About MickSparkins Canine Academy

Who runs it

MickSparkins Canine Academy trades as MickSparkins Pet Care LLC and is owned by Candice Watts, who describes herself as "the owner and Sole proprietor for MickSparkins Pet Care, LLC" and says she has "been working professionally with dogs for more than 10 years." She writes that she has volunteered with animal shelters and veterinary clinics, and that she has "trained under multiple trainers including Miracle K9 training in Cleveland, Marc Goldberg, and The Monks of New Skete." Those are training influences she names, not credentials she claims, and the site lists no certification.

How the training is described

There is no single named philosophy. She says she has "taken many courses from a myriad of different trainers with many differing methods in order to be as well rounded as possible", and the group-class descriptions say each dog is assessed individually because "what works for one dog may not work for another."

Classes and programs published

Group classes run in a graded sequence. A S.T.A.R. Puppy class for puppies under six months covers sit, down, recall, settling, leash manners, handling, and socialization across six sessions. Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced classes follow for dogs six months and older, adding distraction work, an early introduction to off-leash work, and sessions held in varied public locations. A separate exposure class runs on Saturday mornings at a local park at $15 a drop-in.

Board and train runs three to five weeks. The three-week program is $2,000 and the five-week is $3,100; the five-week is described as "our off leash program". The site says the program also covers "behavior modification to correct problem behaviors such as reactivity or overstimulation", that owners are invited into private sessions and group classes during the stay, and that they receive "one year of free group class attendance to help maintain what your dog learns." Private sessions are $100 per session.

What to expect

Consultations are free, and the site says to call or text to set one up. Fall 2026 group classes were announced as starting September 13, 2026.