Welcome to Midwest Canine Academy

Do you want a more personal, intimate atmosphere while training your dog?  Semi-Private Classes may be for you.  We will train in your neighborhood with your friends, family, and neighbors. The class will be tailored to fit each client's needs.  Price is determined by location and number of dogs attending class.  Nights, days, and weekends are available.  Call Sue for more information.  

815-590-8008  or s.jakobs@comcast.net

Training early is easier than untraining later!

I run a dog training column in the Sauk Valley Sunday's bi-weekly Pet World section on the front page.  Go to www.saukvalley.com and search my name (Susan Jakobs) to review all of the columns written since January.  Topics range from puppy biting to housetraining. 

Let me know via email if there is a subject you would like addressed.  You may see it answered next Sunday. 

It has been proven that early exposure and training helps build a better canine partner.  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.

Susan Jakobs, owner of MCA, is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (since 2002) and Therapy Dogs, Incorporated (since 2001).  Susan also trains with CM Academy of Dog Training, Professional Service Dogs, Inc., International K-9 Operations, and Dog Builders.

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.