Willie Mae

You have a good dog, and that is a good thing. But a great dog - well that is even better. Willie Mae is happy, energetic, lovable, and wants to give kisses to anyone who will hold still long enough to receive them (and if you won’t stand still, she will help you with the weight of her body). We started at Canine Academy when she was almost 7 months old. We went through Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced classes. And Willie became a good dog - most of the time. When we would go to training sessions, she would be at her very worst. I found myself starting to excuse her behavior. But I knew I wanted a great dog that could go everywhere with me so we enrolled in the off leash program. It has been the best decision. The off leash program has been able to train Willie through many distractions that I could have never created. And the biggest thing I have noticed - which I wasn't even aware was lacking on my part - is the confidence we have when out. I knew Willie lacked it, but I never realized how much I needed to gain it as well! The off leash program has provided both Willie and I the confidence we needed to head out into a world full of distractions. Willie Mae has become a great dog - and here is the best example!

I teach Kindergarten and we have a classroom pet named Flopsy. Flopsy is a rabbit who stays at my house over weekends and long breaks. Willie and Flopsy have seen each other through gates and exercise pens, but are never together. This morning, in my hurry to get out the door, I neglected to close the door when I went to put Flopsy in her travel crate. She escaped the room and went hopping as fast as she could towards Willie. Willie was ready to be crated, and had no collar on and was across the room from me...and coming towards Flopsy with all her might. I started to panic but got out the command to down and stay - and Willie dropped and stayed until I could catch the rascally rabbit. A few months ago, the outcome may not have had such a happy ending.

I have taken all of my dogs to school. I even got the last two to their CGC. But hands down, Canine Academy has provided me the tools I needed to train myself and to help Willie Mae to become a great dog.

So thanks for all you have done for both Willie Mae and me - and I am sure Flopsy thanks you too!

Beth and Willie Mae

Harley

We got Harley at 8 weeks old after carefully researching the breeder and training tools. We initially started with an in home trainer to help with the interaction of the puppy with our 16 year old Bichon. After a couple of months, we wanted more real world experiences and socialization for Harley. We enrolled Harley in the Canine Academy Beginner program at 5 months old followed by the Intermediate Program. He did great and learned a lot, but he is a stubborn (and sweet) puppy who didn’t like to be told what to do when. Amanda and the trainers in Birmingham suggested the Off Leash Program. We were hesitant because of the cost, so we asked our vet and she highly recommended the program. It was the best decision ever! After 6 weeks of training coupled with regular practice at home, Harley has become an amazing dog and a joy in our home. He responds to our commands with no hesitation and when we have the occasional issue, I call the office and they give us strategies which have worked every time. We continue day training one to two days a week and participate in Great Dogs in Action to keep him (and us) focused on good habits.

Thank you Canine Academy for helping us train Harley to be a great dog! Trust the process, it works!
Roger and Deborah

Sedona

Starting at about five months of age, Sedona went through the Beginner and Intermediate classes, and has just finished the Off Leash Program. What a difference these classes have made in our lives and in Sedona's! She's a very friendly dog, well-socialized to other dogs and humans by her breeder, and she would drag us to greet every human and dog she met. But sometimes, a simple walk around the block was a battle. She did not know what we expected of her, and we did not know how to get her to listen. And now this 63 lb. Lab is joy to walk and to take to the park to play with other dogs and the kids in the neighborhood. She's become a confident dog, learning her limits (and ours!) and how to have fun safely. Sedona's not done learning, and neither are we, but we are all on our way. And we are looking forward to many happy years with each other.

Thank you, Canine Academy, for giving Sedona the opportunity to fulfill her potential to become a great dog. Lisa and her staff treated Sedona as one of their own, and she loved going to school. (She's looking forward to the Great Dog Outings, as are we.) While the cost of these programs is not negligible, they are. in our view, well worth the cost. The joy of having a well-behaved, confident, and happy dog as part of our family is priceless.

Nancy & Lawrence

Lily

When my two sons moved to homes of their own they took their fur babies with them. I knew I wanted another dog, but waited until 2019 when I retired. In May 2019 I brought Lily, an English Cream Golden Retriever into my home. Two things I knew for sure, 1. She was going to be a big girl, 2. I wanted her well trained.

Lisa had been a neighbor of mine years ago, and I knew she had started a stellar training program for dogs, it was a no brainer. Lily started at 4 months with the beginners class, then intermediate and finely advanced.

The staff inquired if I would be interested in enrolling Lily in the off leash program. I hesitated because of the cost, I was planning on a trip to Italy October 2020 and more training was not in my plan. But—at 55 pounds and strong as an Ox, an off leash program was less costly than a broken hip, so I signed her up. That was a year ago, we are still a work in progress but I have a well-trained dog that I can take anywhere. I’m glad I didn’t wait until after my trip since that’s postponed until 2022!

Lily continues to go to day training once a week, it keeps her current and she loves the staff.

Thank you Canine Academy

Vicki Smith

Devyn

Hi Canine Academy!

We have our wonderful "crazy high energy" sweet Golden "Devyn"! She has been under your training care since a little one! She is turning into a wonderful listener and a joy to walk and play with. You guys are the BEST! The trainers are amazing! Thank you!! Devyn loves to go to "school" - so exciting for her! We love her more and more. Also, our previous golden was trained by Canine Academy - she was wonderful too, and we miss her!

Thank You!! Terri and Mike Elliott

Frankie

My family always had dogs growing up, two of which have gone through the off leash training program with Lisa at Canine Academy! Our current family dog Zoey, an off leash graduate, came to stay with us multiple times in Chicago prior to us getting our own puppy. My fiance, Nick, was instantly hooked on the level of training provided by Canine Academy. When we decided it was time for us to bring a puppy into our home we had lots of discussions around the importance of having a well trained dog, especially living in the city of Chicago and knowing we have several moves to go before we land in our forever home/city. Sending our Frankie girl to Canine Academy for off leash training was a NO BRAINER! Obviously we already knew first hand how valuable the program was but thinking about being away from our 6 month old puppy for a month was not an easy decision. Since I was a helicopter dog mom from day one, I consulted our vet and Lisa to make sure that sending her so young was a wise decision as our previous family dogs hadn't started their training until at least 8 months. I was worried but reassured by the answers and direction I received, both the vet and Lisa said it was a good idea to start training young! After 5 weeks away, I was thrilled to get Frankie back and quickly saw she was still the fun loving, energetic puppy that missed her parents but she no longer felt the need to jump all over us, bite our fingers and put holes in our socks. We got a GREAT dog back and we no longer had to puppy proof our home...our pillows stayed out on the couch, blankets were no longer hidden and gates were put away. We got our life back!

Lisa and her team loved Frankie like she was their own dog and I would trust them with a dog of any age. The resources they provide post-program are invaluable and easily accessible whenever we need it. The cornerstone of Canine Academy's training method is to keep your dog safe, which is the ultimate goal for any pet owner! Their team is full of GREAT trainers that produce GREAT dogs. Frankie is the third off leash graduate from our family and I am absolutely sure she won't be the last!

Thank you Canine Academy!

Sincerely,

Tessa, Nick and Frankie

Mason and Kobe

Hey Lisa,

Thought I’d take a minute to share some thoughts:

As you know we’ve been coming to you guys for training and guidance with our pups for at least a decade now (i think).   We seem to always have questions and pups that continue to present new challenges.  
I feel like i am getting to know each of your trainers - like i would my kids teachers - LOl!!! They are ALL always willing to help, and seem to have a genuine love for the dogs that they train.  (I don’t even really need to hand off the leashes at drop-off as the pups are so eager to get to school they just want to run in as soon as they see the trainer coming to open the door).   You’ve got some great employees and I am so happy to have them teach us and the dogs. 

This am i took the pups for a walk on my own.  I wanted them to burn off some morning energy before it got too hot.  I’ve not walked them together for far by myself before - as it just seemed like a disaster waiting to happen. 

Well.... we walked for almost 2 miles and neither of them earned even one correction. We were on a “let’s go” and strolled at a relaxing pace.  We stopped to “sit-wait” before crossing streets, and did some “down-wait” under some shady trees to watch the various construction sites come to life in our sub.   The heat surely helped them stay low key - but they walked beautifully.  They listened, the explored (within their 6’ leash) and even watched some birds run across their path, and some neighborhood dogs bark at them from their front “invisible fenced” yards.  We walked a familiar route with familiar sites, but none-the-less it was a relaxing and enjoyable walk for all. I am confident that would not have been possible without your training. 

We regularly get compliments on the dogs behavior, and temperament- which is visible because we are able to have them in public without losing control of them. 
So, in a nutshell, just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your business and all your fabulous employees. 

Samantha

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Topper

Canine Academy has definitely lived up to their motto of making good dogs, great dogs. Topper is our third dog to go through their various classes, and the first to go through the Off Leash Program. He is a little over a year old and is on his way to becoming great dog. We have always loved the results of the classes that the others have taken from Beginner to Advanced and even the Therapy training. We were excited to get Topper in and he learned quickly in the Beginner and Intermediate classes. He has been in the Off Leash training for 2 weeks now, and I’m already seeing a difference in his behavior and listening skills at home, and we haven’t even officially transitioned the training to home. His recall has improved and even some of the basic commands are much quicker now. It’s influencing the other dogs too. When one is working, we all have to show off our skills. It is just amazing to have great dogs that listen when they need to and still have their playful personality shine through.

I have family members that are not really dog people, they don’t even allow dogs in their homes. They allow me to bring mine because while they may not like dogs like I do, they do love a well trained dog!

Thank you Canine Academy for helping me have great dogs.

Topper's Family

Sammy

Sammy and I are at my son's in FL and I just wanted to commend Canine Academy for all their awesome work with Sammy and how excellent The Off Leash Program was and all the benefits. Sammy turned two on April 3rd. We made the 22 hour drive and then she became a household member with loud little children, another dog and toys everywhere, pool etc.She has been excellent!!! I am so thankful for Canine Academy. I attached a few pics. Not a bad place to be stuck.

Everyone stay healthy and thanks again for all you do.
Carolyn & Sammy

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Maizey

I’ve been meaning to send these pictures to you. Elizabeth turned 2 yesterday. She absolutely loves Maizey and the feeling is mutual. Every Wednesday is Grandma Cherry Day. Maizey and I pick her up from daycare and spend the afternoon together. Maizey practices her sit/wait at lunch and is so gentle playing tea party. Thanks to all of you for giving us such a Great Dog.

Cherry

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