About Canine Training Unlimited

Canine Training Unlimited has been in Chesapeake a long time. The about text dates it precisely: "In 1982, P.J. Reilly and Lisa-Marie Janotka moved to Virginia" and started the business, with the family kennel behind it going back further – "this team started many years earlier in their family kennel in Massachusetts in the 1970's. The tradition has carried on with Caitlin, Lisa-Marie's daughter, who started training dogs at the age of 3!" The facility is at 873 Clearfield Ave, and hours are posted as "Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM".

The class ladder, with prices

This is one of the few sites in the region that publishes what things cost. Group obedience starts at two entry points – "kindergarten (for puppies 8 weeks to 5 months) and basic or beginners class (for dogs 5 months and up)" – and continues upward: "We also offer advanced training (Sub-Novice, Novice, Graduate Novice, and Open) that start and continue into off leash training. These classes cover obedience training and behavior modification." Pricing and format are stated together: "Each level is $200. All in-person lessons meet once per week, 45 minutes each lesson." Kindergarten includes four in-person lessons, two to three Zoom meetings on behavioral problems, and "1 free daycare day to provide dog and human socialization".

The drop-off program

The intensive option is a day program rather than a residential one, which is a meaningful difference: "We offer (for dogs with no previous training) a daily 12 day Program, during which you drop off the dog and we do the training. All on-leash obedience and behavioral problems are covered in this Program." Off-leash work starts inside it if the dog is ready, private lessons follow the twelve days, and group classes follow the privates. The price is published: "The price of this program is $1600. Dogs must be six months or older for this program."

Private help and consultations

Private lessons are scoped narrowly and honestly – "Our private lessons are for those who need guidance with behavioral problems. This is to ask specific questions about persistent issues." Phone consultations are sold by the half hour, starting at "30 minutes -$50".

Practicalities

Vaccination records are required at intake – distemper, rabies, bordetella and canine influenza – and the site asks you to bring a lawn chair or blanket to class.