Meet Sean Miller

President and Training Director

Sean Miller has spent over 20 years as a professional trainer, turning a lifelong fascination with animal behavior into a career dedicated to excellence in the industry. As the founder of American Canine Academy, LLC, Sean’s mission is simple: to exceed client expectations by delivering results that restore harmony to the home.

Sean’s path to becoming a Behaviorist and Training Director is as diverse as the dogs he works with. Originally educated in fire science and business, Sean spent a decade as a serious hobbyist, including a rigorous three-year internship alongside police and military trainers in the Midwest. This foundation in high-stakes, high-performance training defines his approach today, whether he is working on pet obedience or complex behavior modification.

A true “trainer’s trainer,” Sean has dedicated his career to advancing the craft. He has provided trained dogs for television and commercials, consulted on service dog programs, and developed community safety initiatives for local police departments. Beyond his work with clients, Sean has spent his professional career mentoring and developing new trainers in an effort to raise the standards of the dog training community as a whole. Outside the training field, Sean loves motorcycles, fishing, the outdoors, and is a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, bringing the same discipline and focus from the mat to his work with every client.

Professional Credentials & Distinctions

Sean’s expertise is recognized both in the courtroom and on the world stage:

• Court-Certified Expert Witness: Recognized expert in canine behavior, training, and husbandry.
• World-Class Decoy: Sean was the first American invited to decoy at the Mondioring World Cup (2013) and was ranked #7 in the world as the second-ever American Level 3 Certified Mondioring Decoy.
• Award-Winning Competitor: A winner in Schutzhund and Mondioring sports, Sean has earned titles including SchH1, SchH2, SchH3, and MR1, taking “High in Trial” honors for obedience, tracking, and protection.
• Media Features: Sean and his Belgian Malinois, Knox, were famously featured on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in a segment featuring John Oliver and Samantha Bee.

Head Dog Trainer, Melanie

Facility and Training Manager

Melanie has been a cornerstone of the professional training community since 2018, bringing a wealth of experience in everything from basic puppy foundations to advanced competition-level obedience. As our Facility Manager and Head Trainer, Melanie ensures that every dog in our care receives a high standard of training while overseeing the daily operations that keep our programs running smoothly.

Melanie’s journey began at just eight years old when she trained her first Golden Retriever to become a certified therapy dog. This early success sparked a lifelong mission: she continues to train all of her personal dogs to be CGC (Canine Good Citizen) certified and active therapy dogs. This background gives her a unique perspective on the power of the human-animal bond and the importance of a dog that can thrive in any social environment.

For Melanie, the most rewarding aspect of her work is the “lightbulb moment”—witnessing the transformation as owners move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered. She is passionate about giving clients the tools they need to enjoy a confident, adventurous life with their dogs.

When she isn’t at the facility, Melanie is a dedicated advocate for holistic health. She teaches yoga and fitness classes and stays active in the Colorado outdoors, whether she’s hiking, skiing, or paddleboarding with her dogs.

Areas of Expertise

• Obedience Foundations: Specializing in transforming basic manners into advanced, reliable obedience for dogs of all ages.

• Therapy Dog Preparation: Leveraging a lifelong background in therapy work to help owners develop calm, socially reliable companions.

• Severe Behavior Modification: Human aggression, dog-on-dog aggression, and bite-history cases

• Trick Training: Building engagement and focus through creative trick work and handler communication.

• Facility Management: Oversight of training standards and operational excellence to ensure a premium experience for every client.

Lead Pet Dog Trainer, Jackie

Marketing, Obedience and Reactive Dog Specialist

Jackie is a multi-talented professional who relocated from Washington D.C. to Denver in 2018. With over 15 years in customer service and a background as a professional photographer, she brings a unique creative edge to our marketing content and a deep passion for coaching people.

Jackie’s transition into professional dog training was fueled by her personal experience with a difficult shelter dog. After years of struggling with reactivity and explosive episodes that traditional methods couldn’t solve, she found success through balanced training. Having been in her clients’ shoes—dealing with the stress, isolation, and physical toll of a reactive dog—Jackie is deeply committed to helping owners reclaim their lives and enjoy their dogs again. She believes “good enough” isn’t an option and works tirelessly to ensure every client finds a path to success.

A dedicated student of the craft, Jackie maintains an growth-oriented mindset. She regularly attends seminars and learns from industry leaders to ensure her “toolbox” is always expanding with the most effective modern techniques.

When she isn’t training or creating content, you can find Jackie hiking the Rockies, visiting dog-friendly breweries, or volunteering her time with parrot rescues.

Professional Achievements & Education

• Competition Success: Jackie has earned over 20 titles across both her dogs in Obedience (CGC, CGCA, CGCU, RN, RA, RI), Trick Dog (NTD, ITD, ATD, TKN), Agility (ACT1J, ACT1), and K9 Frisbee (CFD, AFD).
• National Recognition: Qualified for the 12th AKC Rally National Championship and competed in the K9 Frisbee Toss & Fetch Worldwide Championship.
• Continuing Education: Regularly participates in advanced, multi-day seminars hosted by world-renowned trainers to stay at the forefront of behavioral science and obedience training.

Areas of Expertise

• Basic to Advanced Obedience Training

• Reactivity & Behavioral Management: Specializing in helping owners navigate the stress of reactive dogs through structure and balanced communication.

• Competitive Dog Sports: Extensive experience in Rally, Obedience, Agility, and K9 Frisbee Toss & Fetch.

• Trick Training: Utilizing positive reinforcement and precision handling to achieve advanced Trick Dog titles.

• Client Coaching: Leveraging 15+ years of customer service to empower owners with the confidence to handle their dogs in real-world environments.

Lead Pet Dog Trainer, Nicole

Reactive and Aggressive Dog Specialist

Nicole began her professional journey in 2014, but it was her personal quest for growth in 2019 that led her to the world of balanced training—a transition she describes as a career-defining turning point. Today, as American Canine Academy’s Aggressive Dog Specialist, Nicole tackles the cases that others often turn away.

Nicole is famously known at the academy for saying, “I like the mean ones.” This isn’t just a phrase; it’s a reflection of her deep commitment to the misunderstood, the written-off, and the dogs on their final chance. She is drawn to the most challenging behavioral cases because she believes every dog deserves a pathway to rehabilitation and a better quality of life.

With extensive experience in severe human and dog aggression—including multi-bite histories and court-ordered rehabilitation—Nicole utilizes careful assessment and highly structured training plans to address the root causes of dangerous behaviors. Her primary focus is always safety, ensuring that both the dog and the community are protected throughout the process.

Beyond rehabilitating the dog, Nicole is passionate about empowering the person on the other end of the leash. She specializes in coaching owners to lead with confidence, teaching them the precise skills needed to manage high-risk dogs responsibly. By focusing on accountability and realistic boundaries, she helps her clients achieve a level of freedom and stability they once thought was impossible.

A true Colorado native at heart, Nicole lives the lifestyle she teaches. When she isn’t transforming “red zone” dogs, she is exploring mountain trails or paddleboarding with her own pups, living proof of the freedom that comes with clear communication and structure.

Areas of Expertise

• Basic to Advanced Obedience Training

• Severe Behavior Modification: Human aggression, dog-on-dog aggression, and bite-history cases.

• Court-Ordered Training: Expertly navigating the requirements for dogs deemed dangerous or high-risk.

• Handler Empowerment: Advanced coaching for owners to manage and maintain stability in public and at home.

• Client Coaching

Lead Pet Dog Trainer, Jayden

Obedience and Reactive Dog Specialist

An integral part of the American Canine Academy team since 2022, Jayden has developed a reputation for her excellent handling skills and deep understanding of animal husbandry. Her approach to training is rooted in clear communication and the belief that a strong bond is the foundation of all successful work.

Jayden’s expertise in animal behavior began long before she entered the world of dogs. With over nine years of experience working with horses in Colorado, she has successfully “started” three wild mustangs—guiding horses that had never been touched by humans into confident, rideable companions. Her background in diverse disciplines, including dressage, cross-country, and roping, instilled in her a profound appreciation for the trust required to guide an animal through challenging situations.

What Jayden loves most about her work at ACA is the process of building those same bonds with dogs. She finds it incredibly rewarding to watch a dog flourish as they learn to trust her guidance, eventually transforming into the best version of themselves. For Jayden, there is no greater joy than seeing owners achieve the goals they once thought were out of reach.

When she isn’t at the facility, Jayden remains dedicated to the craft of training, whether she’s working with her own dog, Indy, spending time with her horse, or exploring the Colorado outdoors.

Areas of Expertise

• Basic to Advanced Obedience Training

• Behavioral Foundations: Building trust and confidence in hesitant or “untouched” animals.

• Specialized Handling: Utilizing a high-level “feel” for animal body language derived from years of equine work.

• Relationship Building: Focusing on the connection between owner and dog to ensure long-term success.

• Client Coaching

About Our Team...

Join a Team Dedicated to Excellence

The heart of American Canine Academy is a team of specialists who lead by example and set the gold standard for the industry. We don’t just hire trainers; we select individuals characterized by exceptional handling skills, deep animal husbandry expertise, and a relentless commitment to professional excellence.

Our team operates with a permanent student mindset. We believe that true mastery requires a lifelong dedication to continuing education and staying at the forefront of behavioral science. By regularly learning from world-renowned industry leaders, our staff ensures their “toolbox” is always expanding. This dedication to growth, paired with an unwavering respect for each dog’s unique personality, allows us to deliver superior, tailored care that truly transforms lives.

Think you have what it takes to join the ACA family? We are always looking for driven, passionate individuals who are ready to push the boundaries of their craft.

To join our team, fill out our contact us form here.

Clear Communication Through Science-Based Training

Training That Is Positive, Patient, and Practical

At American Canine Academy, our programs are built on the foundation of Operant Conditioning—the scientifically proven method of how animals learn through the consequences of their actions. To achieve true reliability, we utilize all Four Quadrants of Learning to communicate clearly and effectively with your dog.

In behavioral science, the terms Positive and Negative do not mean “good” or “bad.” Instead, they function like math: Positive means to add a stimulus, and Negative means to remove one.

Our Phase-Based Approach

We don’t just train behaviors; we “proof” them for the real world. Our process follows a structured, science-based progression:

• The Acquisition Phase: We begin by using Positive Reinforcement (praise, food, or toy rewards) to “fund” the behavior. We determine your dog’s unique “currency” to build high motivation and clear understanding in a low-distraction environment.

• The Repetition Phase: Once the dog understands the expectation, we build muscle memory through numerous repetitions, slowly introducing mild environmental variables while maintaining a high rate of success.

• The Distraction & Proofing Phase: True obedience is the ability to perform anywhere. We gradually increase environmental pressure—using both our voice and the leash to provide guidance—ensuring the dog can generalizethe behavior. This means they understand that “Sit” means the same thing in your living room as it does at a busy Colorado trailhead.

• The Balanced Result: By using a balanced approach, we don’t just hope for a behavior; we create a reliable, sustainable outcome. We empower your dog with the confidence to make the right choices and provide you with the tools to maintain those results for a lifetime.