Live a Happier Life with Your Furry Friend

Certified
balanced trainers you can trust

Since 2005
helping families nationwide

Lifetime Support
to keep training on track

National Network
of local trainers near you

Free Evaluation
to start your dog’s training

Lake Norman Dog Wizard, The Premier Off Leash Dog Training services Lake Norman, Mooresville, Denver, Cornelius, Statesville. We have programs to fit every clients needs! We offer everything from on leash training in group environments to private individualized training programs to meet your dogs specific needs. We make peoples lives easier and dogs lives better.

How It Works

We offer a wide range of dog training programs designed to fit your goals, whether you need board and train, private lessons, puppy training, or group classes. Each program is led by certified trainers, with flexible scheduling and lifetime support after graduation.

Free Evaluation

We assess your dog’s needs and create a personalized plan that fits your lifestyle.

Customized Training Plan

Certified trainers guide you and your dog through proven, positive methods for behavior improvement.

Hands-On Training

Choose from in-home, mobile, or facility-based programs designed for lasting results.

Ongoing Support

Receive tools, guidance, and follow-ups to maintain progress and reinforce skills at home.

Our Dog Training Programs
and Services

Dog Training Obedience Programs

  • Lifetime Support
  • Private Dog Training Lessons
  • Group Dog Training Classes
  • Board and Train Dog Training
  • Puppy Training Programs

Dog Behavior Training Services

  • Problem Solving: barking, chewing, jumping, begging, counter surfing, digging, leash pulling, play biting, marking, door bolting, housebreaking
  • Resource Guarding Training
  • Dog Aggression Training
  • Dog Separation Anxiety Training
  • Adopted/Rescue Dog Training Program
  • Dog Socialization Training

Additional Services

  • Boarding

Meet Your Dog Trainers

Every dog trainer on the The Dog Wizard Lake Norman team is extensively trained and experienced in balanced training techniques that address a range of behavioral issues to help your dog reach their full potential.

Melanie Perry

Owner and Trainer

Melanie has worked with dogs for as long as she can remember. She started professionally 15 years ago in the doggie daycare world and learned a lot about dog behavior through play groups and socialization sessions. Knowing dogs were her passion, she sought to be able to make a bigger impact on dogs'' lives which brought her into the training world. As excited as a kid in a candy store, Melanie jumped in with two feet and joined the Dog Wizard family seeking to learn everything she could about dog training. Fast forward 8 years and a lot of hard work, and she is now the proud owner of the Gastonia Dog Wizard and Head Trainer of Lake Norman Dog Wizard. Living nearby in Kings Mountain, she is thrilled to get to make an impact in her own community. If you live in the area, you will more than likely see Melanie out at the parks working with her clients and dogs!

See What Other Dog Owners are Saying

The Dog Wizard Lake Norman
4.8
Based on 73 reviews
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Jenna
16:18 13 Oct 25
WARNING. ANIMAL ABUSE.
Do not send your dog here!! They kept my dog Sunny for the 3 week training program and not only did he come back with no improvement to his behavior, he came back traumatized. They deprived him of play time which is vital to exercise and neglected to tell me about it until I asked when he got home. They did not follow thru with the updates as promised, they did not brush his coat (he is a poodle and poodle’s require daily brushing). He came come so matted his groomer even was angry and raised questions of neglect. It has been months and he still is fearful and anxious. He also got fleas while he was there. Staff is impossible to contact and they refuse to acknowledge any issues. It has been months and my dog still hasn’t been quite the same. It breaks my heart to imagine what he went thru in their “care”. Please do not subject your dog to this company.
leigh sippel
17:48 02 Jul 24
I recently sent my 9 month old puppy Jesse through the 21 day Jumpstart Board & Train program and I am beyond pleased with the results. I chose the Dog Wizard thanks to their stellar reviews and a personal recommendation from a coworker who has had several pups go through their program successfully.

I’ll admit that the initial days were a little nerve-wracking for this first-time Dog Mom, sending her baby off to ‘college’, after we had only been together for 6 weeks! :) However, once I started getting frequent progress reports via text and social media posts, and could actually SEE her growth & transformation, I knew I had done the best thing for my girl and for our long term relationship. Plus, she looked so HAPPY and EAGER to be working with her trainer, Kassie.

Jesse was already a relatively well-behaved pup for her age; and when I signed up for this program I had a few goals in mind: 1) loose-leash walking/heel by my side; 2) freedom to take her out to dog friendly businesses and me have the confidence in knowing how she would react - and not require me to provide her with distractions (bones, chews, etc); 3) recall/off-leash ability mainly for peace of mind when I have other family members & friends care for her when I’m traveling.

Kassie ABSOLUTELY delivered on all three of my goals and then some. She also did a great job turning the training reins over to me, spending the better part of two hours teaching me how to work with Jesse and setting us both up for a successful transition; after all, the 3 week program is one thing - but it doesn’t end there - I have to put the work in as the owner to maintain the foundation that has been built.

Kassie clearly has a passion for dog training and I cannot thank her enough for what she has done for us. My pup came home as an improved, confident, more obedient version of the one that left! Money well-spent and I have nothing but the highest regard and recommendation for the Dog Wizard of Lake Norman & Gastonia, and especially Kassie. Can’t wait to see her out when we get together for group walks!

PS: If my cat were writing this review, he would say he’s frustrated that Jesse isn’t as interested in him anymore (she will hold her down/stay on her bed like it is her JOB, much to his dismay).
Colleen Koller
17:31 18 Dec 22
Melanie and team were extremely helpful with our two puppies! We put them through their board and train program, and we were really struggling before they left, between puppy fights, not being able to walk them, always in go mode and now that they are home with us following what Melanie set the ground rules for they are SUCH great dogs! Relaxed, calm, able to walk them and so much more. With a baby on the way soon this was so important for us, and we are so happy to stumble upon this group. Highly recommend!
Amy Headington
17:07 09 Nov 22
We highly recommend The Dog Wizard Lake Norman. Melanie and her team really listened to our needs for our 5 month old golden retriever puppy and implemented the best plan for her. We had issues with puppy biting and impulse control mainly. Typical puppy behavioral things. She completed the jumpstart puppy program which is 21 days or more typically and I swear she is a new dog. She responds well to the commands that Melanie instilled in her while she was there. The "place" and "off" commands have been life savers for us. She no longer constantly play bites or jumps on our two little ones. She is still a puppy, but with better manners :) She is much better behaved on walks. She had issues with eating things like dirt, grass etc. and now we say "off" and she redirects to a treat instead. We are so happy we chose The Dog Wizard Lake Norman to help us with getting our Dolly on the right track. Thanks again!
Leighann Fender
02:13 19 Jul 22
We were very pleased with the training from The Dog Wizard!!! I worked with Melanie to determine the type of training (we chose private), and Michelle came to our house to work with our two Golden Retriever pups (9 and 10 months old) each Saturday for 8 weeks. Michelle did a wonderful job!! She was always prompt, patient, and has such a calm, easy-going demeanor! Winston and Woody listened to her immediately! My husband and I looked forward to Michelle’s visits! She communicated well with us! The positive reinforcement training methods are easy to learn and practice. I can actually take both Goldens for a walk by myself without them pulling on the leash! We can take them anywhere and are confident that they will behave. We plan to continue to practice the strategies Michelle taught, and look forward to possible “mini sessions” with other owners and their pets. So thankful we found The Dog Wizard and Michelle, and for the friendships we’ve made! 🤗

About The Dog Wizard Lake Norman

Our dog training goes beyond basic commands like Sit, Come, and Down. Our approach focuses on helping your dog make better choices and respond to you instead of their impulses.

We cover all the essential obedience commands you need to communicate effectively with your dog. But more importantly, we teach your dog to stay engaged and follow through with these commands, even in the most distracting environments.

Our goal is to enhance your dog’s understanding of obedience, making it a natural part of their behavior, not just a few tricks they perform when they feel like it.

Why Choose The Dog Wizard

Magical Methodologies

All of our trainers use balanced training techniques that are proven to be effective in and out of the classroom.

Everywhere Dogs Are

With over 100 locations — the majority of them being mobile — we have the ability to bring balanced dog training right to you.

Trained to Transform

Our knowledgeable trainers complete a rigorous dog training curriculum through The Dog Wizard Academy that teaches them methods that truly work

A Lifetime of Support

Those who complete our obedience programs have access to indefinite group class training support.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Dog Wizard Lake Norman offers a free evaluation. This enables our trainers to talk with you, in depth, learn about your dog, go over your training goals, and find a program that works for you. Give us a call and we will help you set one up.
The Dog Wizard trainers are well versed in a variety of training tools; from food to collars to remote collars. We know that not all dogs do well with every tool and we will help you decide what tool is best for your dog as well as what tools you’re comfortable with using. At the end of the day, whatever tool you’re comfortable in using will be the one you’re most consistent in using and that’s what’s most important to us.
It is never too late to start teaching your dog new habits. It will take more time and effort than teaching a new puppy but you will love the outcome.

In order to know how long it will take to train your dog, we will need to do a free consultation. During your consultation, we will get to understand what you are looking to gain from the training as well as evaluate your dog to see what we will need to do to get him where you would like him to be. At that point, we will be able to give you a timeline for his training.

We do not have a one size fits all approach to training. Each dog owner team that has a free evaluation will have a customized program designed to fit your specific needs. Because of this, individualized system pricing varies. Give us a call and we will help you set one up

Additional questions? We’d love to help.

The Latest From The Dog Wizard Lake Norman

Your dog is family for life,
and we’re with you all the way.

Graduates of our obedience programs receive ongoing support through lifetime group training sessions, ensuring your relationship with your dog stays strong and full of joy.