Alan's K9 Academy

Read Our Blog

Our newest blog

Melatonin for Dogs: What Pet Owners Should Know

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the brain’s pineal gland that helps regulate sleep cycles in both humans and animals. In dogs, it plays a key role in managing not just sleep, but also mood, hair growth, and certain biological rhythms.
Read Blog
Alan Carr
July 9, 2025
Melatonin for Dogs: What Pet Owners Should Know
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the brain’s pineal gland that helps regulate sleep cycles in both humans and animals. In dogs, it plays a key role in managing not just sleep, but also mood, hair growth, and certain biological rhythms.
Read Blog
The Risks of Rapid Drinking in Dogs 💧🐾
As a dog owner, it’s natural to want your dog to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather or after exercise. But did you know that rapid drinking can pose serious health risks for your dog? While it might seem like an innocent behavior, drinking too quickly can lead to a range of issues that could jeopardize your dog’s health. In this blog, we’ll discuss the potential dangers of rapid drinking in dogs, how to recognize the risks, and tips on how to prevent these health issues.
Read Blog
Helping Your Dog Cope with Fireworks Anxiety on the Fourth of July
The Fourth of July is a time for celebration, but for many dogs, it’s a stressful and frightening experience. The loud noises from fireworks, along with the flashing lights and crowded surroundings, can cause dogs to experience fear, anxiety, and panic. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to know how to keep your dog calm and safe during this holiday, ensuring that they are not overwhelmed by the festivities. At Alan’s K9 Academy, we understand how stressful fireworks can be for dogs, and we’re here to help you prepare for the Fourth of July. In this blog, we’ll explore why fireworks scare dogs, how to recognize signs of anxiety, and tips on how to keep your dog calm and secure.
Read Blog
Keeping Your Dog Cool and Comfortable: The Benefits of Crate Training Indoors During the Heat
As summer temperatures rise, it’s essential to think about your dog’s comfort and well-being. The heat can be overwhelming for our furry friends, especially when it’s difficult for them to escape the sun's rays. One of the most effective ways to ensure your dog stays cool and secure during hot weather is through indoor crate training.
Read Blog
When to Seek Professional Help from a Dog Trainer or Behaviorist?
As a dog owner, it’s normal to face challenges in training and behavior management. From housebreaking and leash training to more complex behavioral issues like aggression or anxiety, each dog is unique and may require different approaches. While some challenges can be solved with basic training and patience, there are times when seeking professional help from a dog trainer or behaviorist is essential. Knowing when to call in an expert can make all the difference in addressing your dog’s behavior effectively and preventing the problem from worsening. In this blog, we’ll discuss common signs that indicate it's time to reach out to a professional and what you can expect from a dog trainer or behaviorist.
Read Blog
Addressing Resource Guarding in Dogs: Understanding and Managing the Behavior
Resource guarding is a common behavioral issue in dogs, and it can manifest in various ways. Whether it's food, toys, or even a specific area of the home, many dogs will guard what they perceive as valuable from both humans and other animals. While resource guarding is a natural instinct that stems from a dog's survival instincts, it can become problematic if it leads to aggressive behavior or creates tension in your household. At Alan’s K9 Academy, we understand that managing resource guarding requires patience, consistency, and the right techniques. In this blog, we’ll explore what resource guarding is, how to recognize the signs, and most importantly, how to address it to create a more peaceful and trusting environment for both you and your dog.
Read Blog
Identifying Leash Reactivity in Your Dog and What to Do Next
Leash reactivity is one of the most common behavioral issues dog owners face. While walking your dog should be an enjoyable and relaxing experience, a leash-reactive dog can make walks stressful and even dangerous. Understanding what leash reactivity is, how to identify it, and knowing what to do next can help you take control of the situation and turn your walks into enjoyable outings again. At Alan’s K9 Academy, we work with dog owners to address leash reactivity and develop effective strategies for both the dog and owner. In this blog, we’ll explain what leash reactivity is, how to spot the signs, and most importantly, what you can do to resolve it.
Read Blog
Hand Signals vs. Verbal Cues: Which Should You Use in Dog Training?
When training your dog, one of the most important things you’ll do is decide how to communicate with them. Hand signals and verbal cues are both effective ways to convey commands, but each method has its own set of advantages and considerations. Understanding when to use each and how to incorporate both into your dog’s training will help you communicate more clearly and build a stronger bond with your canine companion. At Alan’s K9 Academy, we believe in using a balanced approach to training, incorporating both hand signals and verbal cues for the best results. In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each method and provide tips on how to use them effectively.
Read Blog
Teaching Your Dog to Play Hide and Seek: A Fun Indoor Activity
Looking for a fun, engaging activity to do with your dog indoors? Teaching your dog to play hide and seek is a fantastic way to provide mental stimulation, strengthen your bond, and burn off energy—especially when going outside isn’t an option. Not only is it a great game for rainy days, but it also encourages your dog to use their natural instincts and problem-solving skills.
Read Blog

shortcut your dog's training

Want a professional to train your dog?

Skip the learning curve & leverage our 50+ years of experience to handle your dog's training needs.
Simply click "TRAIN MY DOG" to get started.
TRAIN MY DOG

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth training someone to train your dog?

Absolutely! Investing in professional training for your furry friend is like giving them the gift of communication. It's not just about obedience; it's about building a deeper bond. Trained dogs are happier, more confident, and safer companions. Plus, it fosters mutual respect and understanding.

What Type Of Training Methods Do You Use?

We promote positive reinforcement training. We also use a variety of training methods and training aids to achieve the goals of our dog owners and their pets.

How Much Does Your Obedience Training Cost? 

Each of our dog training programs is custom-tailored to the specific situation. There are a number of factors that we evaluate prior to building a training package for you, such as your dog's age, temperament, previous training, as well as the desired goals of the dog's parents. Our programs vary in price depending on where your dog is currently, and how long we estimate it will take to reach your goals. The only way we can give an accurate quote is by evaluating your dog. Our signature 6-week program is $2,900, but not every single dog we meet is a great fit.

Where Do We Train?

Alan's K9 Academy offers personalized, in-home dog training, as well as training sessions at our 12 Acre facility in Cartersville. Our 8-acre facility location allows us to train dogs in real-world settings, such as parks, downtown area, pet friendly stores ensuring they learn to stay calm and well-behaved in various environments. Each dog enjoys multiple walks and daily field trips around the neighborhood, promoting socialization and building a calm, neutral demeanor. Our training approach emphasizes desensitization, social skills, and confidence-building for balanced, happy dogs. For our clients, we also provide exclusive boarding at our 8-acre training facility, where dogs can enjoy continued training, playtime, and exercise. Convenient pick-up and drop-off services are available to make the experience stress-free.

Do We Offer Payment Plans?

Yes, we offer financing through AFFFIRM, Klarna, or Lending USA options to our clients. Payment plans can vary as low as $120 a month for up to 3 years.

Do you take all dogs regardless of age, breed, or issues?

We take any breed and any age needing obedience training or behavioral issues. Our goal is to assist as many dogs and owners as possible. Aggression and behavioral issues would require a much longer and more intensive program. We are happy to work with any dog needing help with insecurity, anxiety, impulse control, hyperactivity, leash reactivity, dog reactivity, etc. We have decades of experience working with high-drive breeds.

Do you offer therapy or service dog training?

Yes! We also offer therapy dog training and service dog training, though we don't currently advertise them. If this is a need, please contact us with the form for more information. To answer this question, we will start by explaining what a service dog does and how a service dog is different from a therapy dog and an emotional support dog. A service dog, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, is a dog individually trained to perform specific tasks and to work with people with disabilities. The work of a service dog must be directly related to the handler's disability. The ADA mandates that service dogs have full public access rights. Therapy dogs are trained to be comfortable in new environments and to interact with different people. They typically have certain personality traits, and they volunteer in clinical settings such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. Therapy dogs do not have the same legal right to access service dogs, and although a dog can be certified as a therapy dog through an organization, there are no uniform state or national rules that regulate the certification. Emotional support dogs are not considered service dogs under the ADA. They may be trained for a specific owner, but they are not trained for specific tasks or duties to aid a person with a disability. ESA owners have only limited legal rights, and those typically require a letter of diagnosis from a doctor or psychiatrist. They have certain access when it comes to housing but do not have unlimited access to public spaces.

Why should I work with you instead of a less expensive trainer?

Veterinarians wholeheartedly trust and endorse our exceptional dog training services. We have over 50 years of combined experience training dogs to obey. Alan, the owner, holds a master trainer certification. Most dog trainers and stores like Petco and PetSmart just don't have the same level of knowledge and expertise that we do. In fact, one of our clients was referred to us by PetSmart because they couldn't help them! When you work with a higher-quality trainer, you skip many of the struggles that come with hiring someone cheaper, including unintended and negative consequences for your dog's behavior! Our training method builds a rewarding relationship with you and your dog.