We offer fully customized, science-based dog training programs designed to address the root of your dog's emotional issues, not just basic obedience. We work on programs where you are supported every step of the way. We do not require you to do endless hours of training that doesn't work with your schedule.
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8 customer reviews
Ariana
The Canine Academy offers a variety of beneficial, enriching, 1 on 1 activities and programs for your dog.
My reactive rescue has enjoyed decompression focused hikes with the trust worthy training team, and counter conditioning focused day training.
I’ve learned so much about positive reinforcement / science based training methods, and have such a great appreciation for that knowledge and the wonderful staff!
The BEST training/ boarding/ day school/ and basic grooming facility I’ve worked with on the Seacoast! Can’t forget pet care too! If you are looking for a warm and caring pet sitter to visit your home while you are away, to a compassionate knowledgeable dog trainer to help you and your furry companion through any and all of your most difficult challenges— the Canine Academy is for you.
S/o to Matt Brady, Justin Gatcomb, Eleanor Langthorne and Anna Yatskar who were some of the first welcoming humans to help me and my pup through a very difficult time!
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Reply from Kara Brady at Canine Academy
Thank you Ariana ❤️❤️❤️
Victoria Mason
I get to work with amazing dogs and owners to build stronger relationships for both. It is very gratifying at the end of a training run to see happy owners and dogs working together.
Reply from Kara Brady at Canine Academy
Victoria— thank you for posting your review :)
Sarah
Kara & team are working wonders with my adolescent Rottweiler! She is learning her manners and getting energy out with her friends at dayschool, and getting 1:1 time with the trainers to work on her over arousal and basic manners. Highly recommend!
Reply from Kara Brady at Canine Academy
Sarah!!!! We love Lua and really appreciate this!
Brigid
Canine Academy: A Haven for Happy Dogs
If you're seeking a place that combines expertise with genuine care, look no further than Canine Academy LLC.
Situated at the intersection of knowledge and compassion, this academy excels in every aspect of dog training.
From the moment you connect, you're greeted by a team that not only understands dogs but genuinely loves them. Their approach, centered around positive reinforcement, not only fosters “obedience” but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry companion.
We recently entrusted our Anatolian Shepherd to their capable hands, and the results were nothing short of remarkable. With patience and skill, they tailored a training program that suited our dog's unique needs, achieving tangible and lasting results. The academy's commitment to communication ensured that we were informed and involved every step of the way, providing peace of mind that our dog was in the best possible care.
Impressed by their expertise, we've now enrolled our German Shepherd with them as well, confident that they will deliver the same exceptional level of training and care.
One of their standout features is their convenient travel services for day school. This helpful service allows busy dog owners like us to ensure our pets receive top-notch training without the hassle of transportation logistics.
In conclusion, if you're searching for a place where your fur babies are not just clients but cherished family members, Canine Academy is the perfect choice.
Their knowledgeable staff, communicative approach, and dedication to positive reinforcement make them a standout in the field of dog training. Highly recommended!
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Reply from Kara Brady at Canine Academy
Brigid, this thoughtful review is absolutely fantastic! I really appreciate you sharing your experience with us ❤️
McKenna Newell
The Canine academy is amazing!!! They boarded my pups during my vacation and we were so worried about them but they did amazing there! One of our pups is very reserved but seemed to open up very quickly with their amazing staff. They got lots of snuggles and we received updates with pictures every day which was so reassuring for us! I highly recommend! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Cailyn Elizabeth
Kara has truly gone above and beyond to help in a very difficult situation with my two dogs. Her expertise, recommendations, guidance, and compassion helped me and my animals find a path forward. Ollie has also been boarding and the staff has been absolutely amazing to work with and I know he is in good hands while we navigate a very difficult time with my older dog. Truly the best place around. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Kymmi Stacewicz
A year ago I was feeling frustrated with how my training was going with my dog. She’s a rescue and I knew we had a lot of work to help her live her best life. I knew I needed help and found this amazing company and set up a meet and greet with Kara. Thinking maybe day care might help and some training classes. From that meet and greet with Kara and Eleanor I learned a little bit about dog language and things that could help. ( they didn’t even meet my pup at the time because she was too stressed out) I signed my dog up for their reactivity training package. Hoping to help my dog and help me with tools to help my dog. For the last year we have worked with this company and their amazing staff! They have taught us so much! And truly help my dog with seeing the right vets for the right help, tools to help teach and work through tough situations, support as we work through tough times, and helped me to give my dog the best life possible. My dog has come so far from where we started. I never imagined we could get here with her reactive issues. There are no words to express how thankful I am to have had the opportunity to work with such an outstanding company! If you need help and are willing to listen and learn with your dog these are the people you need!! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Amber Potter
In January 2023 I saw a post on Facebook asking for owners of reactive dogs to join some marketing research through Canine Academy Berkwick. I happily set a time to answer questions about my reactive girl, which turned into a full consult. Frankly this should have been my first red flag. I ended up signing up for a 10 month virtual training program in February. I was given the warning that most clients did not complete the virtual class and ended up switching to in person training, but being pretty knowledgeable and already dedicating hours to training each day, I was not concerned. Attending virtual meetings went over all okay, with a few technical issues which is no big deal. Though we never saw much progress aside from continue "canine meditation". In April we started having aggression issues within the household (due to hormones/heat cycles) and communications slowly dropped off. My dogs were separated for a month while we waited for our behaviorist appointment, and in that time we worked with the dogs individually. We unexpectedly had to bring one of the dogs back into the home a little early, our appointment that week was very anticipated as I really needed guidance on the safest way to do this. Our appointment was canceled last minute due to a health emergency on our trainers part, which I can completely understand. I asked if we could reschedule for some point in the week and she said she would get back to me with her schedule. That was the last time I heard from her for 6 weeks until I reached out and requested a refund for services not provided (knowing she was okay as she was very active on Facebook and continuing to advertise services). Each attempt at a refund has resulted in phone calls where she apologizes, offers extra services, and excuses. I debated heavily on cutting my losses of nearly $2000, I hate speaking negatively of any small business especially knowing how rough the animal field can be physically and mentally. As our services should be wrapping up I have a lot of hard feelings, and while the loss of money is never fun, I feel deeply let down and am more upset at the lack of progress with my dogs and lack of desire to repair the situation. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
What do you love most about your job?
Coming to me after guilt and shame induced dog training, many clients find our programs super successful simply due to the fact that we work with your dog every day Monday-Friday, and additionally do consultations. This allows the pup to make progress while the owner is attending to other daily tasks--- like working to provide those dog cookies, kids, other dogs, and family concerns. We often are booked in board and train scenarios to make progress daily, and most of our training is in home day training programs.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I was a veterinary student when I ended up with a mass in my left hip. After surgeries, I couldn't work in the busy veterinary hopsitals anymore and started training and pet sitting. Over time, I was able to add hiking, walking to my schedule. I am a mentor to many people getting into the field and I believe in a living wage for our team of at least $22 hourly and full benefits. As a business owner, I believe change has to start with business structure to provide these benefits to our teams and staff, including adjusting our pricing to request the cost of high quality, 1:1 care. Sometimes, it's easier to book a board and train facility that is providing a kennel and an e collar at $800 total, but that's not what you're going to get at the canine academy. Real, 1:1 attention, GPS tracked trainings and hikes, cameras for accountability, and tons of communication is what you can expect!
Why should our clients choose you?
They are a working professional who lacks the time to do the everyday steps necessary for their pup to get what they need. We offer daily training on acres of land where we can be completely isolated. Our dog walkers on staff are our behavior interns and are able to work while completing their studies about the science of dog behavior.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
We can do pick up and drop off within 3 hours of South Berwick, ME. We are Southern Maine, about 1 hour north of Boston, MA.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
We are happy to accommodate social distancing and masking if needed (2024 is the year this was written).
Board and Train (R+ Training, Science-based)
We offer custom board and train programs at our faciltiy with 20,000 square feet of outdoor space, and live 24/7 cameras. You're welcome to book other services for your pup- such as 1:1 hiking, training time on specific tasks, etc. We're known for our custom programming where we come to you and work in your house. We're available for pick up and drop off within 3 hours or so. We start with a complimentary meeting on zoom booked right at our link: www.calendly.com/canineacademyberwick
You're welcome to book a phone call or meet and greet, completely free inital consultation.