Bella’s K9 Academy

Training begins with an 8-week Level 1 Basic Obedience class teaching sit, down, stay, come, and leash walking. Level 2 builds on this with off-leash work, longer stays, and advanced commands. Rally classes require completion of Level 1 and teach obedience exercises following course signs. Advanced options include Off-Leash, Novice Ring Prep, Advanced Rally, and Trick Classes. Private lessons are available for customized goals. All classes are held weekly at the facility.

Pricing Summary

Group classes cost $200 for an 8-week course (1–1.5 hours per week), including Kentucky 6% sales tax. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a spot, with the balance due on the first day of class. Boarding is $25 per night, including tax. Payment is accepted in cash or check only.

Policies

A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a spot in any class. The remaining balance is due on the first day of class. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. Dogs with aggression must be disclosed on the application for evaluation. Classes are not rescheduled for individual absences, but make-up sessions are not offered. Boarding requires advance booking and payment at time of reservation.

Bella’s K9 Academy is a dog training business founded by Bella Gaudette, who has been training dogs since 1984 and has owned and shown Border Collies since 1992. The academy offers structured group obedience classes, including Level 1 (Basic Obedience) and Level 2 (Intermediate), as well as Rally, Off-Leash, Novice Ring Prep, Advanced Rally, and Trick Classes. Training focuses on building a strong bond between dogs and their owners through compassionate, clear communication and consistent expectations. The facility also provides secure, clean boarding services at $25 per night, featuring indoor kennels with raised beds, fresh water, ventilation, and access to large shaded outdoor play yards. Private lessons are available for personalized goals or competition prep. Bella’s approach emphasizes positive, patience-based methods rooted in decades of hands-on experience and a belief that obedience deepens the human-dog bond.

The academy is located at 1248 Woodland Drive in Elizabethtown, KY, and serves local dog owners seeking foundational obedience, behavior correction, and competitive training. All classes are held on-site at their private facility, and puppies must be at least 4 months old with a Rabies vaccination to enroll in Level 1.

Bella and her assistant Rose are highly praised by clients for their ability to break down training into clear, actionable steps, provide individualized feedback, and help dogs of all temperaments — including anxious or reactive ones — thrive. Their training has enabled dogs to earn AKC titles in Obedience, Rally, and Herding, and many clients return for multiple dogs and advanced levels.

Accomplishments

Bella Gaudette has trained dogs since 1984 and has owned and shown Border Collies since 1992. Her dogs have earned multiple AKC titles including Utility Dog (UD), Grand Champion, Rally Champion, and Herding titles. Her 3-year-old dog Piper completed all three Obedience titles (CD, CDX, UD) before age 3 and holds Rally and Herding titles. Her training methods have produced dogs that compete successfully in obedience, rally, and herding venues.

How to Get Started!

To enroll, fill out the class application form on the website, then send the $50 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot. The remaining balance is paid on the first day of class. New clients must provide proof of vaccination and bring a 4–6 foot leash and small soft treats to the first class.