American Dog School

Business Details

34 Years

experience

Expert Dog Training & Boarding Services in Fort Collins

At American Dog School, we operate on the fundamental belief that no dog is untrainable. Since 1992, our owner Tami Carrasco has dedicated herself to transforming canine behavior through personalized obedience training, ensuring pets develop habits that strengthen their bonds with families. With over three decades of experience, including roles at Colorado Dog Academy and Animal Rescue and Adoption Society, we have earned recognition as Fort Collins' premier dog training institution, winning 'Best of Fort Collins Dog Training' for 11 years and the 2019 LocalBest 'Pet Training' award. Our methodology combines voice and hand commands, behavior modification, and specialized training for service dogs, dock dogs, and tracking dogs.

We emphasize accessibility through free introductory classes and consultations, while our team's expertise extends to solving complex behavioral issues like aggression, destructiveness, and socialization challenges. Our facility offers boarding services with integrated training, maintaining a low 10-dog capacity to ensure individualized care. Tami's background as a Canine Good Citizen evaluator since 1994 and her achievements in competitive dog sports underscore our commitment to excellence. We provide structured programs including 6 private classes, 3 semi-private sessions, and unlimited group practices, with payment plans available to accommodate all clients.

Services

Dog Training Classes Private Obedience Group Practice Behavioral Help Protection Services Boarding Board & Train Dog Daycare Puppy Training Agility Training

Details

Year established: 1992

Highlights and features

Owner Tami Carrasco has trained dogs professionally since 1990 and owned the school since 1992
Awarded 'Best of Fort Collins Dog Training' for 11 consecutive years
Offers free introductory classes and personalized training evaluations
Specializes in solving complex behavioral issues like aggression and destructiveness
Maintains low student-to-instructor ratios with maximum 10 boarding dogs at a time

What people say

Best training Experienced trainer Effective methods Happy dogs Excellent results

Website

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Services

Dog Training Classes

Our structured programs develop responsive, well-mannered dogs through voice commands, hand signals, and behavior modification. Clients receive 6 private lessons, 3 semi-private sessions, and unlimited group practice to master heeling, stays, recalls, and distraction management. Training adapts to each dog's learning pace while addressing household-specific challenges.

Behavioral Help

We resolve complex issues like aggression, destructiveness, and anxiety through customized behavior modification plans. Our approach addresses root causes rather than symptoms, using positive reinforcement techniques to replace unwanted behaviors with constructive alternatives. Success stories include transforming reactive dogs and resolving separation anxiety in rescue animals.

Board & Train Programs

Dogs stay with us for 2-4 weeks receiving daily one-on-one training focused on obedience fundamentals and behavioral correction. Programs include send-home instruction for owners plus follow-up classes to maintain progress. Our low 10-dog capacity ensures personalized attention while socialization opportunities develop well-rounded companions.

Boarding Services

Secure, supervised overnight stays include structured training during daylight hours and comfortable nighttime accommodations. Dogs rotate through play areas, receive obedience practice, and maintain housebreaking routines. Owners must provide food and vaccination records; 10-dog maximum ensures individual care with optional behavioral reinforcement during stays.

Protection Training

Specialized training develops family protection dogs with controlled guarding instincts. Curriculum includes threat assessment, controlled aggression, and de-escalation commands while maintaining public obedience standards. Programs create balanced protection animals suitable for home defense without compromising family-friendly behavior.

People

Tami Carrasco

Owner/Trainer

Professional dog trainer since 1990 with AKC/UKC competition experience. Recognized as Fort Collins' top trainer for 11 years, specializing in behavioral correction and service dog training. Developed programs for 4-H participants and competitive obedience handlers.

Questions

What dog training services do you offer?

We provide obedience training, behavioral correction, protection training, boarding with training, and group classes. Programs include private lessons, board-and-train options, and ongoing support for pet owners.

Do you offer free training consultations?

Yes, we provide free introductory classes and evaluation sessions to assess your dog's needs and demonstrate our training approach before committing to programs.

What are your boarding requirements?

Boarding dogs must have current rabies, DHPP, and Bordetella vaccinations. Owners must supply food and bedding. We maintain a 10-dog maximum for personalized care.

How long do training programs last?

Basic obedience programs require 6-8 weeks with weekly private lessons. Board-and-train options last 2-4 weeks depending on complexity, followed by owner training sessions.

Can older dogs be trained?

Absolutely. Our experience shows dogs of all ages can learn new behaviors. We've successfully modified problematic behaviors in senior dogs through patient, consistent training methods.

What training methods do you use?

We employ positive reinforcement techniques combined with clear communication through voice commands and hand signals. Training adapts to each dog's personality while maintaining humane, effective learning environments.

Reviews (5)

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Annie Kay

Sep 30, 2021 Report

Tami is an AMAZING dog trainer! I've worked with other trainers before and wasn't seeing any real progress with my dogs bad behavior. I decided to go with the board and train program and it was the BEST decision I made for my dog. I highly recommend American Dog School.

Jessica Read

Jun 24, 2021 Report

This place is top notch. My wild malinois Margot was too crazy for me to walk or take anywhere. My husband could barely walk her she dragged us everywhere. We took her here and Tami and her team completely turned her into the best girl. I am mind blown, I couldn't believe it when I took her on a walk for the first time by myself it was so amazing. There is nothing like having your best friend being able to enjoy going out without all the anxiety. Tami said there is much to be done but I am completely satisfied with the work shes already done, I cant wait to see what's next in our training adventures. We are going to be customers for life. Thank you so much!

Jennifer Buford

Feb 27, 2021 Report

Amazing! We're currently in training with our golden doodle puppy and the training he's received has been wonderful. I highly recommend if you want to have the best dog on the block. Spend the money, you won't regret it!

Carol Meyer

Nov 30, 2019 Report

We adopted an untrained, one year old rescue dog in January. She quickly proved more than we could manage and a friend recommended American Dog School and Tami Carraso. I am ever grateful for the recommendation. We now have a dog that we enjoy. Our dog is happy, responsive and has a new lease on life. Tami's individual attention helped us with specific behavioral issues and the group classes taught our dog how to have successful interactions with other dogs and their owners; however, much of her training was really training us. We have also boarded our dog on multiple occasions with Tami and are appreciative of the quality care she provides.

Jeanette

Nov 28, 2019 Report

Tammy is an amazing dog trainer. Our whole family goes to training and has learned how to walk our dog. He is a puppy but has already learned so many commands! Thank you Tammy!