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
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
Meet Your Dog Trainers
Every dog trainer on the The Dog Wizard Upstate 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.
Brandie McKelvey
Office Administrator
Brandie has been a dedicated member of The Dog Wizard team for two years, where she brings her passion for helping dogs and their owners create lasting bonds. With a heart full of compassion for stray animals, she is committed to improving the lives of dogs and ensuring they have a loving and well-balanced future. Her work is fueled by a deep desire to support owners in achieving the best relationship with their furry companions. Whether working with rescue dogs or long-time pets, Brandie’s goal is to help every dog and owner live their best life together.
Hobbies: Spending time with her daughter and husband, going to church, and travelling
Notes: Her favourite breed is the Dachshund because they are shy and timid but very loving and loyal.
Savannah Bridges
Customer Support Administrator
Savannah is one of our dedicated administrative team members at The Dog Wizard. With a background in animal health and a Bachelor’s degree from Asbury University, Savannah brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for pets to her role. She has always had a deep love for animals, which is reflected in both her professional life and personal experiences.
Savannah and her husband are the proud owners of two dogs, Tink and Luna. Tink, in particular, has benefited from our training program, showcasing the transformative power of The Dog Wizard’s methods. As a mother to one son and a supportive wife, Savannah understands the importance of strong, healthy relationships with pets and family alike.
Years of Experience: 4 years in Customer Service with The Dog Wizard
Hobbies: Spending time outside with her son, husband, and their dog, Luna
Notes: She loves Retrievers and Shepherds for their loyalty and eagerness to please. Her family has a rescue German Shepherd named Luna whom they love to spoil.
Sara Branchi
Dog Trainer
Sara is a dedicated first-time dog trainer with a solid background in veterinary medicine, making her uniquely equipped to understand both the emotional and physical needs of dogs. Her lifelong passion for animals, especially dogs, fuels her enthusiasm for her new role as a trainer. Outgoing and ready for any challenge, Sara enjoys the rewarding experience of working with a diverse range of dogs and their owners. Her blend of knowledge and passion ensures she provides effective and compassionate training for every dog she works with.
Years of Experience: 1 year
Certifications & Qualifications: Dog Wizard program
Hobbies: Hiking, fishing, reading, family time
Notes: Favorite breed Rough Collie — smart, loves to work and impress; outgoing trainer who motivates owners for success.
Meg McGarrigle
Trainer
Meg McGarrigle has been working professionally with dogs since 2001 in a variety of roles. Meg gained experience and knowledge through her years in the veterinary medicine field, animal control, boarding kennels, and as a therapy dog handler. Her experience in dog training began at the age of 11 when she got her first dog of her “own” (i.e., not the family dog). He was an English Cocker Spaniel named “Bandit.” She learned much from training him through trial and error, but her biggest lesson from Bandit was how essential the relationship is to connection and understanding. He also sparked Meg’s love for working obedience and agility. Bandit could impress even the Border Collie people!
As an adult, Meg’s focus has gravitated toward the animal-assisted therapies field (even though she still loves canine sports) as a result of her firsthand experience benefiting from the therapeutic effects that both dogs and horses have had in her life. She has worked with a wide range of people from all different backgrounds in the animal-assisted learning therapy field and has seen the profound healing and growth impacts animals share with people. She believes the type of connection and relationships animals provide are invaluable to a human’s well-being.
In 2024, Meg started her own business, “Goldens & Giddyup,” with a focus on helping animals in the community achieve optimal wellness. Optimal wellness is not just physical, but a dynamic balance of physical, mental, and emotional health. This same philosophy is one she carries into her work as a Dog Wizard trainer.
Aside from her passion for dog training, Meg loves spending time with her animals, exploring the great outdoors, riding, art, photography, music, and creating wellness opportunities through animal-assisted services.
Krissy Spero
Owner/Trainer
Krissy Spero has been working professionally with dogs since 2016, beginning with a walking, daycare, and boarding service before eventually opening her own training business in 2018. What she truly appreciates about being part of The Dog Wizard family is the incredible support system it provides. Each trainer in the organization cares deeply about the well-being and success of both owners and their dogs, united by a common vision: to enhance the lives of canine families through education and communication.
Krissy’s personal passion is rooted in early puppy development. By observing temperaments and understanding how formative experiences shape adult behavior, she can help prevent serious behavior issues before they start. While much of her earlier work focused on addressing reactivity, leash manners, and aggression, she has since delved into puppy rearing and temperament testing, knowing that a solid foundation leads to confident, well-adjusted adult dogs.
She also believes strongly in the continued education of her staff. Krissy and her team regularly attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay updated on the latest training methods, ensuring they deliver the highest level of service to clients. As members of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), her team remains connected to a network of industry leaders and cutting-edge resources.
Outside of formal training sessions and collaborating with her team, Krissy can often be found exploring new hiking trails, camping under the stars, or relaxing at the beach with her own dogs off-leash. There is something truly magical in watching them explore the world freely, safely, and joyfully. As a CGC (Canine Good Citizen) and STAR Puppy evaluator, as well as an experienced puppy temperament tester, she takes pride in guiding clients as they prepare their dogs for these important certifications. Her team is also equipped to assist with therapy dog evaluations, empowering owners and their pets to give back to the community in a meaningful way.
Ultimately, her goal is to provide every owner with the knowledge and tools needed to build a strong, trusting bond with their four-legged family members—one that endures for a lifetime.
See What Other Dog Owners are Saying
Trainer Meg was a total professional during the entire process. She demonstrated an Impressive ability to assess each dog and has done some wonderful work in bringing each of them along. And she does a very good job of showing and involving the owner in learning and applying the necessary skills required. As a result, I have a much greater awareness and an improved ability to manage outside distractions that may come along when working and playing with my dogs.
I highly recommend taking a real look into The Dog Wizard Upstate for anyone looking for training you can trust.
Our dog Hazel was very anxious and sometimes showed fear-based aggression. Sara helped build her confidence and taught us how to be better handlers — especially when it comes to advocating for Hazel in the right ways. Hazel took to the training so well! The added structure was exactly what she needed. Her recall is on point now, and we can take her on walks without her pulling, growling at other dogs, or lunging at things that scare her.
Our other dog Haley has made huge progress too. She used to get really fixated on other dogs during walks and would completely tune us out — she wouldn’t even take high-value treats. Sara helped us work through that, and now Haley checks in with us on walks. We’re so much more confident taking her to parks and on outings, which we love doing with both of them.
Thank you so much, Sara!!
The trainers, Krissy and Megan, were professional, communicative, and clearly passionate about what they do. They gave us the tools and confidence to maintain the training at home, and we’ve already seen lasting results.
If you're looking for a trustworthy and effective dog trainer in the Upstate, I can’t recommend The Dog Wizard enough. Roger and Oakley are happier, calmer, and so much more enjoyable to be around. Thank you!!
About The Dog Wizard Upstate
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.