Training Courses
Each week introduces new skills and builds on the previous lesson. These are progression-based courses—not one-time drop-in classes. Once groups fill up, additional course days will open.
Owner(s) must be present during classes.
We also address common challenges such as jumping, biting, digging, leash pulling, crate training, and maintaining focus around distractions. Our goal is to support both you and your dog with effective, positive training.
Puppy Training Course
Duration: 4 weeks (1 session per week, 1 hour each)
Age: For puppies 6 months or younger
Start Time: 5:30 PM
Cost: $260 per dog
Group Size: Maximum of 5 puppies
Dates: Sept 10, 17, 24, Oct 1
What your puppy will learn:
In this course, your puppy will be introduced to the basic commands of sit, down, come, and heel, while also working through common puppy behaviors like biting, digging, and jumping. Training will cover crate training and housebreaking to establish healthy routines, along with socialization and enrichment activities to build confidence. We’ll also discuss environmental hazards, overall health and well-being, and help your puppy stay focused around distractions. Throughout the course, we emphasize patience and positive reinforcement to encourage a well-mannered, happy companion.
Basic Obedience Course
Duration: 3 weeks (1 session per week, 1 hour each)
Age: For dogs 6 months or older
Start Time: 5:30 PM
Cost: $210 per dog
Group Size: Maximum of 10 dogs
Dates: Sept 8, 15, 22
What your dog will learn:
This course builds on the fundamentals with core commands including sit, down, stay, come, heel, and place. Your dog will also practice proper leash manners and impulse control, while exercises in mental stimulation and confidence building encourage focus and attentiveness. Training sessions promote improved socialization and behavior refinement, helping your dog become more well-mannered at home, on walks, and in public spaces.
Meet Your Trainer
We recommend attending a Meet & Greet with Kelly to discuss your questions and goals. Her expertise goes far beyond the basics and will help set you and your pup up for success.
What to Bring
Owner Provides:
- Collar/Leash
- Favorite treats
- Poop bags
Riley’s Retreat Provides:
- Dog cots for training exercises
- Fresh water
- Training guides & reading materials
- A variety of treats
Additional Services
Refresh Courses – $25
Keep your dog’s skills sharp with our Refresh Courses, available as an add-on during daycare or boarding. our trainers will reinforce commands and behaviors your dog has already learned, helping maintain consistency and progress outside of class.
Private Training – $90 per session
Private one-on-one training sessions are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. There is no set number of sessions, as the total will depend on how quickly your dog learns and masters the commands being taught. Each session is tailored to your dog’s individual progress, ensuring a personalized and effective training experience.
Kelly Jordan - Trainer
Kelly Jordan is a Stanly County native now proud to call Charlotte home and a proud graduate of Appalachian State University. After spending more than a decade behind a desk in corporate America, Kelly traded spreadsheets for leashes and followed a lifelong passion for dogs into a brand-new career.
She completed her professional training at Highland Canine School for Dog Trainers in Hanceville, Alabama, earning certification in Pet Dog Training with a specialization in Behavior Modification. But her love for dogs started long before that—while still working a desk job, Kelly trained bird dogs for fun and eventually welcomed two Brittanys into the family: Bene (short for Benelli) and Chester (short for Winchester).
In 2024, Kelly began offering in-home dog training services throughout Charlotte, gaining experience with a wide variety of breeds and temperaments. This hands-on work reinforced the value of tailored training methods for each dog-and-owner pair. Today, she’s proud to serve as the in-house dog trainer at Riley’s Retreat, helping dogs (and their people) build stronger, happier relationships.
When she’s not training, Kelly enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Jason, and their two Brittanys. Whether sharing bird dog stories or embracing the muddy paw prints that come with the job, she finds joy in every part of the canine lifestyle.
