About Canine Communication

Who runs it

"My name is Elle Bee and I am a professional dog trainer and an AKC certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator." She dates the start of it: "My dog training journey began when I was 14 years old and my family became volunteer puppy raisers for a national nonprofit service dog organization. My love for dog training was discovered in December 2005 when my first service puppy came into my life." How she got to Alpena: "After getting married in 2016 my husband and I decided to move from Colorado back to his hometown of Posen, MI where I would begin my next adventure of starting my own dog training business." She puts her experience at "over 15 years of professional training experience."

Method and focus

"My focus is on developing the relationship between you and your dog. I use positive training methods, basic manners, and enrichment activities to enhance the human-dog bond. I specialize in puppy socialization, basic obedience, reactive behaviors, as well as therapy dog training."

Group classes

Three levels are published. The first is a "6 week PuppyK/Basic Obedience Class where you and your furry friend will learn the basics of sit, down, come, stay, leave it, drop, while socializing with other dogs." Then "Our Intermediate Class teaches the 3 D's: Distraction, Duration, and Distance." Then "Our Advanced class works on preparing you and your dog for the nationally recognized Canine Good Citizen test. It also helps prepare for therapy dog training." Classes "last 1 hour and are held in Alpena at our new Doggy Daycare & Training Facility," and "Private Training available upon request."

A daycare that is also a class

The daycare is built around training, and the site explains the difference: "This is a training based daycare, or a play and learn style of daycare. While we let the dogs run and play, we also work on manners and basic obedience throughout the day. This means curbing behaviors such as jumping and barking, while reinforcing sits, downs, stay, wait and place." The point of the group setting is stated: "Dog Daycare is a group environment, not one on one training which will help increase their abilities to perform these behaviors with distractions!" Numbers are capped: "With this style of daycare only a max of 20 dogs a day will be permitted and this is by reservation only, in a subscription manner, which allows us to coordinate styles of play more effectively."

Requirements

Proof of vaccination is required at the first session: "Bordetella, Distemper, Lepto, Parvo, Rabies (for dogs over 6 months of age)." The site also draws a line on behavior: "There is a difference between reactive behavior & aggressive behavior. Reactive behavior can be corrected with private training."

Refunds

Stated plainly: "Refunds will be given in full if cancelled within 48 hours of first class/session. All other sessions can be rescheduled but no refunds will be given."

Where it is

"Our Training and Daycare Facility is located at: 310 B W Chisholm St Alpena, MI 49707," described as "Located behind Sweet Fire Tobacco, through the alleyway." Daycare hours are "Monday – Friday, Drop off as early as 7:30 am, Pickup before 6:00 pm," with "Training by appointment only."

Before you book

Ask about class prices.