About Dog Owner’s Academy: Training Dogs for Real Life in Charlotte, NC
Helping Owners Enjoy Calmer Lives With Their Dogs Since 2008
We come to your home and calm the chaos.
Since 2008, we’ve helped train 5,000+ dogs and families throughout Charlotte and surrounding cities in North Carolina and South Carolina. Our goal is to help you build a calmer, more connected relationship with a dog you can trust at home, on walks, around guests, and out in the world.
We call it Train As You Live™.
Because your dog doesn’t live in a classroom. They live with you.
Our Training Philosophy
Obedience matters.
But obedience should never come at the cost of your dog’s personality, confidence, or spirit. Great dog training should help your dog become more reliable while still letting them be themselves.
That’s why our training is built around the relationship between you and your dog. And we train in all the places where they’re likely to misbehave. When you understand how to guide them in a way they can understand, the frustrating behaviors start to change.
We teach you how to lead
There’s more to training than commands. We help you understand how your dog thinks, what they need from you, and how to confidently guide them.
We protect your dog’s personality
A well-trained dog should still feel like your dog. We help shape better habits without flattening the confidence, playfulness, or spark you love.
We train where life happens
Training should hold up beyond the session. That’s why we work in the places your dog actually lives, learns, reacts, and needs to listen.
Great experience! I rescued an extremely reactive pitbull who was a bait dog, so she is very scared of dogs. They have helped her gain confidence, and she is slowly but surely getting better and better! We used to not even be able to go on walks without her trying to pull me. They teach us owners a lot too. Eight months ago she would never have been able to be this close to other dogs. Looking forward to more lessons and classes. Don’t hesitate to try them out!
Meet Our Founder, Turk
Turk Akbay has been professionally training dogs since 2008. During those years, he developed a training methodology that has stood up across every breed, every behavior problem, and every household dynamic he has encountered.
The most telling proof of that Train As You Live™ system: seven to eight of his former employees have gone on to build their own dog training companies using his methods. He’s more than a dog trainer who got good results. He’s a trainer whose approach is good enough that other professionals stake their careers on it.
Turk also founded the #DogsWelcome Initiative, which places water buckets at dog-friendly business partners throughout Charlotte. It’s a simple way to help dog owners find places where their dogs are welcome so they can enjoy life together.
Today, Turk continues to train dogs, mentor trainers, and host the Zen of Dog Ownership Podcast, where he shares practical insights on training, owner mindset, and building a better relationship with your dog.
- Or call (844) 864-3647
Meet Our Trainers
Every Dog Owner’s Academy trainer is trained directly in Turk’s Train As You Live™ methods and holds the same standard: a dog that behaves in real life, not just in a training session. Our trainers work with you in your home, neighborhood, public parks, and all the environments that matter most for your specific situation.
Dom
Charlotte, NC
Ever since Dom was young, he has been drawn to dogs. He grew up with dogs in the family and always wanted to understand and connect with them.
After high school, Dom planned to become a helicopter pilot. But when unexpected circumstances during flight school changed things, his wife connected him with Turk, and a new path opened. The rest, as they say, is history.
Dom spent years learning from Turk, training side by side with him, and developing the kind of practical, relationship-based approach that Dog Owner’s Academy is known for. Since 2017, he’s helped countless Charlotte families create stronger bonds with their dogs.
For Dom, dog training isn’t just about fixing behavior. It’s about helping people enjoy their dogs more, feel confident, and build a life together that’s calmer and more connected.
Dom did an incredible job turning our high-energy, rambunctious Trace into a well-mannered, distinguished gentleman. Dom visited many times and gave us the necessary advice and tools to be successful.
Amya
Charlotte, NC
Amya was born and raised right here in the Queen City and has worked with animals, big and small, for more than seven years. Her experience started on a small farm and later as a veterinary technician, where she gained a deeper understanding of animal care, body language, handling, and trust.
Now, as a dog trainer with Dog Owner’s Academy, Amya brings that experience into every home she visits. She understands that every dog and family is different, and her goal is to help owners feel more confident while helping dogs become calmer, happier, and better understood.
Outside of training, Amya enjoys spending time with her wife, reading, going on adventures with their six dogs, and caring for their bearded dragon, Rex. She can’t wait to meet you and your dog.
Amya has been wonderful working with my 3 rescue dogs in our home! I wish I had started working with her sooner. She quickly honed in on each dog’s personality and quirks and has adjusted lessons accordingly. I am amazed at the results we are already seeing and look forward to our lessons each week. I would definitely recommend!
Find the Right Training Path for Your Dog
Every dog is different, so every training program is customized. Whether you’re ready to explore our programs or want help with a specific behavior challenge, we’ll help you move forward with confidence.
Our sweet puppy was out of control and running the house. Amya and Dom came in and taught us so much in just the first couple of lessons. Made a world of difference! Copper is now a good boy!
Dom, Amya and Turk have been wonderful. Our dogs now know how to stay in place when the doorbell rings, don’t have to jump on guests and walk much more calmly.
Amya is amazing. We’ve learned so much about Lola and how to train her, how to teach her manners, and teach her good behavior. This has changed our life with our dog, and we can’t be more thankful.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT DURING YOUR CONSULT
Book a Free In-Home Consult
A well-behaved dog starts with a 100% free in-home consultation. We come to you, meet your dog, and give you an honest assessment of your dog’s behavior. There’s no pressure or sales pitch. Just a real read on your dog and a clear plan if you decide to move forward with dog training.
- Or call (844) 864-3647