Business Details
We are Canine University, providing professional canine training services in NE Ohio, SW Florida, and globally via online platforms. Our training philosophy centers on positive motivation to build and maintain positive relationships between dogs and their owners or families, which improves canine training success. Our business is owned and managed by Amy Spence Gutmann, a professional trainer and primary behaviorist with specialized expertise in canine training and behavior. We offer a diverse curriculum including private in-home training, small group classes, AKC Canine Good Citizen preparation and testing, pet therapy dog training, service dog training, and diabetic alert dog programs. We are registered evaluators for Therapy Dog International and the AKC Canine Good Citizen program, and we are active members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, adhering to rigorous industry professional standards. We provide fully customized diabetic alert dog training for clients seeking to obtain a diabetic alert dog or who already have one and need specialized skill development.
Our pet therapy training and evaluation services prepare handlers and their dogs to volunteer in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, libraries, and other community settings to deliver the proven benefits of animal-assisted therapy. We offer flexible training options, including in-person sessions in NE Ohio (available August-September) and SW Florida, as well as online private training accessible to clients across the United States. We share educational content including fun training topics and hints for all dog owners via our YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram channels. We are committed to using humane, positive motivation-based training methods that prioritize the well-being of every dog in our care. We support the broader canine community by providing free resources including agility equipment guides, electric fence information, dog treat recipes, and breeder resources on our website.
Our pet therapy training and evaluation services prepare handlers and their dogs to volunteer in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, libraries, and other community settings to deliver the proven benefits of animal-assisted therapy. We offer flexible training options, including in-person sessions in NE Ohio (available August-September) and SW Florida, as well as online private training accessible to clients across the United States. We share educational content including fun training topics and hints for all dog owners via our YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram channels. We are committed to using humane, positive motivation-based training methods that prioritize the well-being of every dog in our care. We support the broader canine community by providing free resources including agility equipment guides, electric fence information, dog treat recipes, and breeder resources on our website.
Highlights and features
- We are owned by a professional canine trainer and behaviorist.
- We are registered AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluators.
- We are members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.
- We offer customized diabetic alert dog training programs.
- We provide flexible in-person and online training options.
Services
Private Training
We offer one-on-one private in-home training tailored to each dog and owner's unique needs and goals. These sessions address specific behavioral challenges, obedience gaps, or specialized training objectives for dogs of all ages and breeds. Clients receive personalized guidance from our professional trainer to build consistent, positive training results.
Diabetic Alert Dog Training
We provide customized diabetic alert dog training for clients seeking a new service dog or those with an existing dog needing skill refinement. Our programs are tailored to each client's specific medical needs and the dog's individual temperament and learning style. Participants work with our behaviorist to develop reliable, life-saving alert responses and strong handler-dog partnerships.
Pet Therapy Training
We offer training and evaluation for handlers and their dogs seeking to volunteer in animal-assisted therapy settings. Our programs prepare teams to meet therapy dog certification requirements and perform safely in community environments including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and libraries. Graduates are equipped to deliver the proven benefits of animal therapy to diverse community groups.
AKC Canine Good Citizen Prep
We provide preparation and official testing for the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification, a recognized standard for well-behaved pet dogs. Our training covers all required skills including polite leash walking, reliable recall, calm behavior around strangers and other dogs, and basic obedience commands. Teams work with our registered AKC evaluator to build consistent skills needed to pass the certification test.
Service Dog Training
We offer specialized service dog training for individuals seeking a trained animal to assist with disabilities or daily living needs. Our programs build reliable, task-specific skills and public access manners to ensure service dogs are calm and responsive in all settings. Clients work with our trainer to build a strong, trusting partnership with their service dog that meets their needs.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Tamilee R.
May 04, 2022
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The agility trainer there named Jen was the reason we stopped training there. She was a pompous ass and condescending. She would come to class like she had not bathed in weeks, rolled out of bed and put on some wrinkled mismatched outfit and brought her attitude to class. She actually allowed one aggressive dog in our class and we all had to stay away from it. Too bad the owner never figured out what am was wrong there. Wish I could give a zero instead of one star. Would not recommend!
Claudia Marmaros
May 29, 2021
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Going with Amy for my puppy training has been the best decision. She has provided me with a wealth of information, tips and techniques that has helped to make life with my brand new puppy such a pleasure! For now, the training sessions have been via ZOOM and the process has worked out wonderfully. Amy emails training notes and videos after each session that reinforces all the training techniques. My little golden is 4 months old and has mastered so many skills! Thanks Amy!
Nikki Sablack
Apr 12, 2021
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Amy is an amazing trainer. She uses positive reinforcements, easy training techniques and she loves dogs. I have gone through Amy's therapy dog training with one of my dogs and have started going through the puppy training with our new puppy. She has a wide variety of training programs for everyone.
Kate Gehlfuss
May 23, 2020
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Amy was a great trainer! Our dog is 8 years old and had a late start to her therapy dog endeavors but Amy made the experience very encouraging. The classes were small enough that we each had individual attention. She would send a follow up email each week with videos and explanations of what we reviewed which was so helpful! It can be a lot of information but she does a great job at reviewing the previous week at the beginning of each session.
I think the cost of $120/ class cycle was fair and seemed comparable to other classes we looked into. It's a lot of work between classes but it's worth it when you see how much your dog can progress with her helpful training!
I think the cost of $120/ class cycle was fair and seemed comparable to other classes we looked into. It's a lot of work between classes but it's worth it when you see how much your dog can progress with her helpful training!
