For Tom Davis and the team behind Upstate Canine Academy, dog training is our passion and we want to share our best tips, tricks, and tactics with you! Read our blog to learn more about behavior modification training, puppy training, off-leash training, and more!
Interested in learning directly from our team? Explore our dog training, board and train, and doggy daycare programs.
Many dog owners feel defeated when their dog behaves like “a different animal” the moment the leash clips on. Off-leash, they can greet dogs politely, explore calmly, or interact with people without any issues. But on a leash? Suddenly, they’re lunging, barking, pulling, and acting as if every distraction is a threat. The dog in…
Read More
Reactivity can change the entire atmosphere inside a home. Many owners feel defeated when their dog lunges at people, reacts to vehicles, or even snaps under pressure. In situations like these, daily life becomes stressful—not just for the humans, but also for the dog who genuinely doesn’t know how to navigate the world calmly. The…
Read More
Every dog owner wants one thing: a calm, confident, happy dog that trusts them no matter what life throws at them. I’ve spent years working with dogs of every size, breed, and background, and one truth always stands out — the things that damage a dog’s state of mind the most are often the things…
Read More
Does your dog only listen when you have treats in hand? You’re not alone. Many dog owners start training with treats, only to realize later that their dog refuses to listen unless there’s a snack involved. So, how do you build consistent obedience and confidence without depending on food rewards? At Upstate Canine Academy, we…
Read More
The prong collar can be the single best tool in the world for some owners — often the difference between a great relationship with your dog or an awful one. Used correctly, it gives clarity, precision, and safer control for strong dogs who pull. At Upstate Canine Academy, we believe tools don’t train dogs—people do….
Read More
Remy came to me as a classic case of leash reactivity that had escalated into near aggression. At home, he was a sweetheart, but on walks, he progressively lost control whenever other dogs appeared. The owner, Michelle, was exhausted and stressed. Our goal was simple: get Remy to pass other dogs on a walk with…
Read More
Walking a dog should be peaceful, but for many owners, it feels like a battle. Imagine holding a leash while your pup lunges, barks, and growls at strangers, cars, or other dogs. The frustration and embarrassment weigh on you, while your dog’s stress deepens with each outing. This is the reality of leash-reactive dogs. Reactivity…
Read More
Imagine waking up in your own bed, sharing breakfast with your family, and then suddenly finding yourself in a noisy, unfamiliar place full of strangers. That’s the shock many dogs face when they enter a shelter. This story follows Tater, a loyal pup whose world was flipped upside down, to reveal what shelter life really…
Read More
Imagine handing your father-in-law the leash to a massive 150-pound mastiff who’s built like a tank and guards his turf with fierce suspicion. That’s exactly what happened when I challenged Fred to walk my protective dog, Burleigh, through five tough tests. These weren’t simple strolls; they pushed Fred’s skills and Burleigh’s obedience to the limit—with…
Read More
At Upstate Canine Academy, we believe that the foundation of successful training begins long before a leash is clipped on or a command is given — it starts with understanding your dog’s genetics. Every breed, and every individual dog, comes with a unique set of traits influenced by generations of selective breeding. These traits shape…
Read More
Client Testimonial
Wonderful experience with board and train service from Upstate Canine Academy. I like that there was a lot of consideration put in to helping me decide what training service was best for my dog. First, I had a phone consultation and then an in person meet and greet with my dog at the facility with the head trainer Zach. Zach and all of the trainers I interacted with really took the time to get to know my dog, his personality, his needs and my goals for him. During his stay, I received regular communication about his progress along with videos and pictures. I am impressed with how thorough, knowledgeable and caring everyone I interacted with was. I am looking forward to continue to work with Upstate Canine Academy in the future!