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.
5/5I can’t say enough good things about The Upstate Dog Wizard! You aren’t just getting a service, but also a very supportive team. We got our dog, Maisie, from the Humane Society, and her big puppy energy was a lot to deal with. We felt overwhelmed and knew we needed help. We had h…Read full reviewClose full review
I can’t say enough good things about The Upstate Dog Wizard! You aren’t just getting a service, but also a very supportive team. We got our dog, Maisie, from the Humane Society, and her big puppy energy was a lot to deal with. We felt overwhelmed and knew we needed help. We had her do the 14 day board and train with Sara. What a difference! My seven year old even commented that it seemed like we had a new dog. Obviously transitioning back to being at home vs boot camp comes with some curves, but you have lifetime support and help. Sara has been amazingly supportive and helpful, and there are graduate help classes every Saturday. You have a team to help you and who genuinely cares. We are so grateful for Upstate Dog Wizard!
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Jeffrey Flynn
5/5We rescued a 1 year old and she was a LOT. We have two cats and a toddler and integrating her into our life was not smooth at all.
We looked at a couple training companies and ended up going with UDW.
Meg was our trainer and she was amazing. Super professional, knowledgeable, …Read full reviewClose full review
We rescued a 1 year old and she was a LOT. We have two cats and a toddler and integrating her into our life was not smooth at all.
We looked at a couple training companies and ended up going with UDW.
Meg was our trainer and she was amazing. Super professional, knowledgeable, easy to work with and always in a good mood.
We did the 5 week course and by the end there was a marked improvement in all the areas we had asked her to help us with. That’s even with our busy schedule and not doing as much as we should have between classes (our fault 100%).
The pricing was the best we found, and we love that we have access to Saturday classes for life which we will be using.
Thanks Meg!
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Katherine Stiwinter
5/5Just finished the 7 week day train program with Upstate Dog Wizard. The results were everything I hoped for. They listened to our needs and what we wanted to address, and flexed the schedule to meet our needs. Our dog now walks great on a leash without pulling, and we can even le…Read full reviewClose full review
Just finished the 7 week day train program with Upstate Dog Wizard. The results were everything I hoped for. They listened to our needs and what we wanted to address, and flexed the schedule to meet our needs. Our dog now walks great on a leash without pulling, and we can even let him off leash with confidence that he'll listen to our commands. We're so excited to take our dog out and show off his new skills. Sara was fabulous to work with. She was great with our dog; he was excited to go to training each day. And Sara even helped us out some with pick-up and drop-off by coming to our house! Overall a great experience.
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Haley Sheaffer
5/5My Cocker Spaniel, Tex, just graduated from a 2 week board and train program at Upstate Dog Wizard, and I could not be happier. Talk about a transformation! Tex learned so many new skills and gained so much confidence. Meg, our trainer, is PHENOMENAL. I would recommend her to any…Read full reviewClose full review
My Cocker Spaniel, Tex, just graduated from a 2 week board and train program at Upstate Dog Wizard, and I could not be happier. Talk about a transformation! Tex learned so many new skills and gained so much confidence. Meg, our trainer, is PHENOMENAL. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a trainer. Worth every penny. My only regret is waiting so long to sign him up! Tex and our family are so thankful to Meg for all the hard work she put in to helping us all learn how to work together better. Upstate Dog Wizard is the BEST!!!
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Bruce Dinger
5/5
It was a pleasure working with Sarah. She really knows her stuff. When we need something in the future we will surely check with her. Thanks for the great job you did with Bella,
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
FirstBark