Welcome to Midwest Canine Academy

Susan Jakobs, owner of MCA, is considered "The people training dog trainer."  Her primary responsibility is educating the owner about their dog's behavior and how it fits into their life.  An owner's understanding of issues like:  pack order, socialization, separation anxiety, aggression, fear, positive and negative reinforcement etc. is essential when creating a behavior modification program. Susan is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.  Susan also trains with CM Academy of Dog Training, Paws 4 Therapy, Inc., International K-9 Operations, and Dog Builders.

Susan Jakobs is a behavior specialist who has collaborated with Jim Stendfelt and Paws 4 Therapy, Inc for six years.  Since 2001, she has screened over 700 dogs and trained over 175 specifically for the hospital environment.  She developed the specialized temperament-screening tool used for the evaluation and training of dog/handler teams. 

We currently evaluate and train dogs for:  Edward Hospital-Naperville, Northwest Community Hospital (Arlington Heights), OSF St. Anthony Medical Center (Rockford),and Palos Community Hospital.  WELCOME OSF St. Francis (Peoria) our newest client for 2009!. 

Susan has also trained 10 dogs for use in specific, therapeutic programs at Linden Oaks Behavioral Healthcare Facility.  Units include the Child/Adolescent Units, S.A.F.E Alternatives (for treatment of individuals who self-injure), eating disorders, and adult inpatient programs.  In addition, Susan established polices for a resident therapy dog she trained for placement in a residential treatment center for eating disorders.

Contact Sue at 815-590-8008 or s.jakobs@comcast.net

Studies show that early social exposure and formal group obedience classes are critical in building a better dog.  Dogs and puppies benefit from training at ANY age.  Whether your dog is new to your family or you are old friends, training will create a happier household and healthier dog.  A dog that hasn't been given any instruction, training, or boundaries does not know what is expected.  We teach you about canine behavior and help you develop a solid  training program specific for your dog and family.

Our training methods are fun and fair.  Our goal at MCA is to find  the right training method for your dog.  The principles of learning are the same for each dog, but the methods used for specific breeds may vary.

Kodiak Zee Kokoman

7-4-00 to 6-20-2007

Kodiak was a beautiful, silly puppy.  He loved to chase skunks (he was sprayed over 7 times), and as a puppy, he ate tons of cattle manure.  Kody is the reason I became a dog trainer.

My daughter, Hannah, talked so much about her 'brother' Kody that her Kindergarten teacher thought he was a boy.  One day she asked about Hannah's little brother, and we had a good laugh when I told her that Kody was a dog.  As he aged, Kody became Hannah older brother and confidant.  His endless compassion helped us through many difficult years. 

Kody lived for attention.  He was a big hit at pet fairs and school demonstrations.  He taught hundreds of kids how to be nice to dogs , and he brought to joy to everyone he met.   His calm, gentle nature helped me raise and train many puppies.  

His coat was fantastically thick, and he shared it with the world.  If you visited my house it had to be with the understanding that Kody's fur floated and you may see it float by during dinner.  I decorated in a light beige to hide the fact that I am not a great housekeeper. 

Kody and I had the best time training for search and rescue work.  During one training exercise, Jim hid above the river clinging to the roots of a massive tree.  Kody let me know that Jim was near, but I couldn't find him.  Jim's "trust your dog" voice was running through my head as I followed Kody into the muck and water.   Kody was so proud as he pointed up to Jim hanging from a mass of roots.  I let him run and roll in the water getting us both muddy and wet.  That day Kody made me better handler and he gained the respect of Jim (who named him a swamp collie). 

Kody had been ill for some time, and we were with him when he passed.  We laid him to rest next to Ziggy on the farm where he was raised.  It was a beautiful sunset night. 

You are deeply missed and we love you Kody.