2j4Paws, The Training Academy, LLC

Training programs are structured by skill level: Star Puppy (6-week AKC puppy course), Beginner Manners, Advanced Obedience, Therapy Dog Prep, Focus On Me, Rally, Fetch It, Open Obedience, Ring Readiness, Utility Obedience, and Trick Dog. Agility programs include Foundation, Beginner, Small Sequence, Advanced Handling, Weavepoles, and Outside Courses. All classes are designed to build progressively, with options for virtual and in-person titling preparation. Private lessons are available for customized goals.

Pricing Summary

Group classes and private lessons are offered with pricing details available upon request. Boarding is $40/night for a single dog, $30/night for a second dog, and $75 for a board and train package. Additional services include nail trim ($15), ear cleaning ($15), brushing ($15), and day stays ($30 for enrolled clients). Medication administration is $15/day. All services require completed forms and up-to-date vaccinations.

Policies

Boarding requires vaccines administered at least 7 days in advance. Medication and special dietary needs must be discussed in advance. All boarding and training services require completed forms emailed to 2j4paws@gmail.com. No specific cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated for training classes.

2j4Paws, The Training Academy, LLC is a dog training facility in Port Matilda, PA, led by experienced trainers Jeni Mellinger and Julie Mikesell, each with over 25 years of hands-on training experience. They offer a wide range of group and private training programs, from basic obedience and puppy socialization to advanced competition disciplines like agility, rally, dock diving, and therapy dog certification. Their facility features a fully heated and air-conditioned training room, spacious indoor/outdoor runs, and a covered exercise yard. They also provide small-scale boarding, day stays, and play groups with personalized care, as owners live on-site. All training is force-free and uses modern, positive reinforcement techniques. They specialize in building strong dog-owner bonds and preparing dogs for AKC titles and real-life situations.

Their trainers are highly accomplished in competitive dog sports, with multiple MACH titles, CDX and CGC certifications, and national placements in agility and dock diving. They support dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments, including rescues and nervous dogs, and offer tailored programs for behavior modification, recall, leash manners, and impulse control. Clients appreciate their patience, expertise, and the noticeable improvements in their dogs’ behavior and confidence.

Accomplishments

Jeni Mellinger holds MACH 9, #1 Lab in AKC 2022, and top placements in NADD dock diving. Julie Mikesell has earned MACH titles on 13+ dogs, CDX on 3 dogs, and RE on 7 dogs. Both have qualified for national events in agility, rally, and dock diving. Julie holds a Dog Obedience Trainer/Instructor Diploma from Penn Foster Career School. Jeni has multiple AKC and UKC obedience titles and has competed in lure coursing and whippet racing since 1982.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to call or email to discuss goals and receive guidance on selecting the right class. A free initial consultation is offered to help determine the best training path. Forms for boarding and new clients must be completed and emailed before booking.