Dog Training Charlotte, NC
Offering Reliable, Expert and Proven Dog Training Services
Providing quality dog training solutions to our Charlotte clients.
We take pride in being the recommended dog trainer for the Queen City.
Highland Canine Training proudly offers a variety of dog training services in the Greater Charlotte, NC area. We are well-respected in Charlotte and the surrounding areas for our ability to successfully diagnose and rehabilitate problem dog behaviors. Our goal is to provide our dog training clients in Charlotte with solutions that will work for them and their dog to foster better relationships and provide dog training that will endure.
We work with dogs of all breeds, sizes and ages – specializing in dogs that others dog trainers consider “hard to train”. Our professional behavior modification programs can eliminate a variety of common dog related problems such as, jumping, pulling, barking, shyness, housebreaking, biting, anxiety, fighting and other common forms of aggression. We have been able to successfully rehabilitate hundreds of dogs that others suggested to euthanize.
We offer the following dog training services for our clients in the Charlotte area:
- Board and Train Programs
- In Home Dog Training
- Private Dog Training Lessons
- Behavior Modification
- Group Classes
- Puppy Classes
We offer professional, effective dog training services based on humane and motivational techniques. We promise to treat all dogs and their owners with respect and courtesy, and encourage responsible dog ownership. Free evaluations are offered upon request.
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Kress Walters
Charlotte, NC Dog Trainer
Kress utilizes quick and easy methods for training and teaching pet dog owners. His approach is simple – teach dog owners how to understand and properly communicate with their dogs to create a positive, productive and lasting relationship.
Some of the methods of dog training utilized for teaching dogs include Clicker Training, Positive Reinforcement and motivational skills training, as well as remote collar training. Like our other trainers, Kress continues to further his knowledge in the dog training field by attending seminars and classes as well as working with shelter and rescue dogs.

Kress’s Dog Training Philosophy
Working with clients throughout the Charlotte area, Kress consistently works with clients that have dogs with behavioral issues. If you are frustrated by your dog displaying any of these potentially problematic behaviors, Kress can help identify – and rectify – the issue:
- Barking
- Biting
- Fighting
- Phobias
- Fear aggression
- Territorial aggression
- Shyness
- Destructive behavior
Kress focuses on teaching owners how to read and understand their dog’s behavior to ensure that they have the knowledge to maintain their dog’s training for life. Kress works with all dogs, regardless of breed, size, age or problem past. Using a patient and methodical approach, Kress ensures that training is conducted correctly. Our services include Private Lessons, In-Home Training as well as Board and Train programs, and Kress can discuss your concerns with you to help you decide on the best training option for your dog.
Kress also serves both as an instructor and trainer at our School for Dog Trainers as well as training dogs at our facility in Harmony, NC. Kress specializes in on and off leash training programs as well as rehabilitation programs for dogs with severe behavioral problems. Kress assists with instructing students attending our Canine Training and Behavior Modification Professional Program, as well as our Master Trainer Program.

Kress currently owns four dogs, each of which he adopted and continues to train. The latest dog that Kress adopted and rehabilitated is Sully. Sully was once a highly aggressive Cockapoo that would have been euthanized without intervention and rehabilitation. As a testament to his dedication to dog training and rehabilitating problem behaviors, Sully has gone on to win awards in the sport of Dock Diving. He excels in agility and performing tricks and Sully is also trained as a bed bug detection dog.
Sully’s exploits in dock diving were recently featured on an episode of the podcast, A Life of Dogs. Click here to listen to Kress and Sully’s inspirational story!
Dog Training Locations
Kress proudly serves the following areas:
- Southend
- South Park
- Uptown Charlotte, NC.
FREE evaluations are available. Contact Kress for details!

What Our Clients Say...
While offering dog training in Charlotte, Kress ensures that each dog and client receives the best training program available.
Our clients love working with Kress – here is a selection of their comments!
“Our dog Watson is a totally different dog since training with Kress. He was patient and willing to work with Watson as long as it took for him to reach his goals. He even went out of his way to pick Watson up and drop him off at our house. He got to know Watson ahead of time to build a rapport. Training with Kress was worth every penny, and then some! THANK YOU! “
Chelsea Balerno
“I had been searching for the right place to send my 4 year old pit/lab mix for behavior modification for several months when I finally found Highland Canine Training. Knowing that Bella was already 4 years old I thought there was no hope for teaching her new behaviors, but after talking with Kress I knew I had found the right place. Bella was hyperactive, uncontrollable, and extremely hard to handle. After the six week class was over I was blown away by just how amazing my Bella was acting. I could never thank Kress and the rest of the Highland staff for everything they did for my precious fur baby. She was in great spirits the day I picked her up, and I could tell just how much love she received throughout her schooling. It has been a couple months since I brought Bella back home, and she continues to amaze me everyday with her obedience skills. I no longer have that annoying dog that just doesn’t listen, I have an obedient dog that does exactly what I want her to do! Thank you again to everyone that helped with Bella, and a special thanks to Kress!! This training school changed our lives together and I would recommend this school to everyone!”
Get in Touch
Dog Training Programs and Pricing in Charlotte, NC
Board and Train Programs
Deposit: $100
Board and Train (Basic): $1,750
Board and Train (Advanced): $2,150
Board and Train (Bootcamp): $3,550
Private Lessons
Deposit: N/A
Private Lessons (Basic): $799
Private Lessons (Advanced): $1,249
Behavior Modification: $1,099
Owner’s Choice: $529
Reactive Dog: $579
In-Home Training
Deposit: N/A
In-Home (Basic): $999
In-Home (Advanced): $1,399
In-Home (Total): $1,999
In-Home (Behavior Modification): $1,599
Group Classes
Deposit: $50
Basic Obedience: $229
Intermediate Obedience: $229
Advanced Obedience: $229
Puppy Class: $229
Agility: $249
SAR: $249
Scent Work: $249
Dock Diving: $249
Therapy Dog: $299
Dog Training Services
Effective and Reliable Dog Training in Charlotte, NC
We work with all dogs regardless of breed, size, age or previous behavioral issues. Our trainers are patient and methodical in their approach to working with dogs and their owners, ensuring that training is conducted correctly, not rushed. We take the time to build a relationship with each dog through play, confidence building exercises, and of course a calm demeanor when introducing new concepts and commands.
Training methods are employed based on the needs of the dog and their owner. We use clicker training, positive reinforcement, motivational skills training as well as remote collar training.
We offer a variety of effective and affordable dog training programs. Some of our more popular programs include:

Our Board and Train programs are great for dog owners who simply don’t have time to establish the foundation training that they are looking to develop in their dogs.
Our Board and Train programs give us the opportunity to work with your dogs multiple times per day, and is often an ideal program for owners wishing to rehabilitate problem behaviors such as aggression, phobias, biting, extreme shyness, etc. In kennel training also offers socialization with a variety of people and other dogs at our facilities. We offer climate controlled, spacious, indoor kennels at our kennel facility (which is licensed and inspected by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services), and all dogs are allowed access to a large, fenced exercise yard. If you compare our Board and Train programs to our competitors, you will find that we offer more affordable solutions with more value for you, while providing proven results that are frequently recommended by our clients.
Our Board and Train programs are veterinarian recommended and include free follow-up training for as long as you own the dog.
In-Home Dog Training programs are popular with owners who would prefer not to travel each week for training. It is also a great option for owners with a dog that doesn’t do well in a kennel environment or has medical issues.
With our In-Home Dog Training option, the trainer comes to your home several times per week and works with both the owner and the dog(s) to address needs and accomplish training goals. Highland Canine Training Charlotte NC has a variety of In Home programs to choose from and can be designed to meet your needs. We offer a 3 week on-leash program, 3 week off-leash program, 6 week on and off leash program and Behavior Modification program all in the comfort of your home!
Contact Kress Walters today to inquire, discuss or schedule a free consultation on our options for dog training in the Charlotte, NC area.
If you are unable to attend weekly group training or you just wish to be fully involved with your dogs training, you may like our Private Lesson Dog Training option.
Private lessons allow our trainer to come to your home to coach you in the proper methods of training and positive reinforcement for your dog’s behavior. The trainer will explain and demonstrate proven training methods as well as identify small mistakes that lead to frustrating misunderstandings for both dogs and their owners. Together with the trainers expertise and the owners hands on experience, this is a rewarding experience for both dog and their owner.
Highland Canine Training offers a variety of private lessons including basic on-leash obedience, off-leash obedience, on and off leash obedience and Behavior Modification. Private lessons meet once a week for 6 weeks. Contact Kress today for more details.
Dog Friendly Places in Charlotte
Looking for dog-friendly places to take your dog in Charlotte? We are fortunate that there is such a variety of places to bring our dogs in our city, and we’ve listed some of our favorites below. Taking your dog to public places is a great way to generalize their behavior.
Got a dog-friendly place in CLT you’d like us to add to the list? Reach out to us and we’ll update the list!
TAOH Outdoor Gallery
Address: 2200 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206
TAOH Outdoor Gallery is Charlotte’s first graffiti park, giving local artists a place to practice their work – including spray painting, chalk art, sculpting, and more.


Little Sugar Creek Greenway
Address: 1133 Metropolitan Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
This trail – clocking in at almost four miles long – is a great way to unwind with ypur pup. Dogs must be kept on-leash.
Lost Worlds Brewing
Address: 1100 Metropolitan Ave #165, Charlotte, NC 28204
This dog-friendly taproom has something for everyone – bring your dog along and discover for yourself.


Freedom Park
Address: Freedom Park, Charlotte, NC 28209
Spanning 98 acres, Freedom Park is the perfect setting to take your dog for a walk. The park features a lake, walking trails, playgrounds, and more.
Whitewater Center Dog Park
Address: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214
Allow your dog to roam the 70 acres set aside for them at the Whitewater Center, including three ponds and 2.5 acres of trails.

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