training in obedience, manners, and behavioral correction. Includes field trips for socialization and personalized follow-up lessons. Ideal for busy owners seeking rapid, lasting results through expert-led instruction.
Reactive Dog Training
Specialized programs address leash reactivity, aggression, and anxiety through systematic desensitization. Trainers use counter-conditioning techniques to change emotional responses while teaching alternative behaviors. Clients receive tools to manage and prevent reactive episodes in public settings.
Puppy Primer
Three-week program for puppies under six months focuses on house training, basic commands, and socialization. Instructors guide owners in promoting calmness and preventing common behavioral issues through age-appropriate exercises and positive reinforcement.
CGC Testing
We prepare dogs for AKC Canine Good Citizen certification through 10-step evaluations covering obedience, manners, and public behavior. Training includes socialization with strangers, distraction management, and supervised separation to meet AKC standards for well-mannered dogs.
People
Chris Valdes
Owner/Head Trainer
With 20+ years of experience, Chris specializes in science-based training and behavioral modification. A Training Without Conflict certified professional, he handles severe cases and trains staff while educating clients on balanced methodologies.
Violet
Co-Owner/Board & Train Manager
Violet oversees daily operations, manages trainers, and provides holistic care for boarding dogs. Her background in nutrition ensures dogs receive optimal treatment during training programs.
Anna Fritz
Senior Training Instructor
Anna has trained thousands of hours since 2018, specializing in private lessons and group classes. She focuses on practical obedience and behavioral solutions, helping families improve relationships with their dogs.
Rebecca
Senior Training Instructor
With four years of experience, Rebecca specializes in reactive dog training and group classes. A certified Training Without Conflict professional, she combines organizational skills with a calm demeanor to deliver effective instruction.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use a balanced approach combining positive reinforcement and science-based corrections, avoiding extremes of purely punitive or reward-only systems.
Do you offer guarantees?
Yes, we provide lifetime support for maintaining training results and addressing future behavioral concerns.
Can aggressive dogs be trained?
Yes, we specialize in behavioral modification for aggression through customized programs and systematic desensitization.
Are e-collars necessary?
We use e-collars as one tool among many, always prioritizing humane application and client comfort.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Asheville and surrounding counties including Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, and Transylvania.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, we provide zero-interest payment plans to make training accessible and affordable.
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