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Yes, Your Dog Can Behave.
We’ll show you how: without the stress, shame, or guessing games.
The best dog training method is the one that matches your dog's needs.
Our Mind & Manners Method™ is a relationship-based blend of obedience and behavioral training that is tailored specifically for you and your dog.
Obedience is Just Part of The Equation
You’ve watched the videos, tried the treats, tools, and tips, but your dog still isn’t where you want them to be.
That’s because most training jumps straight to obedience and skips the most critical part: your dog’s mindset.
If your dog isn’t calm, confident, and emotionally regulated, no amount of “sit” or “stay” will stick. Real results come when we start with the mind; helping your dog feel safe, focused, and ready to learn.
Effects when training only focuses on obedience...
Commands may not work unless: you have treats or raise your voice.
Forcing obedience commands onto a dog that doesn't have a calm mindset can make issues worse.
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You start to believe your dog is the problem, or worse, that you are.
Frustration
Inconsistency
Escalating the Issue
You need a plan that creates a healthy mindset as well as reliable obedience.
The Mind & Manners Method™ customizes a plan to meet your dog's specific needs.
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Do These Issues Sound Familiar? We've Got You.
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Separation Anxiety
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Fear of New People
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Resource Guarding
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Barking/Growling at Guests
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Anxiousness/Lack of Confidence
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Barking/Lunging on Walks
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Pulling on Leash
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Ignoring When Called
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Jumping on Guests
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"Selective Hearing"
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Mouthiness
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Won't Listen Outside/Distracted
Behavioral Issues (Mind)
Obedience Issues (Manners)
Relied on by Rescues, Sanctuaries, and Families Who Want Real Change
Whether your dog has a big personality or a troubled past, we know how to bring out their best.
Command Canine founder Chelsey Marino developed the Mind & Manners™ approach after rehabilitating countless misunderstood dogs, including former research beagles with severe trauma.
Today, we serve clients throughout North Carolina and partner with the most reputable rescues and sanctuaries across the U.S. and Canada to rehabilitate dogs with complex needs. If the Mind & Manners™ approach can help them, imagine what it can do for you.
The Mind & Manners Method™ in 3 Simple Steps
We train the Mind (how your dog feels) and the Manners (what your dog does) so results stick, whether you work with our North Carolina dog trainers or through our online program.
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Book Your Free Discovery Call
Get Your Custom Mind & Manners™
Training Plan
Your Dog Gets It. You Feel it.
Everything Changes... For Both of You.
Watch Their Story!
Training Services
We offer a variety of services tailored to your lifestyle, so you can start building a calmer, more predictable life with your dog.
Weekly 1-on-1 training sessions with an experienced trainer.
You and your dog will build skills and confidence that will last for a lifetime.
Experience what it's like to be a part of your dog's transformation.
Private Lessons
Starting at $750
Board & Train
We do the training.
Your dog will stay in your trainer’s home for focused training and faster progress.
Your dog returns home calmer, more responsive, and ready for the next step.
Starting at $2750
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eBooks
We wrote the book(s) on fixing the hard stuff.
Learn what to do, when to do it, and why it works.
Prefect for those who want to start small, and see what dog training is all about.
Start for Free
Meet the Mind & Manners™ Method
Customized training that's the right balance of obedience and behavior modification, creating a happy and healthy relationship between you and your dog for life.
Mind: Helping Your Dog Feel Safe, Calm, and at Ease
We uncover what’s driving the behavior and help your dog feel secure enough to learn
Manners: Teaching Skills That Stick
With the mind regulated, we layer in real-life skills like leash walking and not jumping on guests.
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Ready for a dog that’s calm on the inside and well-mannered on the outside?
Prefer to Start Small?
Download our free guide, the Mind & Manners™ Warm-Up Wag and learn:
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Why “quick-fix” tips backfire
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How our relationship-based approach rewires your dog’s mindset
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Three easy games you can try today!
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Happy Dogs. Happier Humans.
Common Questions, Clear Answers
What makes you different from other dog trainers? Our Mind & Manners™ Method blends behavior work with real-life obedience, focusing on how your dog feels and acts so results actually stick. We work with all pet dogs, but we specialize in tough cases, rescue dogs, and former animal research dogs, offering support that’s practical, empathetic, and proven to work. We work with you to create a customized training plan so you can get everything you want, and none of the extra fluff you don't actually need.
What do you mean by "customized training" for each dog? We look at each individual dog (and their owner!) and create a training plan based on their unique medical history, genetics, environment, stress levels, family dynamics, past experiences, and individual personalities. We come up with the strategies that will help you and your dog be the most successful in your lives.
What methods do you use to train dogs? Whatever is best for you and your dog! We are not a "one-trick-pony" and we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. This is why we can work with tons of dogs, even if they're not food motivated or have been failed by other trainers in the past. For obedience training, we use positive reinforcement and pressure/release leash pressure, (similar to how horses understand where you want them to go when you move the reigns one way or the other). For our clients who want more flexibility and off-leash training, we can add in remote collar training with a vibration collar or Ecollar. Behavior Modification training requires deep expertise in canine psychology and emotional regulation. We focus on rewiring emotional responses by building frustration tolerance, resilience, autonomy, problem-solving skills, and relaxation. This isn’t obedience; it’s emotional rehab. It works because we tailor every step to your dog’s unique history, triggers, and tolerance levels.
Where are your services available? We’re based in North Carolina for in-person training, but our virtual programs are available anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.
How long before I see results? You’ll likely see progress fast, especially with obedience! Many of our clients notice changes in their dog’s behavior at the very first lesson or immediately during the Board and Train. But, lasting results take reps. Think of dog training like going to the gym; we're your personal trainer, and we'll teach you (and your dog) everything we know - but eventually you won't need us there by your side anymore, however, you will need to keep going to the gym on your own if you want to keep everything up! For behavior cases, the timeline is different. You’ll usually see a big shift within the first couple of weeks, especially once we start helping your dog feel safer and more in control. Then, things tend to plateau a bit. That’s totally normal and expected, because of how your dog’s nervous system and brain process change. Around 4–6 months in, with consistency on your part and ours, you’ll start to see deeper changes: better choices, calmer reactions, and a more regulated, confident dog!
What is your success rate with previous clients? We’ve helped hundreds of families make real progress, and the clients who lean in, ask questions, and keep showing up see real results- and we’re proud to say that’s most of them! For us, success means less guilt, shame, and frustration... and more peace of mind, confidence, and clarity for you and your dog. But don't just take our word for it: read our 100+ five star reviews and hear directly from our clients about their experience and the success they achieved!