McDonald Canine Academy

06/11/2024

We love our clients!

We also love the non-profits that work so tirelessly to help dogs find the perfect families in our communities. We also know that no dog comes without some past history.

Sarah Alexander, our Canine Behaviorist serving north Alabama, is starting a referral program that benefits verified 501(c)(3) rescues.

Every dog deserves a chance at a proper integration and a great life!

03/09/2024

We often get asked, “Can this problem be solved?” The most honest answer we can give is to say, “Dogs are individuals, and every family is composed of unique dynamics. Limitations may exist based on both of those factors, but we firmly believe every problem can be addressed to a degree that increases your dogs and, subsequently, your quality of life.”

We urge our clients to set goals that are achievable while working to solve the underlying issue. We are here to guide you, empower you, and teach you how to set and achieve these goals.

29/08/2024

What does a healthy relationship with your dog look like to you?

We ask because your perception of what a healthy relationship between your dog and yourself undoubtedly influences behavior issues, listening abilities, and overall happiness of your dog. We are not lecturers. We are not preachers from a moral high ground.

Rather, we want to pass our knowledge to you. We want to empower you to change your own relationship with your dog through our guidance, teaching, and knowledge. We ask from a place of true compassion and care. We would love to hear your answer in a comment or message!

14/06/2024

Does your dog listen to you wonderfully in familiar environments such as your house, but your dog won’t listen to you at all if it’s off-leash in new outdoor environments?

If so, we have some good and not-so-good news for you!

The good news is that your experience is normal. The bad news is that your experience is normal.

Off-leash obedience is riddled with distractions for the dog. The pop-culture reference of “SQUIRREL!” cannot fit a situation better than a dog that is not well-versed in listening off-leash outside than a dog outside off-leash. The sights, smells, and sounds overtake the dog’s senses, and who can blame the dog? The world is a wonderful place!

We are here to help you achieve your off-leash obedience dreams and desires with your dog. There is a process to training advanced off-leash obedience. It is actually very do-able.

Ask us how. We would love to empower you and help you change your relationship with your dog from one of worry and stress to one of confidence and connection.

10/06/2024

We were contacted by Karen Chillcott of Victory Alliance Ranch Inc. in Huntsville, Alabama, for help with the most precious pittie any of us have met.

Stevie is a wonderdog. Stevie was adopted from Notorious D.O.G Dog Rescue in the Huntsville area after she had lived a very hard life of mistreatment and starvation.

However, through proper decompression time, vet care, and love from her new human, Karen, Stevie has turned into the most love giving and fun loving dog on the ranch!

Stevie is doing well after her first 2 sessions with Karen gaining knowledge, guidance, and experience from Sarah Alexander.

We are very proud of Karen, the Victory Alliance Family, and all who helped save Stevie!

We can’t wait to see how far these two go together!

02/05/2024

Birmingham and Huntsville dog lovers, are you considering hiring a dog trainer?

If so, booking a phone consultation just got easier than ever!

Click the Calendly link below to find a convenient time to speak with our team!

https://calendly.com/mcdonaldcanineacademy/15minphoneconsult

12/12/2023

Max and Molly are ready for adoption! They've had all their shots, spay and neuter surgeries, have been leash trained and are super sweet!! They're around a year old, so they're past that puppy stage, They are very affectionate, especially Molly, and will make someone the best pets ever. They would like to be adopted together, but we are considering separate adoptions. Please share and help them find the loving home they deserve. They are at the vet's office right now in Eclectic but I can transport them to you. Call me or PM me with any questions.

09/11/2023

McDonald Canine Academy is excited to announce that we are expanding our service area to the Gadsden and Greater Huntsville Metro areas! We offer private, in-home dog training in the convenience and comfort of your own home and the dog's home environment. Sarah Alexander works with clients from the Gadsden to Huntsville Metro areas.

Sarah, a native of Birmingham and current resident of north Alabama, began formally apprenticing under Kevin McDonald in early 2022; however, Sarah's passion has been dog training since she was a teenager.

Sarah believes the bond between owner and dog is often forged strongest during the training process, whether that training falls into the basic manners category or problem area category.

She has a heart for the dogs considered "too far gone" for help. Sarah does not believe a dog cannot improve and make progress which fits squarely with our vision at McDonald Canine Academy.

Any age. Any breed. Any problem.

26/09/2023

LOVE LABS? These two are looking for a new home!! These sweet puppies were abandoned three months ago and are desperate for a loving family. Neighbors have been feeding, giving water and meds. Adopt the male or both dogs and receive complimentary in-home training by Kevin while they adjust to your home. Initial vet bills are covered!
(Posted with permission by one of the neighbors, Renee Taliaferro. Please share this post and help us find these puppies a home asap! PM me or Kevin with questions. )

16/08/2023

Does your dog climb on things it shouldn’t?

11/08/2023

Puppy biting is a normal part of a puppy's development. However, the biting should not be dismissed as an act that can't or shouldn't be managed. Addressing this correctly can be tricky. By not managing biting at all, there is a risk that you may be considered a weak family member. Conversely, by managing biting in an overly negative way, there is a risk that the puppy may feel as though play is wrong. When a puppy feels play is wrong, there is an increased chance that the important developmental experiences learned through play may have a negative association, which can affect social skills later in life.

15/07/2023

Welcoming a new dog into your family is an exciting experience. It is natural to want to let your dog explore its new home and environment in hopes it will feel part of the family and more relaxed. However, did you know that limiting the number of new experiences that your dog has per day is beneficial for the first few weeks?

Gradually introducing your dog to different parts of your family’s home and life helps the dog remain less stressed during the transition from its previous living situation to becoming a beloved member of your family. By keeping your dog’s world small for the first few weeks, you will help your dog feel safe in enjoying the world at large as a member of your family!

01/06/2023

Summer break is here!

Summer is a wonderful time to welcome a new furry family member! Starting out those puppies or older pooches in the right direction for your family is one of the core beliefs of McDonald Canine Academy.

If you have a new puppy or older dog that has come home recently, feel free to reach out to us. We can help you get the puppy or new dog fitting into your family the way you’d love!

We offer our private, in-home dog training services in the Birmingham Metro area and now the Huntsville and Gadsden Metro areas!

www.McDonaldK-9.com
(205) 978-8799

11/11/2019

29/07/2015

The primary cause of misbehavior in dogs is found in how they are parented, not genetics. Support great dog parenting and advocate against breed specific legislation.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fight-BSL-in-Homewood/1612426355676688

Animal lovers, advocates and concerned citizens fighting to protect the right to own specific breeds

21/03/2015

Keep up the great work, Teri & Aria!

19/09/2014

The greatest gift you could ever give your dog is YOU. Toys and treats are empty calories for a dog's emotional nutrition. They only give temporary satisfaction. Guidance and structure filled with love are the true path to a dog's emotional health.

23/04/2014

After realizing they needed help, the Heimburger's called McDonald Canine Academy. Within a few weeks they had corrected all of Georgia's behavior problems a...