The Dog Wizard - Dog & Puppy Obedience Training Upstate

Before working with Upstate Dog Wizard, life with our newly adopted dog Paxton came with a learning curve. We adopted Paxton from the Humane Society when he was about 2½ years old, and while he had some basic training, he was still adjusting and we needed help with guidance and acclimating a newly adopted dog into our home. Walks were stressful because he pulled constantly on the leash and reacted to distractions, and when people came to our home he would get overly excited and jump on guests. Listening was inconsistent and it was difficult to get him to settle or focus, especially in new environments. Training with Upstate Dog Wizard made such an incredible difference for both Paxton and our family. He is now calmer, more focused, and much more responsive. He can heel walk beautifully, which has made walks enjoyable instead of stressful, and one of the biggest improvements is that he can go to “place” which has completely changed how we manage dinner time, mange him getting overly excited and guests. We truly feel like we can communicate with him now. Meg was incredible to work with, so knowledgeable, patient, and supportive throughout the entire process. She didn’t just train Paxton, she taught us how to continue reinforcing everything at home so he can keep succeeding. We are so thankful for her and for the team at Upstate Dog Wizard. Paxton is still the same fun, loving dog we adopted, but now he has the structure and skills to truly thrive. 🐾

Had a great and very productive time with Sara Branchi the trainer at the dog wizard in Greer SC. I have an 8 month old active English Setter who i couldn't walk without fear of him pulling me down. After 5 visits, she got me and Crosby my pup on track-- and I walk him an hour every day and enjoy it! She kept us both focused with positive training methods which I feel comfortable with. I would recommend Sara if you need help to get to enjoy your puo.

We’ve had a fantastic experience with The Dog Wizard Upstate! My dog Jaeger was struggling with reactivity and impulse control issues, so I sent him to the board and train program. The transformation has been incredible! He minds so well now, and I can tell he’s a much happier and calmer dog. Our trainer Meg has been great—very available and communicative during the whole process, including after Jaeger graduated from the program. (I also appreciate how quickly the staff at Upstate Dog Wizard followed up when I initially reached out.) If you’re wondering whether to work with Upstate Dog Wizard for your dog, I strongly recommend it. I’m so glad I did.

I don’t even know where to begin in saying how grateful I am for Sara and this program. Dallas began training at 8 years old. Sara met with us and gave me realistic expectations for the type of progress we could make with her age and lack of socialization. I came into the program feeling a complete lack of confidence and “mom guilt” over having not been able to do something like this sooner. Sara immediately saw that our initial training plan might not work due to the relationship Dallas and I have. She recommended we switch to the day training program, and our lives have been completely changed. Sara gave Dallas and I a confidence together and individually unlike anything I’ve ever experience. She is kind, always available to help, and knowledgeable. I am sure all the trainers are amazing with this program, however, we feel immensely blessed and honored that we were matched with Sara. Dallas has come so far since beginning training—all thanks to Sara and the tools she worked so hard to instill in us both. Dallas was excited every time she got to see Sara and if we could pay her to live with us, we would! I cannot recommend her or this program enough. Luckily, we get to keep seeing Sara through the support classes. She is truly passionate about helping dogs and their parents be the best versions of themselves they can be and I have such a comfort knowing she’s only a call away. Sara has left the biggest imprint on mine and Dallas’s hearts. She’s more than a trainer! She’s become part of our family.

I took my pup first to the puppy classes and then the private freedom class to hone his skills. I learned just as much as he did and I have 0 regrets doing these programs. It’s given me a confident, friendly, smart dog and I couldn’t be happier with all the progress we’ve made. All the ladies here, Krissy, Meg, Sara have become an integral part of his training and I couldn’t speak more highly of them. They were great teachers, good communicators and always took the time to answer any questions and help me work through things. Also, the weekly Saturday classes for graduates is an amazing perk to keep everyone fresh and serves as a great opportunity to socialize and practice in a safe space.