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Amy has more than 14 years’ experience as a central Ohio dog trainer and behavior consultant.
For 11 years, Amy owned and operated Civil Obedience Dog Training (as Amy Flanigan); beginning in 2013, she took several years off to stay home with her children, and has now returned to serving Columbus-area dog owners as the owner of The Collegiate Canine.
Amy has competed for 25 years with her own dogs in multiple dog sports, including obedience, conformation, agility, rally, conformation, nosework, barn hunt, earthdog and lure coursing. Her specialty-winning Scottish Terriers have been nationally ranked in obedience, conformation and agility.
Amy has more than 14 years’ experience as a central Ohio dog trainer and behavior consultant.
For 11 years, Amy owned and operated Civil Obedience Dog Training (as Amy Flanigan); beginning in 2013, she took several years off to stay home with her children, and has now returned to serving Columbus-area dog owners as the owner of The Collegiate Canine.
Amy has competed for 25 years with her own dogs in multiple dog sports, including obedience, conformation, agility, rally, conformation, nosework, barn hunt, earthdog and lure coursing. Her specialty-winning Scottish Terriers have been nationally ranked in obedience, conformation and agility.
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, via rigorous exam).
One of only three CDBCs in central Ohio, six in the state and fewer than 300 worldwide.
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, via exam)
Master of Fine Arts in Writing, Vermont College of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Arts in English, Otterbein University
Completed Dr. Susan Friedman’s 60-hour behavior analysis course, Living and Learning with Animals
Graduate of Michael Shikashio CDBC’s Master Course on Aggression in Dogs
Ongoing coursework at Fenzi Dog Sports Academy and membership in Thrive! Group Coaching for dog training and behavior professionals
Amy loves working with dedicated dog owners who are committed to better understanding and helping their dogs be their best canine selves. She especially likes working with dogs considered “difficult” or “untrainable” by other trainers!
Amy believes that all learners–dogs and people alike–deserve to be treated with patience, kindness and compassion; this means that our training protocols, which are industry-standard and evidence-based, utilize only positive reinforcement. We never, under any circumstances, employ the use of shock, prong or choke collars, or any kind of physical or verbal corrections.
We are also heavily focused on behavioral health for the dog, and this means addressing sources of stress, which are often predictive of problem behaviors. This also means that we like to involve our clients’ veterinarians in behavior and training plans when possible, so that everyone on the dog’s team is in communication and supporting the dog and owner.
We find that when we concentrate on meeting the dog’s species-specific needs before we do anything else, life gets easier and better for everyone.
“We have worked with Amy for several years, with four different dogs. Amy has brought her expertise, wisdom, and compassion to each experience, including one challenging situation. Our dogs have loved working with Amy and we consider her an invaluable resource to our family.”
–Charlotte O. and Kerry
Worthington, Riverlea, Lewis Center, Clintonville, Columbus, Dublin, Upper Arlington, Grandview, The Short North, Italian Village, Victorian Village
We also service clients remotely-ask us which is best for you and your dog!
