Aggressive towards dogs

"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

“Scout”

The Will Family – “Scout” – Jack Russell Terrier

Scout is yet another Canine Academy success story - his journey from "that crazy dog" to "Canine Good Citizen" is nothing short of amazing. We continue to participate in Off-Leash Outings and Advanced Classes just for the adventure and fun it brings. I love the exposure to different dogs/owners/locations and the learning opportunities the Off-Leash Outings provide! My only regret is that I didn't find out about Canine Academy’s Off-Leash Program sooner. 

Scout was almost 8 yrs. old when we teamed up with the Canine Academy and we are so pleased with his transformation! Prior to Scout's off-leash training, I was too embarrassed by his bad behaviors to take him any where. He was out of control when we encountered another dog, would only come if he wasn't interested in something else, and would spin in a circle when he was over-excited. Even an annual trip to the Vet was challenging. Canine Academy to the rescue! Scout is a changed dog and as an added bonus, I've developed a new confidence in my own abilities to handle life with my little terrier (former Jack Russell Terrorist). Thank you Canine Academy!

The Will Family

"Duke"

The Ferguson Family - "Duke" Labrador Retriever

The Ferguson Family - "Duke" Labrador Retriever
When we adopted Duke from Leader Dogs for the Blind, we thought we had a great plan. The dog would be a little older, so we would miss the "puppy" stuff. Since he was with Leader Dogs, he would be partially trained. What we had totally forgotten was that he was a two-year old champion bred Labrador. Having trained two dogs from puppies before, we would only need a series of community based dog training classes and we would be set. Well, six weeks into it, after trying choker collars and gentle leader collars, and treats, and cajoling and whatever, Duke was still out of control on a lead.

We had heard about Canine Academy from other folks in the community and entered Duke (and ourselves) into the Beginner Program. Duke (and we) improved so we moved on to Intermediate. While these programs produced phenomenal improvements, there were still concerns about Duke's ongoing aggressiveness when confronting other dogs while on a lead. For Duke's safety and our peace-of-mind, we entered all of us in the Off-Leash Program. While Duke was the primary focus for the first several weeks, we were all involved shortly thereafter and Canine Academy made sure we have constant opportunities for continuing success. While Duke still has his "moments",the training and follow-up has put us in control of those situations resulting in Duke's safety and our peace-of-mind.

"CARLA"

The Korldalski Family - "CARLA"- German Shepherd

CARLA was like any typical puppy – cute, cuddly, full of energy and mischievous! So very precious! As she started to get older and bigger, her demeanor started changing and we didn’t think of her as so very precious! Just like a child, she was trying to get away with as much as possible. We decided we were going to nip her latitudes right in the bud! So we decided that puppy class was the way to go. Of course, our baby girl was the star of the class. We wouldn’t have it any other way (RIGHT)!!!! Well she actually did well with the commands, especially when she knew she could get all the treats she wanted. But as quickly as time went by, so did her puppy socialization skills. We were now faced by a powering and protective doggie. She loved to go outside so she could continuously bark and growl at anybody. She loved to go for walks so she would pull and drag you around the block. Oh and heaven forbid if another dog wanted to meet and greet her, it was like demons possessed. She was getting too big, and we were afraid of losing our control over her. So one day, when Daddy came home and said “I heard an ad on the radio about this place called Canine Academy, where if you have a good dog and want a great dog™, give us a call”. We checked it out on the Internet and were greatly impressed. We decided then to call and make an appointment to discuss the Off-Leash Program.  A little nervous were we, but as soon as we met Lisa and Leah that day we immediately knew that we needed and wanted to do this for our CARLA – it was off to Puppy College, as we called it. I couldn’t wait to get my weekly update, and yes, I was told that she was the Doggie of the Week!  Oh, we can’t forget the special mail that we would anxiously wait for – loved the pictures! We were so impressed with the outcome! We ABSOULUTELY feel it was well work it!  Canine Academy told us that this training is not just a 6 week class and you’re done, it is for life! As we continue to enjoy our well trained CARLA, we continue to work with her daily and attend follow-up classes. At times, she still likes to think she can give some attitude, but with all we have learned and to continue to learn, we know just how to direct and keep our precious CARLA safe!!! We are SOOOOO very grateful to ALL at Canine Academy.

"Roxy"

The Young Family - "Roxy" - Blue Heeler

You are never too old to learn. My name Roxy and I’m a 3 ½ year old Blue Heeler. I was the Alpha dog; always in charge, very strong and stubborn, but yet very, very smart. But I had a problem called “dog aggression”, which was very embarrassing to my owner. She hated taking me for walks with my sister Reba. When I saw another dog, I would go wild. I don’t mean just barking; I wanted to go after the other dog, and when I knew I couldn’t, I would go after my sister. Reba and I would have fights, and even draw blood on several occasions. My owner was getting very frustrated with me, and even though about getting rid of me, but I got a second chance! Our Veterinarian, mentioned Canine Academy. My owner enrolled me in the Beginner Class. I learned the basics, but what I really needed was one-on-one training. My owner and I went for an interview and I was able to see where I was going to stay. Meanwhile, Lisa talked to my owner and told her about the Program and what I was going to be learning. You got it! I was enrolled. I was gone for about 6-7 weeks. As you can see by my picture, I had the time of my life! I learned to sit, down, place, stay, wait, heel, hup, and come. I even had a playmate! When my owner came to pick me up, she could not believe that I was the same dog. She cried when she saw how smart I was, and that I listen to her now, because I know that she will keep me safe. Now we can have friends over to visit and I behave. No more jumping on them or darting out the door. I don’t even fight with my sister Reba. Now we can go on walks, and she does not worry that I will embarrass her when I see another dog. Now instead of barking, I sit and stay until my owner knows it’s safe for us to continue on our walk. I would like to tell every owner, that it is worth it to have their dog in the Off-Leash Program no matter how old they are. After you finish you get to attend outings with the other graduates. My owner, Reba, and I, would like to thank everyone at Canine Academy. If it wasn’t for them, I may not have the same loving owner. 

Thank you again!

Roxy, Reba, and Libby Young

"Emma"

The Stokfisz Family - "Emma" - Cocker Spaniel

Lisa, Gretchen, and the rest of the trainers at MCA,

WE HAVE A GREAT DOG! It's been a year since Emma came home from the program and she is still a great dog. You remember Emma, cute little cocker puppy, who at 8 months old, decided to take on a husky in the Intermediate Class. Puppy with attitude! Enrolling her in the Off-Leash Program was an easy decision. We could not have a dog that could not be controlled. Your Program gave us that ability. Emma is still the cute little Cocker, but now we know to "expect" her to react and can be prepared to keep her safe. We love to be able to take Emma to the park and let her run, confident that she will come back immediately when called. What a convenience to ask her to "wait" so we can get out of the car first, without her pushing to get out of the car ahead of us. The continued Off-Leash outings that we attend with Emma are really great. Not only are they wonderful for Emma to socialize, but they also allow us to stay consistent in our responsibility to her. We tell everyone we know that has a dog that the program isn't just for dogs with attitude or behavior issues. We recommend the Program for ALL dogs and owners. The results are amazing! Thank you for teaching us know to keep Emma safe and helping her to be a better member of our family. She really was a good puppy, but now she's a great dog! 

"Cooper"

The Martin Family - Copper - Boxer Mix

We received Copper from the Michigan Humane Society when she was about 6 months old.  We immediately fell in love with her intensity and her never-ending amount of energy.  We had had Copper for about 6 months when she began to display signs of dog-to-dog aggression, and with us being new pet owners, we knew we needed the help of a professional.  At the recommendation of our Veterinarian, we immediately signed Copper up for obedience classes at Canine Academy, and since she completed her training a little over a year ago, we are now able to  take her with us just about everywhere we go.  Copper has truly become a part of our family thanks to Canine Academy.

Have a good dog? Want a GREAT dog? ™