Building Bonds That Last a Lifetime.
Dozer’s Pet Academy improves human and animal relationships through quality, relationship-based training methods.
How It All Began: The Story of Grace & Dozer
When Grace first met Dozer, he was a six-month-old survivor with a difficult past and a long road to recovery. Seeking a way to transform him into a service dog, she reached out to local experts—only to be told that he was "beyond help" and should be given up.
Refusing to accept that any dog is a lost cause, Grace took his future into her own hands. Through patience, empathy, and relationship-based training, Dozer didn't just recover—he thrived. Today, he is a fully qualified service dog who has spent years proving that with the right support, every dog has potential.
Grace founded Dozer’s Pet Academy to ensure no other pet owner has to hear "no." We were born from the belief that every dog deserves a second chance and every human deserves a partner they can trust.
Partnership Through Integrity
At Dozer’s Pet Academy, we believe that training is about building a language of mutual respect and clear boundaries. Whether you are living with a dog, a cat, or any other animal companion, our goal is to provide you with the tools to lead with confidence.
Our philosophy is rooted in the LIMA principles (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive). To us, this is a commitment to professional excellence. We lead with science and structure, ensuring our methods are physically humane while remaining powerful enough to handle the "tough stuff" in real-world living.
Honesty and integrity are the cornerstones of our academy. We don't offer quick fixes—we offer sustainable solutions. You can expect transparent communication from us regarding your animal's progress and the realistic work needed to reach your goals. Our founder, Grace, and her assistant, Kim, provide a professional, judgment-free support system for every household, regardless of the species or the severity of the challenge.
OUR APPROACH
Real Results: A Journey of Healing
When Deanna first adopted Marshmallow, a nine-year-old Maltipoo, they faced a daunting road. Abandoned and struggling with severe separation anxiety and resource guarding, Marshmallow needed more than just basic commands—she needed a relationship built on safety.
Dozer’s Pet Academy stepped in to guide Deanna through the complexities of first-time dog ownership combined with severe trauma. Even after a devastating physical setback during her recovery, Marshmallow’s resilience—and Deanna’s dedication—prevailed.
Today, Marshmallow is a testament to the fact that it is never too late for a second chance. Her story represents the core of what we do: helping dogs and their humans find peace, no matter the obstacles.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
We provide a variety of specialized services tailored to your unique needs, including Private Training, Day School, and specialized Behavior Modification. Whether you're looking for help with a new addition to the family or need support with complex behavioral challenges, our programs are designed to create lasting, positive change. You can view our full list of offerings on our Services page.
-
The best way to begin is to reach out via our Contact Us page or send us a text. We’ll start with a brief conversation to discuss your goals and ensure we are the right fit for your needs. From there, we will schedule your first formal training appointment to begin working one-on-one with you and your animal companion.
-
While our academy is named after Dozer, our expertise extends to all animal companions. Whether you’re working with a cat, a horse, or a pocket pet, we apply the same ethical, relationship-based principles to help your household find harmony.
-
We would love to hear from you! You can reach us by filling out the form on our Contact Us page, or by calling or texting us directly at (219) 299-7063. We aim to respond to all inquiries as quickly as possible to get you the support you need.
-
We are proudly based in Valparaiso, Indiana, and provide dedicated, in-person services throughout the Northwest Indiana region. Our focus is on bringing quality, relationship-based training directly to our local community, ensuring you and your animal companion receive the personalized support you need right where you live.
-
Working with Dozer’s Pet Academy means having a dedicated partner in your training journey. We provide a structured yet empathetic environment where both you and your animal companion feel supported. You can expect clear communication, professional expertise from Grace and Kim, and a judgment-free approach to reaching your goals—no matter how "tough" the challenge may seem.
-
No, because in the United States, there is no legally recognized "certification" or "registration" for Service Animals or ESAs. Websites selling these documents are often misleading. Instead of a piece of paper, we focus on what truly matters: the work.
We provide the rigorous, task-oriented training required for a dog to function as a Service Animal under the ADA. If you are looking to train your animal to assist with a disability, we can guide you through the professional training process to ensure they are reliable, safe, and effective in their role.
-
Absolutely. We believe it is never too late for a second chance. Our methods are specifically designed to address complex behavioral challenges and "tough cases" that others may have turned away. We meet every animal exactly where they are, regardless of their age or history.