Your dog can change.
I know because I have lived it.
Maddie Powers is the owner and head trainer of Southern Hounds LLC. She has spent 7 years helping frustrated dog owners build the control and confidence they thought was out of reach.
Book an evaluationI have had that dog too.
The one that made every day harder than it had to be.
I know what it feels like to love your dog and still dread taking them outside. I have had the dog that pulled, reacted, and made every walk feel like a battle. And I have had a dog so fearful and shut down that putting her down felt like the only option left.
Those experiences changed how I see this work. When you are in that position, loving your dog but running out of answers, you realize how serious it really is. And you realize that love alone is not enough.
What I had to learn, and what my clients do not have to figure out on their own, is that dogs need clear communication and accountability just as much as they need affection. I had to unlearn a lot of what the industry pushes. I had to stop following methods that felt good in theory but did not hold up in real life.
Once I understood how to actually communicate with a dog, everything changed. Not just behavior. Confidence. Trust. The entire relationship. That transformation is what I have dedicated my career to helping other owners find.
Structure is not the opposite of love. It is what love looks like in action.
The dog training industry has spent years telling owners that structure is harsh, that accountability is unkind, and that if you just use enough treats everything will fall into place.
I have seen what that approach produces. Dogs that perform in the living room and fall apart the moment life gets real. Owners who have spent thousands on training and still cannot walk their dog without stress.
My approach is different. I use balanced training because it works. It is clear. It is honest. And it produces results that hold up in the real world, not just in a controlled setting.
Dogs do not need to be bribed. They need to understand what is expected of them and trust that the person leading them knows what they are doing. When that happens, everything changes.
Clear communication over repetition
We do not repeat commands endlessly. We say it once, mean it, and follow through. That clarity is what dogs actually need.
Real-world results over controlled performance
Training that only works at home is not training. Every skill is built where life actually happens.
Accountability is not cruelty
Balanced training uses fair, consistent accountability. That is not harsh. That is how dogs learn to trust their world.
Long-term relationships over quick fixes
We are not a pay and done trainer. We build relationships that last well beyond the final session.
Experience you can trust.
Maddie brings more than dog training to every session.
7
Years of professional dog training experience
AKC
American Kennel Club evaluator
100%
Reliable recall results with e-collar training
DC
Doctor of Chiropractic. Deep understanding of biomechanics and nervous system regulation.
Maddie's background as a Doctor of Chiropractic is not just a credential. It directly informs how she approaches training. Her understanding of the nervous system, stress responses, and physical biomechanics gives her a deeper view of dog behavior than most trainers ever develop.
The right fit matters.
For both of us.
I am honest about who I can help, and honest about who I cannot.
My best clients
- ✓Love their dog and are ready to put in the work
- ✓Show up consistently and follow through at home
- ✓Trust the process even when progress feels slow
- ✓Want to understand the method, not just see results
- ✓Are looking for a long-term relationship, not a quick fix
- ✓Have a high energy, reactive, or strong-willed dog
Not a good fit if you
- ✕Are looking for one or two sessions to fix everything
- ✕Want to hand the dog off and not stay involved
- ✕Expect overnight results without doing the work at home
- ✕Are not open to balanced training methods
- ✕Have a dog with a serious bite history or aggression
- ✕Need scentwork, agility, or service dog certification
Trusted by owners across the Carolinas.
★★★★★5.0 on Google · 28 reviews
“We could not have had a more positive experience. Maddie is extremely knowledgeable, professional, patient and positive. Investing in the program has been one of the best decisions we have made for our dog, Benny.”
Yuritzy G.
Training Program
“Maddie with Southern Hounds is top shelf in my book. She will come to your house, listen to your concerns and recommend a program to fit your needs. If you are sitting on the fence, give Southern Hounds a call. You won't be disappointed.”
Richard B.
Training Program
“We stopped taking Lemmy places because he was scared, growly and snappy at people. After working with Maddie we saw improvement right away. After the 3rd week in a crowded Home Depot we were shocked how unbothered and confident he was.”
Williams Family
Leash Training
“Maddie did more than she had to. That goes to show just how committed she is to helping us and our pets live better lives. With many different payment options and flexible time slots she taught our old dog some new tricks, and us too.”
Tiffany D.
Training Program
“Maddie is great with my dog Abby, but mostly she is teaching me to be a better dog owner. Abby is no longer afraid to walk in public places. She prances proudly right by my side. I highly recommend Southern Hounds.”
Donna C.
Leash Training
“From the minute I met her and she did the eval on my Shepherd mix Thorn you could see the difference. She cares about the dogs and wants them to succeed. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a trainer.”
Hunter S.
Training Program