Crossbones Dog Academy

There is truly no place better for your dog (and you) to learn, grow, bond, and have some fun! I found Crossbones through Yelp review way back in the summer of 2018 when they were Springforth Dog Academy. When I got a puppy that same summer, I knew starting him off with Puppy Day School was well worth the investment. When Tuck started, he was just a little fully Australian Shepherd puppy and I was a doe-eyed new dog owner who knew what I was getting with the breed, had dogs before, but this was my first high-energy and high-intelligence dog. The fantastic staff at Crossbones are put dog + owner first and ensure training experiences are always positive! Tuck learned SO much as a puppy day school student!! And I learned so much as a student with the class pass. Classes cover everything from reinforcing basic manners, frustration free leash walks, tricks, agility, and more! All with POSITIVE reinforcement and rewards (which education/psychological/animal research tells us time and time again is effective). This positive system helps you and your dog feel proud (not scared). There is truly something for every owner, every dog, and every level! I have recommended Crossbones at every chance I get, especially to owners of a puppy, new-to-you dog, or even your ol' pal who can learn a few new tricks! Crossbones even has specialized programming and classes for reactive dogs -- the perfect fit for a fresh start for you and your dog. Flash forward to now, 6.5 years later, and people are still complementing me on how well-behaved my dog is and asking where I learned what I know. The answer is always Crossbones! Tuck has spent some time at other doggy daycares, but none even come close to the educational and fun experience he gets at Crossbones. He does NOT end the day exhausted and overstimulated from play yard craziness which was just way too much for the average dog. Crossbones schedule is great for you and great for your canine companion who will end the day with a happy face, just the right amount of energy for a walk, play session, or training session followed by a calm, quiet evening. I truly cannot recommend Crossbones enough! Trainers like Kat, Dan, and PJ help you feel educated and empowered to help give your dog the best life possible. The rest of the team is friendly, kind, and always happy to help with questions about behavior during the day or products in the shop. Facilities are always spotless which is wildly impressive for a place full of doggy hair! You will not find a better place for your dog. I will continue to recommend this place + bring my own dogs there for as long as I possibly can. Thank you, Kat, Dan, and the rest of the Crossbones team for simply being the best of the best!

Crossbones is what it looks like when people follow their calling. I started Coco here in August when she was 12 weeks old for the 4-week puppy day school program. It’s now October, and we’re still attending. we've learned so much and continue to grow. Not only do they train the pups to be well-mannered family members, but the owner, Katherine, even identified that Coco’s teeth were misaligned, causing dental concerns. They truly care about both the mind and body of our pups! Huge thanks also to Dan, PJ, and the rest of the staff! There’s no price tag on the peace of mind I get from dropping Coco off every morning.

I’ve been using crossbones for years. First with my now 7 year old girl (started puppy day school) then with my 20 month old (also did puppy day school). The puppy day school was just the foundation- we went on to do a ton of basic obedience, CGC, and agility. The foundation my dogs got at crossbones helped both my girls become the great dogs they are today. The team at crossbones is top notch. The trainers are the best around- you won’t get better in terms of dog knowledge and human teaching skills. Worth every penny. Oh- and they have a great retail shop too!!!

We enrolled our 20 week old beagle puppy in puppy day school at Crossbones in July while we were struggling with her over excitement (to the point she was nearly injuring herself trying to meet EVERY.ONE.). We noticed a positive change INSTANTLY but more importantly her behavior is much more level and polite, she’s getting the hang of being a dog, and she’s even learning tricks. We just re enrolled her for round 2 because we are that happy with the program. Everyone tells you to find a professional trainer when you get a puppy but no one tells you where to look. I’m telling you where to look- Crossbones!!! Plus the flex classes… you cannot go wrong. 10/10.

Crossbones was recommended to us by a neighbor, who also just happens to have a really well behaved dog. We knew right away who we could trust with our new bundle of puppy love. Our young golden retriever has thrived since enrolling Puppy in the Crossbones Puppy Day School. The facility is exceptionally clean, the staff is warm and welcoming and we are learning so much about how to be the best dog parents ever! Kudos to everyone at Crossbones for a job well done! Our puppy is one lucky girl.