Durham, NC Dog Day Care Center Guide
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Dog Academy of NC, LLC

Updated 2026-08-20 · 2,523 reviewed · 136 listed · Scored from 58 Google reviews · How we rank ›

4.7(58) 82 composite score See reviews on Google ✓ Google-verified
Training ProgramsPuppy ProgramsDaycare & BoardingDog Walker
Dog Academy of NC, LLC
Services
Training Programs, Puppy Programs, Daycare & Boarding
Reviews
58

What recent reviews say

Michael Ward and his family deliver intensive board-and-train and daycare programs focused on dog psychology and owner education. Reviewers consistently note clear behavior and confidence improvements in their dogs, combined with transparent communication and hands-on parental involvement throughout training. The business maintains a clean, climate-controlled facility and offers ongoing support after training ends, with clients returning for boarding and daycare years later.

Praised for
  • experienced trainer teaching both owner and dog
  • customized training approach to individual dog needs
  • clean facility and attentive care
  • strong ongoing support and communication
  • family business that builds relationships
attentive-staffclean-facilityfriendly-staffdogs-happy-to-returnresponsive-communicationgood-value
Best for: First-time and experienced dog owners seeking behavioral improvement and owner education through intensive training.
Think twice if: Owners uncomfortable with structure-based discipline methods should discuss training philosophy before enrolling; success requires owner consistency and participation at home.

Strengths

  • Certified trainer with decades of experience
  • Teaches owners alongside dogs
  • Customized training rather than standardized programs
  • Ongoing support after training completion

Worth knowing

  • Michael Ward is the lead trainer, certified through Tom Rose School (2007); operates with wife Sandra
  • 2-week board-and-train program available
  • Climate-controlled kennels maintained
  • Visitors allowed 3-4 times weekly to participate in training sessions during intensive programs
  • Follow-up feedback provided during daycare visits
  • Business founded January 2008

What reviews say by service

Training Programs
Customized obedience and behavioral programs teach owners as much as dogs; reviewers see improved leash manners, confidence, and impulse control.
Daycare & Boarding
Clean, climate-controlled facility with attentive care; clients trust their dogs' boarding repeatedly over years.
Puppy Programs
Puppies arrive partially trained from breeder; owners report well-socialized pups with solid foundation in commands and crate training.
Dog Walker
No specific review evidence of dedicated dog-walking service.

How it compares

  • Rated 4.7 against a 4.77 average across the 88 training programs businesses listed here.
  • Has more Google reviews than 46% of the businesses in this directory.

How we scored this

How We Rank
Star rating 81
Review volume 77
Review recency 100
Review sentiment 81
Profile completeness 75
Verification 30

Rating breakdown

5
52
4
1
3
0
2
3
1
2

Contact

Address
1215 Stone Rd, Durham, NC 27703

Last verified 2026-08-20

From their website

Services listed
Obedience trainingDog day carePuppy trainingBehavioral trainingDog boarding

Credentials claimed:Certified professional dog trainer (Michael Ward, graduated from Tom Rose School in 2007)

Operating:founded in January 2008

As published by the business on its own website; not independently verified.

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Common questions

Can I visit my dog during training?
Yes. During intensive programs, owners can participate in training sessions 3-4 times per week to stay involved in their dog's progress.
What happens after the training program ends?
Michael provides transition sessions explaining all commands and maintenance at home. Ongoing support is available via daycare visits, where staff give feedback on areas needing additional work.
Do you breed dogs?
Yes. The business breeds some dogs; their website and reviews mention puppies available for purchase through Sandra and Michael.

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Training ProgramsPuppy ProgramsDog Walker

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Last updated 2026-08-20