The Academy of Canine Excellence

I train my service dog with the Academy of Canine Excellence, and it’s honestly been such a good fit for us. The trainers are kind, knowledgeable, and use positive, relationship-based methods—exactly what my dog responds to. They took the time to understand my disabilities and what I actually need from a working dog, not just a generic checklist of tasks. We’re nearing the end of our scent training for TBI-related migraine onset and brainstem-aura symptoms, which can affect my speech and balance. This is highly specialized work, and I wouldn’t have trusted just anyone to guide us through it. ACE approached it with real expertise and care, and it’s made such a difference. We’re also preparing him for real workplace settings, including classrooms, travel for conferences, and other professional environments. I’m so pleased with how confidently he’s adapted to those settings, and I even feel more secure attending medical appointments (where extra support matters) on my own. I’ve worked with other programs before, but ACE is the first place where I’ve felt fully supported—as a handler, as a disabled person, and as someone building a long-term working partnership with my dog. They’re respectful, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in our growth. Highly recommend them if you’re looking for compassionate, evidence-based service dog training that actually meets you where you are.