Business Details
Expert Dog Training Services in Columbia, Maryland
The Canine Training Center has been redefining the relationship between dogs and their owners since its inception. Our comprehensive programs combine expert dog training with owner education to address obedience, behavior modification, and communication challenges. With a focus on positive reinforcement and proven methodologies, we offer Board and Train programs, group classes, private lessons, and specialized solutions for aggressive dogs. Our team of certified trainers brings decades of combined experience in canine psychology, agility, scent training, and service dog preparation.We pride ourselves on creating tailored solutions that empower owners to maintain long-term success. Our facility in Columbia, Maryland, serves as a hub for dog lovers seeking professional guidance, while our online courses extend our expertise nationwide. Client testimonials highlight transformative results, emphasizing improved manners, safety, and strengthened bonds between pets and families.
Services
Board and Train
Group Classes
Private Lessons
Puppy Training
Dog eLearning
Highlights and features
- Certified trainers with military and professional instruction backgrounds
- Proven success with aggressive and high-energy dogs
- Customized training combining board-and-train with owner education
- Flexible options including group classes, private lessons, and online courses
- Lifetime support for maintaining training results
What people say
Well-behaved dogs
Patient trainers
Lifelong skills
Confidence building
Positive results
Services
Board and Train
Our Board and Train program delivers comprehensive dog training through immersive residential sessions. Dogs receive personalized instruction in obedience, behavior modification, and communication skills while staying at our facility. Owners participate in follow-up lessons to maintain results at home. This intensive approach creates lasting behavioral changes.
Group Classes
Structured group classes teach obedience and socialization skills for dogs at all experience levels. Sessions cover basic commands, leash manners, and advanced techniques while providing social interaction opportunities. Classes accommodate puppies through adult dogs with varying skill levels and behavioral needs.
Private Lessons
Customized private lessons address specific behavioral challenges in home or public environments. Our certified trainers develop personalized plans for obedience, aggression issues, or specialized training needs. Sessions include owner education for consistent reinforcement of learned behaviors.
Puppy Training
Early education programs establish foundational skills for puppies under 6 months old. Training focuses on housebreaking, basic commands, and socialization with people and other dogs. We offer both in-home preparation sessions and facility-based group classes for optimal development.
Dog eLearning
Our digital platform provides structured online courses for dog owners seeking flexible training options. Video lessons cover obedience techniques, behavior modification, and communication strategies. The program includes remote support and progress tracking for consistent skill development at home.
People
Andrew Wildesen
Owner | Head Trainer
Certified Professional Dog Trainer with 10 years military instruction experience. Specializes in behavior modification, scent training, and service dog preparation. Educated at Tom Rose School, top dog training institution in the US.
Questions
What dog training methods do you use?
We use positive reinforcement combined with clear communication techniques. Our certified trainers employ science-based methods that focus on building trust and understanding between dogs and owners.
Do you offer training for aggressive dogs?
Yes, we specialize in behavior modification for aggressive dogs. Our programs address fear aggression, territorial behavior, and socialization challenges with customized training plans.
What areas do you serve?
Based in Columbia, Maryland, we serve clients throughout Maryland including Baltimore, Washington DC, and surrounding areas. Online courses are available nationwide.
How long does the Board and Train program last?
Our Board and Train program typically lasts 2 weeks. This includes comprehensive training for obedience, behavior modification, and owner follow-up sessions to ensure lasting results.
Can I visit during my dog's training?
We recommend scheduling progress updates through photos and videos. In-person visits may disrupt the training process but we provide regular communication about your dog's progress.
Reviews (5)
Eric Ribeiro
Aug 10, 2021
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Andrew saved my dog! Taffeta, struggles with dog-aggression issues. She had had multiple incidents with neighbors' dogs and was building a horrible reputation for herself. The county warned that more incidents may lead to putting her down or rehoming her. She spent 2 weeks at CTC, and she was able to learn the necessary tools to make her aggression manageable. Thank you Andrew and your wonderful staff for working with my pup and providing her with attention and customized training plan that literally saved her life!
Awh Music
Apr 06, 2021
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I highly recommend the CTC for your dog training needs. I have a Belgian Malinois and a pit bull mix and Andrew from CTC has helped me greatly with both dogs. I have done many one on one training sessions as well as a 2 week board and train for the malinois and we now have a well trained, obedient dog as a result. Andrew and his staff are very professional and incredibly nice but most of all they are very knowledgeable, highly experienced and loving with our dogs.
I check back in with CTC on a regular basis on new behavioral issues with both dogs and Andrew always guides me in the right direction. I trust his expertise. Training is an essential requirement for a dog owner and the CTC are great at what they do. I give them 5 Stars for sure
I check back in with CTC on a regular basis on new behavioral issues with both dogs and Andrew always guides me in the right direction. I trust his expertise. Training is an essential requirement for a dog owner and the CTC are great at what they do. I give them 5 Stars for sure
Aaron Martinek
May 24, 2019
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After a year and a half of struggling to get my 2 year old APBT rescue (Idgie) to be consistently obedient when visitors came over the house (jumping, etc.), as well as healing properly on walks, and staying put when told to stay put; I started researching dog obedience classes online. I came across the CTC, and read about their 2 week board and train program. It fit perfectly with my schedule and wallet.
Easily the best investment I've made thus far for my pup (and myself as a dog owner). I could not (and still can not) believe the transformation upon picking her up. Andrew went into detail about what she learned, and what needs to happen during the transition back home (as well as correcting my own bad habits). I'm more confident, and she's more confident, which has lead to success. I can't thank the crew at CTC enough for taming the high energy that is. Idgie.
Easily the best investment I've made thus far for my pup (and myself as a dog owner). I could not (and still can not) believe the transformation upon picking her up. Andrew went into detail about what she learned, and what needs to happen during the transition back home (as well as correcting my own bad habits). I'm more confident, and she's more confident, which has lead to success. I can't thank the crew at CTC enough for taming the high energy that is. Idgie.
Mota Board
Dec 25, 2018
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While my dear dog Bubbles has always been a sweet boy - his manners were not the best. After speaking with Andrew I decided to do the two week board and train. While Bubbs was at "boot camp", I had my own work to do. Andrew has several training videos that really prepared me for carrying over what my pup had learned. Andrew spent plenty of time with me when I picked Bubbles up and made sure I knew how to follow through.
When you board and train, you are able to schedule one additional session to follow up on any concerns. I have to say that the training did wonders for my dog and my family, so much so that I requested to use my follow up at a later time. That was not an issue for the CTC which allowed me the opportunity to identify specific things that I needed to continue to work on. Andrew and his staff are committed to ensuring that you are successful and are available for questions as you go through the process. Great Place that works wonders!
When you board and train, you are able to schedule one additional session to follow up on any concerns. I have to say that the training did wonders for my dog and my family, so much so that I requested to use my follow up at a later time. That was not an issue for the CTC which allowed me the opportunity to identify specific things that I needed to continue to work on. Andrew and his staff are committed to ensuring that you are successful and are available for questions as you go through the process. Great Place that works wonders!
Chelsea Rosengarten
May 09, 2018
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Sending our pup to training was a tough decision originally, but Andrew and his full team not only made it easy during the process but more worthwhile than we could have imagined. Our friends and family have definitely noticed a change in our dog, who struggles with anxiety and reaction issues, and often compliment her progress unprompted. We have obviously been pleased with her progress, but more importantly the sustained support from the CTC team after her stay to continue to work with her and make sure she is progressing and becoming the happiest dog she can be. Highly recommend using the CTC for your dog - I was a nervous dog mom who is now a strong advocate for this program!
