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Dog Training · Charleston, SC/Updated June 13, 2026

The 10 Best Dog Trainers in Charleston, SC

Finding the right dog trainer in Charleston can be a challenge. We ranked the city's best based on reviews and reliability.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceK9 Control Training
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Charleston-metro dog training businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

Training your dog is essential for a well-behaved pet and a harmonious home. In Charleston, dog training services vary widely, from budget options to highly-rated professionals. Choosing the right trainer affects not only your dog's behavior but also your family's peace of mind.

We evaluated ten local providers based on their Vetted Scores, customer reviews, and overall reputation. Each business has been ranked transparently, ensuring you can trust the information presented here.

10dog trainers evaluated in Charleston
4.90average rating across the field
1.0Kcustomer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does dog training cost in Charleston? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
★ Editor's Choice
96Score

K9 Control Training

★★★★★4.9(292 reviews)

With a stellar 4.9 rating from 292 reviews, K9 Control Training excels in personalized dog training approaches.

Read full review
Best Value
94Score

Sit Means Sit Dog Training - Charleston

★★★★★4.9(223 reviews)

Sit Means Sit Dog Training - Charleston has a 4.9 rating from 223 reviews, showcasing their effective training methods.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
93Score

Bark Busters Home Dog Training Charleston

★★★★★4.9(174 reviews)

Bark Busters Home Dog Training Charleston holds a 4.9 rating with 174 reviews, making it a popular choice for dog owners.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
K9 Control Training
K9 Control Training
Editor's Choice
96Score
4.9★★★★★
292Obedience training and behavior modification
2
94Score
4.9★★★★★
223Value-oriented dog training
3
93Score
4.9★★★★★
174In-home training and communication-based methods
4
90Score
5.0★★★★★
89Fun and engaging training for puppies
5
90Score
5.0★★★★★
59Basic obedience training
6
89Score
5.0★★★★★
52Personalized training plans
7
88Score
4.9★★★★★
49Off-leash training techniques
8
87Score
4.9★★★★★
42Positive reinforcement training
9
82Score
4.7★★★★★
31Community-oriented training
10
80Score
4.8★★★★★
21Hands-on, personalized training
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 dog trainers.

Our evaluation process involved assessing each dog trainer's ratings, the number of reviews, and overall customer satisfaction. We do not accept payment for placement, ensuring a fair ranking based solely on merit.

This list is refreshed monthly, reflecting the most current feedback from pet owners in Charleston. This approach guarantees that you have access to the best and most reliable dog training options available.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

K9 Control Training

★★★★★4.9(292 reviews)
96Score

With a stellar 4.9 rating from 292 reviews, K9 Control Training excels in personalized dog training approaches. Clients appreciate the trainers' expertise, particularly for obedience and behavior modification. However, the high demand may lead to longer wait times for appointments. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is obedience training and behavior modification. It serves Charleston, SC, with $150 to $400 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are long wait times for appointments and limited group classes.

Pros

  • Highly skilled trainers
  • Tailored training programs
  • Strong customer satisfaction

Cons

  • Long wait times for appointments
  • Limited group classes
Best forObedience training and behavior modification
Service areaCharleston, SC
Typical pricing$150 to $400
2
Best Value

Sit Means Sit Dog Training - Charleston

★★★★★4.9(223 reviews)
94Score

Sit Means Sit Dog Training - Charleston has a 4.9 rating from 223 reviews, showcasing their effective training methods. Customers highlight the value for money and the supportive environment. Yet, some feel the training sessions could be more structured. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is value-oriented dog training. It serves Charleston, SC, with $100 to $350 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are some sessions lack structure and limited advanced training options.

Pros

  • Affordable pricing
  • Supportive training atmosphere
  • Flexible scheduling

Cons

  • Some sessions lack structure
  • Limited advanced training options
Best forValue-oriented dog training
Service areaCharleston, SC
Typical pricing$100 to $350
3
Most Reviewed

Bark Busters Home Dog Training Charleston

★★★★★4.9(174 reviews)
93Score

Bark Busters Home Dog Training Charleston holds a 4.9 rating with 174 reviews, making it a popular choice for dog owners. Reviewers commend the in-home training approach and the emphasis on communication. However, some clients wish for more follow-up support. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is in-home training and communication-based methods. It serves Charleston, SC, with $200 to $500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are less follow-up support and higher pricing compared to some competitors.

Pros

  • In-home training convenience
  • Focus on communication techniques
  • Strong reputation

Cons

  • Less follow-up support
  • Higher pricing compared to some competitors
Best forIn-home training and communication-based methods
Service areaCharleston, SC
Typical pricing$200 to $500
4

Wild Wags

★★★★★5.0(89 reviews)
90Score

Wild Wags boasts a perfect 5-star rating from 89 reviews, attracting attention for its innovative training techniques and fun atmosphere. Clients appreciate the engaging approach for both dogs and owners. However, the smaller review base raises some questions about consistency. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is fun and engaging training for puppies. It serves Charleston, SC, with $120 to $400 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base and limited training options.

Pros

  • Innovative training methods
  • Fun and engaging environment
  • Positive feedback from clients

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Limited training options
Best forFun and engaging training for puppies
Service areaCharleston, SC
Typical pricing$120 to $400
5

Dog Training Now Charleston

★★★★★5.0(59 reviews)
90Score

Dog Training Now Charleston has achieved a 5-star rating from 59 reviews, highlighting its effectiveness in basic obedience training. Customers appreciate the friendly trainers and clear communication. However, the limited number of reviews suggests this business is still establishing itself. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is basic obedience training. It serves Charleston, SC, with $100 to $300 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited number of reviews and less variety in advanced training options.

Pros

  • Effective basic obedience training
  • Friendly trainers
  • Clear communication

Cons

  • Limited number of reviews
  • Less variety in advanced training options
Best forBasic obedience training
Service areaCharleston, SC
Typical pricing$100 to $300
6

Au Pair for Paws Dog Training

★★★★★5.0(52 reviews)
89Score

With a 5-star rating from 52 reviews, Au Pair for Paws Dog Training is praised for its personalized attention and tailored training plans. Many clients report significant improvements in their dogs' behavior. Still, the smaller review count may not fully represent their service quality. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is personalized training plans. It serves Charleston, SC, with $150 to $400 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review count and higher pricing for specialized services.

Pros

  • Personalized training attention
  • Tailored plans for individual dogs
  • Positive client feedback

Cons

  • Smaller review count
  • Higher pricing for specialized services
Best forPersonalized training plans
Service areaCharleston, SC
Typical pricing$150 to $400
7

Off Leash K9 Training Charleston

★★★★★4.9(49 reviews)
88Score

Off Leash K9 Training Charleston holds a 4.9 rating from 49 reviews, known for its focus on off-leash training techniques. Customers appreciate the results and professionalism of the trainers. However, some clients find the pricing on the higher side for the services offered. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is off-leash training techniques. It serves Charleston, SC, with $200 to $500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher pricing and limited availability for classes.

Pros

  • Effective off-leash training
  • Professional trainers
  • Strong results

Cons

  • Higher pricing
  • Limited availability for classes
Best forOff-leash training techniques
Service areaCharleston, SC
Typical pricing$200 to $500
8

Z&E Canine Manners

★★★★★4.9(42 reviews)
87Score

Z&E Canine Manners has a solid 4.9 rating from 42 reviews, recognized for its positive reinforcement methods. Clients enjoy the friendly trainers and supportive environment. On the downside, some clients feel the training could be more intensive. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is positive reinforcement training. It serves Charleston, SC, with $100 to $300 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are less intensive training and limited advanced courses.

Pros

  • Positive reinforcement methods
  • Friendly trainers
  • Supportive environment

Cons

  • Less intensive training
  • Limited advanced courses
Best forPositive reinforcement training
Service areaCharleston, SC
Typical pricing$100 to $300
9

Charleston Dog Training Club

★★★★★4.7(31 reviews)
82Score

The Charleston Dog Training Club has a 4.7 rating from 31 reviews, offering a community-focused approach to dog training. Reviewers appreciate the sense of community and support. However, the limited number of reviews suggests a less established presence in the market. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is community-oriented training. It serves Charleston, SC, with $80 to $250 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and less personalized attention.

Pros

  • Community-focused environment
  • Supportive trainers
  • Group training options

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Less personalized attention
Best forCommunity-oriented training
Service areaCharleston, SC
Typical pricing$80 to $250
10

Chambers K9 Training

★★★★★4.8(21 reviews)
80Score

Chambers K9 Training has a 4.8 rating from 21 reviews, recognized for its hands-on approach to training. Clients appreciate the one-on-one attention and tailored methods. However, the small review base can raise concerns about reliability. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is hands-on, personalized training. It serves Charleston, SC, with $150 to $350 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are small review base and limited class options.

Pros

  • Hands-on training approach
  • One-on-one attention
  • Tailored methods

Cons

  • Small review base
  • Limited class options
Best forHands-on, personalized training
Service areaCharleston, SC
Typical pricing$150 to $350
Before you book

How to choose a dog trainer in Charleston

When selecting a dog trainer, consider several factors to find the best fit for your needs and your pet's personality.

Review Ratings

Look for trainers with high ratings and a substantial number of reviews. This indicates a proven track record and satisfied clients.

Training Methods

Different trainers use various methods. Research their techniques to find one that aligns with your values and your dog's temperament.

Pricing vs. Value

Consider the cost of training sessions against the trainer's reputation. Sometimes, paying a bit more for a trusted expert can save you money in the long run.

What it costs

What dog training costs in Charleston

Dog training prices in Charleston can vary significantly based on the trainer's experience and the services offered.

Basic Obedience Training$150 to $300 for a package of sessions, focusing on essential commands and behaviors.
Advanced Training Programs$300 to $600, which may include specialized training for behavioral issues or specific skills.
Board and Train Packages$600 to $1,200, where your dog stays with the trainer for intensive training over several days.
Private Sessions$75 to $150 per session, offering personalized attention tailored to your dog's needs.

Frequently asked questions

How much does dog training cost in Charleston?

Prices for dog training in Charleston can range from $150 to $400 depending on the provider and type of training.

What is the average rating for dog trainers in Charleston?

The average rating across the evaluated dog trainers in Charleston is approximately 4.8 stars.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Charleston dog owners: <strong>K9 Control Training</strong>

K9 Control Training takes the lead as the best overall choice with a stellar 4.9 rating from 292 reviews. If you're looking for value, Sit Means Sit Dog Training - Charleston offers a similar rating at 4.9 with 223 reviews. For those willing to splurge on premium service, Bark Busters Home Dog Training Charleston rounds out the top three, also at 4.9 but with 174 reviews.