About Academy of Canine Excellence
Our Story
“There’s no such thing as a bad dog.”
~ Joe Prendergast, Founder & Master Trainer
At the Academy of Canine Excellence, we believe every dog deserves a chance to succeed. Founded by professional dog trainer Joe Prendergast, our mission is to build unbreakable bonds between dogs and their humans through expert, compassionate, and results-driven training.
Our Story
A Lifelong Passion, Turned Profession
Joe’s love for dogs started at age 11 with a black Lab named Blueberry, a family dog who left a lifelong mark on Joe. From that moment forward, dogs became a part of Joe’s identity. While in college, he got his first dog on his own, a chocolate Lab, and even risked disciplinary action for keeping him in the dorm!.
That passion turned into purpose when Joe brought home Champ, a highly bred black Lab with a lineage of champions for competitive field trials. Realizing he needed help with such a high-level dog, Joe hired a master trainer, and later began apprenticing with him working hands-on with elite dogs. That experience launched a journey of learning, observation, and transformation.
From Helping Friends to Building a Business
What started as Joe helping friends for free evolved into a full-blown career. When a friend insisted on paying for his help, Joe realized he had something special to offer. In 2009, the Academy of Canine Excellence was born.
As the years progressed, Joe balanced a full-time career with part-time dog training, focusing on advanced obedience, off-leash control, and behavioral transformation. When COVID-19 shut down his other work, Joe pivoted full-time into dog training. The response was overwhelming.
Social media videos of Joe’s calm, confident training style and clear communication with dogs went viral in his hometown and beyond. Since then, he’s helped countless families and dogs, earning trust, referrals, and loyal clients from all over.
Programs That Fit Real Lives
The Academy offers structured Board and Train programs:
- Basic Obedience Board & Train: A 2-Week On-Leash Training program covering foundational obedience and leash manners.
- Advanced Obedience Board & Train: A 4-Week Off-Leash Advanced Training program that covers full off leash control and confidence.
- Custom Programs – for severe behavior issues, longer-term cases, and special needs dogs
Each program includes 2 FREE follow-up In-Home Sessions, homework, and lifetime support. Joe personally delivers dogs back to their homes to ensure proper handoff and training transfer.
A Commitment That Doesn’t End at Pickup
The Academy of Canine Excellence doesn’t just “train and drop.” Joe offers follow-up home appointments (2 free in-home sessions included), private hourly sessions, and ongoing guidance (often at no charge if a family is struggling long after the initial training). The commitment is lifelong, just like a dog’s love.
If you’re ready to transform your dog’s behavior, and your relationship, Academy of Canine Excellence is here to help.
Because we believe what Joe believes: There’s no such thing as a bad dog.
Ready to Transform Your Dog's Behavior?
Take the first step towards a more obedient and happy pet. Schedule your consultation or book a training program today!