About Dogwood Canine Academy – Your Trusted Dog Trainers in Wilmington, NC

My Story

Wil McBride

Owner & Head Trainer

I've been a lifelong animal lover, and the bond between humans and animals, especially dogs, has always fascinated me. As a kid, I was lucky to have a fantastic dog named Cosmo who brought endless joy to my life.

But you know how life is—full of surprises. After Cosmo passed and I welcomed my next pup into the family, let's just say he came with his fair share of challenges.

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Reactive? Oh yeah.

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Behavioral issues? You bet.

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It was a wake-up call that sent me on a quest to understand the intricacies of dog training and behavior. I wanted to help not just my pup but also fellow dog owners who were facing similar struggles.

My journey working with dogs started when I had the incredible opportunity to begin my dog training career at one of Denver's top training academies. I quickly worked my way up to Lead trainer, where I had the privilege of working with hundreds of dogs, spending thousands of hours training, teaching, and guiding both owners and their dogs.

During my time, I witnessed the true power of training unfold– seeing once anxious, aggressive, or unruly pups blossom into confident, well-behaved dogs. The joy and amazement that owners experienced from the positive changes in their lives were deeply meaningful and heartwarming.

But amidst the success, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing. While I was grateful for the experience, I wanted a more personal connection with people and their four-legged friends. I wanted to tailor my training approach to suit the unique needs of each pup and its owner, and that's when it hit me: I had to start my own dog training business.

By stepping away from the larger program, I could direct more attention to every training session, ensuring an unrushed and personalized experience for both dogs and their families. I believe that the key to truly empowering dogs and enriching lives lies in the quality of attention and care we provide. It became crystal clear that working with an overwhelming number of dogs in one place inevitably impacted the specialized focus each pup deserved.

So, with a leap of faith and a determination to make a positive impact on as many lives as possible, I ventured into the world of entrepreneurship.

I founded this business with a core principle – to Empower Dogs and Enrich Lives by offering a higher quality training experience for every single pup who crosses our path. My commitment to this journey runs deep, let's embark on this life-changing journey together, where we'll conquer challenges, celebrate victories, and witness the transformation of your dog right before your eyes. 

Thank you for considering me as your dog's trainer. I look forward to helping you and your dog achieve your goals,

Wil