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.
5/5My dog just recently completed the 3 week training program after being recommended by my vet. He stayed with Carmen, and I can say that since he has been home I have seen an incredible change in him. Not only does he respond to my commands, his anxiety level has come way down, a…Read full reviewClose full review
My dog just recently completed the 3 week training program after being recommended by my vet. He stayed with Carmen, and I can say that since he has been home I have seen an incredible change in him. Not only does he respond to my commands, his anxiety level has come way down, and his overall countenance has improved! I cannot say anything negative about this program. It is transforming! The administrative team reached out to me immediately after I submitted an inquiry, and then someone else contacted me to listen to my issues, questions, and general concerns before recommending a program that would be suitable for my dog. Carmen also constantly stayed in touch with me during the time he was with her. She routinely posted videos of his progress and sent me updates on his perfomance. She was amazing! I would highly recommend this organization for anyone needing any type of training or behavior modification for thier pet.
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Ward Nicolay
5/5Training with Sara exceeded our expectations - she is an awesome trainer for both pups and parents! She is patient, talented, and is practical in how she teaches skills and offers great hands-on practice so you can actually implement everything you learn on your own. When we firs…Read full reviewClose full review
Training with Sara exceeded our expectations - she is an awesome trainer for both pups and parents! She is patient, talented, and is practical in how she teaches skills and offers great hands-on practice so you can actually implement everything you learn on your own. When we first came to Sara, we had very little control and our pup didn’t have much structure at all. We all gained skills on working together to so we can enjoy life and lots of different experiences. Most importantly, we learned solid recall, place and down, and heel/walking loose leash (which we are still working on the next phase of). Sara helped us all gain confidence and we see a huge difference in our pup and his behavior and our ability to communicate with him. We plan to continue the lifelong training sessions offered. Thank you!!
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Emily G
5/5Our dog recently completed a board and train program with Carmen. The main reason we enrolled her was to work on socialization, but also needed help with leash skills. Our dog was not good with meeting new people, especially when they come to our house, and we were to the point…Read full reviewClose full review
Our dog recently completed a board and train program with Carmen. The main reason we enrolled her was to work on socialization, but also needed help with leash skills. Our dog was not good with meeting new people, especially when they come to our house, and we were to the point of not wanting to take her in public or have guests in our home. Carmen was clearly very experienced and had a great way with our dog. Even though she already knew basic commands, Carmen taught her to be so much more obedient, spent time with her in public places, and taught us how to handle her to curb some of her difficult behaviors. I was amazed when it came time for pick up how calm and well-mannered our dog was. It was a huge change! Carmen gave us a great foundation and the tools to help our pooch be less anxious. We know now how to better handle her, and our dog has a clearly established set of expectations. I'm so thankful that we found The Dog Wizard and Carmen in particular!
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Vaughan Overman
5/5Nova is a golden doodle with lots of energy. Carmen, her trainer, helped me learn how to work with Nova to settle down when guests come to our house. She has mastered “place”, she has learned to not jump on people. I can walk away from Nova when she is in the down position. Nova…Read full reviewClose full review
Nova is a golden doodle with lots of energy. Carmen, her trainer, helped me learn how to work with Nova to settle down when guests come to our house. She has mastered “place”, she has learned to not jump on people. I can walk away from Nova when she is in the down position. Nova responded beautifully to Carmen and wanted to please both Carmen and me while training. She understands all commands and demonstrates them daily.
I would give The Dog Wizard my highest recommendation.
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Tim Shaw
5/5
Carmen is an absolute amazing trainer. I’m very happy with how well she did with my dog in just 2 short weeks. Her end of training class for me was very thorough. She covered all commands and training methods needed to ensure my dogs future success. Thank you Upstate Dog Wizards for your amazing care of my best friend
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
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