Labrador Mix

“Ernie”

The Denek family – “Ernie” Shepherd/Lab Mix

Ernie receives many compliments on how well behaved he is and I always tell them he received his training at the Canine Academy. He loves young children and acts almost as a shepherd with them - never leaving their sides. It is really cute. I could not be more satisfied and look forward to enjoying many years with a GREAT dog.

"Riky"

Joe and Anne Williams "Riky" Lab/Pitbull Mix

Riky came into our lives in the summer of 2007. His mother was a black lab and his father was a white pit bull. Although he seemed extremely docile and listened to us most of the time, we felt that being part pit bull might lead to issues in the future. As he grew, he became extremely strong. Although he never just took off while on his leash, if he ever decided to, he could easily pull us down. He knew several commands: "sit", "stay", and "down", but "come" wasn't his strong suit. We had a good dog, but wanted a great dog and felt that the Canine Academy Off-Leash training was for us. The expense of the program and separation from Riky was an issue, but we finally decided that this was an investment worth making. We are so glad we did. From the day Riky came home he has been darn near perfect. We have five cats and we used to separate Riky from them with baby gates. Now we put him in a down stay and the cats walk right past him. We can let him out to do his business and when he's done we tell him to come and he runs, not walks, back into the house (no electric fence needed). We walk him around the neighborhood and he doesn't even need his leash. We have taken him to several of our friends houses and he behaves perfectly --even if they have dogs themselves. Everyone we meet, comments on how wonderful our dog behaves and we always tell them about Canine Academy.

Joe and Anne Williams Rochester Hills, MI

"Lola"

"Lola"- Boxer/Labrador Retriever

We came to Canine Academy because our adopted 1-year old Boxer/Labrador Retriever dog named Lola was uncontrollable.  She had boundless energy, jumped on everyone, pulled on the leash when you walked her, and would not come when she was called.  It was a big game of "chase me."  The breaking point was the day she broke free from my grip on her leash and almost got run over by a snowplow. 
After 6 weeks of training at the Canine Academy, I can't believe the difference in our dog!  Lola is completely transformed!  The dog that wouldn't listen now obeys commands!  She even comes when called!  She is such a pleasure to have around and many people complement us on our well-behaved dog.  Everyone who knew her before is so impressed!  Thank you so much Canine Academy you've made our Lola a 'Great Dog'!!!!!

"Gracie"

Colleen and Dave Matthews - "Gracie" – Lab Mix

Proven, unbelievable results – that’s what Canine Academy will provide. We saw them in action at the Rochester Holiday Parade: over a dozen dogs representing various breeds and mixes, no leashes at the time, all obeying their owners. That compelled us to look into the Program and we can honestly say we’re not sure who got the most out of the Off-Leash Program: Gracie or us. You’ll often hear Canine Academy talk about confidence and safety – it’s true. Gracie was the most skittish dog: afraid of people, terrified by pretty much everything. We knew the possibilities, but were absolutely stunned by the realty! Before, the two of us had to chase and sandwich our dog between our garage and fence to get her in the house. Now, we just say her name or give a command and she comes running. Before, Gracie would act aggressively towards the mailman and timid when new friends would come over. Now, we tell her to lie on her mat and she stays there calmly. The trainers walk you through what you need to know and provide follow up classes where you’ll discuss additional situations others have encountered, so you’ll know how to respond. We even called Lisa the first week we had Gracie back and she walked us through a situation over the phone (talk about service and guaranteeing success)! It wasn’t Gracie’s fault – we just needed to understand how to guide her. This program is an investment, but the only regrets we have is that we didn’t bring her sooner and that we foolishly took her to basic obedience elsewhere. Our former trainer used techniques we weren’t comfortable with, while Canine Academy takes a positive reinforcement approach. Your dog will truly be treated like one of trainers’ dogs and we can see the excitement in Gracie each time we go back. Seeing is believing … if you’re on the fence, come see the Canine Academy dogs in action. We’re so pleased that we’ll be back with our next dog and the one after that!

"Max"

The Mason Family - "Max" -Lab Mix

My 9 year-old son and I fell in love with a small, cute, 3-month-old pup that wasn’t supposed to exceed 50 pounds.  Max grew to be about 70 pounds and is extremely strong, fast, and determined.  We completed our Puppy Obedience Class and ended up with a well-behaved dog in the classroom, but awful elsewhere.
On the suggestion of my vet, we enrolled Max in the Canine Academy’s Off-Leash Program.  It was six weeks of peace in our home!!  Upon his return home, it took about three days before I was willing to let go of my death grip on the leash.  Our friend s were amazed, they couldn’t believe it was the same dog.  He was just as friendly as he had been before, but well mannered and well behaved.  My parents, in their seventies are now willing to have him visit them in Ohio, an invitation that was never extended before training.  Max now goes to my son’s football and baseball games.  He goes to church meetings with me, sitting at my feet with 50-60 people surrounding him.
Max is truly the “great dog” that Canine Academy said he would be