The best dog training programs start with a trainer getting to know you, your family and your goals. The Canine Training Center builds a partnership with you, to teach you how to train your dog. We teach you, and train your dog to surpass your goals for dog obedience training. Dog training is more than teaching your dog to sit, heel, lay down, and come to you.It is the foundation of communication between you and your dog, and allows you to build a stronger relationship with your dog. It creates clear communication so that you can stop yelling, stop getting frustrated, and teach your dog how they fit in with your family.
Services
We have the right team for helping dogs and their best friends live up to their full potential. Andrew Wildesen is the owner and head trainer of The Canine Training Center. Andrew is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer in Columbia, MD who was educated at the top dog trainer school in the United States- The Tom Rose School.
This is our most popular program. This program is designed to teach owners and train dogs; we offer dog training solutions for nearly any dog training goal. Types of training include: basic dog obedience and manners, dogs with severe behavioral or aggressive issues. The possibilities for you and your dog are limitless.
Also called In Kennel Training (IKT), Doggie Boot Camp, or Stay and Train, the Board and Train package is our most popular program. First, we'll set up an evaluation to learn how we can help you. Then, once we understand your dog training goals, we'll customize a dog obedience training regimen for you and your dog.
Please note: Reservations that are made more than 3 days in advance require a minimum stay of seven days. The best dog kennel for boarding dogs is where a dog wants to go while the owners are away. It's the place that they can feel happy, have fun, and learn new things that build a better bond between the dog and their owner.
Reviews (9)
Benjamin Goodman
Dec 13, 2021
I highly recommend The CTC and Andrew as its owner and head trainer. We took advantage of their 14 day board and train program during our Thanksgiving travels to have them work with our 3 year old 35lb Catahoula mix rescue dog on some problem behaviors. He is a very sweet and loving dog, but has some general anxiety and fear/aggression issues that he brought with him when we adopted him.
He was around a year and a half when we adopted him and we've worked with him a lot on our own since then. He had improved a lot but had still had some triggers and stubborn habits. Anyway, The CTC was very professional and thorough in signing us up and preparing us for the training. I was able to speak with the staff and Andrew about our dog's personality and behaviors in preparation for the training. Based on those discussions alone, Andrew was able to recommend some treatment for our dog to use before he started the program which turned out to be very helpful.
I can see this is going to be way too long if I continue at this pace, so let me just summarize by saying there was no magic cure for our dog but he has made great strides forward. Andrew is very in tune with dog (and human) psychology and by working with us and our dog on the basics of human/dog communication was able to lay the groundwork for a healthier (and calmer) relationship with our precious boy!
He was around a year and a half when we adopted him and we've worked with him a lot on our own since then. He had improved a lot but had still had some triggers and stubborn habits. Anyway, The CTC was very professional and thorough in signing us up and preparing us for the training. I was able to speak with the staff and Andrew about our dog's personality and behaviors in preparation for the training. Based on those discussions alone, Andrew was able to recommend some treatment for our dog to use before he started the program which turned out to be very helpful.
I can see this is going to be way too long if I continue at this pace, so let me just summarize by saying there was no magic cure for our dog but he has made great strides forward. Andrew is very in tune with dog (and human) psychology and by working with us and our dog on the basics of human/dog communication was able to lay the groundwork for a healthier (and calmer) relationship with our precious boy!
Eric Ribeiro
Aug 10, 2021
Andrew saved my dog! Taffeta, struggles with dog-aggression issues. She had had multiple incidents with neighbors' dogs and was building a horrible reputation for herself. The county warned that more incidents may lead to putting her down or rehoming her. She spent 2 weeks at CTC, and she was able to learn the necessary tools to make her aggression manageable. Thank you Andrew and your wonderful staff for working with my pup and providing her with attention and customized training plan that literally saved her life!
Jaime Swartwood
Apr 29, 2021
I have waisted $2100 on them and caution you to do the same as when I expressed the lack of training my dog has to them they reminded me that I signed a contract and my money is non refundable. My newfoundland needed some basic ground work done so I decided to board and train with CTC. Andrew agreed that this was the best option for him. I was asked and discussed what I wanted with him by 3 different people, his admin, him, and the trainer that I dropped him off with.
None of which told me that his mounting issue with other dogs was something that could not be trained and would NOT be addressed during training. I made it very clear this was a strong issue for me because he wasn't allowed back at daycare because of it. When we picked him up and asked about it, that is when we learned that it was not addressed and couldn't be trained out of him.
At pick up my dog was clearly exhausted. Obviously they had worked him hard before we got there. Even still, he didn't listen to Andrew and heel properly. He kept trying to come back to my car even though Andrew said he wouldn't recognize it. Or he would refuse to lay down to the point he was yanking the leash down hard to get him on the hot pavement.
Definitely not a dog you would expect to have been trained for 2 weeks for over $2k for the basics. From the beginning my dog has always been calm around other dogs. He is no longer that way. Since getting him back he lunges at other dogs. He suddenly is terrified of loud noises when he wasn't before/ The ecollar training is not building a bond, in fact I feel like it is breaking the bond between me and my dog.
I have read other negative reviews about his training technique doing this and I wish I would have read them before going there. Due to Covid we had to do pickup from our car and watch as Andrew did his demonstration with our dog. We were on our bluetooth while he talked to us from his phone. Social distancing can still happen from one end of the driveway to the other and still see if we're doing the directions properly.
Instead we were sent home without any directions, just videos from his website. Which he told us when we were there that he has since changed some of the methods he trains with from those methods. He doesn't use the button at the times he used to in the videos so if you follow only the videos you're using it too much. My first email was a response to Andrew's only email to me asking how he was where I immediately said good but I was having trouble with heel.
He never responded. I waited and a week later started sending messages about how upset I was that my dog was not trained. Finally Andrew responded with an at home training where he said my dog actually had to start with a step BEFORE heel. Where I need to constantly put treats in front of his face. This too hasn't worked and I haven't heard from him since that training, a month ago. I have followed his training methods without any results and will go to another trainer.
None of which told me that his mounting issue with other dogs was something that could not be trained and would NOT be addressed during training. I made it very clear this was a strong issue for me because he wasn't allowed back at daycare because of it. When we picked him up and asked about it, that is when we learned that it was not addressed and couldn't be trained out of him.
At pick up my dog was clearly exhausted. Obviously they had worked him hard before we got there. Even still, he didn't listen to Andrew and heel properly. He kept trying to come back to my car even though Andrew said he wouldn't recognize it. Or he would refuse to lay down to the point he was yanking the leash down hard to get him on the hot pavement.
Definitely not a dog you would expect to have been trained for 2 weeks for over $2k for the basics. From the beginning my dog has always been calm around other dogs. He is no longer that way. Since getting him back he lunges at other dogs. He suddenly is terrified of loud noises when he wasn't before/ The ecollar training is not building a bond, in fact I feel like it is breaking the bond between me and my dog.
I have read other negative reviews about his training technique doing this and I wish I would have read them before going there. Due to Covid we had to do pickup from our car and watch as Andrew did his demonstration with our dog. We were on our bluetooth while he talked to us from his phone. Social distancing can still happen from one end of the driveway to the other and still see if we're doing the directions properly.
Instead we were sent home without any directions, just videos from his website. Which he told us when we were there that he has since changed some of the methods he trains with from those methods. He doesn't use the button at the times he used to in the videos so if you follow only the videos you're using it too much. My first email was a response to Andrew's only email to me asking how he was where I immediately said good but I was having trouble with heel.
He never responded. I waited and a week later started sending messages about how upset I was that my dog was not trained. Finally Andrew responded with an at home training where he said my dog actually had to start with a step BEFORE heel. Where I need to constantly put treats in front of his face. This too hasn't worked and I haven't heard from him since that training, a month ago. I have followed his training methods without any results and will go to another trainer.
Awh Music
Apr 06, 2021
I highly recommend the CTC for your dog training needs. I have a Belgian Malinois and a pit bull mix and Andrew from CTC has helped me greatly with both dogs. I have done many one on one training sessions as well as a 2 week board and train for the malinois and we now have a well trained, obedient dog as a result. Andrew and his staff are very professional and incredibly nice but most of all they are very knowledgeable, highly experienced and loving with our dogs.
I check back in with CTC on a regular basis on new behavioral issues with both dogs and Andrew always guides me in the right direction. I trust his expertise. Training is an essential requirement for a dog owner and the CTC are great at what they do. I give them 5 Stars for sure
I check back in with CTC on a regular basis on new behavioral issues with both dogs and Andrew always guides me in the right direction. I trust his expertise. Training is an essential requirement for a dog owner and the CTC are great at what they do. I give them 5 Stars for sure
Victoria Ridgway
Nov 05, 2020
I felt compelled to write a review to offset the bad one that will most likely appear right below mine. Their review was so harsh that even with all of the other amazing reviews, I was nervous about sending my dog away! I know nothing about their situation and I'm sure that their truth is their truth, but I can assure you that I did not have the same experience here with the board and train program.
My dog Auggie is a year and a half old. We waited so long to do any formal training because he had a lot of stomach problems as a puppy. Therefore, I always wanted to be able to keep a close eye on that. Because of his stomach problems mixed with quarantine, we developed some serious attachment issues and bad habits. I made the decision to take Auggie to the CTC based off of a family friends recommendation. Auggie was never a terrible dog, just needed work on basic manners, obedience, and confidence (come, heel, no).
While I maybe could have taught Auggie these commands myself, it would've taken a lot of research, patience, trial and error, and may not have even worked. I told myself that while pricey, this would be a necessary investment if I want to do all the things I plan to with Auggie - vacations, hikes, etc. Whilst reminding myself that this was necessary, I still sobbed dropping Auggie off and was so worried about him.
I emailed Carley, the office administrator, several times throughout the two weeks and she got back to me almost immediately each time. She also sent me pictures of Auggie. I wasn't getting constant updates and pictures, but you have to remember that you have dropped your dog off for a service and have to let them do their job. Imagine if all ten of their boarders emailed them everyday asking for constant updates! Auggie has a complicated diet plus supplements and they were able to accommodate this completely.
They reassured me that they would let me know if he had any IBS flare ups and thankfully he did not have any problems. When I went to pick Auggie up, I was so impressed with the lesson that the trainer, Andrew did with him. Andrew clearly knows what he is doing and has a love for his occupation. I thought that Auggie would be overjoyed upon getting in the car with me to go home, but he actually cried a little when Andrew walked away and seemed to be looking for him. Auggie has only been home with me now for a day, but I already see improvement in his temperament in the house and out on walks. I know that the reinforcement of training will be the hardest part, but the CTC provided tons of videos and information to help the process!
My dog Auggie is a year and a half old. We waited so long to do any formal training because he had a lot of stomach problems as a puppy. Therefore, I always wanted to be able to keep a close eye on that. Because of his stomach problems mixed with quarantine, we developed some serious attachment issues and bad habits. I made the decision to take Auggie to the CTC based off of a family friends recommendation. Auggie was never a terrible dog, just needed work on basic manners, obedience, and confidence (come, heel, no).
While I maybe could have taught Auggie these commands myself, it would've taken a lot of research, patience, trial and error, and may not have even worked. I told myself that while pricey, this would be a necessary investment if I want to do all the things I plan to with Auggie - vacations, hikes, etc. Whilst reminding myself that this was necessary, I still sobbed dropping Auggie off and was so worried about him.
I emailed Carley, the office administrator, several times throughout the two weeks and she got back to me almost immediately each time. She also sent me pictures of Auggie. I wasn't getting constant updates and pictures, but you have to remember that you have dropped your dog off for a service and have to let them do their job. Imagine if all ten of their boarders emailed them everyday asking for constant updates! Auggie has a complicated diet plus supplements and they were able to accommodate this completely.
They reassured me that they would let me know if he had any IBS flare ups and thankfully he did not have any problems. When I went to pick Auggie up, I was so impressed with the lesson that the trainer, Andrew did with him. Andrew clearly knows what he is doing and has a love for his occupation. I thought that Auggie would be overjoyed upon getting in the car with me to go home, but he actually cried a little when Andrew walked away and seemed to be looking for him. Auggie has only been home with me now for a day, but I already see improvement in his temperament in the house and out on walks. I know that the reinforcement of training will be the hardest part, but the CTC provided tons of videos and information to help the process!
Amanda Tammaro
Jun 06, 2020
Highly recommend! We sent our 5 year old beagle, Bella to Andrew for the board and train program. Bella is a great dog however she never really listened to us, she always listened to her nose instead. She has never been able to be off the leash or near the door when it opens because she would bolt and run after any scent she was on. We decided to send bella to the program because she had started to become dog aggressive since our other dog passed about 9 months ago and that really started to worry us. Andrew was very knowledgeable and made me feel very comfortable to leave my dog with him.
While she was away we had our own homework and that really helped me understand what she is doing day to day and what we would need to do when she came home. Bella has now been home for a week and it is literally like day and night! I am so amazed at what she is doing! She listens! She keeps her eyes on me while we are outside and i even can drop the leash and walk away and she doesn't move!
She waits for me to tell her to come and when i do she comes right to me. I am amazed that she would listen to that and not run off to the cow pasture. She also does not run out the door when it is open, she waits for us to tell her she can go! We are still practicing with her to increase times in the hold and distances we can go and have her still listen to us.
When we feel comfortable enough we will bring her around other dogs. I know it will be an improvement because she's already improved in so many different areas! I was worried after the board and train that she would be a "robot", but she is not! We have a very happy balance! She listens to her command and holds until we tell her to but she still has her funky personality and we can play and cuddle her. Bella did have to stay at the board and train program 2 extra days.
She is a beagle and very hard headed. it took her extra time to get everything Andrew was teaching her so he recommended that she stay a little longer so he could really make sure she got it. And i do have to say those 2 days were huge! He had sent videos before and after and you could tell a difference. Andrew even went in on his days off to have sessions with her. The overall experience was great! I am so excited to see where we will be in the next few months. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! highly recommend!
While she was away we had our own homework and that really helped me understand what she is doing day to day and what we would need to do when she came home. Bella has now been home for a week and it is literally like day and night! I am so amazed at what she is doing! She listens! She keeps her eyes on me while we are outside and i even can drop the leash and walk away and she doesn't move!
She waits for me to tell her to come and when i do she comes right to me. I am amazed that she would listen to that and not run off to the cow pasture. She also does not run out the door when it is open, she waits for us to tell her she can go! We are still practicing with her to increase times in the hold and distances we can go and have her still listen to us.
When we feel comfortable enough we will bring her around other dogs. I know it will be an improvement because she's already improved in so many different areas! I was worried after the board and train that she would be a "robot", but she is not! We have a very happy balance! She listens to her command and holds until we tell her to but she still has her funky personality and we can play and cuddle her. Bella did have to stay at the board and train program 2 extra days.
She is a beagle and very hard headed. it took her extra time to get everything Andrew was teaching her so he recommended that she stay a little longer so he could really make sure she got it. And i do have to say those 2 days were huge! He had sent videos before and after and you could tell a difference. Andrew even went in on his days off to have sessions with her. The overall experience was great! I am so excited to see where we will be in the next few months. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! highly recommend!
Aaron Martinek
May 24, 2019
After a year and a half of struggling to get my 2 year old APBT rescue (Idgie) to be consistently obedient when visitors came over the house (jumping, etc.), as well as healing properly on walks, and staying put when told to stay put; I started researching dog obedience classes online. I came across the CTC, and read about their 2 week board and train program.
It fit perfectly with my schedule and wallet. Easily the best investment I've made thus far for my pup (and myself as a dog owner). I could not (and still can not) believe the transformation upon picking her up. Andrew went into detail about what she learned, and what needs to happen during the transition back home (as well as correcting my own bad habits). I'm more confident, and she's more confident, which has lead to success. I can't thank the crew at CTC enough for taming the high energy that is. Idgie.
It fit perfectly with my schedule and wallet. Easily the best investment I've made thus far for my pup (and myself as a dog owner). I could not (and still can not) believe the transformation upon picking her up. Andrew went into detail about what she learned, and what needs to happen during the transition back home (as well as correcting my own bad habits). I'm more confident, and she's more confident, which has lead to success. I can't thank the crew at CTC enough for taming the high energy that is. Idgie.
Mota Board
Dec 25, 2018
While my dear dog Bubbles has always been a sweet boy - his manners were not the best. After speaking with Andrew I decided to do the two week board and train. While Bubbs was at "boot camp", I had my own work to do. Andrew has several training videos that really prepared me for carrying over what my pup had learned. Andrew spent plenty of time with me when I picked Bubbles up and made sure I knew how to follow through.
When you board and train, you are able to schedule one additional session to follow up on any concerns. I have to say that the training did wonders for my dog and my family, so much so that I requested to use my follow up at a later time. That was not an issue for the CTC which allowed me the opportunity to identify specific things that I needed to continue to work on. Andrew and his staff are committed to ensuring that you are successful and are available for questions as you go through the process. Great Place that works wonders!
When you board and train, you are able to schedule one additional session to follow up on any concerns. I have to say that the training did wonders for my dog and my family, so much so that I requested to use my follow up at a later time. That was not an issue for the CTC which allowed me the opportunity to identify specific things that I needed to continue to work on. Andrew and his staff are committed to ensuring that you are successful and are available for questions as you go through the process. Great Place that works wonders!
Chelsea Rosengarten
May 09, 2018
Sending our pup to training was a tough decision originally, but Andrew and his full team not only made it easy during the process but more worthwhile than we could have imagined. Our friends and family have definitely noticed a change in our dog, who struggles with anxiety and reaction issues, and often compliment her progress unprompted. We have obviously been pleased with her progress, but more importantly the sustained support from the CTC team after her stay to continue to work with her and make sure she is progressing and becoming the happiest dog she can be. Highly recommend using the CTC for your dog - I was a nervous dog mom who is now a strong advocate for this program!
