ABOUT US

Get to know us

The people, and the thinking, behind Rochester Canine Academy.

WHO WE ARE

A private studio, built around one idea

At Rochester Canine Academy, we know that you and your dog are unique. One-on-one instruction means that you get exactly what works best for you. What we focus on is what you and your dog need most. Thirty years of training has taught us that the real work isn’t just about teaching commands. It’s helping you and your dog understand each other, so you can enjoy the life you imagined when you brought them home.

OWNER & TRAINER

Hi, I'm Alisson

Working with dogs and their families has been my passion for a very long time. I started training part-time back in 1996, and six years later I made it my full-time career. I’m a graduate of the National K-9 School for Dog Trainers, and I completed the Certified Dog Trainer Program through the International Association of Canine Professionals.

There are a lot of wonderful parts of this work, but my favorite has always been the everyday families. Watching a troubled relationship change and blossom is one of my greatest joys. I don’t just want you to love your dog. I want you to really like them, to crave their company and have adventures together. When we take the time to understand and meet our dogs’ needs, there’s almost nothing we can’t do together.

ADMIN EXTRAORDINAIRE

and I'm Lyss

If you’ve called, texted, or emailed the Rochester Canine Academy since 2021, chances are you’ve spoken with me, Lyss. While I can’t train your dog, I am the one who remotely handles almost all of the rest of the things that make the RCA a well oiled machine. I make sure that Alisson can keep her focus on helping you and your dogs.

I grew up on a working dairy farm in the Catskills, and after moving to Rochester and falling in love with garbage plates (white hots or chicken fingers, mac salad, home fries, all the toppings), I spent a number of years walking dogs and pet sitting before finally talking my husband into letting me get a puppy We chose Alisson to help us train our ridiculous and now well behaved poodle mix, Kaz. Long story short I work here now!

Best part of my remote job? Not having to wear real pants.

Worst part of my remote job? I never get to meet any of your dogs. (So send me pictures!!)

HOW WE WORK

What you can expect from us

Plain English, always

No jargon, no lectures. We explain what we see and why it works in words that actually make sense, so you leave understanding your dog better than when you came in.

No judgment, ever

Whatever is going on at home, we’ve seen it, and we’re not here to make you feel bad about it. We meet you and your dog exactly where you are.

We teach you too

The goal isn’t a dog who only listens to us. It’s a dog who listens to you, in real life, long after the lessons are done. That means teaching both ends of the leash.

GRADUATES SAY IT BEST

Don’t take our word for it!

Alisson explains everything so it’s easy to understand what we were doing wrong and what we need to change.

Tara & Matt S.

Alisson gave us a realistic picture of what we needed to do to better communicate with Maria and create an environment she could thrive in.

Coreen M

Alisson has been wonderful to work with! She has given us so much support in training our rescue dog. I recommend her unreservedly for anyone looking for help with dog training!

Melissa C.

READY WHEN YOU ARE

We can't wait for you to join the RCA family

Call or text Lyss to get started. She’ll answer your questions and help you find the right first step.

or call or text: 585-271-8458