About The Dog Wizard - Dog & Puppy Obedience Training Upstate
We work with dogs and families throughout the Upstate to solve real behavior challenges, not just teach commands. Every dog is different, which is why we never use a one-size-fits-all approach. By understanding who your dog is and what’s driving their behavior, we get to the root of issues like reactivity, anxiety, leash pulling, poor manners, and aggression.
Our programs include puppy training, private lessons, immersive board & train options, and ongoing graduate support classes to ensure results last in real life. We focus just as much on training owners as dogs, giving you clear structure, tools, and confidence. That’s why so many South Carolina families trust us to help turn struggling dogs into calm, reliable companions.
Training & services
Training goals
Behavior consultation
House trainingCustomer-reported
Leash training
Obedience training
Puppy trainingProgram details
Start with foundations that make life easier: calm manners, confidence building, leash skills, and early house rules. Great for preventing common puppy habits from settling in. Serving Inman with simple homework, coached sessions, and support for new owners.
If you have a new puppy, one of the best things to do to get your relationship off on the right foot is to start puppy training. At The Dog Wizard in Upstate, South Carolina, we catch and correct destructive behaviors in puppies before they become an issue.
Recall trainingCustomer-reported
SocializationProgram details
Confidence around people, dogs, sounds, and busy places comes from guided exposure at the right pace. Sessions focus on calm focus and better choices on outings, with simple homework between visits. Serving Waterloo with structured practice and handler coaching.
Behavior support
Aggression trainingProgram details
Reactivity and aggression issues need structure, controlled setups, and practical handling skills for real walks and real environments. We work on triggers, distance management, and neutrality building. Serving Tryon with evaluation-first training and measurable progress.
Barking
Fear and confidence
Reactivity training
Resource guardingProgram details
Guarding food, toys, beds, or spaces can create tension at home. Training focuses on safer exchanges, better boundaries, and calmer routines that help everyone feel more comfortable. Serving Landrum with step-based coaching and handler skills you can repeat.
Separation anxietyProgram details
Panic behaviours when left alone can be exhausting. Training builds calm routines, independence skills, and gradual alone-time practice with clear checkpoints to track improvement. Serving Saluda with realistic steps and steady support you can stick with.
How training happens
Board and trainProgram details
Dog board and train programs are perfect for individuals with busy schedules. With various lengths of stays to choose from, it's no wonder why so many Upstate dog owners have chosen The Dog Wizard to train their dogs.
Intensive training days paired with a transfer session so you can keep progress going at home. Strong option for building reliable obedience or resetting problem habits with clear structure. Serving Woodruff with follow-up coaching and easy take-home practice.
Group classesProgram details
Structured group classes help your dog practise obedience around distractions while you sharpen handling skills. Great for focus, calm greetings, and better reliability in public. Serving Lyman with guided practice that translates to walks, parks, and busy places.
Group dog training classes can be a powerful and social component to training your dog. Group dog training sessions are a great way to cement the training your dog has learned in a public setting. Meet with other Spartanburg, Greer, or Duncan dog owners to train together.
Owner coaching
Private trainingProgram details
One-on-one coaching to improve leash manners, recalls, and in-home rules with clear drills you can practise between visits. Ideal for owners who want focused attention and real-life results. Serving Duncan with sessions built around your day-to-day routine.
Dog age
Puppies
Class options
Weekend classes
Support between sessions
Follow-up support
Go-home lessons
Homework and practice
Your dog’s background
Rescue dogsProgram details
Help a new rescue dog settle in with clear routines, calmer manners, and reliable obedience foundations. We focus on confidence building, communication, and practical household rules. Serving Mill Springs with coached sessions and follow-ups that support steady progress.
Additional services
BoardingProgram details
A safe, supervised place for your dog to stay while you’re away, with experienced staff and structured daily routines. Great for clients who want dependable care from a training-focused team. Serving Lyman with boarding options and clear drop-off planning.
DaycareProgram details
Supervised play, structured breaks, and a consistent routine that helps many dogs burn energy and settle more easily at home. Ideal for busy workdays and regular social time. Serving Woodruff with dependable day care and attentive handling throughout the day.
GroomingProgram details
Grooming plus acclimation sessions help dogs feel more comfortable with handling, tools, and the grooming process. Great for nervous pups or dogs who struggle with brushing and baths. Serving Greer with patient support and calm routines around grooming visits.
Consultations
Free consultation
Other listed services
View 11 additional details
Dog trainingProgram details
At The Dog Wizard Upstate, we offer a variety of dog training programs to the greater Spartanburg, Greer, and Duncan areas of South Carolina. With years of experience, our trainers take a unique approach to fixed behavior issues in your dog - all while having fun while they do it!
Behavioral Analysis
Certified Behavior Analyst
Dog Aggressive
Dog Barks
Free Consultations
Lifetime SupportProgram details
Keep training on track long after sessions end with ongoing support, refreshers, and guidance as new situations come up. Great for maintaining obedience and household rules over time. Serving Greer with practical next steps and follow-up help when needed.
Problem SolvingProgram details
Jumping, pulling, barking, and ignoring cues often have a pattern behind them. We identify what’s driving the behaviour and build clear rules and reps you can use daily. Serving Columbus with practical coaching that fits real homes and busy schedules.
Rescue Rehab
Retail & Pet ProductsProgram details
Pick up training-friendly gear, rewards, and everyday pet essentials that support your dog’s routine at home. We can recommend items that match your goals and handling style. Serving Duncan with convenient retail options and product guidance from our team.
Summer Camp
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
5/5On April 2, 2022 we started puppy class with our 15 week old German shepherd puppy (Seger). He needed help to learn to not bite and listen to us. Krissy and Joanna are great trainers. Very patience in training us as well as Seger. Over the course of our puppy class, Seger learned…Read full reviewClose full review
On April 2, 2022 we started puppy class with our 15 week old German shepherd puppy (Seger). He needed help to learn to not bite and listen to us. Krissy and Joanna are great trainers. Very patience in training us as well as Seger. Over the course of our puppy class, Seger learned to listen and do the commands. Today (6-18-2022) Seger graduated his puppy training. I highly recommend Upstate Dog Wizard. Great team to work with and we look forward to further training.
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Doug Stephenson
5/5Joanna was extremely accommodating in the five sessions we had, including at her facility and at the park and Tractor Supply. Only so much can be completed within that time frame but the groundwork has been completed and we are looking forward to many happy years ahead with our G…Read full reviewClose full review
Joanna was extremely accommodating in the five sessions we had, including at her facility and at the park and Tractor Supply. Only so much can be completed within that time frame but the groundwork has been completed and we are looking forward to many happy years ahead with our GSP, Baron. Research served us well in selecting Dog Wizard. Stephanie, Aidan, Baron, and Boomer Sooner- and myself- say thanks!!!!
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Davon Johnson
5/5
Trainer Donavan completely transformed my dog in 2 weeks! Lola is still a work in progress of course but she has extremely improved. Lola is just under 4 months old and she understands commands, walks on the leash to perfection, and has some chill (if you have a puppy you understand lol). Thank you Donavan and thank you Dog Wizard!! I look forward to more classes to come!
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Denise Krom
5/5My dog had been to training but it didn't work .. she pulled; jumped, attacked the leash just to list a few...was ready to give up but didn't want to. I thought I would give training another try... Upstate Dog Wizard saved our relationship! She returned to me a different dog- beh…Read full reviewClose full review
My dog had been to training but it didn't work .. she pulled; jumped, attacked the leash just to list a few...was ready to give up but didn't want to. I thought I would give training another try... Upstate Dog Wizard saved our relationship! She returned to me a different dog- behavior wise... Joanna and Carmen were fabulous. Joanna made an assessment of what Joy needed(Carmen) and Carmen worked a miracle! Carmen was so patient with me (I needed training too 😉) . I would highly recommend UDW.
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Lindsey Lemon
5/5Finding someone you trust with your pets can be stressful. After researching and reading tons of reviews, I decided to contact Upstate Dog Wizard for help with my 3 dogs. Having multiple dogs in the house can be overwhelming, especially when they have no concept of personal space…Read full reviewClose full review
Finding someone you trust with your pets can be stressful. After researching and reading tons of reviews, I decided to contact Upstate Dog Wizard for help with my 3 dogs. Having multiple dogs in the house can be overwhelming, especially when they have no concept of personal space or boundaries. I knew I needed to do the board and train option because trying to train 3 totally different dogs on my own did not fit in my work schedule. Krissy called and spoke to me about my expectations from training, what I wanted my life to be like with the 3 dogs. There was no pressure into choosing them, she was very open and honest about the cost, how they trained, expectations, and payment options. We ended up sending all 3 dogs, ages 8 months, 2 years, and 6 years to board and train with Joanna. I was updated frequently with videos/pictures and progress. I could text or call whenever I wanted to just check in. When they got home after their time with Joanna, she came to our home and taught the entire family what she had been teaching the dogs over their time with her. She included us all and made sure we were all comfortable following through with the work. Long story short, we now have 3 dogs that can coexist with each other, our family, and our friends without utter chaos. They have learned to trust me, and look to me for guidance and commands. Violet (6) suffered with extreme anxiety anytime we took her outside of our home. We couldn’t take her on walks or car rides. She is now able to walk on a leash (without pulling me to the ground) and enjoy time outside of our home. Piper (2) is a Boston terrier and knew nothing about personal space and boundaries. She now knows how to receive and give love and kisses without jumping on everyone. Ziggy (8 months) just needed basic puppy manners. He is a great leash walker and loves to learn. He is able to sit, stay, and come when mom needs him to. I can’t thank Joanna and Krissy enough for making our lives so much happier.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
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