Canine Lifestyle Academy

Loose Cannons is a drop-in training club for dogs with high arousal or reactivity, using Control Unleashed games to teach focus, self-control, and calm behavior. Sessions include orientation and weekly meetups in a large outdoor space with a max of 6 dogs. Private training and homeschooling offer one-on-one coaching at the client’s home, with follow-up guidance. Boarding provides private, quiet suites with individualized care and no dog-dog contact. All programs emphasize positive reinforcement and individualized goals.

Pricing Summary

Group classes: $10 for orientation, $35 per Loose Cannons meetup; discounted packages available. Boarding: $80 per night, all-inclusive. Private training and homeschooling pricing not listed but available upon inquiry.

Policies

Client inquiries receive a response within 24–48 hours; a “nudge” is encouraged if no reply is received. No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated. Boarding is fully inclusive with no hidden fees. Orientation is required for new clients in Loose Cannons unless previously trained by the team.

Canine Lifestyle Academy is a positive reinforcement dog training business founded by Meghan Burton, a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) with over a decade of experience. They offer group classes, private training, homeschooling, tutoring, boarding, and field rentals—all centered on science-backed, dog-friendly, and human-friendly methods. Their signature program, Loose Cannons, is a drop-in training club designed for dogs who are overly excited, reactive, or distracted, using Control Unleashed games to build focus and self-control. They specialize in behavior modification for issues like leash reactivity, separation anxiety, and fearfulness, and provide private boarding in a calm, farm-based setting with no dog-dog contact, ideal for sensitive or anxious dogs. All training is based on kindness, with no force, fear, or aversive tools used. They also support both dogs and their owners by teaching the “how” and “why” behind training techniques to ensure long-term success.

Their services are tailored for dogs of all ages and sizes, with a particular emphasis on high-energy, reactive, or nervous dogs. They serve Central Maryland communities including Frederick, Westminster, Eldersburg, Sykesville, and Union Bridge. Meghan has extensive continuing education in behavior science and has worked with rescue dogs, including pit bulls and German Shepherds, giving her deep experience with complex behavioral challenges.

Accomplishments

Meghan Burton is a CPDT-KA certified trainer since 2012, a member of the APDT, and has completed advanced continuing education with experts like Dr. Ken Ramirez, Dr. Lore Haug, and Sue Sternberg. She has trained rescue dogs for Jasmine’s House Pit Bull Rescue and has personal experience modifying behavior in her own German Shepherds and pit bulls with separation anxiety, leash reactivity, and noise sensitivity.

How to Get Started!

For group classes, start with the 30-minute Loose Cannons Orientation. For private training or homeschooling, contact via email or website to discuss goals and schedule. Boarding requires direct inquiry to confirm availability and discuss dog-specific needs.