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The Canine Academy is great. Our German Shepherd Dog, Cholo, was basically unmanageable before we enrolled him in the off-leash program. He would be out of his crate for a few seconds before he would engage in mouthing, jumping up on people or furniture, or some other undesirable behavior. Since graduating from the off-leash program we are able to enjoy our dog, really, for the first time!
Guy & Kelly Hefferon
In May 2007 we thought we had gotten the cutest, most adorable puppy ever, thus the name "Bugsy" because he was as cute as a bug! As this adorable, sweet puppy grew, we discovered he was really named for Bugsy Seigel, the gangster!
He was a terrier with an attitude! Anything and everything mischievous he'd do, including not listening to us. His favorite game was chase - that's where we'd chase him around the house (the longest was 40 minutes) trying to get him into his kennel. He was growing into a 10 lb. opinionated, obstinate dog ruling our house!
We had a trainer come to the house. After working with him for about 8 hours over a 2 week period, she felt he was un-trainable!
My husband and I have chronic illnesses and this dog was overwhelming us! We had heard an ad for Canine Academy and were debating about sending "our baby to boot camp".
Our final straw was Bugsy running out the door and through the neighborhood 3 times in 2 weeks. We met with Lisa at Canine Academy and enrolled Bugsy in the Off Leash Program immediately!
Lisa made the 6 weeks without "our baby" comfortable, answering questions, keeping us updated on his progress and sending wonderful email pictures. Upon graduation, I was amazed by his good behavior, listening ability and following commands willingly!
Bugsy "graduated" in mid November and will be 1 year old the end of February 2008. He is still a very inquisitive terrier puppy but he is much more "adorable" because he now has manners, listens and doesn't run away! We can enjoy our dog, company enjoys our dog, and we can take him anywhere!
Thank you Canine Academy!
Joyce and Steve Surchik
In August 2006, a year after we put down our dog Marley, we went to a pet-a-palooza to find another “best friend”. On the way in, we saw the Canine Academy booth. We saw Cole but we didn’t think that the dogs were up for adoption. After looking at all the dogs, on the way out we asked about the dogs at the Canine Academy booth. We were told that Cole was Off Leash trained and up for adoption. We were amazed at all the commands that Cole was trained to respond to. Dawn and I were fortunate that Lisa and her staff at Canine Academy thought we were the perfect match for Cole. We would recommend the Canine Academy Off-Leash Program for anyone who wants “the perfect dog”. Cole is amazing!
Dawn & Paul Mitchell
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.
We own Portuguese Water dog, or should I say at one time he owned us?! Truffle is a high-spirited, bumbling ball of energy! We just couldn’t keep up with him and he always seemed to be two steps ahead of us.
As sweet as he is, behind his halo was a set of horns. He tested his limits, his boundaries and our patience. He wanted attention and knew how to get it by chewing on steps, devouring four rugs in one week, destroyed three pairs of shoes, chomped on an air hose and anything and everything he could put his mouth on. When we told him ‘no’, he interpreted that as a ‘yes’! It was a vicious cycle and we were feeling very frustrated. We decided he needed some type of obedience training.
Then one day last fall we learned about Canine Academy. We enrolled him in Beginner’s puppy class, and we saw some changes in his behavior. He then went on to an Intermediate Class, and things were getting better. We were very pleased with the results -- and decided to enroll him in their Off-Leash Program.
Our lovable pet was gone for eight weeks. Was it possible our dog could learn to channel his energy in other non-destructive ways? Hmmmm…. I had my doubts!
Much to our surprise we now own – not just a good dog, but also a GREAT dog! The change in his behavior was remarkable. We now have a high-spirited, obedient companion that is such a joy to have around!
People have complimented us over and over on how well our dog behaves. We can now take him anywhere with full confidence that he will not create havoc. The ultimate compliment came when we took him for a walk without his leash and someone thought he was on an invisible leash!
If it weren’t for Canine Academy, we would not own Truffle today. It was a very worthwhile investment and we highly recommend their services.
Michael & Nancy Puskorius
Metamora Canine Academy’s motto is: “HAVE A GOOD DOG, WANT A GREAT DOG?”™
Maggie, our 1 ½ year old lab, used to be our dog from hell. Now Maggie is not only a good dog, she is AWESOME!
Duane and I decided to take Maggie to Canine Academy while we went to Arizona for 6 weeks. Maggie had already completed 6 weeks of the Beginner Class, but she needed more. We figured she might as well be doing something constructive while she was in the kennel, so we signed her up for the Off Leash Program. Duane and I called it “boot camp”. It was the best thing we could have done. Before we took Maggie to Canine Academy, she was aggressive and I didn’t trust her. I never knew when she would get one of her little attitudes as I called them. Not that she would hurt anyone intentionally; she just didn’t know how to control her excitement. We always had to have Maggie tied up or put up the gates to keep her away whenever we had company. What fun was that having a Lab and not being able to let her be with us?
I am happy to say that Maggie is part of our family. No more being tied up, no more gates and no more table with our shoes on it so Maggie wouldn’t chew them. The gates and table came down the day we brought her home from Canine Academy and we haven’t had them up since. It is so nice! Gretchen would call every week with updates on Maggie’s progress and kept telling us “we are going to be amazed”. Amazed wasn’t the word. It is unbelievable what they can do in 6 weeks. We now take Maggie everywhere we go, which is something we could never do before. It was embarrassing to take her out in public as she would bark out of control. We take Maggie to walks without her leash and she listens when we give her commands. She is a real joy to have in our family. We always have people telling us what a well mannered dog we have. We tell them if they only would have seen her 4 months ago and are excited to tell them that we took her to Canine Academy. We came some close to getting rid of Maggie. I didn’t know how we could ever live with her for the next 10+ years with the bad behavior she had. I always worried that she could hurt someone, but not anymore!
We liked Maggie before, but we LOVE Maggie now.
The Off Leash follow up classes we attend are very helpful and fun too. It is great seeing all the dogs in a group and how well they behave. Duane and I would highly recommend to anyone who wants not only a GREAT dog, but an AWESOME dog!
Thank you everyone at Canine Academy, you are the best!
Duane and Diana
Lilie (the Princess) was a headstrong dog with the natural instinct to herd and bark at loud noises, vehicles, and shopping cards, and anything else that moved. Lilie did not come when called. Because she lives at a greenhouse on a busy road, her safety was always a concern. I first discovered Lisa and the staff at Canine Academy at the Cobo Hall Dog Show. I was very impressed with the staff and the control the dogs on display.
Lilie started with beginning classes and progressed to the 6 week Off Leash Training Program. Lilie still has her same personality, but now I am confident in her good behavior around the greenhouse employees and customers. She is well behaved when she goes walks in the park or out visiting. She now comes when called and followed the commands she learned at the Academy. Lilie can now walk through the greenhouse and get noticed for her looks and not for her barks.
Thanks Canine Academy!
Jim Eckert
Winston, COME, GOOD BOY! This simple phrase now keeps our “little big man” safe.
Winston is a gentle soul and a good dog. We took Winston to Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced training…so why take him to Off-Leash training? For his safety; Winston only listened to us when he wanted to or when a treat was in hand (and treats didn’t work all the time either). We live on 2+ acres and don’t have a fenced yard. We always had to take Winston out on a leash; otherwise, we would usually end up chasing him. Sometimes he would make it into the neighbor’s yard or to the end of the drive way; our biggest fear…he would get onto the road. Winston knew the commands, but needed the reinforcement…that’s where Canine Academy's Off-Leash Program filled the gap perfectly.
It was difficult sending Winston away for 6 weeks, but giving up 6 weeks so we can have a safe dog for years to come was well worth it. The folks at Canine Academy treated Winston like one of their own with lots of love, hugs and kisses.
Since completing the Off-Leash Program, we no longer need a leash when we take Winston outside. Now when we give Winston a command, he listens and responds immediately and happily inside, outside or wherever we are.
Winston is not only a GREAT DOG but is a SAFE dog thanks to Canine Academy!!!
Shelby became a part of our family when she was 5 months old. This adorable looking dog quickly decided that she was going to do what she wanted in our household. Over time, she became aggressive to our visitors, and wouldn’t do what she was asked to do. Knowing that something had to be done, we decided that we needed Canine Academy . We took her there in the spring of 2006, and it is now her favorite place to visit when we go on vacation. She loves Lisa and the staff, but the best part is that we have been given the tools that we can use when dealing with our dog. She takes a daily walk off leash, comes when called, and we can confidently put her in her place when company arrives, knowing that she will stay there until we release her. Our many thanks to the whole staff at Canine Academy
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
