Rocket Dog Academy

Rocket Dog Academy offers a wide range of training programs for puppies and adult dogs. Puppy training focuses on essential skills, socialization, confidence-building, and nose work. Adult dog training covers manners, leash work, social skills, and advanced skills, available privately or semi-privately. They provide private and semi-private coaching starting with one-on-one assessments before moving to group training.

Specialized programs include Rally Obedience, Fido Fit Day Training (a circuit training program with social time, personalized training, and treadmill workouts), and Sniff Worx K9 Nose Work, which explores canine olfaction. They also address behavior issues such as reactivity, aggression, anxiety, and lack of confidence.

For intensive training, a Stay & Train Full Time Immersion Program is available for 15 to 60 days, covering basic obedience to behavior issues. Other offerings include Utility/Agility Explore Classes for confidence building and physical skills, and ESA & Service Dog Skills & CGC Prep, guiding clients through basic training, Canine Citizen Test, and Public Access Test. The academy also hosts special workshops, events, and offers training floor rentals and dog birthday parties.

Pricing Summary

Initial visit pricing: Puppy (under 7 mos) is $59, Adult Dogs (7 mos & up) is $79, Reactive Dogs is $109. Phone consultations are $25, which can be credited toward a visit. A $35 deposit is required to book, and a minimum $35 cancellation fee applies for less than 24 hours notice. Clients can save 30% by training with friends.

Policies

A minimum $35 cancellation fee applies for less than 24 hours notice. A $35 deposit is required to book an appointment. The privacy policy, effective August 1, 2024, states that personal information is collected to manage services and communications, including marketing if opted in. Information is not shared with third parties, and security measures are in place. Clients can opt-out of contact at any time.

Rocket Dog Academy, formerly Optimum Dog, is a comprehensive dog training business located in Mount Vernon, WA. They offer a wide array of training programs for puppies and adult dogs, alongside a state-of-the-art 8000 sq ft indoor dog gym and a dog gear store.

Their services include puppy training, adult dog manners, leash work, social skills, and advanced obedience. They also specialize in addressing behavior issues such as reactivity, aggression, anxiety, and lack of confidence. Specialized programs like Sniff Worx K9 Nose Work, Rally Obedience, and Utility/Agility Explore Classes are available.

Rocket Dog Academy provides flexible training formats including private, semi-private, and group sessions, as well as Fido Fit Day Training and a full-time Stay & Train immersion program. They also offer guidance for Emotional Support Animals, Therapy Dogs, and Service Dogs, including Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Public Access Test preparation.

The academy is equipped with spacious work areas, treadmills, and agility equipment, providing a safe and engaging environment for training and exercise. They host special workshops, events, and even dog birthday parties, with training floors available for rent. The team comprises experienced trainers dedicated to fostering understanding, compassion, and strong bonds between dogs and their owners.

Accomplishments

The team at Rocket Dog Academy boasts significant accomplishments and experience. Founding owner Jennifer Hinton has over 30 years of experience, is a long-standing member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), and has a background in veterinary and law enforcement fields. Co-owner Charlie Engen is a retired Law Enforcement K9 Handler and Instructor and an IACP professional member.

Canine Trainer Gus Schubeck has 7 years of experience, served in the Army National Guard, completed a professional training program, and is an IACP professional member. Professional Trainer Lisa Ford has competed nationally in Rally Obedience, is a 4-H educator, and an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Christina Kilbourne is an experienced Agility Foundations instructor.

How to Get Started!

To get started, appointments are required. Clients can sign up directly by creating a Paw Partner account, where they can upload their information, dog’s details, and veterinary records, and send messages. Self-scheduling may or may not be available. Initial visits are priced at $69 for puppies, $89 for adult dogs, and $109 for reactive dogs. A 20-minute phone consultation is available for $25, which can be credited towards a visit. A behavior assessment is required for new enrollees to the dog gym.