HUBBARD — By adapting its dog obedience training and socialization to a virtual platform, Canine Campus Training and Wellness Center kept its doors open in 2020 and expanded its client base.
Virtual obedience training is beneficial, says owner Katie Costello, because dogs are trained in the environment where the owners were struggling. Virtual offerings expanded into weekly programs, including Living Room Agility and Canine Campus Club.
“Training virtually was a learning curve, but I will never stop this option,” Costello says. “It allows us to do training across the country. I have had clients in Florida, Alaska, Georgia, Colorado, California and Maine, in addition to Ohio and Pennsylvania.”
Trainers hosted Facebook Live sessions with tips and fun things owners can do with their pets while socially isolated, she says.
Founded in 2016, the professional animal training facility works with aggressive and fearful dogs, separation anxiety and resource guarding, as well as obedience training, sports and fun classes. It shut down for three months last year, during which time Costello closed the Boardman location, focusing on her 6041 W. Liberty St. location.
In June, Canine Campus started up with outdoor classes adapted for COVID-19 and extended its daycare service by a day during the pandemic.