Welcome to Bella's K9 Academy

At Bella’s K-9 Academy, we train both dogs and their people. Our goal is to help you understand how your dog learns and build a stronger bond. We offer an 8-week Basic Obedience class (Level 1) where you'll teach your dog essential commands like sit, down, stay, come, and polite leash walking—helping curb common issues like jumping, pulling, and door-darting.

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Meet Our Border Collies

We’re proud to share our lives with three amazing Border Collies—each with unique talents, personalities, and accomplishments. From agility and obedience to herding and rally, they’ve excelled in the ring and brought endless joy to our home. Get to know Cinaed, Tally, and Piper below!

Cinaed

Cinaed is our 12-year-old male and now enjoying retirement. Over the years, he earned titles in Obedience, Rally, Agility, and Herding—always eager to work and full of heart.

Tally

Tally is our 10-year-old girl, retired due to cataracts. She earned her Grand Championship in conformation, became a Rally Champion, earned her Utility Dog title in Obedience, and holds multiple Herding titles.

Piper

Piper is our 3-year-old rising star. She earned her Grand Championship and completed all three Obedience titles—CD, CDX, and UD—before turning three. She’s also titled in Rally and Herding. Her journey is just getting started!

Comfortable, Clean, and Secure Boarding.

At Bella’s K-9 Academy, we take pride in providing a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for your dog while you're away. Our boarding facility features indoor kennels with raised beds, fresh water, and proper ventilation to ensure your dog feels right at home. Each dog has access to our large, shaded outdoor play yards for regular exercise and enrichment.

Whether your dog is staying overnight or for an extended visit, they’ll be cared for like family. We maintain a clean space with daily sanitation and individualized care. Your dog’s safety, comfort, and happiness are our top priorities.

📸 Photos above show our kennel spaces and spacious outdoor areas where dogs can relax and play.

Boarding Rate: $25 per night — Includes Kentucky sales tax.

Upcoming Classes

September 6, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. (Saturday)
Level 1 Obedience
8-week class

September 11, 2025 - 7:45 p.m. (Thursday)

Tricks Class

*No Pre-Requirements*

5-week class *$125.00

September 27, 2025 - 12:30 (Saturday)

Level 2 Obedience

*Must have taken Level 1

8-week class

October 7, 2025 - 12:00 Noon (Tues)

Level 1 Obedience

8-week class

October 30, 2025 - 6:00 p.m. (Thurs)

Level 1 Obedience

8-Week Class

Important: Puppies must be at least 4 months old and have received their Rabies vaccination to attend Level 1 Obedience classes.

Class Fee: $200 for an 8-week course (1 to 1.5 hours per week). Includes Kentucky 6% sales tax.

Classes That Strengthen Your Bond

Basic Obedience class is for the beginner where you will teach your dog how to sit, lay down, stand, sit stay, come when called and walk politely on a leash. The behaviors that you will teach your dog will help with such things as jumping on people, darting out doors, excessive pulling on the leash, and other common household problems.

Level 1 – Basic Obedience

The Level 2 class starts polishing the work that we started in Level 1 and gets the owner and dog started on off-leash work, like an off-leash recall with more distractions, longer distance and more distractions on the sit stay, a down stay, and a finish after the recall (getting the dog back to your side), and begining a moving down (down while the dog is in motion).

Level 2 – Obedience

Rally has courses that you follow performing obedience excercises according to signs on the course. You will use all the excercises learned in Level 1 (required prior to taking this class) and learn some new manuvers also. It is an AKC venue that your dog can title in, or just have fun with. For more information on Rally, please visit the AKC website at www.akc.org.

Rally

Other advanced classes include Off-Leash (working with your dog off-leash), Novice Ring Prep (learning how to perfect Novice exercises and ring etiquette for those considering competition), Advanced Rally (teaches the exercises for the upper Rally levels and works the dog off-leash), and Trick Classes (a fun way to build engagement and teach your dog entertaining and useful tricks while strengthening your bond).

We also offer private lessons for those looking to focus on specific obedience goals or prepare for Rally competition at their own pace.

Other

Meet Bella Gaudette

I’ve been training dogs since 1984, when my husband spotted an ad in the local paper for dog obedience classes and suggested I take our new puppy. He had no idea what that one suggestion would spark — a lifelong passion.

Since 1992, I’ve had the joy of owning and

showing Border Collies. Today, my husband and I share our home with three wonderful companions:

Cinaed, a twelve-year-old male with titles including PT, BN, UD, RM, NA (Novice Agility), and NAJ (Novice Agility Jumpers), HXAsd (herding excellent on both sheep and ducks). He’s currently retired and relaxing at home.
Tally, our sweet ten-year-old female is also titled in many venues. She is a Rally Champion, UD (Utility Dog), a breed Grand Champion, and also has some herding titles. Tally is also retired from competing because of cataracts but still enjoys farm life here with us.
Piper is currently 3 years old and already is a breed Grand Champion, has Rally titles, herding titles, and completed her UD when she was just 2. She thoroughly enjoys competing and hopefully has a long career ahead of her.

I began teaching dog training classes as a member of the E-town Dog Training Club. When the club dissolved, Dr. Brown of Helmwood Vet Clinic invited me to continue offering classes at his clinic — and from there, the business grew.

My philosophy is simple: A well-trained dog is a happy dog. Obedient dogs enjoy more freedom and closer bonds with their families because they understand their boundaries. I also believe that obedience deepens the love in any relationship. As the Bible says, “This is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands” (2 John 1:6). I believe that truth applies to our relationship with our dogs as well. The first evidence of love is obedience.

APPROACH

Training with Compassion and Commitment

At Bella’s Dog Training, every dog is treated with patience, respect, and a deep understanding of how they learn. With decades of experience and a true love for animals, Bella uses proven, compassionate techniques to strengthen the bond between dogs and their people.

We believe that clear communication and consistent expectations lead to happier, more confident dogs — and more joyful homes. Whether you're working with a playful puppy or a seasoned companion, we’re here to help guide the journey with kindness and clarity.

Training isn’t just about obedience — it’s about building trust, encouraging growth, and creating lifelong connections.

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Clients Are Saying

Bella is an AMAZING Teacher. LoKi has learned so much in this class. Looking forward to Level 2.

Manuela

“Bella’s training gave me the tools and confidence I needed to communicate with my dog. The classes were supportive, effective, and made a huge difference in our daily life. I can’t recommend Bella’s K-9 Academy enough!”

Carmen

“After a past attack, I had a lot of anxiety about being in public with my Great Dane. Bella helped me rebuild my confidence and taught me how to train him to listen and stay calm. I finally enjoy being out with my dog again.”

Jason

FAQ

Your Questions, Answered

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What types of classes do you offer?

We offer structured obedience training starting with Level 1 (Basic Obedience), Level 2 (Intermediate), and Rally-O classes. Each class builds on the last and is designed to strengthen communication and teamwork between you and your dog.
How do I sign up for a class?

To register, simply fill out the class application form right here on the website. After submitting the form, you’ll receive instructions on how to send in your $50 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot. The remaining balance is due on the first day of class (cash or check only).
What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash or check only. We’re unable to process credit or debit cards at this time. Please make checks payable to Bella’s K-9 Academy.
What should I bring to the first class?

Bring your dog’s shot records and some small, soft training treats your dog loves (like hot dogs, cheese, or Pupperoni). Also bring your dog on a 4–6 foot leash — leather or nylon webbing is best. Retractable leashes are not recommended.
Where are classes held?

Classes take place at Bella’s K-9 Academy, located at 1248 Woodland Drive, Elizabethtown, KY. It’s the building with the chain link fence behind the hospital, next to the locksmith and across from the movie theater.
Can I join a Rally class right away?

Rally classes are open to dogs and handlers who have already completed at least a Level 1 obedience class. This ensures that both dog and handler have a strong foundation before moving into more advanced work.
Is my spot in class guaranteed once I register?

Your spot is reserved once the $50 deposit is received. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
What if my dog has shown signs of aggression?

We ask that you disclose any history of aggression on your application so we can determine if the class environment is the right fit. Every dog deserves a chance, and we’re happy to work with you to find the best path forward.
What happens if my dog misbehaves in class?

You’re not alone — dogs are here to learn! We work through behaviors patiently and without judgment. Progress takes time, and every dog learns at their own pace.