Unlock Your Pup's Potential!
Personalized in-home dog training that helps you ace the basics, unlock your pup’s potential, and turn them into the ultimate teacher’s pet.
From Underdog to Wonderdog
Every dog is different, and your training plan should be too. That’s why I customize every program to meet the unique needs, personalities, and goals of each dog and their family.
I have over five years of full-time experience working at top-tier training companies. My mission is to deliver the same high-quality canine education, without the private school price tag.
Whether you're enrolling in private lessons or a full-time boarding school program, I’ll meet you where you're at and help you unlock your pup’s full potential!
In-Home Lessons
Private lessons in the comfort of your own home, uniquely tailored to your comfort level, your dog's personality, and your specific goals.
Lesson prices: 1/$80, 3/$225, 5/$350, 8/$520
Boarding School
Take the pressure off yourself and let the teacher do all the heavy-lifting at boarding school. Dogs will live in-home with me for 3-5 weeks. This program includes a go-home lesson, two follow-up lessons, and the right gear to get you started.
Drop-In Training
Once you've completed a lessons package or boarding school, you can schedule drop-in visits. These private sessions are a great way reinforce the skills you’ve already worked hard to master.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your training philosophy?
I believe dog training should be clear, fair, and rooted in real-world readiness. Every dog is different, and every owner has their own comfort zone. That’s why I customize each training plan to reflect your unique goals, values, and lifestyle. I’ll always meet you where you're at, but I’m also honest about what will (and won’t) get you to your goals. My mission isn’t perfection; it’s lasting progress that makes everyday life smoother and more enjoyable.
My approach is holistic, blending positive reinforcement with reasonable boundaries. I teach your dog both a “yes” and a “no,” so they don’t just learn how to earn rewards, but they also learn how to control their impulses, settle, and make the right choices when things get exciting. It’s all about building trust, communication, and mutual respect, not just obedience for obedience’s sake.
Whether you’re raising a puppy or working through challenges like reactivity or resource guarding, I have the experience and knowledge to guide you through both the why and the how. Training should feel empowering, not overwhelming. It is my job to teach the owner as much as the dog. I make sure you walk away from our time together with a dog-handling skillset that will last you a lifetime.
My methods are kind, effective, and grounded in real-world expectations. A well-mannered dog isn’t just easier to live with; they’re also happier, more confident, and better prepared to navigate the world by your side.
What are your qualifications?
Before I became a trainer, I gained experience training horses, and spent over four years professionally walking and sitting dogs. That hands-on experience taught me a lot, but it was my formal education that gave me the deeper understanding I rely on today. I hold a BS in Behavioral Neuroscience, which means I’ve studied learning, motivation, and behavior more deeply than what’s covered in any standard dog trainer certification.
The online certifications that have taken over the dog training world can cost thousands of dollars and often focus more on memorizing terminology than truly understanding the underlying science. They don’t measure real skill or experience, and for that reason, I chose a different path.
I’ve worked as a full-time professional dog trainer for over five years, and it’s been my sole career during that time. I began at Philadelphia’s leading behavior-focused training company, Opportunity Barks, and later continued my work as an independent contractor with Command Canine in Cornelius. Between these two roles, I’ve trained hundreds of dogs and collaborated with dozens of amazing trainers from across the country. That breadth of experience has given me a diverse, adaptable skill set, one that helps me meet every dog and family with the right tools and mindset for their individual needs.
How many dogs are enrolled in Boarding School at once?
There are three dogs at a time, MAXIMUM in Boarding School.
Two dogs at a time is ideal, but sometimes programs overlap.
What neighborhoods do you serve?
For lessons, I serve clients throughout Central Charlotte and Huntersville. I frequent neighborhoods such as: Plaza Midwood, South End, NODA, Elizabeth, University City, and Meyers Park.
For boarding school, I can travel much further, including regions such as: Waxhaw, Fort Mills, Kannapolis, Mooresville, and Belmont.
If you are within Charlotte or any neighboring suburb, definitely reach out and ask!
What Pet Parents Are Saying
See what other's have said about working with Sydney to reach their dog-owner dreams!
We couldn't be more thrilled with the board and train experience for our puppies, Ollie and Oakley, with Sydney. From crate training to potty training, managing nipping, and refining overall behavior, the progress they made was truly remarkable.
Sydney provided exceptional guidance, ensuring we had all the necessary information and documentation to continue reinforcing their training at home. The communication throughout the process was outstanding—every question was answered with care and expertise.
Since completing their training, Ollie and Oakley have participated in two group classes, where they've excelled beyond expectations. We are so proud of them and grateful for Sydney’s dedication.
If you're looking for a knowledgeable and supportive trainer, backed by a team that truly cares about both pups and owners, we highly recommend Sydney’s program.
We worked with Sydney and she was very good at keeping us updated throughout the whole board and train process. She also made sure we fully understood everything we needed when she brought our baby back to us after training. https://share.google/4ze7kiy6XzmBSZKC1
Sydney was wonderful with my wild child! After 2 weeks of the board and train, I’ve noticed a huge difference in his demeanor and taking him on walks is much more enjoyable. I got frequent updates & pictures while he was away and Sydney made me feel comfortable and confident in continuing his training when he came home. Highly recommend!
Cannot recommend Command Canine enough! We worked with Justine and Sydney, who were both phenomenal! She always responds promptly. I felt safe and confident with my dog in their care. You can tell they all really care about the dogs and want what is best for them. Ethical, prompt, knowledgeable. Highly recommend! And have a well trained off leash happy dog to prove it!
I reached out to Command Canine after noticing a pattern of reactivity on leash and resource guarding. My dog and I have been attacked 3 times now and thus she has become very protective and reactive on leash. Every week Sydney brought new ideas, things to practice, ways to mitigate issues, and encouragement on our progress. She had product suggestions, provided videos of our training as reminders for us to practice and not only showed us how, but then watched us and supported us in learning the commands and actions. Just as much as Lucy needed training and support, we as her parents really needed it more! After our 5 sessions we feel extremely comfortable with bringing a new baby into our home, walking Lucy with a stroller without fear of other dogs, and ultimately giving her the support she needs for a successful transition to being a big sister soon! We could not have come to this without Sydney’s care, attention, encouragement and support. We highly recommend Command Canine and Sydney for any dog training needs.
I have worked with Command Canine over the last month to do the 3 week program for our very spirited puppy and am extremely impressed with the results! Our trainer, Sydney, is very knowledgeable and kept us updated daily. Training is still ongoing but the difference in our puppy’s behaviors was immediately noticeable the day she came home. They are very thorough and informative, this experience has been great from the start and I look forward to continuing to work with them!
A well behaved dog is a happy dog. I can't say enough good things about Sydney and Chelsea at Command Canine. After being rehomed, Christopher Robin aka Chris had a few manners but needed some more reinforcement. He also needed a real boost in confidence to feel secure. He was a good dog but now with the training techniques and one on one training with Command Canines; he is a great dog!
We were looking for a trainer for our 7 month old goldendoodle and found command canine. After much research we found them to be reputable with great reviews so we filled out there form and so got a call back from them. We booked our dog Sam for the 2 week training where they. Put him with Sydney who turned out to be one of the best trainers ever. Sam came home a different dog. Very well obedient and accomplished everything we had hoped for . I would highly recommend this company to anyone that needs their dog trained.
Command Canine and particularly Sydney were absolutely amazing! Our sweet golden boy Maverick was a rescue and struggled with finding confidence, crate training and walking. Sydney was able to help lay amazing ground work for us, he truly is like a new dog! Could not be happier with the new skills Mav learned over his 3 week stay. Sydney was so informative and responsive to all our questions and concerns. Would recommend Sydney for all your furry friend needs.
Chelsey & her team are truly the experts when it comes to training. Sydney was candid, attentive and worked with my husband and I to advocate for our labrador. In my case, it was the humans who needed some training just as much as the doggo. We met for 5 sessions (at home & various places that would stimulate some excitement such as the dog park, nature preserve & Petco) to observe and work through how to be prepared for anything including but not limited to reactivity, other dogs, crowds etc. During one session specifically, Sydney emphasized the importance of socialization not in the context of dog parks but more so introducing enriching environments & encouraging some time to "dog out." Having an opportunity to learn commands, look for cues & use other tools such as the e-collar has made for a very different experience and established trust. Would highly recommend Command Canine!!
Highly recommend Command Canine. Our hope was Harper would learn some manners and boundaries and we are so pleased with the results. Sydney did a great job communicating with us during the three weeks Harper was with her and in the follow-up sessions. We now have the knowledge and tools we need to assure Harper will continue to be the wonderful lab she is!
Sydney is an excellent trainer! Bo returned home from his two week board and train a new boy with much more impulse control, the ability to stay on place until freed and walk nicely on leash. After a lot of destructive behavior prior to the training, we now have a dog we can trust in our house.
Opportunity Barks (we go to Old City) is great! We worked with Sydney, and the foundational package really helped us support our new dog, Moe. Sydney provided a very supportive, tailored approach to our training and training goals, and she was also able to be really emotionally supportive/thoughtful with us too! I find the multiple ways to continue engaging with training after the foundational course to be accessible and support a myriad of training goals.
I was skeptical to even sign up for training, as I felt I "knew everything" …. I realized how naive I was to think I wouldn't get much out of this training program after the 1st group training class. My puppy George & I did the group puppy foundation classes every Saturday morning [with Sydney] for 6 weeks and both of us learned so much!... I loved OpBarks so much that I ended up enrolling George into the puppy exploration farm school program…. George was having the time of his 5 month old life. And now I'm a happy owner as well… he seems to be a pro with things like leash walking, dropping filthy items from the Philly sidewalks out of his mouth, and recall. I cannot recommend OpBarks (and specifically the trainer Sydney) enough! George & I are so blessed to have come across your training programs.
I initially came to Opportunity Barks for private training for my dog, Charley. She embarrassingly was growling at the groomer and had to be sent home. She overall was good, but had some pretty unpredictable behavior where she would growl or snap at people. It was causing a lot of stress at home (since my husband wasn’t ready for a new puppy).... when I met with Ingrid and Sydney I was shocked what Charley learned in 2 days. I learned more about her in 1 hour from people who just met her than I knew the 7 months we had her. Fast forward 3 weeks later and it was like having a whole new dog…. PS - I can drop Char off at the groomer and she’s perfect and I never worry about her growling at people anymore.
We enrolled our 10 month old male Vizsla in the Farm Dog program and cannot recommend Opportunity Barks enough. Cooper is a highly, highly energetic dog with a lot of drive - he's a bird dog. Our goals going into the program, which was absolutely worth the financial investment, were patience (at doors, when being served lunch, when needing to go outside), enhancing recall especially when there are distractions (aka other fun dogs, birds/squirrels/deer), and for him to have the best time outdoors. All of our goals were met, including training Cooper on the e-collar which will give us such a peace of mind letting him off-leash…. Alyssa, Dani, Syd & Kathryn really know what they are doing. Thank you so much!
Adopted a doodle with some behavior issues (guarding, mouthing) & turned to OPBarks after a few friends recommended them. It’s only been 2 weeks & one private lesson [with Sydney] in but it’s already made a huge difference in how we handle issues with the dog. Our household already feels calmer & Parker has taken to the lessons really well. Excited to watch him progress more & very relieved that we now have the tools [i.e. handling skills, not in reference to training equipment] to correct him in a way that doesn’t lead to us yelling or getting frustrated!
Sydney at Command Canine is AMAZING! When we started our dog was struggling with leash reactivity, and she is doing so much better now. I also feel empowered and more confident to know how to help our dog moving forward. Highly recommend!
https://share.google/aNYizWnoMabEZLyIP
Ready to Achieve Your Dog-Owner Dreams?
To get started, schedule a free consultation for more information.