5.0 from 46 Google reviews 941-396-0296mj@highwaterdogtraining.com
5.0 46 Google reviews

In-Home Dog Training in North Port, Florida

Looking for a dog trainer in North Port, FL who comes right to your door?

I offer personalized, in-home dog training that focuses on the behaviors that matter most in your everyday life. From manners around the house to better behavior out in your neighborhood, we’ll work together to make life with your dog easier and more enjoyable.

No one-size-fits-all programs. Just practical training built around your dog, your lifestyle, and your goals.

Let's Talk About Your Dog!How It Works
North Port, FLSarasota County In-home trainingI come to you ZIP codes34286, 34287, 34288, 34289, 34291
North Port Dog Training Services

What can we work on together?

From brand-new puppies to adult dogs with challenging behaviors, I offer private in-home dog training in North Port to help make everyday life with your dog a little easier.

Puppy Training

Potty training, crate training, socialization, puppy biting, household manners, and building good habits from the start.

Obedience & Everyday Manners

Leash pulling, jumping on guests, door manners, reliable recall, settling in the house, and listening around distractions.

Reactivity & Behavior Challenges

Barking, lunging, fearful behavior, anxiety, resource guarding, and other challenges that can make everyday activities stressful.

Advanced Obedience

Building on the basics with more reliable commands, increased distractions, off-leash skills, and training that holds up outside your living room.

Dog Training Programs in North Port

From everyday manners to bigger behavior challenges, my personalized training programs offer different levels of support to fit your dog, your goals, and your lifestyle.

Dog Training Programs

For adult dogs and teens: manners, leash walking, barking, reactivity and more.

Private lessons

Essentials Program

The skills every great dog needs, built around the one thing you most want to change.

  • Lessons4 private lessons
  • WhereIn your home
  • Timeline4 weeks or less
View program Private lessons

Mild Manners

Everyday manners for the dog who's a little too much, a little too often.

  • Lessons6 private lessons
  • WhereIn your home
  • Timeline6 weeks or less
View program Homeschool + private lessons

Jump Start

Perfect for busy owners who want real progress, without having to find time to train every day.

  • Homeschool6 training visits
  • Lessons5 private lessons
  • Timeline5 weeks or less
View program Most complete Homeschool + private lessons

Dream Dog

Best for owners with bigger goals or bigger challenges, who want the most hands-on help I offer.

  • Homeschool9 training visits
  • Lessons6 private lessons
  • Timeline6 weeks or less
View program

Puppy Training Programs

Start puppyhood off on the right track: potty and crate training, nipping, first basics and socialization.

Private lessons

Puppy Foundations

Start puppyhood off on the right track, with all the essentials and a trainer in your corner.

  • Lessons5 private lessons
  • WhereIn your home
  • Timeline5 weeks or less
View program Private lessons at home + out in the world

Puppy Plus+

Everything in Puppy Foundations, plus real-world adventures so your puppy learns to handle life outside your living room.

  • Lessons8 private lessons
  • Where6 at home, 2 out in the world
  • Timeline8 weeks or less
View program Full experience Homeschool + lessons + field trips

Puppy Pro

The full puppy experience, with me doing the heavy lifting while you're busy living your life.

  • Homeschool6 visits + 3 field trips
  • Lessons5 private lessons
  • Timeline5 weeks or less
View program

Compare all services & programs

MJ Stoltz, North Port dog trainer, with a German Shepherd

Meet Your North Port Dog Trainer

Hi! I’m MJ, the owner and trainer behind Highwater Dog Training.

I’ve been professionally training dogs for over 10 years, and I’m an Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer. Over the years, I’ve worked with dogs of all breeds, ages, personalities, and behavior challenges.

My approach is pretty simple: I want training to make your everyday life with your dog better. That means looking at the whole picture, figuring out what’s contributing to the behavior, and building a training plan that makes sense for your household.

I also believe that my job doesn’t end when our training sessions do. My programs include support between lessons and long-term guidance so you have someone to turn to as you continue working with your dog.

Animal Behavior College
Certified Dog Trainer International Association of
Canine Professionals 5.0 46 Google reviews

How In-Home Dog Training Works in North Port

Getting started is simple. Here's exactly what to expect, step by step.

  1. 1
    Step 1:

    Let's Chat!

    First, fill out my contact form to tell me a little about your dog and what you're hoping to accomplish with training!

    Once I receive your inquiry, I'll reach out by phone, text, or email so we can chat about your goals, answer any initial questions, and see if my services are a good fit for you and your dog.

  2. 2
    Step 2:

    Consultation

    Next, I'll come to your home to meet you and your dog, get a better understanding of what's going on, and talk through your training goals in more detail.

    Together, we'll come up with a personalized training plan and decide which program makes the most sense for you, your dog, and your lifestyle.

    You'll also have a chance to get to know me and my training approach before moving forward!

  3. 3
    Step 3:

    Let's Get Training!

    Now the fun begins! We'll get started with your personalized training program, focusing on the skills and behaviors that matter most to you and your dog.

    Every session is tailored to your goals, and as your dog makes progress, I'll adjust our training plan to keep things moving in the right direction. You'll also learn how to put those new skills to use in everyday life so you can enjoy the results long after training ends!

Let's Talk About Your Dog

Service Area

Dog Training That Comes to You in North Port

I provide private, in-home dog training throughout North Port, Florida, including neighborhoods around Wellen Park, Toledo Blade Boulevard, and Price Boulevard.

Since I come to you, we can work on behaviors right where they’re happening. That might mean practicing leash manners along your neighborhood streets, working through barking when guests arrive, or helping your dog learn to settle when there’s activity around the house.

When your dog is ready, we can also work on applying those skills in other environments, with outings tailored to your dog’s training goals.

Let's Talk About Your Dog
Illustrated map of the Highwater Dog Training service area in Southwest Florida I-75 GULF OF MEXICO Charlotte Harbor VeniceNorth PortEnglewoodPlacidaPort CharlottePunta GordaBabcock Ranch N

North Port Neighborhoods I Serve

North Port covers a lot of ground, and I cover it with you: Wellen Park, Heron Creek, Bobcat Trail, Sabal Trace, Warm Mineral Springs and everything along Price, Sumter, Toledo Blade and Cranberry.

Not sure if you’re in my area? Just ask. I also train in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Babcock Ranch, Englewood and Placida.

Neighborhoods

  • Wellen Park
  • Heron Creek
  • Bobcat Trail
  • Sabal Trace
  • Warm Mineral Springs
  • Toledo Blade Blvd
  • Price Blvd
  • Sumter Blvd
  • Cranberry Blvd

North Port ZIP codes

  • 34286
  • 34287
  • 34288
  • 34289
  • 34291
Real-world practice

Where We Practice Around North Port

Once your dog has the basics down at home, we can practice out in North Port at places like these:

  1. 01

    Butler Park

    Leash walking and focus around the community center, the pool crowd and open fields.

  2. 02

    Canine Club Dog Park

    For social dogs: off-leash manners, coming when called and a calm exit from the gate.

  3. 03

    Wellen Park

    Polite walking on busy sidewalks, past outdoor tables and new sights.

  4. 04

    Your own street

    Big lots, open fields and wildlife: real-life recall and “leave it” practice.

Local know-how

Dog Life in North Port, Florida

Every town has its own everyday challenges. Here’s what I see most with North Port dogs, and how we work on it.

New home, new routines

North Port keeps growing, and lots of families arrive with a new house and a new puppy at the same time. Good habits from day one make the move easier on everyone.

Wooded lots & wildlife

Open lots, retention ponds and wildlife are part of everyday walks here. A reliable recall and a strong “leave it” help keep your dog safe.

Dog park smarts

Not every dog loves the dog park, and that’s okay. We’ll work on calm, confident behavior first and decide together whether busy dog spaces are a good fit.

Heat & toads

Hot afternoons and Bufo toads after rain mean we plan outdoor practice for cooler hours and keep “leave it” sharp.

Help for reactive dogs

Google Reviews

What Dog Owners Around North Port Say

5.0
Based on 46 reviews
Google
Review us on Google See all on Google
Debbie Winnick

This is our 4th dog, but the most challenging puppy we have had. He is a love, but stubborn and thinks he is dominant. MJ gave us great ideas and really understood and supported us with the behavioral issues we were having with our new puppy, Riley. He is doing great and we are using all the new skills we learned from MJ. She is direct, but very calm...in just 6 private sessions with MJ we have pragmatic techniques that help Riley - he is well socialized, walks well [or, at least, better] on a leash and plays well with others.

Response from the owner

Highwater Dog TrainingThank you Debbie! I was so happy to help you and Riley!

Claire Poole

MJ is an amazing trainer! She is clear and communicative not only about what she is teaching, but about WHY this addresses our dogs needs and how our dogs may be interpreting our behavior. It was a “reactive dog class”, and she made us all feel safe and able to engage in every activity. I’ve been to many trainers with many dogs. She is the best!

Anne Wagner

I’ve had show and performance dogs for years. Some are easier than others! MJ was and is so helpful when issues pop up that may be above your pay grade. Well worth it to spend some time with MJ!❤️

Response from the owner

Highwater Dog TrainingThank you! It's been so much fun helping Nugget learn to contain his excitement, he's such a playful and fun pup!

Kristin Schuch

MJ has been an incredible resource for our German Shepard and Dutchie (and occasional rescue). She pairs knowledge & skill with experience in an effective real world way that makes training dynamic for each dog’s unique needs. We love her balanced approach, and value her sincere commitment to her work.

Response from the owner

Highwater Dog TrainingThanks Kristin! I can't wait to get some updates on their progress in the future!

Carrie G. S.

Thank you Instinctual Canine. I honestly do not know what we would have done without MJ. We adopted our first rescue puppy last year - Jasper. Jasper is a very bright pup but he needed guidance and needed to learn basic commands. We signed up for the perfect puppy package and not only has Jasper learned a great deal, but as pet owners we have learned a great deal as well. MJ is extremely knowledgable, patient, professional and we really enjoyed her training style. I highly recommend MJ!

Response from the owner

Highwater Dog TrainingThank you Carrie! I had so much fun working with you and Jasper - he's such a smart pup and such a joy to be around!

Chandra Brockett

MJ has been wonderful to work with. The lessons are structured in a way that both you and your pet succeed. She has a way of explaining things that makes the process simple to understand, which I greatly appreciated!

My scared rescue quickly warmed up to MJ and, thru the lessons, has gained more confidence in herself and is learning that the world isn’t so terrifying. We are a much happier family thanks to MJ and recommend her to everyone!

Response from the owner

Highwater Dog TrainingThank you! Your family was a pleasure to work with!

Read all 46 reviews

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North Port Dog Training FAQs

Do you offer in-home dog training in North Port, FL?

Yes! I travel to clients throughout North Port for personalized, private training sessions. We work in your home, neighborhood, and other appropriate locations based on your dog's goals.

Can you help with leash pulling, barking, or reactive behavior?

Absolutely. I work with dogs experiencing a variety of behavior challenges, including leash pulling, reactivity, excessive barking, and fearful behavior. We'll start with an in-home consultation to evaluate your dog and discuss the best training options.

Do you offer puppy training in North Port?

Yes! My puppy training programs can help with potty training, crate training, puppy biting, socialization, obedience, and household manners. Training takes place in your home, with additional outings included in certain programs.

How do I get started with dog training?

Start by contacting me to tell me a little about your dog and what you're hoping to work on. From there, we'll schedule an in-home consultation to meet your dog, discuss your goals, and find the training program that's the best fit.

Do you offer dog training in Wellen Park?

Yes! Wellen Park is part of my North Port service area, along with Heron Creek, Bobcat Trail, Sabal Trace, Warm Mineral Springs and the neighborhoods off Price, Sumter and Toledo Blade.

Is the dog park a good idea for my dog?

It depends on your dog. Some dogs love it, and some find it overwhelming. During training we'll look at how your dog handles other dogs and build calm, reliable skills first, so you can make that call with confidence.

See all frequently asked questions

Also Training Near North Port

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Ready to Start Dog Training in North Port?

Fill out the form or reach out directly:

Phone941-396-0296 Emailmj@highwaterdogtraining.com
Text Me About Your Dog