At Dogwood Canine Academy, our philosophy revolves around building a strong, trusting relationship with your dog while providing clear communication and structure. We practice an approach that teaches dogs both what to do and what not to do, utilizing all facets of operant conditioning.

We firmly believe in the power of play and positive reinforcement as a primary tool to shape desired behaviors and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Incorporating play, toys, movement, and rewards into training keeps sessions interactive and fun, fostering engagement and motivation. This not only makes training enjoyable for your dog but also deepens the relationship you share.

Setting healthy boundaries is also essential for your dog’s development and overall well-being. Clear, consistent guidance helps dogs feel secure, understand expectations, and navigate the world with confidence. We help you establish these boundaries in a way that strengthens trust and encourages cooperation, ensuring a balanced, well-mannered companion.

At Dogwood Canine Academy, we recognize that every dog is unique, which is why we adapt our training methods to suit the individual needs of each dog. By embracing this relationship-focused, balanced approach, we guide dogs to become happy, well-adjusted dogs while nurturing mutual trust and respect. Above all, your dog’s well-being and development are always our top priorities.

At Dogwood Canine Academy, our exclusive board and train programs set us apart with our unwavering commitment to consistency. While private or in-home sessions have their merits, a structured environment fosters better learning and behavior retention. 

We recognize that effective training relies on eliminating gaps and building a strong foundation. With training sessions provided seven days a week and multiple sessions per day, your pup will receive a total of 100+ personalized training session during their stay. We maximize every moment to shape your pup's behavior and create a strong foundation for lasting success.

During our intensive 4-week+ programs, dogs make remarkable progress, benefiting from the dedicated training needed for long-term behavior transformation. 

At Dogwood Canine Academy, we stand firmly behind the transformational training we provide for you and your beloved dog. It's not just about training; it's about building a lifelong partnership.

With every program, you receive our lifetime guarantee of support. That means you can reach out to us anytime through FaceTime, phone calls, or email, even long after your training has concluded. Your success is our priority, and we're here to ensure your continued happiness and confidence in your dog's behavior.

But that's not all. We go the extra mile by offering you free follow-up sessions post-graduation, as needed. These sessions usually last about an hour,  and are designed to fine-tune and reinforce your dog's training, ensuring that the bond you've built remains strong and that your canine companion continues to thrive.

However, it's important to note that while our training is highly effective, success is a partnership. Consistency and ongoing practice from you, the owner, play a vital role in maintaining your dog's behavior. Without your commitment, we cannot guarantee the same level of success.

At Dogwood Canine Academy, our commitment to you and your dog goes beyond just training – it's about creating a lifetime of happiness together. We're here every step of the way, supporting your journey towards a harmonious and fulfilling relationship with your furry friend

The short answer is No. 

While We are dedicated to working with even the most difficult and dangerous dogs,  it's essential to set realistic expectations. While we cannot guarantee a complete "cure" or "fix" for your dog's behavior, our focus is on providing your pup with a new and clear set of expectations. 

Just as we can't force someone to like every person they meet, not all dogs will become best friends or love interacting with every dog they encounter. 

However, what I can assure you is that our Board and Train Program aims to create a dog that is more tolerant of other dogs and no longer reacts aggressively. The outcomes vary depending on various factors, such as genetics, diet, home environment, follow-through with aftercare, and your dog's individual personality. Some dogs undergo a total 180-degree change during their training, becoming more social, while others may remain selective around other dogs. Once I've had the opportunity to get to know your dog, I'll provide you with realistic expectations regarding their sociability.

Understandable, e-collars are quite a polarizing topic these days. 

At DCA your dog's well-being and safety are paramount. We are dedicated to using training techniques that are proven, ethical, and considerate of your dog's individual needs.

The e-collar, when employed responsibly and with expertise, can be an effective aid in achieving training goals while fostering a strong bond between you and your beloved pet.

The e-collar, or electronic collar, is a tool that we utilize in our training programs to provide clear communication with your dog. It's important to note that when used properly and under professional guidance, the e-collar is a safe and humane training tool that will not cause harm to your dog.

The technology behind the e-collar is similar to that of a TENS unit used in physical therapy. A TENS unit delivers low-level electrical impulses to stimulate muscles and promote pain relief. 

Similarly, the e-collar uses gentle electronic stimulation to provide feedback to your dog. It is designed to be adjustable and allows us to communicate with your dog effectively, particularly in situations where verbal commands may be challenging or impractical.

It's crucial to understand that we prioritize the well-being and comfort of your dog at all times. We follow responsible training protocols and always introduce the e-collar gradually, using low levels of stimulation. Our professional trainers are skilled in assessing your dog's unique needs and adjusting the e-collar settings accordingly, ensuring a comfortable experience for your furry companion.

We are committed to positive reinforcement as the foundation of our training approach, and the e-collar is used as an additional tool to enhance communication, reinforce desired behaviors, and address specific challenges. We'll guide you on the proper usage of the e-collar and provide ongoing support and education to ensure its effective and humane application throughout the training process.