Forney Dog Training From Local Experts
Just Down the Road, Built on TrustForney's Closest Certified Training Team
The Service Dog Team Academy is based in Rockwall, just 15–20 minutes from Forney via US-80 — making us the closest certified training option most Forney families have. As Forney has grown from a small Kaufman County town into one of the fastest-growing communities in the metroplex, we’ve grown alongside it, working with everything from newer subdivision families to longtime residents with acreage and more rural properties.
Led by Valerie Fry and Keisha Tucker, our programs range from puppy training and basic obedience through full service dog training — all built on certified, positive reinforcement methods, with no e-collars, prong collars, or corrections.
A Trainer Practically in Your Backyard
Being this close to Forney means shorter drives, more flexible scheduling, and a trainer who genuinely knows the area — not a company dispatching someone from across the metroplex. We work with Forney families on everything from basic manners to more complex service dog training, including reactivity and behavior work for dogs adjusting to new environments as the area continues to grow.
Valerie holds her KPA CTP, ABCDT-L2, AKC CGC Evaluator, and CLASS certifications. Keisha is also an AKC CGC Evaluator and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), a background that shapes how we support Forney-area veterans and clients managing PTSD or anxiety through service dog training. Both administer AKC Canine Good Citizen testing directly.
Dog Training Programs for Forney
Every program we offer is available to Forney clients, with the shortest travel time of any city we serve outside Rockwall itself:
Real Stories From Real Forney Clients
One Forney client came to us for service dog training and reactivity work, wanting her dog to become a reliable task-trained companion for her wife. Keisha and Bailey worked closely with the family to build public settling skills and reduce reactivity to unfamiliar surroundings — the kind of steady, hands-on progress that comes from consistent, patient training rather than a quick fix. Stories like that are why families throughout Forney and the greater metroplex trust us with their dogs’ training — see what our clients have to say.
Forney and the Neighboring Communities We Serve
We're based in Rockwall, right next door to Forney, and also regularly serve Dallas, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, and Lavon across the broader DFW Metroplex. If you're outside central Forney, contact us to confirm availability.
Being based in Rockwall also means we're closely tied to the local community — we're not commuting in from across the metroplex to serve you, and same-day or next-day scheduling is often easier for Rockwall clients than it is for those further out.
Forney Dog Owners Often Ask
Answers to all your pressing questions about our services, our prices, and what to expect with your dog in one of our training programs.
How close is your facility to Forney?
Our Rockwall facility is about 15–20 minutes from most of Forney via US-80, making us one of the closest certified training options in the area. That short distance means more flexible scheduling for in-home sessions and easier drop-off and pick-up for Board & Train.
Do you work with dogs on acreage or rural properties?
Yes. Forney has a mix of newer subdivisions and more rural, acreage-style properties, and we tailor training to fit your specific setup — whether that’s leash manners for neighborhood walks or recall and boundary training for a larger property.
Do you help with reactivity or behavior issues?
Yes. We regularly work with dogs on reactivity, especially as part of service dog training, where public settling and calm behavior around unfamiliar people and environments is essential. We build these skills gradually and consistently, based on where your dog is starting from.
Do you train service dogs for Forney residents?
Yes — service dog training is one of our core specialties, and being so close to Forney means local handlers get some of the most flexible scheduling in our entire service area. Our program covers the full pathway: Board & Train foundation, weekly public training sessions, Canine Good Citizen certification, CGC Urban, and task-specific work.
What makes The Service Dog Team Academy different from other Forney trainers?
Both owners are certified AKC CGC Evaluators, meaning we administer official Canine Good Citizen testing directly rather than referring clients elsewhere. Co-owner Keisha Tucker is also a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, which shapes how we support veterans and clients managing PTSD through service dog training. Every program uses positive reinforcement exclusively.
How much does dog training cost in Forney?
Our pricing is the same for all DFW clients regardless of city. Board & Train is $1,950 with a $200 deposit. In-Home Training runs $150 per session or discounted packages of 3 or 5 sessions. Service dog task training is $1,950 per 12-session package. See our full FAQ page for complete pricing details.
How do I get started?
Reach out through our contact page or call (469) 786-7877. Since we’re right next door, we can usually get you scheduled quickly.