MADD K9 Academy exists to make a difference for dogs through balanced training that prioritizes clarity, consistency, and accountability.
Our mission is to help dogs reach their full potential while educating owners to lead with confidence, creating calm, reliable, and fulfilled canine companions.
RELATIONSHIP, BALANCE, TRUST.
At the heart of MADD K9 Academy is a clear purpose to create meaningful, lasting change in the lives of dogs and the people who love them. Through a balanced training approach rooted in clarity, consistency, and accountability, we help dogs understand what is expected of them while building trust, structure, and confidence.
Our mission goes beyond teaching obedience. We focus on developing well-rounded, mentally fulfilled dogs who can thrive in real-world environments, at home, in public and within their families. By addressing behavior at its root and tailoring training to each individual dog, we unlock their true potential and set them up for long-term success.
Stronger Bonds. Better Behavior.
FOUNDER & HEAD TRAINER
My name is Alyssa Eckerd. I’m the owner and head trainer of MADD K9 ACADEMY LLC, where my mission is exactly what the name stands for: Making a Difference for Dogs. For the past several years, I’ve dedicated my life to helping dogs and their owners build clear communication, mutual trust, and lasting results through balanced training.
I believe in meeting each dog where they are and using fair, effective methods that combine structure, accountability, and positive reinforcement. My passion lies in creating reliable, confident dogs both on and off leash, while empowering owners with the knowledge and skills they need to maintain success long after training ends.
I share my life with three dogs who represent my training philosophy and experience. Boss, my 7-year-old Keeshond, is my company’s demo dog and a certified therapy dog. We have competed together in multiple AKC sports, and he plays a huge role in demonstrating obedience, engagement, and versatility. Attila, my 4-year-old German Shepherd, is trained in a sport called PSA, which encompasses high-level obedience and protection work. She showcases the importance of structure, drive, and clarity in training. Denji, my 3-year-old Shiba Inu, has completed his AKC Championship title and loves hunting small game, proving that even independent breeds can thrive with the right guidance and balance.
At MADD K9 Academy, I specialize in on and off-leash obedience, while also offering behavior modification, puppy development, and personal protection training. Whether you’re working through behavioral challenges or simply want a well mannered companion, my goal is to help you and your dog succeed as a team.
Training isn’t just my profession, it’s my passion. I’m committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of dogs and the people who love them.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What happens after training?
After your dog completes the program, we focus on owner transfer, teaching you how to communicate clearly and maintain your dog’s training at home. You’ll receive hands-on guidance, personalized instructions, and ongoing support so the results don’t stop when your dog leaves our care. Training is a lifestyle, and we make sure you’re fully confident moving forward.
Will my dog miss me or forget about me during their time away?
This is one of the most common concerns, and completely understandable. Dogs don’t experience time, memory, or absence the way humans do; they live in the moment and do not have the same sense of object permanence that we do, similar to young children.
While your dog will absolutely recognize and be excited to see you again, they are not sitting around feeling abandoned or distressed. Instead, they’re focused on daily routines, structure, and learning, allowing them to build confidence and clarity in a calm, predictable environment.
Will the training transfer back to me when my dog comes home?
Yes, and this is a critical part of the program. We provide hands-on owner transfer sessions so you understand how to communicate clearly, maintain structure, and reinforce your dog’s training in everyday life.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept a wide variety of payment methods for your convenience, including credit and debit cards (via Square), Apple Pay, Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, check, and cash. We also offer payment plans for qualifying programs, which can be discussed during your consultation to find an option that works best for you.
OUR BOARD & TRAIN SERVICES
Board & Trains start at $3200
Reliable obedience starts on the leash. This program teaches clear communication, leash manners, and consistent responses that create calm, controlled walks and focused behavior around distractions.
Puppy Bootcamp
Give your puppy the right start during their most important learning phase. This program builds foundations in manners, confidence, and engagement while preventing common problem behaviors before they begin
On-Leash Obedience
Designed for dogs struggling with reactivity, fear, anxiety, or aggression. We focus on changing emotional responses, not just suppressing behaviors, through structured training, clarity, and confidence-building.
Off-Leash Obedience
Take your dog’s training to the next level with freedom and reliability. Off-leash obedience focuses on responsiveness, impulse control, and real-world proofing for dogs ready to work beyond the leash.
Behavior Modification
Additional Services
Private Lessons - Starting at $600
One-on-one coaching tailored to your dog and your lifestyle. Private lessons are ideal for owners who want hands-on guidance while building strong communication and clarity at home.
Doggy Day School - Starting at $1950
Your dog trains during the day and goes home tired, fulfilled, and smarter. Perfect for busy owners who want structured training without an overnight stay, or as a stepping stone into more immersive programs.
“The Foundation Dog” Training Program
The Most Effective Way to Transform Your Dog
Our Board & Train program is designed for owners who want real results—faster. Your dog lives and trains with a professional trainer, receiving structured, daily training in real-world environments to build reliable obedience, improved behavior, and lasting confidence.
Why Board & Train Works:
Unlike weekly lessons, Board & Training immerses your dog in consistent training from morning to night. This accelerated learning environment allows us to address obedience, manners, and behavior challenges at a deeper level—creating clarity, structure, and accountability your dog can understand.
What’s Included
• Daily, structured dog training with a professional trainer
• Real-world proofing around distractions, people, and environments
• Obedience, leash manners, and behavior foundations (customized to your dog)
• Clear communication systems tailored to your dog’s needs
• Owner transfer lessons to ensure you can maintain results at home
Perfect For Dogs Who:
• Need faster, more reliable results
• Struggle with leash pulling, reactivity, or impulse control
• Have busy owners who want professional handling
• Need structure, consistency, and clear boundaries
Your Dog Comes Home Trained—You Come Home Confident
Board & Training doesn’t just train your dog—it trains you. After your dog completes the program, we provide hands-on transfer sessions so you understand the system, the tools, and how to maintain your dog’s progress long-term.
What Our Clients Say
“Alyssa’s training is the absolute best. I was really struggling with a newly adopted puppy, after a few independent sessions and us getting to know Olive, I decided to go with a 6 week board/train to help with the unique issues Olive and I facing. Throughout the entire time, Alyssa kept me updated with where they were at with training and almost daily pictures, I was able to visit Olive and see the results as the training went on + get hands on training myself. After the six weeks were up, I came home with a balanced dog. Olive understands how to turn her brain off now! From never being able to settle, to choosing to relax without a command. Olive is much calmer and happier. The best part is Alyssa gave me the knowledge and tools to understand how my dogs brain works to keep her happy and to keep my peace which has been the ultimate best help. It’s also been incredibly easy to transfer the training from Alyssa’s environment to my own home, I knew how to correct the couple bumps we did have and after the first week everything has been amazing. It’s been two months now of Olive being home and Alyssa’s board and train program was absolutely worth the time and money.”
- Dolores Ackerman
“My puppy is a recent graduate of MADD K9 Academy,and we couldn’t be happier. The communication and attention to detail was fantastic. True professionals and highly knowledgeable. My dog is doing great and the ongoing support is second to none. If your pup is in need of some training, I would highly recommend them.”
- Ross Fichera
“Alyssa has a very informative understanding of dogs. Is clear and transparent with her training and is very corporative. A Great Trainer! 🐾”
