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

Jump Start

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

In-home dog training in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port and the surrounding areas.

Homeschool6 training visits
Lessons5 private lessons
Timeline5 weeks or less

Right now, your dog's behavior might have you feeling a little defeated. You know they're a good dog. But between the barking at every little thing out the window, the over-the-top greetings, and the daily chaos, you're tired. And finding time to train on top of everything else feels impossible.

That's where Homeschool comes in. It's the best of both worlds: your dog gets trained by a pro, without ever leaving home. I'll come by three times a week while you're at work and train your dog myself. Then we'll meet for private lessons so I can show you how to keep it all going.

Imagine a few weeks from now, when you're finally starting to see those everyday frustrations turn into progress. Your dog is learning better habits, walks are becoming more enjoyable, and things at home are starting to feel a little easier. Best of all? You're learning right alongside your dog, so you'll know how to build on that progress long after our sessions are over.

What can we work on together?

  • Calmer hellos when guests come over (four paws on the floor)
  • Walking nicely on a leash (less tug-of-war, more strolling)
  • Less barking at every little thing
  • Coming when you call
  • Settling down and relaxing at home
  • Plus whatever matters most in your house

Sample Schedule

Private lessonHomeschool training visit
  1. Week 1
    Private lesson
  2. Week 2
    Homeschool training visitHomeschool training visitHomeschool training visitPrivate lesson
  3. Week 3
    Homeschool training visitHomeschool training visitHomeschool training visitPrivate lesson
  4. Week 4
    Private lesson
  5. Week 5
    Private lesson
Google Reviews

What My Clients Say

5.0
Based on 46 reviews
Google
Erica Stevens

MJ did a fantastic job with our job and was a pleasure to work with! I feel like we have more control over Norman and can better handle his issues with our other dog. She's incredibly professional and great with dogs.

Response from the owner

Highwater Dog TrainingThank you so much for the wonderful review, I'm so glad I was able to help you with Norman - he's such a sweet boy!

Emily Greenhalgh

We loved working with MJ. Our dogs are friendly, but intense. They would overwhelm guests. We needed training ourselves almost as much as the dogs and MJ was great with that.

She was thoughtful about what we actually needed and wanted to accomplish and changed her techniques and lessons around our dogs vs just doing a one-sized fits all approach. The actual practicing we had to do was bite sized enough that it felt do-able and we could see the dogs making progress right away. Both "Back" and "Place" have been life savers for us.

Her balanced approach to training and her patience with both us and the dogs has made me feel much more confident for having people over.

I would absolutely recommend her to anyone (and so would Maggie and Cooper! )

Response from the owner

Highwater Dog TrainingThank you Emily! You've done amazing work with Maggie and Cooper, they're lucky to have you!

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!

The process to working together

Getting Started

  1. 1

    Reach out!

    Tell me a little about your dog and your goals.

  2. 2

    In-Home Consultation

    We'll meet to talk in detail about everything so that we can both make sure it's a good match and come up with training plan together that works for your goals, your dog, and your lifestyle.

  3. 3

    Pick a Program

    Each of my programs accommodates different learning styles and budgets, but every program designed in a way that allows each session to be tailored to your goals.

  4. 4

    Onboarding Paperwork & Scheduling

    I'll send your onboarding paperwork - which includes information about training and policies, questions about your dog, a service agreement and your invoice - directly to your email address to be completed online. No printing necessary!

  5. 5

    Let's get training!

    Once all your paperwork is complete, let the lessons begin!

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be involved in my dog's training?

Definitely. Whatever program you land on, part of my job is making sure you understand your dog every bit as much as your dog is learning to understand you.

With private lessons, you're hands-on from the very first session. I'll walk you through each step, answer whatever questions come up, and make sure you know how to keep building progress in between our meetings.

With one of the Homeschool programs, I'm very hands-on with your dog from the very beginning. From there, I'll bring you up to speed on exactly what's been taught and how to reinforce and build on it at home. It's a solid fit for busier households, or for dogs who benefit from extra reps during the week when you might not have as much time to dedicate to practicing on your own.

Either path leads to the same place: you walking away with real knowledge and genuine confidence to keep things moving forward long after our lessons wrap up.

Do you offer board & trains?

Not currently. My focus is on private lessons and Homeschool programs, since those formats keep you directly involved in the process, and that hands-on piece tends to matter a lot for long-term success. That said, board and train absolutely has its place, and for certain situations, particularly more severe aggression cases, it's sometimes genuinely the better option. If I think that's the right path for your dog, I'll tell you honestly and help point you toward a trainer suited for it.

Can you help my dog stop barking?

Yes. Barking itself is completely normal dog behavior, but when it becomes excessive, there's almost always a real reason behind it. We'll figure out what's actually driving it first, then build a plan around addressing that root cause, rather than just trying to suppress the noise itself.

Where do lessons take place?

Lessons typically take place at your home. Since that's where your dog already feels at ease, it usually means faster progress with less adjustment time needed. Once things are going well on your home turf, we can shift some lessons out into public spaces too, so your dog gets real practice with manners in the everyday situations where they'll actually need them.

See all frequently asked questions

Let’s Talk About Your Dog

Tell me a little about your dog and your goals.

Text Me About Your Dog