Ms. Cristy’s Canine Academy

Programs include a 6-week Puppy Class (10 weeks–6 months) and Junior Pups Class (6 months+), both covering basic obedience, leash training, potty/crate training, and socialization. Canine U is an advanced 6-week course for dogs who completed prior classes, focusing on heel work, recall, duration stays, and distraction training. Additional offerings include Canine Good Citizen, Rally, Trick Dog, and a specialized Veterans program. All programs use progressive, positive reinforcement techniques and require completion of prerequisite classes for advancement.

Pricing Summary

Group classes cost $120 for a 6-week session. Private lessons at the facility are $75 for 45 minutes; private in-home lessons are $95 for 1 hour. A 4-session private home lesson package is $350. Specialty classes like Trick Dog and Canine Good Citizen are $130 and $120 respectively. Puppy seminar is $25. Payments must be made within 24 hours of booking to reserve a spot.

Policies

Payments must be made within 24 hours of booking to reserve a spot in any class or service. No other cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated.

Ms. Cristy’s Canine Academy is a professional dog training business based in Roscoe, IL, serving pet owners in Rockford, Loves Park, Machesney Park, and surrounding areas since 2014. Founded by Cristy, a certified AKC evaluator with over 15 years of hands-on experience, the academy specializes in positive reinforcement training methods that focus on building a strong, fun, and respectful bond between dogs and their owners. Cristy’s approach avoids force-based techniques, instead using modern, innovative, and reward-based strategies to teach obedience, socialization, and behavior modification. Services include group classes for puppies and older dogs, private lessons at the facility or client’s home, specialty programs like Canine Good Citizen, Rally, and Trick Dog classes, as well as a puppy seminar. The academy also supports community initiatives like the Circle of Change Veterans dog program. Cristy’s background includes seven years as a Kennel Tech at Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary and seven years as a Professional Area Dog Trainer at PetSmart, giving her deep insight into behavioral issues and successful rehabilitation.

Clients appreciate Cristy’s ability to teach owners how to communicate effectively with their dogs, resulting in well-behaved pets that can confidently accompany their families into public spaces. The facility is clean, spacious, and designed for effective training, with a strong emphasis on making learning enjoyable for both dogs and humans.

Cristy’s personal journey—from losing her mother in 2000 to finding purpose in dog training—drives her compassionate and patient teaching style. She trains dogs of all sizes, including small breeds like Chihuahuas and large breeds like German Shepherds, and tailors her methods to suit each dog’s temperament and needs.

Accomplishments

Cristy has been an American Kennel Club evaluator since 2009. She worked as a Kennel Tech at Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary for 7 years and as a Professional Area Dog Trainer at PetSmart for 7 years before founding Ms. Cristy’s Canine Academy in 2014. She was a member of the Rockford Rage Screw City Slammers roller derby team from 2006–2011 under the name Corina Corona 40 oz.

How to Get Started!

Client engagement begins by selecting a class or service through the online booking system. Group classes require advance payment to secure a spot. Private lessons can be booked directly for facility or in-home sessions. New clients are encouraged to review class descriptions and choose based on their dog’s age and training needs.