Customers report that dogs return from the two-week board and train program with improved manners, self-control, and off-leash recall. Reviewers highlight the trainer's punctuality, detailed communication, and responsiveness to questions, noting that she teaches owners how to reinforce new behaviors. While the service is generally viewed as effective and worth the cost, one reviewer criticized the trainer's direct communication style with dog owners.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 80 reviews (99% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 80 Google reviews (75 with written comments, 25 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 89% of reviews.
Most recent review: September 22, 2026.
Service: Dog Trainer serving Cary, North Carolina.
Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.
Photos
Customer reviews
5.0
★★★★★
80 reviews on Google
5★79
4★0
3★0
2★0
1★1
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
LC
Laura CooperLocal Guide · 17 reviews
★★★★★
Elaine worked with myself and my 5 year old Schnauzer, who was very reactive with dogs. I am amazed at the training and progress that he has made. He is still a very happy and healthy pup, but with incredible manners now. I have also learned how to be a leader with both of my dogs, and I am so excited to spend time are breweries and on trails. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Response from the owner · a month ago
Laura, thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! ❤️ It has been such a joy watching Barton grow into the happy, confident, well-mannered pup he is today. I’m equally proud of the confidence you’ve gained as his leader and the adventures you’ll now be able to enjoy together. Thank you for trusting me with Barton and allowing me to be part of your journey. 🐾❤️
I would 100% recommend taking your dog to Elaine for training. I dropped my puppy, Hugs, off with her as a very high energy and impulsive dog. When we picked him up, he was a totally different dog. Elaine taught him how to control all of his puppy energy and big emotions, settle on his own, and many other things! We now feel confident taking him in public spaces with people and other dogs, and can even take him off leash on hiking and walking trails! We are so grateful for everything Elaine has done for Hugs and for teaching us everything we need to know too!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Chloe, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! It was such so gratifying working with Hugs and seeing his growth! He is a sweet, enthusiastic pup, and I’m so happy to hear that you’re feeling confident enjoying adventures together. Your dedication and willingness to learn played a huge part in his success. Wishing you and Hugs many more happy adventures! 🐾
Loved Carolina Dog Training so much! I am so grateful for her training not only our puppy but also me on how to have a well mannered and loving dog in our home!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Thank you so much, Meredith, for your kind words! It was such a pleasure working with you and Bunni! I’m so glad the training gave you both the tools and confidence to build such a happy, well-mannered relationship. I’m truly honored that you trusted me to be part of your journey, and I’m so excited for the opportunity to work with the newest member of your family pack, Cookie, very soon! ❤️🐾
My fearful, anxious and very stubborn dog, Flash spent two weeks in the board and train program offered by Elaine. Flash came home a changed dog! He now knows all the skills and necessary commands to become the dog I knew he could be. I have dreamed of taking Flash hiking off leash for quite some time. I was amazed and delighted to hike off leash with Flash this morning. He knew exactly what to do! He was calm, confident and so happy hiking off leash. It was a joyful morning for both of us!
Services: Dog boarding with training
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Barb, thank you so much for trusting me with Flash! I’m incredibly proud of the progress he made during his time in our program! Hearing about your joyful off-leash hike absolutely made my day!!! That trust and freedom is exactly what we strive for. Flash is a special dog, and your consistency and belief in him makes all the difference. Thank you for sharing!
Elaine of CDT was fantastic with our 5 month old West Highland Terrier. She is firm, kind, and teaches you how to be the leader of the pack so that your dog wants to follow as a member of the pack and you feel confident doing so. I can tell that our dog loves her very much too! It's obvious she takes care of her visiting doggies like family.
Services: Dog boarding with training
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Laura, thank you so much for your kind words! It truly means a lot to hear about your experience. Moose was such a joy to work with, and it’s been wonderful watching him grow and build confidence alongside you. I’m especially glad the training approach resonated with you—helping owners feel confident and connected with their dogs is always the goal. And yes, Moose has definitely become part of the CDT family! I look forward to continuing to support you both on this journey!
Thank you for the learning experience. This training motivated me to begin a deeper exploration of dog behavior in order to help them live better with their owners and to enjoy discipline, consistency, and love.
During these two weeks, I was able to see how Elaine can change behavior in minutes. Her teachings were incredible, and her knowledge is vast.
My dogs and my partner’s dogs have already started to show changes thanks to the new knowledge I gained with Elaine. I hope to continue helping the community in the near future by applying my knowledge to other dogs that need it.
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Laura, thank you so much for your thoughtful and heartfelt review. It truly means a lot! I’m especially touched to hear that our Train-the-Trainer Program inspired you to explore dog behavior more deeply—that curiosity and commitment are exactly what make a great trainer. Watching you connect the dots and begin applying what you learned, with yours and your partner’s dogs, was incredibly rewarding! Your dedication, consistency, and love as guiding principles will make a real difference in the lives of the dogs and people you work with. I have no doubt you’ll be a positive force in your community, and I’m excited to see where your journey takes you next!!! Thank you again for your kind words and for the energy you brought to the program! XO, Elaine
Elaine was and is the best trainer and Teacher
I have 100% confidence in her methods and highly recommend her
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you so much, Magda, for your kind words and recommendation! It was such a pleasure having Nora here for our Board & Train Program, and I loved working with you afterward to help you carry over her new skills at home. Your commitment to her training makes all the difference! 🐾
Elaine truly is the dog whisperer! She turned our hyper puppy into a dog with amazing self control. We now enjoy our walks with him, and feel much more in control with him in general. Elaine is fantastic at teaching the humans too, and we now feel so confident. I can’t recommend Elaine and Carolina Dog Training more!! You won’t regret it.
Services: Dog boarding with training
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Thank you, Hannah for your kind words! Working with Bennett has been such a meaningful experience. Watching him grow in confidence and skill has been a joy! Training is never just about the dog—it’s about the partnership behind the scenes—and you’ve shown up for him in the best possible way. Thank you for trusting me with Bennett and for taking the time to share your experience. It means more than I can say to be part of his journey. 🐾💛
We had our English Setter, Strega, attend Carolina Dog Training in 2023, and I wanted to share just how incredible the long-term impact of that training has been, three years later. We frequently visit the North Carolina mountains, and there is no greater joy than watching Strega run freely and safely, knowing we can confidently communicate with her.
When we travel without her, we often leave Strega in the care of my parents. Their house backs up to a lot of land that we only ever dreamed Strega could run in. Now that she is trained, we feel 100% confident leaving her with them. She is able to run off-leash in the woods with no fear on our end. It has taken away so much of the pressure and anxiety we once felt.
I was especially nervous for Strega to go into training because she is a bird dog with an extremely high prey drive. We really thought she would never be able to go off-leash safely because she became so hyper-focused on birds that she used to drown out our voices. Within a week, Elaine had her confidently and safely working off-leash where she able to follow her instincts, point, and run in the woods, all while responding reliably to recall.
We were absolutely amazed when we picked her up. Although I wrote mostly about her off-leash training, the other manners and behaviors she learned with Elaine were also transformational. To this day we still say, “Thank goodness we got her trained!” It has taken so much worry off of us and has completely changed our lives with her. I just wish we did it sooner!
Response from the owner · 9 months ago
Thank you so much, Marisa, for taking the time to share this incredibly thoughtful review. It truly means the world to me! Hearing about Strega thriving years after her training — running confidently in the mountains, enjoying off-leash freedom, and giving you peace of mind — is exactly why we do what we do! Strega was such a special dog to work with, and your trust, especially given her strong prey drive, was something I never took lightly. Watching her learn to balance her natural instincts with reliable communication was a joy, and I’m so happy that foundation has continued to support her adventures and your family’s lifestyle. Thank you for trusting Carolina Dog Training with such an important part of your lives — and for sharing Strega’s story so generously. Give her a hug from us! 🐾
We enrolled our 7 month old puppy, Nellie, in Elaine's board and train program and couldn't be happier with the results!
The transformation in just two weeks was truly incredible. She listens to commands with confidence and is so happy with the off leash freedom this training has provided her. Elaine provided frequent updates/pictures and promptly responded to all of our questions!
If you are considering a board and train program, we cannot recommend Carolina Dog Training enough!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog boarding with training, Dog training
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review! I'm absolutely thrilled how much she’s enjoying her new off-leash freedom! And especially loved seeing her pictures running at the beach! It was truly a pleasure working with her, and I'm so glad you felt supported throughout the process with updates and communication.
I am honored to have been part of Nellie’s training journey. Thank you again for choosing Carolina Dog Training and for recommending us so highly!
