Serving Rockledge · Melbourne · Viera · Palm Bay · Indialantic, FL

Professional Private In-Home Dog Training in Melbourne, Florida

For Real Results

You love your dog, but you don't have to manage the chaos forever. We get to the root cause of problem behaviors right where they happen — in your home, your neighborhood, and throughout Brevard County, FL.

Build the calm, confident companion you always knew your dog could be.

4.9 ★ on Google · Trusted by families across Brevard County
Carol DePaul with her pack of dogs

What to Expect

1

Rapid Digital Intake

  • Fill out our brief  behavior questionnaire.
  • Tell us about your dog's specific challenges.
  • Takes less than two minutes to complete.
2

Custom Behavior Plan

  • We target the root cause of the chaos.
  • Tailored strategies for your home and lifestyle.
  • Clear milestones designed for your unique goals.
3

Real In-Home Transformation

  • Hands-on private coaching right where behaviors happen.
  • Gain total control during walks and distractions.
  • Enjoy a calm, confident, and reliable companion.

Recommended

The “Chaos to Calm” Checklist

Does this look like life with your dog?

Jumping on you and guests?

Pulling hard on the leash?

Ignoring your every command?

Chewing things they shouldn't?

Refusing to come when called?

Having accidents indoors?

Too excited to ever settle?

Acting anxious or fearful?

Chasing cats or squirrels?

Only listening for a treat?

Completely unfocused around distractions?

You are not alone — and you don't have to live with the chaos.

Book Your In-Home Consultation

Hear It From Us

A Real Conversation About Real Training

Watch Carol and a client talk about what the training process actually looks like — from the first session to lasting results.

Proud Member & Trusted Partner of Leading Canine Organizations.

International Association of Canine ProfessionalsAKC Canine Good Citizen EvaluatorAmerican Kennel ClubLabrador Retriever Rescue of FloridaCoastal Poodle RescueSpace Coast Frenchie RescueE-Collar Technologies

Programs

Support for Real-Life Behavior

From foundational obedience to behavior improvement, each program is designed to help you and your dog make steady progress with clear, practical guidance.

Puppy Potential

Puppy Potential

6 Weeks · 40 Minute Sessions

Give your puppy the strongest possible start before bad habits take hold — socialization, confidence, and foundational skills.

Start In-Home Puppy Training
Private In-Home Behavior & Obedience

Private In-Home Behavior & Obedience

4-Week · 60 Minute Sessions

Build the essential obedience skills your dog needs to succeed in everyday life — at home, in your neighborhood, and in real-world environments.

Book Private Dog Obedience Training
Off-Leash Reliability: Real-World Control

Off-Leash Reliability: Real-World Control

4-Week Advanced Program

Ready to enjoy total peace of mind without being anchored to a leash? Unlock reliable off-leash obedience and absolute control anywhere you go, while keeping the strong, positive connection you have built with your dog.

Start Off-Leash Dog Training
Behavioral Breakthrough

Behavioral Breakthrough

Root-Cause Behavior Modification

For dogs struggling with reactivity, aggression, anxiety, or fear. We find the why behind the behavior and fix it at the source.

Book Dog Behavior Modification

A Simple Path Forward

Training Should Feel Clear and Encouraging

Here is what working together can look like from the first conversation to lasting results.

Start with a conversation

Share your goals, concerns, and the challenges you want to improve at home.

Get a tailored Plan

Receive a roadmap designed specifically for your dog, household, and your needs.

Practice with confidence

Use simple, effective techniques during daily routines so progress feels natural and manageable.

Build lasting results

Strengthen obedience, improve behavior, and enjoy a calmer relationship with your dog over time.

Professional dog trainer Carol DePaul with a client and two obedient Cane Corsos outdoors in Melbourne Village, Melbourne, Florida

Professional dog trainer Carol DePaul with a client and two obedient Cane Corsos outdoors in Melbourne Village, Melbourne, Florida.

The Heart Behind DePaul K9 Academy

Meet Carol DePaul

Welcome! I'm Carol DePaul, the founder and head trainer of DePaul K9 Academy. My passion for animals began in childhood and grew into training horses at age 13. Today, I bring over 15 years of professional experience as a private in-home dog trainer, helping owners throughout Brevard County build deeper relationships with their pets through trust, communication, and clear leadership.

My mission is deeply personal. Years ago, I experienced dangerous behaviors with dogs I knew personally. I know the exact feeling of hopelessness and the fear of having to rehome a beloved pet. Through intense study of dog psychology and hands-on practice, I learned to read canine body language, master subtle shifts in energy, and establish the clear boundaries my dogs needed. By changing my own behavior, I learned to communicate in a language they truly understood. Once I became the leader they could trust, our home transformed into a calm, balanced environment.

Today, I use that exact same approach to provide real-world behavioral breakthroughs for local families. Whether you need foundational puppy training or are struggling with overwhelming behavior challenges in Melbourne, Rockledge, Viera, Palm Bay, or Indialantic, I am here to help you understand exactly why your dog is struggling. Together, we can eliminate the stress, resolve problem behaviors, and empower you to become a confident leader for your companion. If you are ready to transform your dog and change your life, I am ready to help!

What Families Are Saying

Real Results from Real Families

Joseph Pagillo

Joseph Pagillo

Google Review

"Carol and David have been one the greatest assets to help with our 3 rescue puppies. That's right I said 3 puppies. Atlas, Apollo, and the baby Titan won our hearts and we couldn't help but bring them…"

google
Jessica Ruth Artist

Jessica Ruth Artist

Google Review

"This training was the best thing I did for me and my reactive dachshund! I learned so much and Ocean is a friendly, happier dog now! Truly amazing transformation!"

google
LynnTam

LynnTam

Google Review

"Carol De Paul has taught me how to walk my energetic Labrador. She is teaching my husband and me how to use her friendly technics so the dog responds to the commands she is asking Chase to do. I am no…"

google
Kayleigh S.

Kayleigh S.

Facebook Review

"Working with Carol has been an absolute gamechanger for us. Before we started, my dog Stella struggled with severe door aggression, intense insecurities, and a total lack of confidence. Stella would l…"

facebook
Jaime P.

Jaime P.

Facebook Review

"I would highly recommend Carol & DePaul K9 Academy! We were only in Florida for two weeks from Colorado and she was so wonderful and accommodating to fit us in for a few lessons to train our 5-pound c…"

facebook
C. John

C. John

Google Review

"We cannot say enough wonderful things about Carol DePaul and K9 Academy! From the moment we met Carol, her passion, expertise, and genuine love for dogs was evident—and it made all the difference for …"

google
Ashlee H.

Ashlee H.

Google Review

"We highly recommend Carol as a dog trainer. She has been fantastic with our dogs, Amaretto and Cozy. Carol's patience and dedication (with both humans and dogs) are exceptional. She understands each d…"

google
Gary R.

Gary R.

Facebook Review

"Carol is amazing. We made tremendous progress in such a brief time thanks to Carol. Having videos of our training sessions was particularly helpful. Also impressive is Carol's follow-up to see how our…"

facebook
L.J.F.

L.J.F.

Google Review

"Carol did an excellent job with our 16-month-old German shepherd/poodle mix and 8 yr old golden doodle. Gave us wonderful tools to continue working on greeting guests and alerting (but not losing mind…"

google
Christina M.

Christina M.

Google Review

"Carol changed our lives by teaching us to train our beloved dog, Ruby. Most importantly, she trained us, the humans! We were amazed at Ruby's progress in such a short time, and Carol was able to retra…"

google
Erin V.

Erin V.

Google Review

"Carol has been working with us via FaceTime for a few weeks. She just spent a full week in CA with Luca and I to help with e collar training. This was a major game changer, she not only helped get Luc…"

google
Michael D. Giancarlo

Michael D. Giancarlo

Facebook Review

"We loved Carol at DePaul K9 Academy. My wife and I hired Carol to help us train our 4 year old dog, Pete. Pete is a somewhat stubborn, powerful, re-homed, 70lb Pitbull who is reactive with small anima…"

facebook
Linda Chamless

Linda Chamless

Facebook Review

"Our 2-year-old rescue, Linus, had severe trust and confidence issues. We tried to handle it ourselves but saw no real results. Carol was recommended by a friend for some in-home training. From the ini…"

facebook
Ann Kimmett

Ann Kimmett

Facebook Review

"Carol is without a doubt the best dog trainer I have ever met. She is so skilled at teaching both the pet owner and the pet how to work together productively. She really puts her heart and soul into h…"

facebook
Joseph Pagillo

Joseph Pagillo

Google Review

"Carol and David have been one the greatest assets to help with our 3 rescue puppies. That's right I said 3 puppies. Atlas, Apollo, and the baby Titan won our hearts and we couldn't help but bring them…"

google
Jessica Ruth Artist

Jessica Ruth Artist

Google Review

"This training was the best thing I did for me and my reactive dachshund! I learned so much and Ocean is a friendly, happier dog now! Truly amazing transformation!"

google
LynnTam

LynnTam

Google Review

"Carol De Paul has taught me how to walk my energetic Labrador. She is teaching my husband and me how to use her friendly technics so the dog responds to the commands she is asking Chase to do. I am no…"

google
Kayleigh S.

Kayleigh S.

Facebook Review

"Working with Carol has been an absolute gamechanger for us. Before we started, my dog Stella struggled with severe door aggression, intense insecurities, and a total lack of confidence. Stella would l…"

facebook
Jaime P.

Jaime P.

Facebook Review

"I would highly recommend Carol & DePaul K9 Academy! We were only in Florida for two weeks from Colorado and she was so wonderful and accommodating to fit us in for a few lessons to train our 5-pound c…"

facebook
C. John

C. John

Google Review

"We cannot say enough wonderful things about Carol DePaul and K9 Academy! From the moment we met Carol, her passion, expertise, and genuine love for dogs was evident—and it made all the difference for …"

google
Ashlee H.

Ashlee H.

Google Review

"We highly recommend Carol as a dog trainer. She has been fantastic with our dogs, Amaretto and Cozy. Carol's patience and dedication (with both humans and dogs) are exceptional. She understands each d…"

google
Gary R.

Gary R.

Facebook Review

"Carol is amazing. We made tremendous progress in such a brief time thanks to Carol. Having videos of our training sessions was particularly helpful. Also impressive is Carol's follow-up to see how our…"

facebook
L.J.F.

L.J.F.

Google Review

"Carol did an excellent job with our 16-month-old German shepherd/poodle mix and 8 yr old golden doodle. Gave us wonderful tools to continue working on greeting guests and alerting (but not losing mind…"

google
Christina M.

Christina M.

Google Review

"Carol changed our lives by teaching us to train our beloved dog, Ruby. Most importantly, she trained us, the humans! We were amazed at Ruby's progress in such a short time, and Carol was able to retra…"

google
Erin V.

Erin V.

Google Review

"Carol has been working with us via FaceTime for a few weeks. She just spent a full week in CA with Luca and I to help with e collar training. This was a major game changer, she not only helped get Luc…"

google
Michael D. Giancarlo

Michael D. Giancarlo

Facebook Review

"We loved Carol at DePaul K9 Academy. My wife and I hired Carol to help us train our 4 year old dog, Pete. Pete is a somewhat stubborn, powerful, re-homed, 70lb Pitbull who is reactive with small anima…"

facebook
Linda Chamless

Linda Chamless

Facebook Review

"Our 2-year-old rescue, Linus, had severe trust and confidence issues. We tried to handle it ourselves but saw no real results. Carol was recommended by a friend for some in-home training. From the ini…"

facebook
Ann Kimmett

Ann Kimmett

Facebook Review

"Carol is without a doubt the best dog trainer I have ever met. She is so skilled at teaching both the pet owner and the pet how to work together productively. She really puts her heart and soul into h…"

facebook

Success Story

From Overwhelmed and Exhausted to Calm and In Control

See what's possible with professional training for reactive dogs

Before: First meet and greet with aggressive dog
BEFORE

The Struggle: Before We Started

"Stella's first walks were very challenging. She was lunging, barking, and becoming hyper-focused on distractions — leaving me overwhelmed and anxious. We weren't failing; we just weren't speaking the same language yet."

After: Reactive dog leash training results
AFTER

The Breakthrough: Calm, Reliable Focus

"This is the result of addressing the root cause. By building trust and clear communication, Stella learned to look to me for guidance instead of reacting to the world. Now, we enjoy calm, confident walks together."

Ready to Change your Relationship Once and For All?

"Every dog is different, which is why DePaul K9 Academy starts with a Discovery Call to identify the root cause of behavior issues. At DePaul K9 Academy, we create a customized in-home training plan tailored to your dog, your goals, and your home environment."