Our Story

The Canine Academy was founded by me, Ben Lay, and is the result of a deeply personal decade-long journey I shared with my dog, Rahja. She came into my life after my second battle with spinal cancer. She was the perfect puppy, but once fully grown, it was clear both of us needed serious training. That training transformed us into a confident, skillful team whose bond had never been stronger.

Fascinated by the training process, I began a journey of research and education on training techniques and canine cognitive behavioral studies as well as direct training under the guide of industry leaders, later becoming a certified Trainer and Evaluator by The American Kennel Club (ID Number: 109227). Then in October of 2019 at the age of 10, Rahja passed from cancer and I knew immediately how I’d honor her life: I’d take everything we’d learned together and use it to help others.

I’m so proud of the dog Rahja was. She was a beautiful ambassador for Pit Bulls, changing the hearts and minds of countless people who met her. She was a critically acclaimed actor on the stage, she volunteered and raised money for The Humane Society and ASPCA, and spent many weekends as a therapy dog in retirement homes and VA hospitals. She led a truly extraordinary life and I am eternally honored to have been her human.

I cannot wait to pass along to you what I learned with Rahja, to teach you and your dog how to get the most out of your relationship, and to strengthen your bond together as a team through trust, obedience, and love.