Coaching humans to teach their dogs.
Train before you need to
At K9 Characters Dog Training, I’m all about strengthening the bond between you and your furry friend through positive reinforcement and Clicker training in the Outer Banks and online.
P assionate About Results
I am committed to providing dog training that is grounded in compassion. My approach is based on the latest in behavior science and I am eager to continue educating myself.
O wned Locally, Trusted Community
Providing service across the Outer Banks—from Corolla and Duck to Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, and Nags Head—and globally, in both English and German.
S tandardized and Certified Expertise
In an unregulated industry, certification is crucial. I am proud to be certified by Karen Pryor Academy for Dog Training & Behavior, an esteemed and independent organization. This certification reflects my commitment to helping humans become better guardians for their dogs, using science-based methods to build stronger, healthier relationships and ensure lasting success.
I ntegrity in Methods
By using rewards-based methods, I ensure kindness and allow the dog to set the pace in every session. I do not condone or use any aversive tools, such as shock collars, prong collars, or choke chains, as they are not only ineffective in the long run but can also cause harm and fear-based behaviors in dogs.
T ransparency for Trust
I promise clear, honest communication, focusing on what you, as a human-dog team, aim to achieve rather than what you seek to avoid. Together, we’ll highlight your dog’s strengths, set achievable goals, and create a path forward that emphasizes positive progress. My approach is grounded in patience, understanding, and the belief that every small success brings us closer to a stronger, more harmonious relationship.
I nvested in Ongoing Success
Our relationship doesn’t end after a session. I am committed to your long-term success and provide continuous support to help ensure lasting results. I understand that life is busy, so I work with you to fit training seamlessly into your schedule, ensuring that learning is both manageable and sustainable.
V alue of Realistic Expectations
Behavior is complex, and no one can predict exact results. Working with animal behavior is a dynamic process, and I don't promise miraculous results. Instead, I emphasize setting realistic goals in achievable steps and building a strong, trusting bond between you and your dog.
E mpowerment Through Support
I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Together, we’ll create a balanced relationship where you understand your dog’s needs while honoring your own. Imagine enjoying peaceful walks in nature, seeing the true potential in your dog, and confidently advocating for them in any situation. Through ongoing support, I’ll help you turn these aspirations into tangible results, so you and your dog can thrive together.
Click to Call
+1-252-457-5788
Meet your Trainer
Hi, I’m Teresa, the heart and soul behind K9 Characters Dog Training. My journey with animals began long before I adopted my dog Ivy. For decades, I worked with horses and riders, learning to communicate through body language and deep connection. As a riding and yoga teacher, I've always been passionate about helping people understand their own bodies to feel more at peace with themselves and their surroundings. This philosophy of understanding and connection extends naturally to my work with dogs.
When I adopted my dog, I encountered the same challenges that many dog guardians face. Despite my years of experience with animals, I quickly realized I had a lot to learn about the world of dogs. This inspired me to study at the Karen Pryor Academy. Through this experience, I learned that to truly understand and communicate with dogs, I must not only learn their unique language but also be willing to understand the signals me, as a guardian, am sending. Training to me means finding ways to break down behavior into achievable steps, creating a pathway for learning and growth and working with behaviors and emotions. My mission is to help people give their dogs a life that is fulfilling—one where they feel empowered to make choices, experience joy, feel safe to express themselves and want be a part of our world.
I believe every being has its own personality and potential, nurtured with patience, understanding, and positive reinforcement. It’s my mission to help dog guardians see their dogs for who they truly are and guide them toward becoming their best selves.
I’m deeply committed to helping you find training methods that honor your dog’s individuality while keeping their well-being at the forefront. I teach dog guardians how to build empowered, positive relationships with their dogs, using tools like Clicker training to help dogs make choices that lead to the behaviors we want to see. Instead of resorting to aversive or abusive methods, I focus on reinforcing wanted behavior that naturally strengthens over time.
Together, we’ll help your dog feel heard, respected, and empowered to learn. Whether you’re facing behavioral challenges, seeking to enhance your dog’s skills, or simply aiming to build a stronger bond, I’m committed to give animals a voice and be the bridge that connects them with humans.
Services
Initial In-Home Consultation
Shaping the Behaviors that Lead to Success
In this 90min session, I’ll evaluate your dog’s behavior in their natural environment, discuss your goals, and address any concerns you have.
By observing how your dog interacts with their surroundings, I’ll identify challenges and can then create a training plan tailored to your unique needs. An initial consultation is a prerequisite for any other packages.
I focus on building positive behaviors by emphasizing what we want from your dog, rather than focusing on what we don’t want.
I’m here to listen, understand, and support you as we work together to create a smoother, more fulfilling life for you and your dog.
Price: $250
Mannered Characters
Essential Skills for a Harmonious Household
The 6 one-hour sessions, conducted in your home, focus on core behaviors that promote a harmonious household environment.
Whether your dog is a playful puppy or an adult, the sessions are tailored to teach key commands such as "Settle on a met," "Come," "Touch," "pay attention to me", "offer behavior," "Leave It," and name recognition, as well as essential social skills like proper greetings and door manners.
A well-mannered dog not only creates a peaceful home environment that friends will love to visit, but these foundational skills also serve as prerequisites for more advanced outdoor training, ensuring your dog is ready for new challenges.
Price: $810
Clicking Characters
From Foundation to Fantastic Behavior
This 2 hours introductory beginner clicker training session is essential if you want to learn the fundamentals of this effective, science-based and fun training method. I'll introduce you to the clicker mechanics, teach you how to observe and mark desired behaviors, and start building a strong foundation for your dog’s learning. Whether you're new to clicker training or just looking to refine your skills, this session will help you communicate more clearly with your dog.
Most of the class will be done without the dog and can be done at the comfort of your home or online and even with multiple family members. At the end of the class I will provide homework exercises and additional learning material. You will also receive a beginner Clicker starter gift.
Price: $260
follow up session: $110 (1hour)
Virtual Characters
Distance opens New Doors for Training
Single sessions are perfect for dog owners who need flexibility. Whether you're located far from a local trainer or simply prefer the convenience of remote training, our virtual sessions make it easy to get the help you need. You and your dog can feel relaxed in your own space, whether at home or on the go. Sessions are available in both English and German, so you can choose the language that suits you best. Enjoy live video sessions for personalized guidance, recorded consultations for behavior or training goals, and trainer-to-trainer phone consultations for specialized advice.
You must have completed the one hour Clicking Characters class and Initial Consultation Class.
Price: $120
Rescued Characters
A Family Approach to your new Dog
Bringing a rescue or foster dog into your home is a big step, and I will show you how to involve the entire family in making your new or temporary dog feel right at home or ready to get adopted.
This 90-minute session is your VIP pass to a smooth and stress-free start! We’ll dive into the must-know tips to help your new pal learn how to decompress as well as gaining confidence with fun enrichment.
I'll cover essential management tips and basic body language cues, helping your entire family establish a foundation of safety and mutual consent
Whether you're adopting for the first time or just want to be the best dog parent ever, I will set you up on the right paw.
Price: $250
Workday Characters
Expert Training Done while you are Gone
Want a well-trained and mentally enriched dog but don’t have the time right now? As dogs learn best in short training sessions, I will combine training with enrichment and play within the 1 hour session.
This Day Training program gets results while you’re at work or taking care of your own well-being.
After every two sessions your dog completes with me, transfer sessions are required to show you what they’ve learned and ensure you’re part of the process. It’s important for you to be an active part of the training process. That’s why every third session is a joint training session, where we work together.
Talk to me if you are interested in board and train. You must have completed the one hour Clicking Characters class.
Price: $135
Puppy Characters
Adventure Characters
Resilient Characters
Meeting their Needs from Day One
Having a furrball move in can be overwhelming, but they grow so quickly and every moment is special. This 8 session package (45min) is designed to help new dog guardians navigate those crucial first few months with practical tips and training. You'll learn effective puppy management strategies, fun enrichment activities to keep your puppy stimulated, age- appropriate exposure, and early clicker training techniques that lay the foundation for a trustworthy companionship with your dog. I'll guide you through the challenges, so you and your puppy can thrive together!
You must have completed a minimum of one hour the Clicking Characters class.
Price: $1100
Generalizing Skills in the outside World
Adventure Training brings their skills into the real-world like public places, parks, cafes, and stores. Available for dogs who’ve successfully completed a minimum of 6 at home sessions and can follow basic cues like leash walking, sit, target, find it. We will work on aspects of stimulus control and fluency, practicing emergency behaviors and learning how to plan ahead when out and about with your dog.
If your dog struggles with basic cues, completing the resilient character package in a controlled environment is a prerequisite. This package can also be booked for small groups.
Price: $750
Price group of 4: $2400
Calming the Storm, Nurturing Confidence
10 Session package if you are feeling frustrated or disheartened by your dog’s behavior challenges. Do you long for peaceful walks in nature, a dog that naps while you’re out of the house, or the ability to walk past other dogs without reacting—but wonder if that's even possible? Perhaps you've tried different training methods or watched countless training videos but haven’t seen the progress you were hoping for. Whether it’s enjoying stress-free outings, having a dog who feels comfortable and confident in your absence, or walking past triggers without a meltdown, I’ll work with you to achieve lasting change.You want the best for your dog, and I'm here to make that happen! Mannered Characters is a prerequisite for this intense course.
Please seek a certified Veterinary Technician Behaviorist for severe behavioral issues.
Price: $1299
Not seeing the right fit? Book a free call—let’s chat about what you and your dog need
