Copilot Academy operates as a mobile training service in the Killeen, Texas area, with trainers coming to clients' homes and working in real-world settings like stores and parks rather than from a fixed facility. Owner Natalie Shoemate describes herself as a behavioral specialist who apprenticed under the Dog Behavior Program Manager at Austin Pets Alive before starting the company. Her team includes Jenna Garza, who trained at Starmark Academy and previously worked as a veterinary technician, and Madison Clark, who completed Copilot Academy's internal trainer program after training her own service dog through the company.
Their approach, according to their site, combines food, toys, and praise for motivation while using training collars temporarily to discourage unwanted behavior. They describe their goal as building a relationship based on "respect, leadership, consistency, and clear communication."
The company offers puppy training for dogs 10 weeks to 5 months old, private lessons addressing issues like leash pulling and jumping, and board and train programs in 14 or 21 day formats. They also advertise a "Red Zone Dog Training" program specifically for dogs showing aggression, anxiety, reactivity, or bite history, plus support for service and therapy dog preparation. For board and train clients, they state they limit intake to two dogs per trainer at a time and provide daily photos and frequent video updates.
