Mellie

Mellie is my second dog that was trained by Lisa.  The first was so successful that there was no question that Mellie would go through the program as soon as I could get her enrolled.  Mellie was 9 weeks old when I brought her home.  She is a Labrador Retriever Mix.  She always had a great personality and has never met a human that she doesn’t like, but by 6 months she was getting hard to handle.  She was so enthusiastic about meeting new people, old friends and other dogs that she could be intimidating.  She also got into a great deal of puppy mischief at home.  I replaced one cell phone due to her teeth and had to make sure there was nothing that she could eat on the kitchen counter.  She was always too close when I ate my meals.  So, off she went to Lisa.  I got her back at almost 8 months old.  She was a different dog.  Still a cuddlier and sweet tempered as before, but now she listened!  She doesn’t stick her nose in my plate and my new cell phone is safe.  Walks with her now are a dream, whether on or off-leash.  I always planned to make her a therapy dog, so that’s the next goal after she turns one.  Now everyone in the condo complex loves her and she is welcome everywhere a dog can be welcomed.  Thank you, Lisa.  You did it again!!

Sue Mason

Jasper

I adopted Jasper 8 months ago.  He is a wonderful, playful, intelligent dog full of energy.  However, he was like having a toddler 24/7.  I could not get him to settle down, stop jumping all over me, biting his leash (tore thru 3), barking and pulling on his leash when he saw another dog or squirrel.  I tried taking him to different obedience classes and made some headway.  I knew though I was not able to get him to reach his potential without more intensive professional help. 

Canine Academy to the rescue.  It was a big commitment but well worth it.  He came back with confidence, calmer demeanor, and nailed his commands taught to him.  It was my turn now and responsibility to make sure I carried over with what he has learned on a consistent basis and it is paying off.  I love taking him for walks, going thru drive in windows, going out on outings with his fellow canine student graduates and taking him to my friends’ houses.
 
My next goal is to enroll him in therapy dog training classes and who knows agility with all that energy!!!

"Josie"

Our dog, Josie, was a semi trained 2 year old Australian Shepherd when we first met Lisa.  She did not walk well on a leash and had a tendency to become very excited upon greeting people.  She would vocalize (we called it her "Whale Song of Joy) and jump up. She also had issues with fearfulness.  She was protective of her food and some toys, particularly with our teenage daughter. 

She became very concerned when people ran in the house or over odd things like my husband and I holding hands.  She would initially bark but if the thing that worried her did not stop she would hide under chairs or beds. These fearful behaviors were increasing over time.  After discussing the situation with Lisa on the phone we decided to enroll in obedience classes.  Josie was extremely anxious in class but her problem behaviors did begin to improve.  My husband and I began to see that the more training Josie was exposed to, and the more new situations, the more happy and content she became. 

We have had Australian Shepherds before.  They are high energy dogs that need stimulation.  Our previous dogs could get what they needed by twice daily Frisbee/ball playtime.  Josie needed the same degree of stimulation but of her mental capacity not her physical capacity.  She is not very interested in fetch. We decided to enroll Josie in the off leash program for two reasons: to accelerate the pace of her training so she would be the kind of doggie citizen we could take everywhere with us thus ensuring intellectual exposure, and also so she would become exposed to many new situations (such as the farm) that we did not have access to and learn not to be overly fearful of new situations. RESULTS: Since Josie has returned to us she has been much less fearful.  When she is fearful her training (such as putting her in her 'place') reassures her that we are in control and she is safe.  I can now take her to any environment where dogs are allowed and know that her behavior will ensure she is welcomed back with open arms.  Her relationship with our daughter is much improved which is a bonus I did not even expect. She is a dog who wants to please and now we have the tools to clearly communicate with her exactly what we want her to do. I am very grateful we had the opportunity to participate in this program and feel the program and the ongoing support has stacked the deck to insure our ongoing success.

- Amy Johnson

 

"Rocket and Tessa"

We were at our wit's end with our 2 standard poodles Rocket and Tessa. We took them to a behaviorist and they were both started on Zoloft to little effect. Eventually I found Canine Academy and now we have two great dogs! 

Rocket was 7-years-old when he started off leash training. He had been diagnosed with fear based aggression which manifested as barking and lunging at other dogs and pedestrians. He was also disruptive and destructive at home, attacking the television set and damaging the cabinetry. Rocket completed a 6 week off leash training program with remarkable results. His problem behaviors resolved and he is now calm and behaves perfectly in any setting. Rocket went on to complete the Therapy Dog International Training program and he is now a registered therapy dog with plans to work with Hospice patients. 

Tessa, our 3-year-old, was a bundle of love and energy. She would aggressively display her affection to all, jumping on and licking anyone in sight. Her excessive energy was difficult to manage. Tessa successfully completed the 6 week off leash program and she loves more gently now. 

Sincerely,

Liz Singer

"Copa"

It wasn't long after we brought Copa, our Havanese puppy, home that we realized he had some socialization issues. I knew that he needed more than just classes once a week to help him. Lisa has helped me in the past and I knew she was the  person I needed to call. After 7 weeks with her he came back a totally different dog. Not only was he a well trained dog, he now had confidence in himself.

The best part  is that  we continue to train with Lisa a couple times a month, sometimes in different settings,  which helps Copa with his confidence and me with my training. My vet even made a comment to me  that she couldn't believe the difference. I know without this training Copa would be a totally different dog. I can't thank Lisa and her staff enough for helping us. 

Thanks,
The Henry Family 

" Floyd"

" Floyd - February 2015"

I just wanted to take a minute and thank you for EVERYTHING with Floyd. He is so much more relaxed at all times. We have gone for very successful walks every day and he sits and waits when I answer the door. His biggest corrections come with jumping on the couch or bed, since he was previously allowed. "Off" works first try every time. Then he ultimately gets invited back up. 

He can sit in his crate, door open, and wait while I have dinner on the couch. THIS IS HUGE!! My girlfriends are loving it. He's just being an angel and everyone that has seen him on this side of training says, "why can't all dogs be as good as Floyd?!?" 

We have a blast together. I'm very much interested in doing day training one day a week. I think it would be really wonderful for him. 

Really looking forward to everything from here on out! It's eye opening what a difference this has made in my daily life, I already thought he was so good. I really get it when you say "GREAT" dog.

" Bean"

Bean was trained through the Off-Leash Program in 2009 and continues to board with us when her family travels. They spend extended time in France each year and Bean enjoys her time with friends at the Canine Academy. Here is what her owners have to say.... 

Happy New Year! Lisa, it's like she never left! You know there was no one else to consider for Bean's care, you've known her since she was just 4 months old. We were at the vet and she was squealing like a baby pig in the lobby. You picked her up and said "I can fix that" and you did! You definitely have the gift of understanding animal behavior and PEOPLE! We still anguish over leaving our Bean but know everyone at Canine Academy is well trained, doing more than just a job, and she is getting the best attention, exercise and training. I'm sure she loved spending time at the farm and we thank you for that. The puppy classes, (where I think you trained me along with her!), off leash program, boarding with continued training made me confident that we were leaving her in good hands. Our squealing little piggy is now a Great Dog!

All the Best for the New Year,
Gale Adams
Clarkston, MI and Paris, France

"Mayzie"

OMG! It's a miracle! That's what I've been saying ever since we brought our sweet Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Mayzie, home from the Off Leash program at Canine Academy. Our lovable, cute 2 ½ year old, was, to put it mildly, a very spunky gal. Being our fourth Wheaten, we are familiar with and love this breed so much, but could not get Mayzie's behavior under control. After talking to Lisa and her staff, we decided this was the best thing we could do for Mayzie and ourselves, even though we would miss her so much being away from home for the length of the program. WOW! We couldn't believe the positive changes we saw the very first time we were together again. Lisa did an amazing job! It really shows how dedicated and loving she is to the dogs and families she helps. My family and friends cannot get over how well trained Mayzie is! We are deeply committed to maintaining Canine Academy's progress with Mayzie at home and through the outings they offer for a year after completion of the program. In fact, she just received her Canine Good Citizen ribbon! I am so proud of Mayzie! We made the right decision and I would HIGHLY recommend Canine Academy and the Off Leash program to anyone who wants a GREAT DOG!

"Bruce"

Soon after we brought our Golden Retriever puppy, Bruce, home I realized I was in trouble. With three very busy kids and a 4-year old Golden Retriever already at home, I realized that I had bitten off a little more than I could chew. I just did not have the time to devote to the weekly training sessions that I did with my other dog. My cousin had sent her very "exuberant" lab to Lisa so based on her recommendation we decided to send Bruce to Canine Academy. Overall, as far as puppies go Bruce was a great puppy. However, he was a puppy, doing all those "naughty" things that puppies do. He left for training as a feisty 7-month old puppy that did not follow directions and loved to chew on area rugs. He came back as an unbelievably well behaved 9-month old puppy that follows commands and as a result can go anywhere with us. He is calm and confidant. He does not jump on guests, walks on the leash perfectly and sits calmly on his mat next to me at my kids' soccer games. People are just amazed by his good behavior when we are out and about. I wish I had known about Lisa and Canine Academy when my other dog was a puppy. I spent over a year and a half taking her to weekly obedience classes with mediocre results.

Have a good dog? Want a GREAT dog? ™