Tri-State Canine Obedience

Group classes include Puppy Kindergarten (8 weeks–6 months), Adult Obedience (basic), Advanced Obedience, Therapy Dog Training (16 weeks), and Off-Leash Training. Private in-home training is customized to individual needs and covers potty training, leash walking, aggression, separation anxiety, and more. Off-leash programs are intensive—7 or 10 days—with structured goals including reliable recall, “leave it,” and automatic stays. Therapy training prepares dogs for AKC Canine Good Citizen certification with real-life exposure. All programs emphasize behavior modification through consistent, owner-involved training.

Pricing Summary

Group classes are offered in multi-week sessions (6 weeks for beginner, 16 weeks for therapy/advanced), with Therapy & Advanced Obedience costing $600 combined. Private in-home training is charged per session, not hourly, with no extra fees for extended time. Off-leash programs include 7-day and 10-day intensive options; pricing available upon request. Board and train services are also offered.

Policies

Dogs must have current Rabies, Bordetella, and Distemper/Parvo vaccinations. Vaccination records must be emailed prior to class or brought to the first session. Classes require enrollment for consecutive weeks; no mention of cancellation or rescheduling policies is provided.

Tri-State Canine Obedience is a dog training business based in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, led by Mike Dixon, a certified dog trainer with over a decade of experience training thousands of dogs. They offer group classes and private in-home training sessions designed to address a wide range of behavioral issues, from basic obedience and puppy training to aggression, reactivity, separation anxiety, and off-leash reliability. Their philosophy emphasizes working with a dog’s natural instincts using a balanced approach that includes positive reinforcement and tools like electronic collars—used only for low-level tapping, never pain. They specialize in customized programs tailored to each dog’s needs, avoiding one-size-fits-all methods. They also offer therapy dog preparation, advanced obedience, and board-and-train services. Their facility is located in Wilder, KY, and they serve clients across the Greater Cincinnati area.

Mike Dixon, the owner, transitioned from a career as a Critical Care Flight Medic to dog training after developing a deep understanding of canine ethology. He was previously a top trainer at PetSmart and has trained and certified other dog trainers. Clients report significant improvements in their dogs’ behavior, including reduced aggression, improved recall, and successful therapy dog certification.

They provide in-home training with no hourly fees—charging per session instead—and offer flexible scheduling to accommodate busy families. Their programs are structured to build long-term behavior change and strengthen the human-dog bond.

Additional services include off-leash training programs (7-day and 10-day intensive options), therapy dog certification prep, and private consultations for dogs with severe behavioral concerns.

Accomplishments

Mike Dixon has over 10 years of experience training thousands of dogs, was a top trainer at PetSmart, and has trained and certified student dog trainers. He has specialized expertise in aggression, reactivity, and behavior modification, with clients reporting success with previously unmanageable dogs. He holds certification as a dog trainer and has a background in canine ethology.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can call or email to schedule a private consultation or enroll in a group class. In-home training requires contacting Mike Dixon directly to discuss needs and schedule an appointment. Group class enrollment is handled via phone, email, or contact form.