Anything is Paws-ible at Wilson’s Dog Training
Hannah Chatterton - The Forgottonia Times™
The Wilson's original barn in 2016
In the quiet and open countryside outside of Cuba, a bright red barn echoes with the sounds of joyful barks, wagging tails, and the beating of so many sets of four little paws running around. Welcome to Wilson's Dog Training, a family-run haven where even the "worst of the worst" pups are given a loving hand, a warm bed to board, and a trainer that knows how to work individually with them.
Brian and Carla Wilson didn't set out to create one of the area's most trusted dog boarding and training operations. In fact, before he was ever known as a dog trainer, Brian spent seventeen years as a boat captain, navigating rough waters rather than "ruff" dogs. It was a venture into making dog treats from invasive Asian carp that steered the Wilsons into the canine world—but they quickly realized they'd need more than a product to make a lasting impact.
So the Wilsons pivoted. Brian enrolled in dog training school in 2017 and followed that up with further advanced education. Soon, he discovered he had a knack for working with dogs, especially the ones others were too quick to give up on.
"We think aggressive dogs need help," Brian says, "not just tolerate the behavior or give them away."
Wilson's barn as it looks today, refurbished and ready to welcome your pup!
From House to Barn to Beacon
Wilson's began humbly, operating out of the Wilsons' home in 2017. But by 2021, they'd moved the growing operation to a refurbished barn on their property. Now with room for 50 dogs to board and a dedicated team of 15—including three trainers, a kennel manager, and kennel techs—it's become a bustling hub of activity and compassion. An addition in 2023 expanded their training space even more, and another is already on the horizon.
Unlike many facilities that keep dogs crated for much of their time boarded, Wilson's emphasizes human interaction and tailored routines. They use a "crate and rotate" model, making sure every dog gets meaningful time outside, either alone or with companions, depending on their personality and behavior. Every decision is as individualized as the dogs themselves.
"There's no strict time for outdoor play," Brian explains. It varies by breed, energy level, and the weather. Their goal is always the same— "a tired dog is a good dog."
The Aggression Whisperers
Wilson's success rate with difficult cases is so high that they're often sought out by clients as far as Chicago, Peoria, St. Louis, Iowa, and sometimes beyond.
Their boarding program for aggressive dogs is as thoughtful as it is effective. Before an aggressive or anxious dog ever stays overnight, owners are encouraged to walk their pup around the property several times, familiarizing them with the sights and smells. One particularly reactive dog went through this process, slowly building trust with each visit. When the day came for the hand-off, Brian simply took the leash—and the dog, calm and unbothered, was ready for his stay.
This blend of patience, respect, and training savvy is what sets Wilson's apart.
Training Humans
Wilson's approach to training is refreshingly honest: "We're training the human, not the dog," Brian laughs.
Their flagship programs are the "Board and Train" options—either two or four weeks long—where dogs stay on-site and receive intensive training, followed by equally crucial education for their humans. Once owners are reintroduced, Brian and his team focus on teaching them how to continue the training at home.
The methodology is simple but impactful:
Motivate – Use rewards or treats.
Communicate – Be clear on what you want the dog to do.
Show them – Through luring and demonstration.
Shut off pressure – Let them absorb.
Name behaviors – Put the command name to the action: sit, stay, come.
Master Coach – Support and guide.
Correct unwanted behavior – Only when necessary.
They also take their training dogs on "field trips," to places like Farm King to give the dog a new environment and distractions to have to overcome. Brian also offers one-on-one leash training and behavioral consultations for those not ready for the full board-and-train experience. Group classes have been phased out in favor of more customized attention, though Brian continues to offer free group training sessions every other Saturday at the Macomb Farmers Market.
As a side business, Brian runs "Morel Dogs," where he trains dogs to hunt for the elusive morel mushrooms. Brian has a particular soft spot for his yellow labs, whose high energy and instincts make them naturals for the task.
The Doggy Day Care Bus
If you can't make it to the barn, don't worry—Wilson's might just come to you.
Every weekday, a doggy daycare bus picks up dogs in the Canton and Wee-Ma-Tuk areas. Outfitted with crash-proof Ruff Land kennels, the bus ensures safe, secure transit to and from the facility for both daycare and boarding services. It's one more way the Wilsons go above and beyond for their clients.
And with staff on-site from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. every single day of the year, Wilson's doesn't just preach dedication—they live it.
A Culture of Care
One of the most refreshing parts of Wilson's Dog Training is the sheer love that radiates from every corner of the barn. From the bath and grooming station to the four sprawling fenced yards where dogs romp and socialize, it's clear that this place isn't just about correcting behaviors—it's about celebrating the joy dogs bring.
They're motivational trainers at heart: fair, firm, and deeply respectful of each dog as they are. "We're humans—they're dogs," Brian says. "Respect them for that."
Always Welcoming
Thinking about boarding, grooming, or training your dog? Wilson's is always accepting new clients—and always ready to help, no matter your pup's background or quirks.
Whether you're dealing with leash pulling, separation anxiety, or full-blown aggression, chances are Wilson's has seen it, trained it, and transformed it. And you'll leave with a tired, happy, better-behaved dog—and maybe a few life lessons of your own.