About The Academy of Canine Excellence
The Academy of Canine Excellence specializes in service dog training and offers specialty training for specific pet issues. Their program emphasizes positive reinforcement techniques, avoiding any fear or pain-based methods. All trainers are certified and provide customized private lessons and group classes for dogs of all ages and breeds, with flexible hours to accommodate various schedules. Clients consistently praise the trainers for their exceptional support and expertise. Many have found the training process to be life-changing, noting significant improvements in their dogs' behavior and public access skills. The trainers are described as patient, observant, and effective in teaching both the dogs and their handlers. They are committed to ensuring the success of each person-and-dog partnership, providing personalized guidance throughout the training journey. Overall, The Academy of Canine Excellence is highly regarded for its friendly staff, personalized training approach, and dedication to helping families heal and grow through the process of service dog training.
Skilled trainers and beautiful facilities.
Maria has gone over and beyond for our family. We adopted Pepper in 2020. She presents with fear aggression and at first was unwalkable due her super aroused state. She lived with Maria for an entire month, working on her separation anxiety, incessant barking, and fear reactivity. During this time, I feel like I was going over to her house on a weekly basis to work with Pepper, and to also shadow her on other training jobs, so that I could learn more about pepper, and how to work with her. Also during this time Maria had a Doberman suffering from alopecia and malnutrition, allergies, and anxiety. The last time I went to her house the Dobie was happy, calm, had gained weight and the coat had no signs that there had ever been any hair loss. Maria has remained one of the only places that we can board Pepper when we go out of town and that has been an absolute blessing beyond words. Pepper still has some reactivity but has come leaps and bounds. Walking her is now a joy with a couple hiccups here and there. At one point we were told that she would need to be euthanized for her behavioral issues (Montgomery emergency vet, that she was beyond help and not worth the money of saving her life). She is an amazing companion, she is so sweet and snuggly, she is funny and smart. We love her so much and wish she could stay with us forever, another decision so hard that we are so grateful for Maria to help us through, Gemma our other dog is also reactive and actually detrimental to Pepper’s recovery. She is also offering free group classes to Pepper’s new family, above and beyond. So grateful for her and her expertise with last chance pups.
Maria Colbert is a phenomenal dog trainer! I adopted a “problem” dog 5 years ago from my friend and was fortunately referred to Maria by a service dog trainer. I was a bit apprehensive about the dogs ability to become a great dog with his issues however Maria assured me she was up to the task and she exceeded my expectations exponentially! He stayed with her for six weeks and I was in and out multiple times while Maria worked with Shank and with me. Her location and her kennel’s are always spotless and the dogs are treated like royalty. Shank is now the best dog I have ever had the pleasure of owning or meeting! He is extremely well trained, lovable and will stop on a dime with a one word command! Maria is truly a Godsend to me, Shank and my family! When I have to travel Shank stays with Maria and is part of the family! Five stars is not enough ! I would give Maria 5 million stars if I could! Cheryl Marlow