Who We Are
To better understand Acme Canine, you need to know how we started.
In 2004 Acme Canine was created to bring professional, knowledgeable and caring dog training out of stores and to the places dogs misbehave the most...the home.
When owner, Laura Pakis, decided on the Acme name, she had not thought of the benefits of having a company name that started with the first letter of the alphabet. Rather it was based on two other reasons. One was the good memories of the nostalgic Acme Company and how it could fix anything. Most importantly, it was the more intellectual reason of Acme's definition meaning "the highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of development". For Acme Canine that means the best trained dogs!
Acme Canine's staff enjoys working with all breeds and all ages of dogs. They are committed to making dogs polite members of society and a joy to own. All members of the Acme Canine staff believe in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and business practice as well as keeping abreast of the latest methods, practices and techniques of dog training. Since its formation, Acme Canine has expanded built a larger facility to better serve the Central Ohio dog owner community. Keeping with its mission, Acme Canine continues to utilize a variety of innovative and individualized techniques to teach dog and owner a positive method of living and learning together.
The International Association of Canine Professionals
The International Association of Canine Professionals is an organization established to maintain the highest standards of professional and business practice among canine professionals.
National Association of Canine Scent Work
The National Association of Canine Scent Work ™ (NACSW) sets the standards governing the sport of K9 Nose Work ™. The NACSW is the only official sanctioning and organizing body for K9 Nose Work titles and ORTs.
The art and practice of nose work has now reached dogs of all shapes and sizes and has made basic search dog skills available to companion dogs, creating a new urban sport arena for dog enthusiasts.
Pet Care Services Association (former ABKA)
http://www.petcareservices.org/
Pet Care Services Association is the non-profit trade association for over 3000 pet care service businesses in the United States and around the world. Only Pet Care Services Association members commit to the Pet Care Services Association Code of Ethics and the Pet Owners' Bill of Rights which assures pet owners that their beloved pets will receive professional, loving care. In addition to pet boarding and dog daycare, Pet Care Services Association members offer a variety of services for your pet including grooming, training, pet transportation, shipping, pet supplies, food sales, etc. Pet Care Services Association offers information, publications, advertising opportunities, education, facility accreditation, meetings and business networking opportunities.
IMS BARTER
National K9 Dog Trainers Association
National K9 Dog Trainers Association Members have achieved professional certification through completion of National K-9's intensive course which includes a combination of: classroom instruction; hands on training experience; written testing, and extensive field evaluation under the supervision of experienced instructors. This program is recognized throughout the United States and around the world.
Orange Township Business Association
Local business owners realized the need for a business association that supported both the local community and the business owner. As a result, the Orange Township Business Association (OTBA) was formed in April 2005. The vision for OTBA is to bring together the small business owners and civic groups and exchange ideas, practices, and support for each other. At the same time, OTBA gives back to the community that supports the small businesses and civic groups.
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
The Dublin Chamber of Commerce is organized to achieve the objectives of encouraging business and community growth and development in several ways Promote programs designed to strengthen the potential of businesses within the area: promoting programs of civic, social and cultural nature which are designed to increase the functional and esthetic values of the community. Discovering and recommend appropriate action on issues and problems which prevent business expansion and community growth. Preserve the competitive enterprise system of business by: creating a more informed business and public opinion regarding city, county, state and national legislative affairs.
Worthington Chamber of Commerce
http://www.worthingtonchamber.org/
The Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce helps area businesses make connections to grow their business. Through our connections and collaborations with business, governmental and community leaders, we strive to enhance the local business climate and build a strong economy to benefit both residents and businesses. The Chamber is committed to providing quality for our members and to foster a spirit of cooperation and innovation between the private and public sectors.
NBC4 REWARDS
NBC4 Rewards is like frequent flyer miles for your tv, and it's so easy to earn points. Watch NBC 4 for code words that appear twice a day. Type in your code word at http://www.nbc4rewards.com and earn points.
You also earn points by shopping at NBC 4's online retail partners -- stores you likely visit almost every week. You can use those points to shop for cool gifts, enter contests and more. The best part is: It's free!
owner
Laura Pakis, owner and founder of Acme Canine, LLC has been a professional dog trainer for numerous years. She feels responsible ownership is an important part of having a dog and guides her business toward providing dog owners with not only training knowledge but also care and understanding of dogs. Laura is a certified in Pet First Aid by the American Red Cross and PetSaver, is AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, AKC PuppySTAR evaluator and soon to obtain her Therapy Dog International evaluator certification. She is certified in breed selection, puppy development, assistance dog training, basic and advanced obedience, Police K-9 and protection training, tracking, E-touch training, Pack to Basics, and pet first aid.
Organized, efficient and precise with strong communications and liaison skills Laura Pakis responds to a client's needs with custom training programs tailored to each customer's goals and dog's needs. Laura maintains memberships with several training and behavior focused organizations as a way for her clients to benefit from the latest knowledge of canine learning theory, canine psychology and behavior modification. To sharpen her skills she attends continuing education conferences and seminars each year.
Laura has been nominated for the Better Business Bureau's Integrity Award and Worthington Chamber's Small Business Person of the Year Award. Recently her business was singled out from among several thousand contacts at more than 700 Angie's List recommended businesses; reflecting the skills, talents and professional reputation Laura has and continues to build in her growing business.
Laura Pakis, CPT, believes in giving back to the community. She has volunteered her services as a Service Dog trainer, taught puppy development through Franklin County's prison program and Tricks for Treats at Bark Til Dark Dog Park. In addition Laura presents child/dog safety at Powell's safety town dog care workshops at her Lewis Center facility, local libraries and schools, as well as written articles for Animal Outreach, Pet Services Journal, Dames Bond Spike's Blog, and The Bark newsletter.
An animal lover at heart, Laura lives with Woofie (a Giant Schnauzer), Spike (a rescued Dachshund/French Bulldog mix), and her cats, Thelma and Louise Laura also has 10 pet laying hens who provide Laura and her clients with fresh eggs daily.
Dog Training Specialty:
Breed Selection
Temperament Testing
Puppy Development
Behavior Modification
Basic and Advanced Obedience
editor of The Bark
Josh Spiert is a veteran canine care assistant here at Acme Canine. In other words, you have probably seen him cleaning up the playroom before classes and escorting countless dogs around the block.
Well, his abilities go a bit beyond the mop and the poop bag. Last June, Josh graduated from Ohio University with a degree in journalism and an environmental studies certificate. Among other things, he enjoys lots of music (with 3,000+ songs on his iPod), films, and long walks on the beach.
Josh moved back to Columbus, his home town, after graduation and began working with us at Acme. Despite his long commute from the south side of the city, he claims to enjoy working here.
He has written a few articles for Acme's blog and newsletter in the past and, beginning this month, he is putting his studies to use as the new editor of The Bark. Feel free to contact him via training@acmecanine.com with any comments, complaints, or newsletter ideas.
trainer
Chris DeBoard is one of our trainers here at Acme Canine. Chris got his Bachelors degree at Ohio Dominican University majoring in Secondary Education. He taught at Beechcroft High School, in the Columbus City School District for 10 years.
After a decade of teaching and training high school students, he decided to change his vocation to teaching and training dogs and their owners.
Chris also is a graduate of Columbus' own National K-9 School for Dog Trainers, having graduated in October, 2010.
Having owned and trained dogs for nearly 25 years, he formalized his training education at National K-9 and has joined us here at Acme Canine with a desire to open up the lines of communication between dogs and owners, making the lives of both more comfortable and rewarding.
Chris is involved in our residential training, our One on One private training and in all of our many diverse group workshops.
trainer
Jillian is the newest trainer at Acme Canine. She is young, but has a true passion for dog training. Jill is the first trainer that owner Laura Pakis and trainer Chris Deboard have ever personally sought out and they say she is already one of the most dedicated workers at Acme Canine.
Jill comes from Nova, Ohio, about two hours north of Columbus. She actually moved to the city the exact day she started working at Acme, which was a major change for her. She brought her three dogs (Savage, Trex, and Gypsy) along with her.
Though Jill is still getting used to the new surroundings, she has settled in perfectly here and is quickly learning the tricks of the trade. She may come off as quiet at first, but this spark plug is always ready to jump into action to help any dog in need of training.
Sometimes it's necessary to have to leave your dog in the hands of trusted others. You need to know that your dog is not only safe and well cared for, but also happy and having a great time at Acme Canine. Our Canine Care staff understands and has been trained to make your dog's needs, safety, and happiness their number one concern. You can feel confident that your dog is in the very best hands when you can't be there.
That friendly voice on the other end of the phone belongs to Mindi. She can assist you with any Acme Canine related question or concern you may have as well as schedule your next appointment with us. She is available to serve you Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm and Saturdays 10:00am to 2:00pm. Should you leave a message, we will return it as quickly as possible and usually within 24-hours.
Mindi is very dedicated to her job and loves dogs! She looks forward to coming into work everyday just to see the pretty faces of each dog that comes through Acme! She is here to answer your phone calls or e-mails and will do her absolute best to meet your needs.
the Demo Dog
Claude's Woofgang (affectionately known as Woofie) is an AKC registered Giant Schnauzer. He is certified as a therapy dog and AKC Canine Good Citizen. Woofie has been trained in support work, search and rescue techniques as well as basic and advanced obedience. He has appeared in Business First and Dog Magazine and on ONN and NBC television. He even has his own commercial! Woofie is a valuable member of the Acme Canine staff. As a demonstration dog, Woofie, executes many of his talents before children and adults promoting dog etiquette and canine relationships.
the Blog Dog
Spike is a French Bulldog/Dachshund rescue who was adopted by Laura. He has been trained in basic and advanced obedience, has achieved CGC certification and is on his way to becoming a therapy dog. Spike loves everyone he meets and is anxious to jump in their lap if allowed. He has appeared in on ONN and NBC television and even has his own blog!
Spike is a valuable member of the Acme Canine staff. As a demonstration dog, Spike executes his talents promoting dog etiquette and canine relationships.
our test kitty
Louise is a shorthair mixed breed cat adopted by Laura. Definitely smart and cute as well. She has an amazing personality and tolerance for dogs. Since Louise is so accepting of canines she has become Acme Canine's office test kitty. You will see her in action during puppy socialization class, with dogs whose new modified behavior needs "tested" as well as meeting and greeting people who visit our facility.
