Colorado's Premier Board and Train Immersion
We provide the best dog training and boarding services in Denver, CO
Mastering Our Craft Since 2005
Welcome to American Canine Academy – Your Premier Choice for Dog Training in Colorado!
Since 2005, American Canine Academy has been dedicated to helping families in Colorado build stronger relationships with their canine companions. Our mission is to serve the community and promote well-trained dogs of all breeds.
Why Choose American Canine Academy?
As a family-owned business, we take immense pride in our craft and continuously strive for excellence through ongoing education. Our team maintains a lifelong student mindset, recognizing the importance of staying at the forefront of dog training & puppy training innovations.
Our Facility
Our facility offers a welcoming, comfortable, and secure environment for effective dog training and boarding. With over 50 years of combined experience in various training disciplines, our team comprises dedicated and professional experts. Many dog trainers in Denver have apprenticed under our esteemed Training Director and Behavior Expert, Sean Miller.
Address Common Dog Behavior Issues
Is your dog displaying unwanted or unruly behaviors? Do they engage in destructive habits, exhibit resource guarding tendencies, or show signs of separation anxiety? Are they constantly jumping on guests or failing to come when called?
If you dream of a canine companion who is responsive to your commands and enjoy off-leash hikes with reliable recalls, our expert team is here to assist you.
World-Class Dog Training in Colorado
From the most basic to advanced exercises and commands, let American Canine Academy help you achieve your goals. This is world-class dog training right here in the Denver Metro Area.
Join the ACA Family Today!
We invite you to join the ACA family. Transform your dog’s behavior by calling us now and enrolling in one of our exceptional training programs!
The Aca Advantage
Our Canine Immersion Program stands as the premier choice for comprehensive dog training in Colorado and the Denver Metro Area. With expert leadership, innovative course planning, and a multifaceted approach, there is no better way to train your beloved pup.
Experience
ACA is a pioneer of the board and train concept right here in Colorado. We operate the first and only Canine Immersion program in the state. This is board and train; elevated. Many other local trainers literally base their programs on our system and techniques. Our court-certified canine expert, Sean Miller, has even trained many of their dogs. If you see similar programs, now you know why!
Home Training Environment
We have a home environment at our facility complete with full kitchen, living room and bathroom. We regularly use this space to train our client dogs during their canine immersion program in order to best prepare them for their return back to your home environment.
Indoor/outdoor Runs
ACA provides indoor/outdoor runs so your dog has the freedom to go to the bathroom as needed. For those dogs that do better in kennels, we also offer this option along with a dedicated outdoor space. Surprisingly, many local training companies limit your dog to kennels only. Your dog has freedom with ACA!
Lodging
Our clients love the fact that we offer lodging for their pets once they've graduated from our canine immersion programs. While you're on vacation, we will be happy to take care of your dog and continue to practice your dog's training during their stay with us. We offer lodging packages to save you money, and if your dog is comfortable being bathed, we'll include a free bath with every stay at ACA!
Field Trips
With your permission, we regularly take your dogs off-site for training. We'll visit places like local parks, home goods stores, and pet stores. We'll even provide training videos to demonstrate your dog's progress during these outings. We don't guarantee that every dog in our program will attend off-site training, but many do!
Progress Reports
You will receive training updates that include videos of your dog demonstrating their new commands so that you can track your their progress. We'll send these on a regular basis. In these reports, we'll talk about their unique training plan, we'll address behavioral observations, and talk about the next steps for your dog.
Outdoor Training Field
In addition to an indoor training area, ACA offers a large, fenced area to train outdoors. This essential resource allows us to train your dog with real-world distractions. Very few companies offer this important too, which is why their training courses inevitably suffer.
Lifetime Canine Guarantee
This is a one of a kind program that allows you to have a resource for life. When you enroll your canine companion into one of our programs, the training doesn't end when your dog goes home. We are so sure of our ability to properly serve you and your family that we offer a unique Lifetime Canine Guarantee. Upon completion of any course, your dog is qualified for lifetime training classes for touch-up, or refresher training. The Lifetime Canine Guarantee applies to the Immersion Programs. You won't find a more inclusive program anywhere!
The Art Of Dog Training
At American Canine Academy, we believe that dog training and behavior modification are true forms of art. This is a craft that requires years of hands-on apprenticing to develop a deep understanding of. Our trainers possess the expertise to write detailed and tailored training plans. They can anticipate and address potential issues before they arise, and they have a keen ability to foresee how current behaviors might evolve over time. This level of skill and insight is what sets us apart in the field of dog training and behavior management.
A History Of Excellence
We are extremely grateful for our devoted customers and the countless success stories we've had the privilege to be a part of. While American Canine Academy was initially created in 1990 under a different name, we were formally established in 2005 under the leadership of our court-certified canine expert, Sean Miller. With extensive experience training dogs across the United States and Europe, Sean has collaborated with some of the finest trainers worldwide.
Find The Best Training For Your Dog
Get a free consultation to determine a custom training approach
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I can't express enough how grateful I am to ACA for the amazing transformation they helped my rescue pup, Buford, undergo. When I first brought him home, he was a bundle of energy, scared of being alone or crated, and struggled with basic obedience and potty training. Despite being incredibly friendly, he would pull relentlessly towards any human or dog, disregarding commands or boundaries. And, on top of all of that, he was so sensitive to corrections that even gentle attempts at redirecting his behavior led to negative reactions.As someone with a shoulder injury, I wasn’t able to handle his energy and training needs on my own, so I did a lot of research and visited several board-and-train facilities. ACA stood out to me as the right fit, and I’m so glad I trusted them with Buford. Leaving him for six weeks was tough, but it ended up being one of the best decisions I could have made.The results were truly life-changing. Buford came home with a newfound confidence, and we settled into a peaceful routine together. The updates I received throughout his training – pictures and videos – were incredibly reassuring, and I could see how much he was thriving there. It was clear that ACA’s approach was tailored to his needs and that he was happy and well cared for.Almost a year later, Buford is a happy, well-behaved dog, and even more amazing, I was able to rescue a second dog without hesitation. Buford has become such a great role model for the new puppy, and it’s incredible to see how far he’s come. I’m forever thankful to ACA for giving me and Buford this new chapter of our lives.I tell everyone about ACA because I know how nerve-wracking it can be to trust someone else with your dog. But ACA truly exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t be more grateful. If you're on the fence, I wholeheartedly recommend ACA. Buford’s transformation is proof that they know exactly what they’re doing.Thank you, ACA!
I am beyond thankful to Sean and his team!! I had spent alot of money on my dog's training before and nothing worked. I got him from a shelter and he was aggressive with other dogs and a bit skeptical at times in odd situations.After the 5 week board and train, I swear he was a different dog. He became confident and relaxed. He now looks to me for guidance instead of doing his own thing. I am able to interact with neighbors without him reacting and even taking him to social events with other dogs. Which is something I could only dream of before.Huge thank you to Melanie for her patience with Juno and guidance in showing us how to create that connection with our dog.
I have had a wonderful experience with American Canine Academy, and I highly recommend them for anyone looking for training for their pup in 1:1 and group settings.I have taken my 4 year old Bernedoodle to several trainers and programs around the Denver metro area (and had good experiences with many of them), but I was excited about the opportunity to engage in both individual and group classes with American Canine Academy. From my first time speaking with the owner, Sean, to each individual session, American Canine Academy showed amazing care and intentionality with how they approach training, which is exactly what I was looking for. They are welcoming, friendly, and professional!Our trainer, Melanie, has been absolutely wonderful - she listened to me about the issues I wanted to work on (my pup is generally well behaved when working individually with a trainer, but she regresses when we go for walks at home around other dogs and people). Melanie tailors each session to our needs in ways that I have not seen done before. It was one of the few times I saw my pup be challenged in individual sessions, which has resulted in improved behavior at home. The group classes are also a great opportunity to practice skills with other dogs and owners who are there for the same reasons, and the American Canine Academy team does an excellent job curating those classes.I have been more than pleased with my experience with American Canine Academy! Thank you, Sean and Melanie!
My boyfriend and I had an outstanding experience with the American Canine Academy, which exceeded all our expectations. We opted for the basic obedience training, and the one-on-one sessions provided us with a clear understanding of effective training techniques.Our trainer, Melanie, was absolutely amazing with our pup. She demonstrated immense patience and skill, offering clear and practical directions for exercises to do with our dog. Her personalized approach and attention to detail made the training sessions incredibly effective and enjoyable for both our pup and us.The professional and skilled staff at the American Canine Academy made us feel like family, a rarity in today’s world. It’s a true blessing to find a company that treats both you and your pup with such warmth and care. I highly recommend the American Canine Academy to any dog owner seeking top-notch training services and a supportive, family-like environment.
We will forever be grateful for the hard work, love and patience American Canine Academy showed our sweet girl. Brixlee has only been home for about 48 hours and she has blown us away with the skills she learned during her 2 week off leash training. Brixlee is still our sweet, lovable girl and now because of you all, she's more confident. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
I should have done it years ago! Doc is my 4 year old rescue Husky/Lab mix. He thought his sole job anytime we walked, was to pull like he was pulling a sled! After his time with Melanie (he did the board and train) what I got back was a dog that no longer makes me dread walking him! Every walk gets better and better! Also, this is the only place (and I researched quite a few) that offered group classes and free follow up sessions (no extra cost) FOR HIS LIFETIME!I was admittedly a bit worried as weeks without Doc had never been done, as he has been my shadow for 4 years. Melanie and Co. took good care of him, and you can tell they care about animals. I really appreciated his weekly "report cards" and video progress. Doc starts whining every time he sees Melanie at a group class, he truly loves her! I continue to be impressed with Melanie, you can tell she really loves what she does, the knowledge she has, and the passion for her craft just radiates from her.We look forward to every group class!
I’ve been using American Canine Academy for over ten years and have entrusted them with multiple dogs over that time. Every visit reinforces why I keep coming back. The staff is incredibly friendly—they know my name and my fur baby’s name, which makes every interaction feel personal and genuine. They are always responsive, readily available to answer any questions I might have, and genuinely care about my dog’s well-being.Whether I’m there for training or boarding, I can always count on their exceptional service. The facility is safe, welcoming, and perfectly suited for our needs. I highly recommend ACA for dog training and boarding place to anyone looking for a trustworthy, compassionate, and professional environment for their pet.
After trying a private trainer that came to my home and almost got me and my dog arrested at the dog park, I thought I'd give a training location a try instead.This place has been very good with my HIGHLY reactive dog. The private lessons package has been useful for learning and taking the information home to practise. No rush on training either so you can practise for as long as you need before setting up another appt. We are now moving on to outdoor off leash training next few sessions and are so excited!Once you gain confidence and obedience with the dog (on leash) you can join the group classes which are almost every weekend in a safe (on leash) and friendly environment and are so fun! I enjoy our trainer and also how she brings her dog to class to help. I can even bring my other dog to the group classes once she is tested for basic obedience and passes. Lifelong park friends! We now have a community to meet up with in a safe environment
We did the four-week board and train and it has been a game changer. I kept expectations low, not sure whether to trust all the prior glowing reviews, but I can say our experience lived up to it and more! We have a very high-energy shepherd mix who's always been well-intentioned, but was difficult to manage and causing us a lot of stress. Since completing the program, he's been the dog we always dreamed of and we're collectively all so much happier. Everyone at ACA was pleasant to work with, the lesson on pick-up day was super helpful, and we're looking forward to continuing to work with them. It's an investment, of course, but in our experience has been well worth it!
These guys have left us with a truly wonderful dog!We started bringing in our cane corso pup as early as we could (4 months old) to the individualized classes. Today, even at just over 1 year old, we get compliments on her behavior everywhere we go! Just yesterday we had a groomer tell us that she might be the best behaved dog they have ever had come in.We did the intermediate class after the beginner class to get her e-collar trained, and she is an breeze to take on off-leash walks. 95% of the time I don't even need to use the remote, she just listens to verbal commands.It was a trek for us coming down to classes from Longmont, but I have to say these classes were worth every minute invested and every penny spent. The personalized feedback you get is invaluable. They do a fantastic job on picking up on the small details that you are either doing right, or doing wrong, and they tell you in a clear and concise manner, then have you practice doing it right.We don't take much advantage of the group classes because they are usually too far for us on a Saturday morning, but they are a great way for your dog to continue getting exposure to other well behaved dogs, reinforcing good behavior.You do have to do your homework for this to work. The classes are for YOU to learn, not the dog. But if you put in the work in-between classes and teach your dog properly, you will end up with an amazing dog and save yourself so much grief in the long run!I can't recommend these guys enough!
Absolutely best training for my pup Beth!! She’s a black lab with a ton of energy and our trainer Melanie helped narrow that energy into a time and a place. She’s now a fantastic walking buddy and knows her kennel is a safe place. I also love knowing my daughter is left in such good hands with Julianna as I can tell she truly loves Beth and looks out for her when I have to leave her. I couldn’t recommended ACA enough. Thank you for the continued help in Beth’s life:)
ACA Dog Training and Lodging is fantastic! We’ve been loyal customers for several years now, and our German Shepherd absolutely loves going there. Every time we visit, we’ve had wonderful experiences.
Our pup was getting dangerously aggressive/reactive after being attacked by multiple dogs and uprooting to a new home. She’s great and sweet with my wife and I when it’s just us at home. But, we couldn’t really have guests over or have someone dog sit her at our house for fear of her biting someone or another dog. ACA came recommended to us from multiple different people, and the recommendations are fully warranted. We signed our dog up for the off leash intensive training program in July/august, and it has made a big difference. There are still some things we’re working on to figure out how best to keep up with her training and keep seeing improvement, but the group classes that are free after one of the intensive training programs are great and we’re planning to schedule some private follow up classes to continue her progression (and ours). The program really helped train our dog and us with reliable commands and tools to help our dog and give us structure and keep us in control of situations. The ACA team is super supportive and helpful/responsive as we continue to adjust and focus our dog’s training at home. It’s a process and model that you need to commit to as much as your dog does, but we feel much more confident in how to help our dog, maintain control, and navigate different situations successfully. Considering we were told by another trainer/intensive program we should put our dog down, we were relieved by Sean/the ACA team’s confident, serious and supportive approach and response to where we/our dog were at the time (i.e. near the breaking point). They saved us from having to make a horrible decision to possibly put down our girl who is so sweet and good with us. She just doesn’t care much for anybody else. Though now she can barely contain her excitement when she sees anyone from the ACA team (let’s be honest, she can’t contain her excitement really but we’re working on that 😉). She loves them! And we now have a great place to board our pup too with ACA when we’re away where she’s safe and around people she is 100% comfortable with. Cannot recommend Sean, Melanie, Jaylen and the rest of the ACA team enough. If you are struggling with a reactive, aggressive, anxious dog, they can help. Their programs and commitment to you/your dog are worth every penny!
I am SO Happy with the training I received at American Canine (AC). I had stagnated with my trainer of several months, so I chose AC for private sessions to help my 10 month old pup and I reach new levels of obedience.MISSION ACCOMPLISHED in 5 weeks (9 sessions)! My pup and I made tremendous strides in multiple areas, but I was especially pleased with learning / practicing to obey when other dogs are nearby. The group dog walks on Saturdays are unique and really reinforce the behavior.The staff are all professional and friendly. Honestly, the facility won’t win any beauty awards, but it is clean and functional. I especially liked that they adapted their training to me and my dog … not a “1 size fits all” approach.I highly recommend American Canine for training people in the techniques and tools most valuable in training dogs.
My husband and I have an Aussie that is almost 5 years old. We have had Melanie watch our pup for about 3 years now and she also trained him off leash about a year or so ago and ever since Ollie has been the best pup off leash thanks to Melanie and her ability to train. I’m so happy to have an off leash dog that has no desire to run away now. Thanks Melanie for all you do for us and Ollie.
When I put Bella in the car. she knows where she is going. Even when the destination is somewhere different than her expectations. Regardless, she becomes a totally different dog than the one she is at home. She is a good girl, but at home I have to put her in check quite often (especially outdoors) I attribute this behavior transformation 100% due to the professional and excellent care she receives at American Canine Academy! Bella loves everyone that works there.This makes me completely comfortable dropping her off. Whenever I get the opportunity to do so, It's like she's getting a little nugget of her 'Best Life' I truly appreciate everything that all of you do! God Bless
This review is long overdue. I adopted my Rottweiler, Atlas in April of 2023. After bringing him home, it was clear that he had significant behavioral challenges that needed to be resolved. As much as I tried to work on them independently, it soon became evident that I’d need professional help. After doing consults with several trainers and other board and trains in the area, I went with American Canine Academy. In May of 2023, I enrolled Atlas in the off leash immersion program. The month leading up to that was exhausting. He was incredibly reactive, aggressive at times, and couldn’t be left alone due to how bad he would bark. One thing that drew me to ACA was the lifetime guarantee and the fact that they would keep Atlas until they felt that he was truly ready. He ended up spending roughly two months at ACA and I will never regret it for a second. In those two months, he had setbacks and would really test his trainers (special thanks to Jenna, Jasmine, and Brenna) and they never gave up on him. I now have a pup who although stubborn at times, knows that I’m in charge and almost 100% of the time listens to me immediately. He no longer reacts at other dogs, he HAPPILY greets humans with a wag and kiss rather than barking and charging at them. He can be left alone without barking. The once food/toy aggressive dog will let me throw his toy and won’t go get it until I tell him he’s allowed to. We’ve recently started exposing him to dog parks with the help of his e collar and a short leash and he has far exceeded my expectations and hasn’t reacted towards other dogs ONCE. I am so grateful that I chose American Canine Academy. I would have never been able to keep my pup without their help. Thank you all so much for giving Atlas a second chance at life!!
I couldn’t be happier with my experience at American Canine Academy! They are incredible, always super flexible, and they take such wonderful care of my dog, Opal. I know she’s in the best hands here, and it’s clear how much they genuinely care for her and all their dogs. The staff is warm, knowledgeable, and has become like family to us. I’m so grateful to have found such a fantastic place for Opal and couldn’t recommend them more highly!
My partner and I adopted a puppy from rural CO who was scared of basically everything when we got back to our life in Denver. He has never been on a leash, wasn’t potty trained, and didn’t respond to his name! We enrolled little Gus in the on-leash immersion program where he was in the care of American Canine academy for a little over two months. During this time it was obviously hard to be away from our little guy BUT they sent weekly updates that included a detailed explanation of what Gus had been working on that week with lots of pictures and videos! When it was time to pick him up, Melanie (one of the amazing trainers) took so much time and patience with us, teaching us the commands Gus knows and how to use them all. Since having him back home in our care, we have had lots of contact with Melanie and other trainers, the Saturday morning classes that Gus is invited to each week (one of the many benefits of the life time warranty!) are so structured and a great weekly training practice for him! We have also had Melanie come to our neighborhood to teach us some tips and tricks for how to handle certain distractions in our area with Gus, which has been truly life changing. If your dog needs training, take them here!! The trainers and owner really care about each dog who is in their programs! So happy with the drastic change in Gus!! 🙂
American Canine Academy is the first place I recommend to friends and family who are having issues with their dogs' behavior. I feel confident making these recommendations since Sean and his staff have trained two of my large dogs who were "overtly friendly to the max." Sean taught them to be calm and well-behaved around my friends and family. But he never deprived them of their loving personalities.When I traveled a good deal for work, I knew American Canine was also the perfect place to board my dogs when I was away. They provided so much freedom, great care and love to Banjo and Willard when I was away. The dogs were always excited to drive up and know they'd be spending time with their staff friends at American Canine Academy.It's a pleasure to recommend American Canine Academy to anyone who wants the best training and boarding care for their dog.Mare C.
We love American Canine Academy. They have gone out of their way to offer a pleasant stay for our Corgis in several emergency situations when my husband went into the hospital. Our Corgis love everyone on the staff and are always delighted to see them.
Extremely happy with the training our dog received. To begin, our dog barked at everyone and tried to attack other dogs. Going on walks he would pull and not listen. Guest could not enter our home without being frightened. We decided on the six week training. Every week we revived a video and progress report. Instructor was patient with my family for the final private training as we learned and implemented the commands. Our dog has done very well at home with the commands. We practice daily a few times a day and it has been rewarding to have a family dog who now listens to all of us. Doorbell rings and our dog stays in his place quietly until he is allowed up. Walks are so much easier as he is learning to walk by our side and ignore the other dogs walking by. He still does try to test but bounces back with commands which would not happen before. We now have training sessions we can attend to continue improving our relationship with our dog. Thank you American Canine Academy for all your hard work and love for our dog. Would definitely recommend the 6 week course. It has definitely been worth it!
Absolutely love American Canine Academy! I took my 1 year old Great Dane in for training. I wasn’t able to even walk him without being pulled down the street. He came back to me so much more well behaved. He walks by my side now and knows all the commands they taught him. Sit, stay, down, place and you even get a place bed with the program. Sean is always a pleasure to speak with as he is very knowledgeable about training. I also board Achilles with them when I’m out of town. They have always taken good care of him. I highly recommend their immersion programs as all the trainers and staff do a great job with all the dogs!
I have been using American Canine Academy for the past 4 years and I have had a fantastic experience with them. They are very responsive, respond to you via text, and do a great job listening to you when your pet may have some special needs. I was extremely surprised to see the amount of negative reviews on the site. Then I realized that if you give people a platform to complain, they will always complain and complain about anything (we all have that relative that wants to get on their soapbox). I wanted to have the opposite approach and praise American Canine Academy for a job well done. A few months ago one of my dogs died, Bruno an English Bulldog. I let the gal at the front desk know since we needed to remove him from future stays but keep the other dog on. This was a quick 30 second conversation and t my surprise a week later I got a letter from the whole team sending their condolences. I was very surprised as it was all hand written. Nice job Sean and team, I fully support this company and think they are awesome.
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