It’s all about Communication

We founded Canine Country in order to improve relationships between dogs and owners. We strive to show you and your dog how to better relate to one another using respect, communication and cooperation. Utilizing only positive reinforcement training methods, you and your dog will be treated with kindness, compassion and understanding.

While Canine Country is the premier behavior-based academy for dogs, teaching owners how to communicate and understand your dog’s language is the primary component to our methods.

Plain and simply…

Meet Your Local Officials
(Our Team)

Paula Nowak

Paula Nowak, owner of Canine Country Academy, LLC, began her dog training passion seven years ago by taking her own dogs through various group classes at Canine Country Academy. While she was enjoying teaching her own dogs she was also training sales professionals in the corporate world. She soon realized that training people with dogs brought her much more joy! She started learning all she could about dog behavior and training through books, seminars, conferences and apprenticing with CCA’s founder Cathy Bruce. Paula now runs the business side as well as teaching group classes, private lessons and presenting educational talks with the goal of injecting fun into all aspects of dog training to help dogs and their owners live together happily.

Paula has been featured on Atlanta Plugged In helping even more people learn about various dog training and behavior topics. She also contributes to blog posts including: Brit & Co, Chewy.com and CEO Blog Nation.

She shares her life with her husband Buddy, who has been a huge support in her following her passion of dog training and their four amazing Terriers. Paula has earned her AKC Novice Rally title with one of her dogs, Curly. She has also achieved a NW1 and NW2 title with her dog Molly and looks forward to their first attempt at NW3. Curly also has an Advanced trick dog title through Kyra Sundance’s Trick Dog program. Norby, their 2 year old Toy Fox Terrier, is working on Nose Work Competition and his first Trick Dog Title.

During her training at Canine Country Academy she fell in love with teaching not only her own dogs, but the ability to help other dog/human relationships develop the close bond she experienced through training. Her love of animals dates back to early childhood and continues to grow with each new experience. Over the last 9 years, she has also been involved in rehabilitating Rat Terriers through rescue organizations. She has worked with New Rattitude Rat Terrier Rescue & Adoptions. She also works with Rescue Ranch a local dog rescue organization. Teaching people and dogs has connected her with an amazing organization, Mister Migs, where she is currently partnering as a mentor. Mister Migs makes Dog Gear for Good providing real-life work and community experience to marginalized youth.

Paula is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), AKC Star Puppy and Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Connection, Cooperation & Control – Level 1 Instructor and Certified Trick Dog Instructor through Kyra Sundance’s program. �She is also a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. While educating others is her passion she also takes every opportunity to learn from some of the best educators by attending seminars, conferences and reading their books. These include: Suzanne Clothier (currently working on C.A.R.A.T. 1.2), Clicker Expo speakers, S.A.N.E. Solutions for Challenging Dog Behavior with Kathy Cascade, International TTouch Instructor and more. In 2017, sheattended the Association of Professional Dog Trainers conference in Richmond, VA.

Paula is excited to be a part of Suzanne Clothier and Cindy Knowlton’s newest relationship centered program Connection, Cooperation & Control. She is one of the inaugural pioneer trainers bringing this program to the Southeast. It is absolutely amazing!

Hannah Pemberton

Hannah began her passion for dogs through teaching her childhood dogs basic obedience. Throughout high school she volunteered to socialize and exercise dogs in the county animal shelter, and enjoyed sharing their personalities with adopters. Hannah moved to the Atlanta area in 2016 and took the opportunity to explore dog sports and training. After enrolling her dog, Linus, in Scentwork and witnessing his confidence grow, Hannah knew she wanted to commit as much of her life as possible to helping other owners and dogs. In 2016 Hannah completed the CCA apprenticeship program under the direction of Cathy Bruce where she gained knowledge and practical experience in dog training and behavior. Hannah has a passion for fun competition and looks forward to learning more from every dog and owner and loves currently teaching Puppy and Scent Work classes at CCA! Hannah, her husband Jeff and Linus live under the care of two cats Bagel and Artemis.

Ali Weihl

Ali Weihl has always had a passion for animals. Starting in high school, she was intent on training marine mammals, so she spent one summer volunteering atthe Georgia Aquarium, got her scuba certification, and spent another summer as an intern at the Pittsburgh Aquarium. While at the Pittsburgh Aquarium, she assisted the head penguin-keeper. Then, two years ago, as she worked with a dog and horse trainer in Western Pennsylvania, her passion turned from marine mammals to dogs because of the ability to be more hands-on and utilize more positive reinforcement techniques. After graduating from Saint Vincent College (Latrobe, PA) with a degree in Biology, she moved to Georgia in June of 2013. She started out working in daycare at CCA as well as auditing classes such as Puppy, Scent Work, Reactive, and Rally. Since then, she has advanced to teaching Puppy, Adolescent Pup, Scent Work, Reactive Modules and many other classes. Ali also offers private consults to work in-home or at our facility one-on-one. In order to gain more knowledge and a better understanding of clicker training, she completed a course through the Karen Pryor Academy. She continues her ongoing education by attending seminars on dog behavior and scent work. Ali also works part time with our friends at North Georgia Veterinary Specialists – Rehab Department.

Rachel Emery

Rachel Emery has been passionate about dogs and dog behavior for many years and jumped at the opportunity to work full time with the dogs of Canine Country Academy as the daycare and boarding manager starting in the summer of 2012. After the closing of our daycare and boarding services she transitioned to auditing and assisting in a variety of classes at CCA. Currently, she primarily teaches Puppy, Adolescent Pup, Impulse Control, Scent Work Foundation and Advanced Scent Work. Over the last several years she has attended seminars by Suzanne Clothier, Nancy Reyes, Kathy Cascade, and Nicole Wilde and is constantly seeking out opportunities to learn more about behavior. She has one big dog, Rocky, and a one-eyed cat named KitKat (aka Trouble). She is also a volunteer in the rescue community with a soft spot for Pointer Rescue.

Rachel Anderson

Rachel Anderson has grown to love dogs over the past 5 years. She adopted her oldest dog, Sasha, from the shelter and immediately began learning about dog training and dog behavior. During this time, Rachel was also pursuing her Bachelor’s in Music Education and learning all about teaching and psychology. The principles of learning between children and dogs were very similar, and once Rachel took her first Clicks for Tricks class, the lightbulb went off! Teaching and training are similar and Rachel knew she wanted to help others gain this insight. Sasha went on to be awarded her Intermediate Trick Dog Title through Do More With Your Dog. Rachel and her husband, Keith, then added a puppy to their family – Kirby! Kirby participates in Dock Diving and Scentwork. Rachel has been taking her dogs to CCA for years and was so excited to read about the Apprentice Program. She has been working diligently to learn as much as she can to be able to help families understand their dogs better and have fun doing it.

Explore! (Start Your Journey)

Group Classes

A cost effective way to get you and your puppy and dog training. Classes are typically 6-weeks in length meeting for 1-hour each week. Click a destination below to learn more about the classes offered.

Group Class Schedule

Take Me Straight to Registration!

Private Coaching

We offer custom 60 to 90 minute coaching sessions in the comfort of your own home, at our training facility or out and about.

This is great to get one-on-one coaching for specific skills, address behavioral issues and help you prepare for your new puppy.

Gwinnett County & Surrounding Area

Athens-Clarke County

Virtual Dog Training

Additional Training

Need a professional to jump start your puppy’s training and socialization? We understand you have a busy life with work and family. Our team loves building the foundation to set you and your new addition up for success. These sessions can be done in the comfort of your own home or at our training facility.

Board and Train

Da y Training

Puppy Camp

Behavior Consulting – The Canine Country Approach

At Canine Country, we approach behavior problems holistically: looking at the whole dog – mind, body and emotion – to ascertain the root cause of behavior issues. We work with the dog and owner, together, from the inside out. Because we do not apply typical dog-training “band aids” to treat symptoms, we help you achieve longer and more lasting behavior changes.

When necessary, we also work closely with your veterinary team to ensure that any behavior issues potentially caused by physical problems are brought to light, and that any physical problems can be remedied by a veterinarian expert. If fact, we are proud to have many great cross consulting relationships with veterinary clinics in the area.

%

100% Positive Reinforcement

The use of punishment or aversive techniques can be a recipe for disaster for a dog suffering from reactivity, aggression or fear. Beware of “dog experts” who would try to convince you that your dog suffering from behavior problems is trying to dominate you. In many cases, dogs with these types of problems are dealing with fear issues that have been completely misunderstood or overlooked.

Our role as your behavior consultant is to help you better understand what your dog is communicating, and to fix the root cause of that fear.

Check out our Reactive Dog Program CLICK HERE

Let’s Dig Deeper…

Does your dog suffer from any of the following?

Aggression
Reactivity
Fear
Separation anxiety
Housebreaking Issues
Destructive chewing
Other stress-related behavior problems

If so, please call us directly at (678) 979–2016 or contact us to discuss.

We are happy to customize and quote a tailored, consultative solution for your dog’s particular behavior issues. Generally lasting about 90-minues, our in-home or on-site behavior consultations will HELP YOU get your beloved canine back on the right track to a happy and more balanced life!

Plan Your Trip

Lawrenceville / Gwinnett
975 Cripple Creek Drive
Lawrenceville GA 30043
(678) 979-2016

Georgia

Gwinnett County and the surrounding area:

Group Classes, Private Lessons & Behavioral Consulting

Athens-Clarke County and the surrounding area:

In-Home Training

Things to Do

Upcoming Events

Conformation Workshops with Vicki

Friday, February 7th to Sunday, February 9th at Canine Country Academy in Lawrenceville, GA

Are you looking for an expert to help you take your show dog skills to the next level?

Would you like some one-on-one coaching in this area of dog sports?

Vicki Ronchette from Show Dog Prep School is coming to CCA to help hone your conformation and handling skills before your next show. On Friday, February 7th she will be offering private 30 to 60 minute lessons. On Saturday, February 8th there is a workshop focused on movement and Sunday, February 9th focusing on adding flash to your performance.

To learn more and register visit: CLICK HERE

Weekend with Suzanne Clothier

Friday, April 3rd – Sunday, April 5th

Suzanne Clothier is an International educator who helps people better understand dogs and the relationships we have with them. During her visit to Canine Country Academy she will be offering three days of learning opportunities.

Friday, April 3rd Private Coaching (60-min) – FULL

Saturday, April 4th “What’s the Problem” Workshop

Sunday, April 5th Flight or Fight Workshop

To learn more about each day visit HERE.

Click here to register

Canine Massage for Dog Owners Workshop

Would you like to learn how to help your dog relax? Would you like to help your senior dog have less tension in their body and more mobility? Would you like to help your athletic dog loosen up?

Arlene Johnston from The Dog Masseuse will be hosting an amazing workshop to help dog owners massage their own dog. There are working spots and audit spots available for this 90-minute workshop.

6 Working Spots $75/each

Saturday, January 25th at 5pm

Click Here to Learn more and Register

Are you interested in even more events we are hosting in the future?

We love to host events to provide education, support for our awesome community, and fun! Please follow this link to see a full list of all of the events we have planned…so far!

List of CCA Events

Testimonials

Blog

Is your dog tough on toys?

by Paula Nowak | January 10, 2020 | Featured, Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Many dogs are tough on toys. So many students tell us their dog does not have many toys because they destroy them within the first few minutes. We get it! This is a very common complaint when it comes to dogs versus toys. Dogs are designed to destroy toys. Sure,...

Prepare for Your Puppy – The Stuff

by Hannah Pemberton | April 29, 2018 | Featured | 0 Comments

Deciding to bring a puppy into your life is a big decision! Whether you get your puppy from a rescue group or reputable breeder, you want to make sure you’re prepared. We also want to make sure you’re prepared both mentally as well as having appropriate items (without...

Tips for Introducing Dog to New and Old Friends

by Paula Nowak | March 4, 2018 | News | 0 Comments

Pet greetings can be a complicated business, especially when introducing dogs and humans. Some pets are fine with meeting strangers, while others might need some lessons in dog socialization before they’re ready for an introduction. Meeting old friends can be tricky...

Canine Country

Academy for Dogs