Obedience, boarding, and behavioral training of dogs of all breeds over 15 pounds

About Ace's Dog Academy — Kiln, MS

Over 20 years of professional dog training in Kiln, Mississippi, serving Hancock County and the Gulf Coast.

About the Academy

Ace's Dog Academy has been training dogs and their owners for over 20 years. Located in Kiln, Mississippi, we specialize in obedience, board and train, behavioral modification, emotional support dog training, and therapy dog certification for dogs of all breeds and sizes over 15 pounds.

Our roots run deep in working dogs. Our sister company, Ace's Retrievers, has been breeding and training championship-caliber retrievers for decades. That background gives us something a lot of pet trainers don't have: a deep understanding of how high-drive working breeds actually think and learn. We bring that same level of professionalism and depth to every dog that walks through our doors — whether it's a Labrador heading into a hunting career or a Doodle who just needs to stop pulling on the leash.

Our approach is built on the belief that successful training starts with building a foundation of trust between you and your dog. We don't just train dogs — we teach owners how to communicate, understand, and work with their canine companions. That's why every program ends with multiple team sessions and free lifetime tune-up support. Once your dog completes a program with us, you have a resource for life.

Our Training Philosophy

We use balanced training methods. That means we use plenty of positive reinforcement to teach new behaviors, but we also believe in clear, fair boundaries when a dog tests them. A dog without boundaries is a stressed dog. A dog with consistent, kind leadership is a happy, confident dog who actually enjoys their training. We use modern e-collars correctly, we don't believe in harsh corrections, and we take the time to teach every owner exactly how to maintain what we've built.

Service Area

Our facility in Kiln, MS sits centrally in Hancock County and serves the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast. We regularly work with families from Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Diamondhead, Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs, and beyond. Many clients drive in from Slidell and southeastern Louisiana, as well as the Mobile area in Alabama. Whether you're looking for intensive board and train or prefer hands-on 1-on-1 sessions, we have a program that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Our Location

5165 D W N Rd
Kiln, MS 39556
USA

A Typical Training Day

Structured sessions with plenty of breaks, socialization opportunities, and individual attention tailored to each dog's needs.

Our Approach

We believe in building trust first, using proven methods that create lasting behavioral changes through muscle memory.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Ace's Dog Academy been training dogs?
We've been professionally training dogs for over 20 years. Our roots are in retriever training and breeding (through Ace's Retrievers), and we've expanded into a full obedience and behavioral training facility serving the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
What training methods do you use?
We use a balanced training approach — meaning we use both positive reinforcement and clear, fair correction when needed. We do not believe in pure positive-only methods that ignore boundaries, nor in harsh punishment-based methods. Our goal is a happy, confident dog who genuinely enjoys working with their handler and respects clear leadership.
Do you use e-collars (electronic collars)?
Yes, we use modern, low-level e-collars as part of our training, primarily during the off-leash phases. Used correctly, an e-collar is one of the safest, gentlest tools available — it's about clear communication at distance, not punishment. We teach every owner exactly how to use one before sending the dog home.
What breeds do you specialize in?
We work with all medium and large breeds — Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Doodles, Mastiffs, Pit Bulls, working breeds, sporting breeds, and mixed breeds. We have particular depth with retrievers given our breeding background, but our methods work across the board.
Where are you located?
Our facility is at 5165 D W N Rd, Kiln, MS 39556 — in Hancock County on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We're a short drive from Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Diamondhead, Pass Christian, Long Beach, Gulfport, and Biloxi.
Do you offer a tour of the facility?
Yes — we encourage prospective clients to come see the facility before committing to a program. Just contact us to schedule a time. You'll meet the handlers, see where your dog would stay, and get all your questions answered in person.
What sets you apart from other dog trainers in Mississippi?
Three things: 20+ years of experience training real working dogs (not just pets), free lifetime tune-up sessions for every program graduate, and a layered training pathway that goes from basic obedience through emotional support and therapy work. We're also locally owned and family operated — when you call, you talk to the people doing the training.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us today to learn more about our programs and check availability.