Hello, We're Kayla and Jenna. We are located in Waxhaw, NC. We met 5 years ago at a previous job training service dogs and breeding Labrador retrievers. We quickly formed an instant friendship and have remained close ever since. With our friendship surrounded by our deep passion and love for dogs, we decided to open up our business together training and caring for dogs. We have both been working with dogs for 10+ years each, along with working with puppies at 3 days old to dogs with reactivity. Jenna and Kayla each specialize in reactivity, puppies, and basic obedience. With our hands-on experience and background in several different training seminars, we can custom-tailor our training programs to clients needs and wants. Jenna is also an AKC evaluator! We firmly believe every dog is unique and should be treated as such!
Jenna & Kayla
Meet Jenna, one of our owners who originally came from Illinois but now resides in North Carolina. She's a devoted mother to a lively toddler and a proud owner of 2 Labradors and an Aussie. When she's not working, Jenna enjoys baking, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Allow me to introduce you to Kayla, one of the owners of this business. She's happily married and a proud mom to a wonderful toddler, two Aussies, a Blue Heeler, and two cats who think they're the bosses around here. When she's not occupied with her work, she loves to unwind by knitting, enjoying a cup of coffee with her dogs, and going to herding lessons with her herders.
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Jay S.
Ryder
Our training goals were met. Before training, Ryder was very stubborn and was difficult to walk on a leash. Following the 4-week training, the improvement is incredible. Ryder no longer pulls on the leash, she is attentive to our walking pace. The improvement is night and day. The place command has been great when there is a distraction. I enjoyed the videos that were texted and especially the IG stories. The only improvement would be more videos, however, I know the editing can take a lot of time.The entire Empowering Dogs training experience was great. Kayla and Jenna are very knowledgeable and communicate the entire training program effectively. It was difficult being without our dog for 4-weeks, but the IG videos and text videos made it easier. When we got Ryder back, we were educated on how to continue the training. My only regret is that we didn't reach out for training sooner.
Alexandra H.
Otis
We were looking for a dog trainer for our 1 year old Australian Shepherd, Otis and we are so happy we chose Empowering Dogs! He did the 3 week board and train program to work on his obedience and overall behavioral issues. Jenna and Kayla are extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and patient with not only dogs but us as well. They addressed our concerns and questions and taught us everything we need to know to reinforce the training back at home after the program. Since coming back home, his obedience, listening, recall, leash walking and overall confidence is like night and day. They really did such an amazing job with him! They also boarded our other Aussie and took great care of him while we were away. We can’t recommend Empowering Dogs enough, they are truly amazing at what they do!!
Courtney W.
Magnus
I sent my golden retriever, Magnus, to Empowering Dogs for their Harmony program. He needed to learn to calm down more easily when people come over, relax in his “place” during busy moments with two small kids in the evening, and pull less on walks, among other things. When came home, he had obviously improved in all of these areas! Plus, his trainers took the time to show me how to continue to work with him, and answered all my questions. It’s been a couple of weeks now, and I am genuinely thrilled with the skills Magnus has learned with Empowering Dogs. I would highly recommend this organization for any dog parent seeking training.
Turchese P.
Achille
The biggest concerns with my dog when I decided to bring him onto the board & train program was the pulling and how he didn't listen to me in public settings. The difference I've seen with how easily my dog walks by my side now is night and day and I'm so proud of the progress he's made. There has been a big shift in how he listens to me in public settings and I feel more comfortable after the program to bring him with me to a big city.
Jake H.
Cleo
Kayla and Jenna were incredible!! I left Cleo, our 4 year old Lab, with them and she had a great time!! Both Kayla and Jenna were very responsive and would send pictures of Cleo having a great time. Am sure Cleo is excited to go back and play with Kayla, Jenna and her aussie’s!