Puppy & Dog Obedience Training | Service Dog Training | Happy Hounds Dog Training | Richmond Hill | Savannah | Pooler

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Transform Your Dog into the Companion You’ve Always WaProfessional dog obedience and specialized service dog training in Savannah, Hinesville, and Pooler.

From puppy manners to medical alert tasks, get reliable results with our expert balanced training approach.nted.

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Dachshund working on engagement with dog owner

Dog working on his place command on Cato boards at Forysth Park

Our Approach

At Happy Hounds Dog Training, we believe every dog deserves a life of clarity, and every owner deserves confidence to lead. We specialize in building stronger bonds through positive, balanced and practical training tailored to the lifestyle of families in the Savannah area.

Whether you are raising a new puppy, struggling with leash walking, or seeking behavior support, our goal is to guide you with the tools and knowledge to succeed.

We're here to make dog training rewarding, and enjoyable - for both ends of the leash.

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Our Happy Clients

Emily Johnson: "Happy Hounds Dog Training transformed my dog's behavior!"

Emily Johnson

Carlos Martinez: "I loved the personalized approach and results!"

Carlos Martinez

Some of the Level 2 group class crew!. Love seeing their different personalities come out as they get more confident with their training.
#groupclass #dogtraining #dogsofsavannah

Say hello to Archie! This handsome guy just started his private lesson journey with us

Walking on a leash might look easy, but for a dog like Archie, the world is one big distraction.

Private lessons allow us to work at Archie’s pace, tackling his specific “big feelings” about other dogs, squirrels and smells. Great job, Archie!

#happyhoundsdogtraining #leashwalking #rescuedoglove

🎓 The “Three D’s” of Training

To get a shot like this, you have to master the three pillars of a solid “Stay”:

Distance: How far away can you walk with the camera?

Duration: How long can they hold it before the “wiggles” take over?

Distraction: Can they ignore that bird? Or the smell of dinner?

Training Tip: If your dog keeps breaking their stay, you’ve probably pushed one of the “D’s” too fast. Scale back, reward the small wins, and remember: even a 2-second stay is a victory!

#dogsofsavannah #doodlesandpoodles #savannahga #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice

Does your puppy think every stranger is their new best friend? 🐾 It’s time to talk about Neutrality.

One of the most important things we teach at Happy Hounds isn’t a “trick”—it’s the art of doing nothing.

Structured outings aren’t just for walks; they are for learning to ignore the world. When we take puppies into busy environments, the goal isn’t to meet everyone—it’s to teach them that the world is background noise.

Why focus on neutrality? ✅ It prevents “frustrated greeting” (lunging/barking to get to people). ✅ It builds a dog that can relax at a café or a brewery. ✅ It creates a deeper bond between you and your pup.

Training your puppy to be calm in the chaos is the best gift you can give them! 🐕‍🦺✨

#HappyHounds #PuppyTraining #DogTrainingTips #SavannahGa #PuppyLife

Weekend vibes powered by wet noses and happy tails

#HappyHounds

#WeekendVibes

#DogsOfInstagram

#ReelRecap

#DogLife

#CutestDog

#DogLove

#InstaDog

#DogsofIG

Hibbi has her eyes on the prize (and her ears on every sound!) while mastering her Place Command

This absolutely gorgeous girl is crushing her private lessons with us! That focused look is what we call impulse control in action.

Interested in private lessons for your dog? Send us a DM or an email

#HappyHounds #DogTrainingSuccess #PrivateLessons #PuppyFocus #DogsofSavannah #SavGa #savannahgeorgia

The lights are up, the crowds are out, and the treats are everywhere! 😅 Savannah during the holidays is basically Dog Training Finals Week!

We put together the ultimate list of 11 real-life skills for you to practice while enjoying the festive season.

Here’s your holiday training game plan:

Photo Ready: Master the “Sit & Stay” at the Forsyth Fountain for that perfect Christmas card photo. 📸

Door Greeters: Perfect those Doorway Manners at local shops with all the beautiful decorations!

Impulse Control: Become a “Leave It” champion around all those tempting holiday treat displays. 🤤

Crowd Surfing: Practice calm greetings, polite walking on Broughton Street, and neutrality at the Tree Lighting.

Pro Relaxer: Settle on a mat at @foxyloxycafe Loxy while enjoying s’mores (the ultimate test of chill!).

Christmas Spooky Skills: Try a guided ghost tour with @eenieedenfield Edenfield while mastering those leash skills, as well as a sit stay and greeting manners.

Which challenge are you tackling first? Let us know! 👇

#SavannahDogs #HappyHoundsDogTraining #SavannahChristmas #DogTrainingTips #RealLifeDogTraining #HolidayPups #GhostTour #SavannahHistory #DogsofSavannah #SavGa #christmasbucketlist

When the down stay is so solid, you can soak up the sun and forget you’re even working! 😎

We are happy to have some sun out again!

If you’re looking for focused, one-on-one attention to tackle specific behaviors or master commands like this, our private lessons are the perfect fit. We tailor every session to you and your dog’s unique needs!

#savannahgeorgia #dogsofsavannah #HappyHounds #DogTraining #GoldenRetriever #PrivateLessons #DownStay #RelaxedPup #DogLife #TrainingGoals #SunshineDog

The goodest dogs being the goodest dogs.

They are simply the best!

What makes your dog the goodest? Drop an emoji that describes them! 👇

#HappyHounds #TheBestBoysAndGirls #GoodestDogs #DogLifeIsGood #PerfectPups #ChillVibes #TrainingInAction

We’re honored to be recognized among the Best of Georgia — and it’s all thanks to our amazing clients and their incredible dogs.

Thank you for supporting a small business, trusting me with your pups, and letting me a part of your and your pups journey.
Here’s the more tail wags and growth.

#HappyHoundsDogTraining #GeorgiaBusiness #DogTrainingLife #SavannahGA #dogsofsavannah

The ultimate power-up is the ‘Off Switch.’ 🔌

We don’t just teach puppies how to sit; we teach them how to relax in a noisy, new, exciting environment!

The Secret? Reward that voluntary down, that first sigh, that little moment of stillness. It tells them: new places are safe places for sleeping!

#dogsofsavannah #dogtraining #savannahgeorgia #dogtrainingtips #puppytraining #happyhoundsdogtraining #dogtraining101 #dogtrainingadvice

‼️ IMPORTANT GROUP CLASS UPDATE ‼️

Tomorrow’s group class is CANCELED. (All interested parties have been messaged.)

Next class: Scheduled for January 2026 after the holidays!

Good morning from Indy! That face says it all: happy dogs make the best students.

#positivevibes #dogsofsavannah #rescuepup #dogtrainingfun

Dog training doesn’t have to be complicated! 🚫 We believe the best training happens in the real world—not just a sterile classroom.

Whether you’re at the coffee shop, waiting for the bus, or just checking the mail, those small moments are HUGE opportunities for a better-behaved pup.

Stop overthinking it and start training today! 💪

📍 Where is your favorite unexpected place to practice commands? Tell us below! 👇

#dogsofSavannah #richmondhillga #poolerga #dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogtraining101

Meet Briggs!

Say hello to Briggs, one of our newest (and fluffiest!) private clients! This little guy is bringing his A-game to training sessions and we couldn’t be prouder of how quickly he’s learning.

#puppytraining #dogtraining #happyhoundsdogtraining #dogsofsavannah #dogsofsavannahga #savga #savannahgeorgia #richmondhill #poolerga

Playing around with the agility hoop today! These two were quick learners and loved the challenge. Agility is an awesome way to boost your dog’s confidence!

Oaks and his beautiful sissy 🐾
Private session fun with these adorable Cavalier Spaniels!

#dogsofsavannah #cavalierspaniel #dogtraining #cutiepatootie

🎉 Puppy Class Wrap & Next Steps! 🐾

We just wrapped up an amazing Savannah Puppy Group Class! Congrats to all the incredible pups and owners! We’re so proud that this group is already signed up for Level 2 Dog Obedience starting in January!

Want your puppy to join the Happy Hounds success story?

🗓️ New Class Starts Soon!

Our next Savannah Puppy Class (Level 1) kicks off Saturday, November 22nd!

If you’re in Savannah, GA, this is the perfect time for puppy socialization and training!

Spaces are limited! Send us a DM right now to secure your spot for the November 22nd class. Full details coming tomorrow!

#HappyHoundsDogTraining

#SavannahPuppyClass

#PuppyTraining

#DogTraining

#PuppySocialization

#SavannahGA

We love sharing results! This past weekend, Dieter proved that hard work pays off by acing his 4th lesson.

It’s always a great feeling to see a dog hold a down stay while neighbors are in their yard and kids are riding their bikes.
Plus, the heel work looks fantastic—making walks much more enjoyable for everyone.

#HappyHoundsDogTraining #DogObedience #DogTrainer #RealLifeTraining #DogGoals #DogsofSavannah

Student Spotlight: Bento! 🐾

Bento is one of the resilient doodles rescued a few months back by the dedicated team at Renegade Paws. We are so proud to have him as a private session student at Happy Hounds!

He’s making incredible strides in learning foundation skills and building confidence. Go, Bento, go!

#RescueDogTraining

#DogTrainingSuccess

#DoodleLove

#PrivateSession

#AdoptionJourney

First class in the books 🐾
Look at these little stars already nailing their sits! ✨
Learning focus, patience, and that good things come to those who sit.

#HappyHoundsDogTraining #PuppyClass #SavannahDogs #ObedienceTraining #PuppyLove #dogsofsavannah

One last-minute spot opened for our Savannah Puppy Class starting this Saturday at 3PM!
Huge thank you to @thecoop_sav for sharing their space with our growing puppy crew 💛
Oct 25th class meets at 10AM!

Needless to say, pups need to be up to date on vaccinations, please share records before class 🐶💉

(If you’re a CrossFitter, that’s the gym to join 💪)

#dogsofsavannah #savannahandpups #puppyclass #groupclass #puppytraining

Just a day out with the crew 🐾

#dogsofsavannah

Progress isn’t loud. It’s not flashy.
It’s quiet moments where everything starts to make sense.
And when that connection clicks… the leash gets lighter, and everything just flows. ✨

#dogsofsavannah #dogtrainingtips #trainingdogs #savannahgeorgia #poolerga #savannah #richmondhillga

When you crush your ‘sit’ and look this proud doing it 🐶✨
Here’s the trick: dogs repeat what works. If ‘sit’ earns them praise, snacks, and attention, they’ll happily do it again (and again). Consistency + positive reinforcement = a dog who wants to listen.

Training tip ➡️ Reward the behavior you want more of, and you’ll get more of it. Simple, fun, and effective.

#HappyHounds #GoodDogEnergy #dogtraining #rescuepup #SavannahDogs #dogsofsavannah #dogtrainingadvice #dogtraining101

Raising Puppies: Building the Foundation 🐾

Teaching a puppy to settle in a down is more than just a “command”, it’s giving them the tools to navigate the world calmly.

When working with young pups, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s about:
• Helping them understand what’s being asked
• Rewarding effort and focus
• Encouraging calm energy around distractions
• Keeping training fun and positive

Think of puppy training as layering skills. Each practice adds another brick to the foundation that supports your dog for life. Even a wiggly, imperfect down today is progress toward a reliable, well-mannered adult dog tomorrow.

Consistency, patience, and celebrating small wins are what raise confident, balanced dogs.

#dogsofsavannah #savannahgeorgia #puppytraining101 #dogtrainingadvice #dogtrainingtips #puppyadvice

Creepin’ it real at TSC with spooky décor and paws on point.

Free shaping at a young age is powerful ✨
We let puppies think it through, reward the right choices, and then name the behavior later.

This same approach works beautifully for sit, down, place, and more. The dog learns how to learn — which makes future training smoother and stronger.

Have you tried free shaping with your dog yet? 👇

#HappyHounds #PuppyTraining #PlaceCommand #FreeShaping #DogTrainingTips #dogsofsavannah

🌟 Private Coaching Spotlight 🌟

Meet one of our amazing private coaching clients! 🐾 This sweet boy was adopted right here in Liberty County, and let’s just say—he truly hit the jackpot with his new family. 💛

When he first came home, he was a little timid and unsure of himself. But with patience, love, and consistency, he’s blossomed into the biggest lover and the absolute sweetest soul. 🐶✨

It’s been such a joy to watch him grow in confidence, learn new skills, and truly thrive with his people. We’re so proud of his progress and so grateful he landed in a home where he’s cherished the way he deserves.

#Hinesville #adopteddogs #rescuepup

Some dogs come home from a walk or playtime and immediately start looking for more to do… jumping, pacing, pawing, barking — basically saying, “What’s next?!” 🐾

But part of raising a well-balanced dog is teaching them how to turn off and relax. 💆‍♂️

That’s where settle time comes in.
✅ After the leash comes off, guide your dog to their spot.
✅ Reward calmness.
✅ Be consistent — it’s not “nap training,” it’s teaching them to regulate their energy.

The result? A dog who doesn’t just exercise their body, but also their mind.

👉 Do you have a dog who struggles to settle after walks? Tell me in the comments ⬇️

Training isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about learning with your dog, step by step, and celebrating the little wins along the way. ✨

Whether it’s leash manners, puppy chaos, or just finding a routine that works for you — we’ve got your back (and your pup’s wagging tail 🐕💛).

#HappyHounds #DogsOfSavannah #savannahga #savGa #dogtraining #savannahgeorgia #poolerga #richmondhillga

Dog Training Tip #dogsofsavannah

Is Your Dog’s Cup Full? 🐾☕

Every dog carries an invisible “cup” that fills and empties throughout the day. What’s in the cup? Energy, stress, excitement, and even boredom.

💥 Overflowing cups → Dogs spill over into hyper behavior, barking, pulling, or reactivity. They can’t focus when their energy is spilling everywhere.
😴 Empty cups → Dogs check out, seem uninterested, and struggle to stay motivated. They simply don’t have enough in the tank to learn.
✨ Balanced cups → This is the happy medium. Dogs are engaged, calm, and ready to think. Training feels fun, and progress comes naturally.

At Happy Hounds, we don’t just teach cues — we teach balance. Your dog doesn’t need constant entertainment. They need guidance on how to manage their energy, settle when needed, and engage when it’s time to learn.

💡 Trainer Tip: Notice when your dog’s “cup” is running over or running low. Short breaks, sniff time, or quiet mat work can help bring them back into balance.

Because a full life for your dog isn’t about an overflowing cup — it’s about a balanced one. 🐶💚

#dogtraining #savannahgeorgia #poolerga #richmondhillga #puppytraining #savannahga #dogtrainingtips #trainingdogs #dogtrainingadvice #savannahdogs

✨🐾 Recall practice in Germany! 🐾✨
This German Shepherd is working on coming when called 💨
Retractable leashes or long lines are perfect for practicing recall again and again — giving your dog freedom while keeping things safe ✅

#HappyHounds #DogTrainingTips #RecallTraining #GermanShepherd

Puppy cuddles make everything better 🐶💖
Who else wishes they could hold a fluff ball like this all day? ✋

What’s your favorite thing about the puppy stage—those sweet snuggles or the silly zoomies?

#HappyHoundsDogTraining #dogsofSavannah #fluffypup #richmondhillga #savannahgeorgia #doodlepup

Puppy from @cnrfarms1

Did you know your dog’s favorite word might not be walk or treat… it could be YES!

In training, words like YES! or GOOD! are called markers. They tell your dog the exact moment they got it right 🎯 and a reward is coming. This makes learning faster, clearer, and way more fun!

👉 What’s YOUR dog’s hype word? Drop it in the comments ⬇️

#HappyHoundsDogTraining #DogTrainingTips #MarkerWords #PositiveTraining
#dogsofsavannah #dogtrainingadvice

Rise and shine, it’s Monday! ☀️ Daisy’s already crushing her place command

What’s your pup’s best command? 👇

#HappyHoundsDogTraining #MondayMotivation #DogTrainingJourney #SmartDog #ObedientPup #DogsofInstagram #PlaceCommand #TrainingGoals #DogsOfSavannah #HappyPup

Is Tongue Out Thursday still a thing? Because we’re bringing it back! Nothing says “living my best dog life” like a goofy tongue flop.

Drop a 🐶 in the comments if your pup has the best derpy tongue moments!

#TongueOutThursday #HappyHoundsDogTraining #GoofyDog #DogTrainingWithLove #HappyDogHappyLife

When training feels this fun… you can’t help but run towards it! 🐩💨
What’s your dog’s happy zoomie face look like? 👇 Drop a pic in the comments!

#HappyHoundsDogTraining #PoodleLove #HappyDogHappyLife #DogTrainingJourney #SavannahDogs #DogsofInstagram
#DogsofSavannah #richmondhillga

Benny,
the Bernedoodle, is crushing his reactivity work today !
We are big fans of calm > chaos

👉 What’s your pup working on this week?

#SavannahGA #SavannahDogs #SavannahDogTrainer #LowcountryDogs #GeorgiaDogs #SavannahLife #DogObedience #TrainingJourney #ReactiveDog #DogTrainingJourney #PositiveReinforcement #BernedoodleLove

Nothing beats that “just had the best day ever” smile!
What’s your dog’s happy face look like?
📸 Drop a pic in the comments — we’d love to see them!

#savannahga #savannahgeorgia #gsdlife #dogtraining #sav #dogsofsavannah #dogslivingtheirbestlife

I’m back from Germany! 🇩🇪🐾
Thank you all for your patience while I was away. I’ll be catching up on messages and emails over the next couple of days and will get back to everyone as soon as possible. Looking forward to reconnecting with all of you and your amazing pups! 💛🐶

#DogTrainerTruths #BalancedTraining #HotTakesButMakeItDog #TrainSmart #DogLife

“Don’t worry, I got this.” – Luke, probably

Luke may be in his adolescent poodle phase, but don’t let the zoomies fool you—this boy is learning how to regulate his big, beautiful brain. 💫

Crate time? It’s not a timeout. It’s his recharge station. After a big training session or an emotional moment (aka seeing his reflection and barking at it), Luke chooses his crate. Because growing up is exhausting, even when you’re this cute.

#cratetraining #dogtraining #poodle #puppytraining

Sweet Miss Ruby!
Miss Ruby just started private training sessions, and she’s proving to be both smart and spunky. We’re working on building a strong foundation of confidence, focus, and calm manners

#RottweilerPuppy #PrivateTraining #PuppyPower #PuppyTraining #Rottie

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