Our Story
Dogwood Hill Training Kennels began with hands-on experience, not a business trend. Long before farm-based facilities became a talking point, our work centered on understanding dogs through daily training, consistent routines, and real-world handling.
Over time, the farm setting became a natural extension of that work. The space allowed for structure without confinement, routine without rigidity, and training that could be reinforced throughout the day rather than isolated to short sessions.
As the kennel grew, so did our reputation across Charlottesville and Central Virginia, including nearby communities such as Culpeper and Reva, as a place where dogs were treated with care, patience, and professionalism.
Our mission at Dogwood Hill Training Kennels is to provide responsible dog training and boarding guided by experience, consistency, and clear standards of care.
We do not focus on quick fixes or short-term results. Our goal is to support steady progress that helps dogs and their owners build reliable, lasting relationships.
Everything we do is guided by a commitment to:
Our Facilities & Daily Setup
The 30-acre farm is not simply where Dogwood Hill Training Kennels is located. It is a core part of how we train, care for, and support dogs.
Our facilities are designed to provide structure without confinement and routine without rigidity. Dogs follow consistent daily schedules that balance movement, training, supervised outdoor time, and rest. This environment helps dogs settle more naturally and remain focused throughout the day.
The property allows us to observe dogs continuously rather than only during short training sessions. This ongoing oversight supports calmer behavior, better learning, and more informed care decisions.
The combination of space, structure, and daily consistency supports steady progress while prioritizing safety and comfort. For many dogs, the farm environment helps lower stress levels and reinforces predictable, calm behavior, whether they are here for training, boarding, or both.
Experience You Can Trust
Dogwood Hill Training Kennels is led by a small, experienced team with hands-on involvement in daily care, training, and oversight.
Founder & Lead Trainer
Guy is a certified professional dog trainer with decades of experience working with companion and working dogs. His training background includes formal education through the Tom Rose School for Dog Trainers, followed by years of full-time, hands-on training across multiple environments.
Since founding Dogwood Hill Training Kennels in 1999, Guy has remained directly involved in:
Training program development
Daily handling and oversight
Maintaining consistent standards across all services
His focus is on helping dogs clearly understand expectations and supporting meaningful communication between dogs and their owners.
Operations & Veterinary Oversight
Christy is a licensed veterinary technician with extensive experience in small animal and emergency veterinary care. Her background includes board certification in Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care and years of hands-on clinical practice.
At Dogwood Hill, Christy provides:
Medical awareness and first-aid oversight
Operational management
Clear, informed communication with dog owners
Her presence adds an essential layer of safety, responsibility, and reassurance — particularly for senior dogs and those with medical needs.
Structured Training Programs
Our board-and-train programs allow dogs to stay on-site while receiving daily, structured training in a consistent environment. Both programs include regular updates and guidance so owners feel confident continuing training at home.
This three-week program focuses on building reliable obedience and reinforcing steady routines. Dogs receive daily training sessions along with structured outdoor time on the farm.
Our puppy program focuses on building strong foundations early. We work on confidence, manners, and healthy habits that help puppies settle into family life more easily.
We also offer dog boarding near Charlottesville, VA for owners who want a safe, well-run environment for their dogs. Having a trained veterinary technician on staff allows for closer monitoring and added peace of mind during boarding stays.
This added level of care is especially reassuring for:
To support dog owners with busy schedules or travel needs, Dogwood Hill Training Kennels offers pet pickup and delivery services throughout Central Virginia, including Culpeper & Reva, and Washington, DC
This option is commonly used for:
Pickup and delivery arrangements are discussed in advance to ensure clear planning and expectations.
Grooming services are available for dogs staying with us for training or boarding. These services are provided as an added convenience and scheduled based on availability.
Grooming options may include:
Grooming is discussed in advance to ensure it fits the dog’s needs and stay.
Who We Serve
Our farm is based near Charlottesville and we work with dog owners from across Central Virginia and surrounding areas, including:
Central Virginia
Washington, DC
Many of our clients are happy to travel because they value the space, experience, and structured care we provide.
Clear Process & Honest Guidance
Working with Dogwood Hill Training Kennels starts with an honest conversation about your dog, your goals, and whether our programs are the right fit.
We take the time to understand a dog’s age, temperament, history, and daily environment before recommending a program. Not every dog needs the same approach, and we are upfront about what we can and cannot support.
During a dog’s stay, owners can expect:
Our focus is on preparing dogs and owners for life after the program, not creating dependence on the training environment. We aim to send dogs home settled, responsive, and supported by clear next steps.
Reviews From Our Clients
Get in Touch
If you would like to learn more about Dogwood Hill Training Kennels, our approach or whether our programs are a good fit for your dog, we invite you to get in touch.
We regularly work with dog owners from Charlottesville and surrounding Central Virginia communities.
