Critical Canine Dog Training

Critical Canine offers intensive board-and-train programs tailored to individual dogs. The Perfect Puppy Program builds a foundation in obedience, potty/crate training, and socialization without force. The Indifferent Dog Reactive Dog Program addresses barrier and human reactivity through consistency and environmental management. The Last Stop Aggressive Dog Program is for dogs with multiple bites or severe aggression, using in-depth behavior analysis and modification without masking symptoms. All programs require active owner involvement, including weekly visits and in-home follow-ups. Training begins in low-distraction environments and progresses to real-world settings at the dog’s pace.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not listed publicly; clients are directed to call for details on pricing, process, and philosophy for all programs. Programs are customized based on the dog’s needs and family goals.

Policies

They require a fecal float and up-to-date vaccinations for all dogs entering the facility. If a dog experiences appetite loss or upset stomach during the first 24 hours of boarding, families are notified immediately and supplemented with specialized foods like Origins 5-in-1 or Pumpkin Pro. Daily updates are provided during boarding.

Critical Canine Dog Training is a professional dog training and boarding facility based in Celina, Texas, specializing in behavior modification for aggressive and reactive dogs. They offer board-and-train programs designed to create life-altering results without using physical force, pain, fear, or intimidation. Their approach combines positive reinforcement with negative consequences that do not involve aversive techniques, focusing on building trust and modifying behavior at its root. They serve dogs of all ages, from puppies to senior dogs, with specialized programs including the Perfect Puppy Program, Indifferent Dog Reactive Dog Program, and the Last Stop Aggressive Dog Program for high-risk cases. Their team includes experienced trainers like Jonathan Dee Hopper and Chris Vasquez, who have decades of combined experience, including police K9 work and behavior modification. All staff begin in the kennel to ensure deep understanding of canine care. They provide daily updates during boarding, in-home follow-up visits, and use high-quality Ruff Land kennels and transport crates. They also offer related services such as pet boarding, e-collar sales, and behavioral product recommendations like Pumpkin Pro and Origins 5-in-1.

They emphasize family involvement in all training programs, ensuring owners are educated to maintain progress at home. Their training occurs in a home-like setting with gradual exposure to distractions, prioritizing long-term results over quick fixes. They require fecal floats and up-to-date vaccinations for all dogs entering their facility, demonstrating a strong commitment to health and safety.

Accomplishments

Jonathan Dee Hopper, the owner and head trainer, began in the kennel and has over 38 combined years of experience among the team. Chris Vasquez has over 30 years of experience, including as a Police K9 Handler, and has trained police, protection, therapy, and deaf dogs. The team is known for their hands-on, kennel-to-trainer progression model and commitment to quality care.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to call to discuss philosophy, process, and pricing. Programs begin with an evaluation to determine the appropriate training plan, followed by enrollment in a board-and-train program with scheduled owner involvement.