A dog trainer greeting clients about coaching owners to live happy lives with their well trained best dog friends

Dog training for real life.

private in-home dog training Charlotte, NC

You know you want your relationship with your dog to be more than just a list of commands, and training should feel like it works outside of a facility. I help you understand the behaviors and mindset behind the why and not just how of training.

Through building clearer communication, you'll learn use your dog's training in a way that actually makes sense.

let's talk dog

So, what are we working on?

You might be starting right from the beginning with a brand-new puppy.

Or perhaps your adolescent dog finally hit that frustrating "I'm not listening" stage.

Maybe it looks like...

Pulling on the leash
Jumping on guests
Barking at everything
Reactivity on walks
Can't settle in the house
Puppy teething
Crate & Potty struggles
Doorbell insanity
Overexcitement in public
Prior training that isn't translating to real life

or it's something oddly specific you just don't quite know how to nitpick, that's why we chat first!

let's make it make sense

After our discovery call where we'll talk in depth about the issues you might be experiencing and answer all of your questions, coaching sessions are scheduled for in the home, at the park, or anywhere you may need to take your training.

Think of me like a Canine Coach in your corner. I'm not here to put you through a cookie-cutter program that doesn't get to the root of the problem. I'm here to teach you to train your dog as well as to problem-solve, understand your dog better, and build on the skills you'll use your dog's entire life.

ways to work together

Not sure what you and your dog actually needs? That's exactly what the discovery call is for. We will chat all about your dog: what you're experiencing, what your training goals are, and from there we come up with a coaching option that is designed around your dog and their needs.

Private Canine Coaching

For the bigger picture.

Whether you are looking to work through everyday manners, behavior challenges, reliability, or eventually working towards off-leash freedom, private coaching gives us the time to establish the communication and skills that make sense for your dog and your life. We meet in-home and out in the real world as needed with support along the way in between the sessions so you're never truly training alone.

let's talk dog!

Focused One-on-One Sessions

For when you need help with "just that one thing."

Not every challenge necessarily needs a full blown program. My one-off coaching option gives us time to to troubleshoot a specific challenge, knock the dust off of old skills, or get a professional set of eyes on something that just isn't making sense.

You'll have a clearer understanding of what's happening and what to continue to do next.

I need a tune-up!

Puppy to Preteen Coaching

For the new arrival who might be making you feel like you're in puppy prison.

Early puppyhood isn't just about simply surviving those dreaded puppy teeth and feeling flustered over potty training. We'll establish a strong relationship foundation through learning more about how your puppy interprets the world as well as making sure they learn all foundational obedience commands. Puppy coaching focuses heavily on things like crate training, potty training, socialization, so you can have the dog you enjoy living life with.

help me please!

already part of the Best Good Friend Family?

Because once we've worked together, there are plenty of ways to keep me in your back pocket for when life gets weird. Everybody benefits from continuing their training journey. From Tune-Ups, Training Workshops & Group Classes, Let-Out's, Training Walks & Day-Trains give established clients options for extra practice, maintenance and support as they need it.

keep training with BGF

Cindy & "Saba"

Real owners,

real results

We hired Genna to work with our dog when he was a puppy. We were planning to take him cruising the Bahamas on a boat. He needed to be socialized and e-collar trained. Genna did a fantastic job training Saba and working with us so we could continue and enhance the training. Since then, I have recommended Genna to our grown children for their dogs and to many friends. People often remark about how well behaved our dog is — I always give credit back to Genna!

Best Good Friend Training isn't just a name. It's something I believe in deeply, and it started with a dog named Bubba Gump.

Bubba was my oldest dog and my greatest teacher. He came to me afraid of the world, and what we built together over his lifetime shaped everything about how I coach today. The name comes from a line from the classic "Forrest Gump" and it has always stuck with me: "Bubba was my best good friend, and even I know that ain't something you find right around the corner."

And that's exactly it. A real relationship with your dog, one that is built on understanding, and trust, isn't something that just happens. It's something you build. And it's worth building right.

Genna, certified dog trainer in Charlotte NC, with a client's dog during an in-home training session

I'm Genna,

your
Canine Coach

With over a decade of experience, my training and canine coaching approach isn't about performative obedience or barking commands from a franchise playbook that never gets to the root of your problem. It all starts with you and your dog. Where you are, where your dog is and what's actually standing between you and the relationship you're after. Because you're not just looking for a trained dog. You're looking for a best good friend.

ready for things to feel different?

Better communication. More confidence. Training that makes sense in the life you actually share with your dog.

get started