Appalachian Canine Coaching

Programs include Puppy Development (group or board-and-train), Beginner Obedience (all formats), Intermediate Obedience/CGC (all formats), Focus Coaching (private only), and Behavioral Consultations. Group classes are 6-week sessions meeting weekly, with minimum 5 teams required. Board-and-train lasts 2–3 weeks and is customized to puppy, beginner, or intermediate levels. Focus Coaching targets three specific goals chosen by the owner.

Pricing Summary

Private coaching: $500 for 5 one-hour lessons. Focus Coaching: $250 for 2 lessons plus one free. Behavioral consultation: $75; follow-up lessons: $100 each. Group classes: $55 (online obedience), $115 (beginner), $125 (CGC). Board-and-train pricing is currently unavailable. 10% discount offered for adopted dogs and pit mixes/bully breeds.

Policies

Board-and-train availability is currently suspended. Group classes require a minimum of 5 dog/person teams to run. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated on the website.

Appalachian Canine Coaching, founded by Casi McKinnon in 2019, offers positive reinforcement, relationship-based dog training tailored to each dog’s individual needs. Based in Sugar Grove, Virginia, the business provides private, group, and board-and-train programs focused on building strong bonds between dogs and their owners. Casi and her partner Levi prioritize compassionate, science-backed methods and offer specialized support for puppies, rescue dogs, and pit mixes. They also donate 10% of all proceeds to animals in need and provide discounts for adopted dogs and bully breeds. Their services include puppy development, beginner and intermediate obedience, focus coaching, and behavioral consultations, all designed to improve communication and reduce common issues like leash pulling, jumping, and separation anxiety.

Casi holds a bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science from Virginia Tech, has trained with the Animal Behavior College, and is certified through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. She continues her education via Absolute Dogs Training Academy and brings extensive hands-on experience from working as a vet assistant and farm animal caregiver. Levi, currently pursuing an associate degree in Instrumentation and Control Automation, trains alongside Casi and is working toward his own certification. Both are deeply committed to ongoing learning and client support, offering follow-up advice even after classes end.

Accomplishments

Casi McKinnon holds a Bachelor’s in Dairy Science from Virginia Tech, completed training certification through Animal Behavior College, and has 18 hours of internship experience with professional trainers. She is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and continues education through Absolute Dogs Training Academy. Levi McKinnon is actively pursuing certification and has trained his own dog toward the Canine Good Citizen test.

How to Get Started!

Clients begin by selecting a service (private, group, or board-and-train) and contacting the business to discuss needs. A behavioral consultation ($75) is available for unique issues, after which a customized coaching plan is created. Group classes form when at least five teams express interest.