The Dog Company's Training Programs and What to Expect

What The Dog Company Offers

The Dog Company is a dog training business based in South Carolina that works with owners on obedience, behavior modification, and socialization. They offer both group classes and one-on-one sessions, depending on what your dog needs and your schedule. The trainers work with puppies through adult dogs on issues like leash pulling, jumping, aggression, and basic commands.

The business operates from a physical location where classes are held and where board-and-train programs take place. If you're looking for in-home training or prefer to work with your dog in your own space, you'll want to ask about their options when you contact them, as training approaches vary by location and trainer availability.

Key Takeaways

• The Dog Company offers group classes, private sessions, and board-and-train programs for dogs of different ages and behavior levels.
• Training focuses on obedience, leash manners, jumping, aggression, and socialization depending on your dog's needs.
• Costs and program length vary by the type of training you choose and your dog's specific situation.
• You should contact The Dog Company directly to ask about current class schedules, pricing, and whether they have openings in their programs.
• Board-and-train programs typically last one to four weeks, though the exact timeline depends on your dog's progress and the trainer's assessment.

Group Classes vs. Private Training

Group classes work well if your dog is already comfortable around other dogs and you want to practice commands in a controlled environment with distractions. These classes are usually less expensive than one-on-one sessions and give your dog a chance to socialize while learning. The Dog Company typically runs classes for puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs, with different focus areas for each age group.

Private training is the better choice if your dog has specific behavioral issues, is fearful or reactive around other dogs, or if you need customized instruction for your household. A trainer works with you and your dog directly, tailoring the approach to your dog's personality and your goals. Private sessions also let you ask questions specific to your situation without worrying about holding up a class.

Board-and-Train Programs

A board-and-train program means your dog stays at The Dog Company's facility for a set period—usually one to four weeks—while trainers work with them daily. Your dog lives there, gets trained, and you pick them up once the program is complete. This option works well if you have a dog with serious behavioral issues, if you're very busy, or if you want intensive work done quickly.

The trade-off is that your dog learns from the trainer, not from you. When you bring your dog home, you'll need to practice what the trainer taught and maintain the routine they've established. Most board-and-train programs include a session or two with you at the end so the trainer can show you how to handle your dog and keep the training going. Ask The Dog Company whether follow-up sessions are included in their pricing or cost extra.

What Behaviors The Dog Company Can Address

Common issues trainers work on include leash pulling, jumping on people, not coming when called, and basic obedience like sit, down, and stay. Many dogs also need help with socialization—getting comfortable around other dogs, people, and new environments. If your dog shows signs of fear or aggression, trainers can assess whether the behavior is something they can work with or whether a veterinary behaviorist should be involved first.

Aggression toward people or other dogs is serious and requires a careful approach. Some trainers specialize in this work; others refer cases to a veterinary behaviorist. When you contact The Dog Company, be honest about what your dog is doing—that helps them decide whether they're the right fit and what kind of program would work best.

How to get your free guide

Contact The Dog Company directly by phone or through their website to discuss your dog's needs. Be ready to describe your dog's age, breed, current behavior, and what you want to work on. They'll ask questions to understand your situation and let you know what programs they have available and when classes or sessions can start.

Ask about pricing for the type of training you're interested in, how long programs typically last, and what's included—for example, whether follow-up sessions or a written training plan come with the program. If you're considering board-and-train, ask what your dog's day looks like, how often you can check in, and what happens if your dog isn't making progress.

Cost and Time Commitment

Training costs vary widely depending on whether you choose group classes, private sessions, or board-and-train. Group classes are usually the least expensive option per session. Private training costs more per hour but is spread over fewer sessions if your dog learns quickly. Board-and-train programs are typically the most expensive upfront but compress weeks of training into a shorter timeframe.

Time commitment also depends on your choice. Group classes might be one or two hours per week for four to eight weeks. Private sessions could be weekly for several weeks or a few intensive sessions. Board-and-train removes your dog from home but requires you to practice and reinforce training once your dog comes back. The Dog Company can give you specific timelines once you describe what you're working toward.

Questions to Ask Before You Commit

Ask The Dog Company about their training philosophy—do they use positive reinforcement, corrections, or a mix? Ask for references from people whose dogs they've trained, especially if your dog has a specific issue like aggression. Find out what happens if your dog isn't progressing as expected and whether they offer a refund or additional sessions at no charge.

If you're doing board-and-train, ask whether you can visit your dog or get video updates during the program. Ask what happens after training ends—do they offer a follow-up session, a written plan for you to follow at home, or ongoing support? Understanding what comes after the training program is just as important as understanding what happens during it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old does my puppy need to be to start training?

Most trainers can work with puppies as young as eight weeks old, though some recommend waiting until the puppy has had at least one or two sets of vaccinations. Very young puppies have short attention spans, so early training focuses on socialization and basic manners rather than complex commands. Contact The Dog Company about the right age to start based on your puppy's vaccine schedule and what you want to work on.

Will my dog forget what they learned in board-and-train once they come home?

Dogs don't forget commands, but they do need practice and consistency. If you don't reinforce what the trainer taught, your dog may stop responding as reliably. That's why follow-up sessions with you are important—the trainer shows you how to practice at home. Staying consistent with commands, rewards, and routines keeps your dog's training sharp.

What if my dog has already tried training somewhere else and it didn't work?

Different trainers use different methods, and some approaches work better for certain dogs than others. When you contact The Dog Company, tell them what was tried before and what didn't work. They can assess whether a different method might be more effective for your dog or whether there's an underlying issue—like fear or a medical problem—that needs to be addressed first.

Can The Dog Company train my dog to stop being aggressive?

Aggression is complex and depends on the cause, the dog's history, and how severe the behavior is. Some trainers can work with mild aggression; serious cases may need a veterinary behaviorist first. When you call, describe exactly what your dog does—lunging, snapping, biting—and in what situations. The Dog Company can tell you whether they can help or recommend a specialist.

Do I need to do anything before my dog starts training?

Your dog should be in reasonable health and up to date on vaccinations, especially for group classes where they'll be around other dogs. Bring any medical records or behavior history when you meet with the trainer. If your dog is on medication or has a health condition, mention it—some conditions affect behavior or how a dog learns.