Canine University

Canine University offers structured, progressive training programs including Puppy Kindergarten, Elementary Basics/Foundation Training, Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dog preparation, and Diabetic Alert Dog programs. Classes are offered in small groups (3–6 dogs) or private sessions, with online and in-person options. Programs build from foundational skills to advanced manners and certification preparation. Each class includes follow-up video and written materials. Outdoor classes focus on real-world environments with social distancing. Online sessions use Zoom and require pre-registration and payment.

Pricing Summary

Private training: $150/hour (plus distance fee beyond 8 miles). Online video private training: $65/half-hour or $100/hour ($125/hr with follow-up notes). Group classes: $120–$150 for 3-session packages. Puppy Kindergarten and Elementary Basics online: $140 for 4 sessions. Tricks 101/102: $70 for 2 sessions. Outdoor sessions: $120 for 3 sessions. Trek & Train: $20/dog.

Policies

Students must agree to a COVID-19 Liability Release Waiver for in-person classes. All sessions require prepayment. Online training requires completion of a Private Tutoring Questionnaire prior to scheduling. No specific cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated, but sessions are prepaid and non-refundable unless otherwise arranged.

Canine University, operated by Amy Spence Gutmann under Canine Tutor, LLC, offers positive reinforcement-based dog training services in Northeast Ohio and Southwest Florida, with online training available nationwide. Their curriculum includes Puppy Kindergarten, Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dog preparation, Diabetic Alert Dog training, and private in-home or facility-based sessions. They emphasize building a strong bond between dog and owner through reward-based methods, and provide follow-up training videos and notes after each session. They also offer outdoor socially distanced classes and live online video training via Zoom. Additional resources include dog treat recipes, agility equipment guidance, and links to therapy dog and service dog organizations.

They are a registered evaluator for Therapy Dog International (TDI) and AKC Canine Good Citizen, and are members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). Their programs are designed for all dog ages and focus on real-world skills like recall, leash manners, and behavior modification. They also support families with service dogs and offer specialized training for diabetic alert dogs.

Canine University provides both group and private training formats, with flexible scheduling including weekdays and weekends, mornings, afternoons, and evenings. They maintain a strong online presence through YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, sharing training progress videos and educational content.

Their facility-based and in-home training options accommodate various needs, and they offer specialized programs for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs. They also provide continuing education through seminars and online resources for dog owners.

Accomplishments

Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). Registered evaluator for Therapy Dog International (TDI) and AKC Canine Good Citizen. Owner and primary behaviorist Amy Spence Gutmann has trained tens of thousands of dogs over 28 years, with many clients returning for multiple generations of dogs. Graduates include therapy volunteers, service dogs, and obedience champions.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should visit the Class Schedule page to view available sessions, complete the Private Tutoring Questionnaire for private training, and register via Google Form. For online classes, registration and payment must be completed before receiving Zoom login details. Contact via email or phone to schedule private sessions or inquire about availability.