Hi, I'm Alisson, owner of Rochester Canine Academy. I've been training dogs right here in Rochester since 1996, and I work one on one with puppies and dogs of every age. We focus on the everyday stuff that actually makes life with your dog easier, like leash manners, jumping, settling down, and listening when it counts. Everything is private and by appointment at our Winton Road studio. The programs are designed to be flexible so that we can focus on the things that matter to you the most. New clients start with a one hour evaluation, where I get to know you both and walk you through the options that fit your goals. My approach is balanced and tailored to each dog. Call or text to set up your evaluation.
Training & services
Training goals
Leash trainingProgram details
Off-leash training is available through RCA’s Elite Dog Training Program. This work focuses on reliable come-when-called skills, clearer communication, and helping you enjoy your dog with more freedom in more situations.
Leash manners training helps owners work on pulling, focus, and calmer walks through RCA’s private lesson programs. We teach practical skills for clearer communication on leash, whether your dog is just learning or needs better habits around everyday distractions.
Obedience trainingProgram details
Basic obedience training helps dogs and owners build everyday skills like sit, down, stay, come, leash manners, and listening around distractions. RCA’s private Signature Programs focus on practical skills that make daily life with your dog easier. Call/Text to learn more.
Puppy trainingProgram details
Private puppy training helps puppy owners survive the landshark phase with structure, clear communication, and practical skills from the beginning. Puppies under 12 weeks may be eligible for the Start Smart Puppy Program. Older puppies can begin through RCA’s private Signature Programs.
Recall trainingProgram details
Recall training helps owners teach their dog to come when called and listen more reliably around everyday distractions. At RCA, reliable recall work is part of the Elite Dog Training Program, giving owners more confidence and freedom with their dog.
Behavior support
Fear and confidence
How training happens
Private trainingProgram details
Private dog training lessons at our Rochester, NY studio give you and your dog one-on-one instruction with the trainer. Lessons focus on your goals, your questions, and the skills you want to build. New students begin with a $100 evaluation.
Dog age
PuppiesProgram details
The Start Smart Puppy Program helps puppy owners survive the landshark phase with structure, clear communication, confidence-building, and practical skills from the beginning. This private lesson program is for puppies under 12 weeks old. Call, text, or email to get started.
Training level
Beginner training
Training approach
E-collar trainingProgram details
Remote/e-collar training may be incorporated into RCA’s Well Mannered and Elite Dog Training Programs when appropriate. The focus is clearer communication, better reliability, and helping you enjoy a bigger life with your dog.
Other listed services
View 8 additional details
Dog trainingProgram details
RCA offers private dog training programs at our Rochester, NY studio, including the Start Smart Puppy Program and our Signature Programs: Essentials, Well Mannered, and Elite. Program options depend on your dog, your goals, and how much one-on-one instruction you’d like with the trainer.
Everyday Behavior ConcernsProgram details
Common behavior concerns like jumping, walking on leash, pulling on leash, door dashing, counter surfing, poor manners, and trouble listening can make daily life harder. RCA’s private lesson programs help you build clearer communication and better habits.
Dog EvaluationProgram details
New students start with a 1-hour evaluation at our Rochester, NY studio. We’ll meet you and your dog, talk through your goals, answer questions, and explain private training program options and pricing. The $100 fee applies toward your deposit if you enroll that day. · Listed price: $100.00
Essentials Dog Training ProgramProgram details
The Essentials Dog Training Program is RCA’s most streamlined private Signature Program. It gives owners focused instruction, practical skills, and a clear place to start. Program options and pricing are discussed during the $100 Dog Evaluation.
Well Mannered Dog Training ProgramProgram details
The Well Mannered Dog Training Program is an RCA private Signature Program with more one-on-one time for practical skills, better manners, and everyday behavior concerns. It is designed to help make daily life with your dog easier. Program options are discussed during the $100 Dog Evaluation.
Dog Training ProgramsProgram details
RCA offers private, personalized dog training programs at our Rochester, NY studio. Options include Essentials, Well Mannered, and Elite, depending on your goals and how much one-on-one time you’d like with the trainer. New students begin with a $100 evaluation.
Personalized Dog TrainingProgram details
Personalized dog training at our Rochester, NY studio is focused on your dog, your goals, and the kind of training experience you want. We use structured programs while tailoring instruction to the dog and owner in front of us. New students begin with a $100 evaluation.
Elite Dog Training ProgramProgram details
The Elite Dog Training Program is RCA’s most comprehensive private Signature Program, offering the most one-on-one time with the trainer. It can cover everything from basic skills and manners to off-leash training, remote/e-collar work, and larger behavior concerns.
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
5/5My Lucas is a rescue from Puerto Rico with an unfortunate sad beginning in life. As loving and endearing he is, his anxiety and fear made life together challenging for us. Alisson came highly recommended so I took the chance. After just a few short weeks Lucas has gained confide…Read full reviewClose full review
My Lucas is a rescue from Puerto Rico with an unfortunate sad beginning in life. As loving and endearing he is, his anxiety and fear made life together challenging for us. Alisson came highly recommended so I took the chance. After just a few short weeks Lucas has gained confidence, I have learned how to be a better partner and together we have become an unstoppable team! We can now enjoy walks in the neighborhood, lazy afternoons on the porch and perhaps most importantly, a deeper understanding of how best to work together! The time spent with Allison has been an invaluable investment!
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Amy Voelkl
5/5As a first-time dog owner I needed all the help I could get. Alisson and Rochester Canine Academy came highly recommended. Alisson trained my very smart standard poodle and more importantly, she trained me. Otis and I used to go for “drags” (walks) and after an hour or so with Al…Read full reviewClose full review
As a first-time dog owner I needed all the help I could get. Alisson and Rochester Canine Academy came highly recommended. Alisson trained my very smart standard poodle and more importantly, she trained me. Otis and I used to go for “drags” (walks) and after an hour or so with Alisson, he now walks by my side, sits when we stop and obeys commands. Alisson has given me lots of ideas on how to keep his brain engaged. I have recommended RCA many times, and those who took my advice have been very happy with the amazing results. Alisson is the dog whisperer.
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K T
5/5I have known Alison and her dog training methods for over 15 years.
She trained our first dog and our most current. I have recommended her to countless other new dog owners as she takes a balanced approach to dog training.
Her support, guidance and coaching puts the underlying …Read full reviewClose full review
I have known Alison and her dog training methods for over 15 years.
She trained our first dog and our most current. I have recommended her to countless other new dog owners as she takes a balanced approach to dog training.
Her support, guidance and coaching puts the underlying understanding of the "why" and "how" in the dog owners hands. Don't think it isn't work, it truly is - but her goal is to not only help you have the best possible family member, but to educate you and how we at times feed unwanted behaviors and by changing ours impacts them in a positive way.
She is a wealth of knowledge - highly recommended.
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John Perkins
5/5
Alisson is without a shadow of doubt the best dog trainer I have ever met. More than that she is the only trainer I know who tries to help dog owners understand dog psychology and teach them where they are going wrong.
H
Hannah Tantalo
5/5
Alisson is worth every penny, she is a wealth of knowledge and always willing to answer any questions that may come up. After working with Alisson our dogs are more calm and confident because they know what is expected of them. She taught us how to understand our dogs and communicate with them clearly. We are so grateful for her help!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
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