Canine Good Citizen Teach your dog how to be a good citizen. This class is based on the AKC Canine Good Citizen program and dogs can test for their CGC at the conclusion of the course. $75 for a six-week course Meets Tuesday 6PM-7PM at Countryside Animal Hospital in Alachua on Hwy 441 First class is without dogs on Wednesday, November 12 All other classes are on Tuesday evenings through December 16 To register, please email GainesvilleCanineAcademy@yahoo.com or call 352 226-0228.
Totally Pit Bull Finally, a class just for the pit bull and his owner! This class will cover basic obedience and the added responsibilities of owning a pit bull terrier. Topics will include giving your terrier a job to do, natural terrier tendencies, and reactivity. This class is open to all pit bulls and pit bull mixes. $75 for a six-week course Meets Tuesday 7:30PM-8:30PM at Countryside Animal Hospital in Alachua on Hwy 441 First class is without dogs on Wednesday, November 12 All other classes are on Tuesday evenings through December 16 To register, please email GainesvilleCanineAcademy@yahoo.com or call 352 226-0228.
Amber, CGC award winning pit bull
Gainesville Canine Academy
Individual Dog Training
Help your dog learn to overcome problem behaviors such as pulling on lead, jumping, digging, chewing, and barking.
Teach your dog housetraining in as little as five days!
Aggressive and fearful dogs can be helped with dog-centered modifications.
Are your dogs arguing with each other? Michelle can help!
Pet Sitting
Let GCA walk your dog at lunch so you can take a break!
While you're on vacation, GCA makes sure your pet is well cared for.
GCA can take your dog to parks for playtime.
Weekly rates are available.
Holiday pet sitting reservations should be made early!
No extra charge for holidays or multiple pets.
Training Classes Canine Good Citizen Class begins November 12! Register now! Join the trainer's pit bull Amber, who has earned her Canine Good Citizen award in this fun class! Based on the AKC Canine Good Citizen program, your dog will learn to Sit, Stay, Down, come when called, walk on a loose leash, meet new people, meet new dogs, and learn how to be a good citizen in public.
Totally Pit Bull Class begins November 12! Register now! Specifically designed with the pit bull terrier in mind, this class is perfect for pit bulls and their owners. We cover basic obedience as well as the added responsibilities of owning a pit bull. You'll learn how to give your terrier a job, natural terrier tendencies, and how to work with a reactive breed.
The Story Behind GCA
Gainesville Canine Academy was opened in 2002 by Michelle Dunlap to help dogs from rescue organizations. During her volunteering with animal rescue organizations, she encountered many dogs who were fearful due to their history of abuse or neglect. Traditional training methods only scared the dogs even more. Michelle had already spent years working with her own two fearful dogs using techniques that were dog-centered and very effective in rehabilitating her pit bull who had been involved in dog fighting as a bait dog. Her background as an elementary and middle school teacher came into play as her close observation and research into canine behavior theory helped her understand why these dogs were so fearful and what could be done to help them live in a family setting. Many of the dogs she worked with could not at first handle being taken care of by a stranger. Thus, Michelle began offering pet sitting services as part of the Academy.
Michelle Dunlap, owner and founder of GCA, has been training dogs since 1999. Michelle has competed in agility with her Norwegian elkhound and her pit bull, Amber, passed her Canine Good Citizen test in September 2008. Michelle has worked with dogs at local rescue groups as a foster mom, trainer, adoption counselor, and volunteer coordinator. Michelle holds a master's degree in education from the University of Florida and taught elementary and middle school before devoting herself full time to training, pet sitting, and animal rescue. Her training method is ideal for shy or fearful dogs, those who have suffered abuse or trauma, and dogs who have previously had difficulty in training classes. Michelle has vast experience dealing with dogs who show aggression and specializes in treating dogs using canine behavior theory.
News and Events
Michelle Dunlap's pit bull, Amber, tested for her CGC in September 2008 at the AADR Dog Show in Starke, Florida. Along with six other pit bulls, Amber had to sit on command, stay, come when called, walk on a loose leash, stay with a stranger, accept a friendly stranger, not react to a person on crutches, allow a stranger to brush her, and meet an unknown dog. During Amber's test, two young children unexpectedly ran up to her and hugged her! Amber is an ambassador of her breed, making appearances on TV20 and at pit bull events in her community.
Amber, CGC award winning pit bull
Photo copyright Lori Kornberg
Congratulations Phoenix! Phoenix, an American Staffordshire Terrier, was stolen by dog fighters and subjected to horrible treatment until she was removed from the fighters and placed in a loving home. After working with Michelle at Gainesville Canine Academy, Phoenix won her AKC Canine Good Citizen Award! She was even featured on the front page of the Gainesville Sun on January 1, 2005. Congratulations, Phoenix, on a job well done!
Shayla and Nathan
Kanapaha Middle School's Career Day 2005
Gainesville Canine Academy was honored to present at this year's Career Day at Kanapaha Middle School on May 6, 2005. Michelle brought her foster dog, Shayla, a bulldog from Phoenix Animal Rescue, to help students learn about dog training. Shayla met a special friend, Nathan,who really clicked with Shayla. Nathan did a great job keeping Shayla occupied while the police dogs demonstrated their skills. Thank you, Nathan! Thanks to the staff, parents, students, and volunteers who helped with Career Day!
Apollo and his friend Travis
Kanapaha Middle School's Career Day 2004
Gainesville Canine Academy visited Kanapaha Middle School on May 21, 2004 for their Eighth Grade Career Day. Michelle took one of her adoptable dogs, a Great Dane named Apollo, and her dog, Strada. Both Strada and Apollo loved meeting all the students and staff at Kanapaha Middle School. Michelle talked about what it was like to be a dog trainer and spoke with several students interested in a career with animals. Apollo chose a student named Travis to be his good buddy and Travis was a big help showing Apollo around. At 130 pounds, Apollo was quite a sight for the students! Strada met a friend named Danquan who spent lots of time with Strada. Danquan and Travis have a natural affinity for animals and it really showed in their knowledge of dogs and their compassion for Strada and Apollo.
Thank you to the students and staff at Kanapaha Middle School for inviting Gainesville Canine Academy to their Career Day! Apollo, Strada, and Michelle had a wonderful time!
