About Us
Pawsitive Paw Academy has been offering pet services for over 17 years. What started as class and private training in manners, behavior, and agility has turned into a full service facility including training, daycare, and boarding. Our initial goal was to offer dog owners a positive way of training, fun ways to bond with their dog, and help those dogs who were struggling with fear, anxiety, and other challenging behaviors. The PPA Team brought together their variety of experiences and strengths to develop a positive training program which helps owners build the kind of relationship they had always wanted with their dog. Those goals grew as we wanted to offer our clients a place where their pet can come to play and socialize with others and to stay overnight in a safe and happy environment. Locally owned and operated by members of our own community, Pawsitive Paws Academy is always working to offer the best to our clients.
Our trainers have more than 60 years combined experience in dog training, having trained for the Kirkwood Continuing Education Canine Program prior to starting PPA. We have experiences in many different types of activities and training, including puppy and adult obedience, rally obedience, pet therapy, puppy and adult agility, barn hunt, dock diving, and flyball. As members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, our trainers are always looking to further their education, adding more skills and certifications in training, pet care, and pet first aid/cpr. The PPA team actively participates in many of the activities listed above with their own dogs. For more detailed information regarding each of our trainers and their qualifications, please contact us.
A Note from Connie, Chuck and Dawn
It is with great happiness and sadness we share that we have sold Pawsitive Paws Academy effective January 1, 2026!!! We have loved training and caring for your pets for over 17 years, and we want the very best for them. We proudly introduce Lee and Kaitlin Boyse. Their dog has participated in daycare and boarding here for several years and we have no doubt they will provide excellent care for your pets. Our current staff will still be here caring for your pet. You may even see an original owner around for the next month as we help make this transition seamless and positive for all. Paw Partner is still in place, and confirmed reservations are good to go. All of the PPA contact information will be the same! We feel very confident leaving you in their loving care and are excited for what they will bring to PPA! Many tears are being shed as we prepare to leave our home away from home. We love your pets like our own and wish all of you the very best. Thank you for supporting PPA since 2008 and for being the very best clients we could ever ask for. We have no doubt that the new owners will feel the same! We will miss you all.
Very Sincerely,
Connie, Chuck, and Dawn
A Note from Kaitlin and Lee Boyse
Dear Pawsitive Paws Academy Family,
We are excited to introduce ourselves as the new owners of Pawsitive Paws Academy! It is truly an honor to step into a business that has built such strong relationships with pet parents and provided a safe, loving, and enriching environment for so many dogs. Our top priority is to continue the exceptional level of care and trust that you and your dogs have come to expect. We value the foundation that has been created here and are committed to preserving the heart of Pawsitive Paws Academy while thoughtfully enhancing our services, programs, and facilities over time. You can expect the same dedicated team, familiar routines, and unwavering commitment to your dog’s well-being. Whether your pup visits us for boarding, daycare, or training, our focus remains on positive reinforcement, safety, and creating a fun, structured environment where every dog can thrive.
A little about the new owners: We are Lee and Kaitlin Boyse and we live in Cedar Rapids. We have three young kiddos, ages 8, 6, and 3, a dog, and a cat, Cleo. Our dog, Charlie, has been a guest of PPA for almost four years. Charlie attends daycare typically once a week and is always a guest when we are out of town.
A little about the new Manager, Brittany Bell:
We are excited to welcome Brittany Bell as the new General Manager at PPA. Brittany lives in Cedar Rapids with her 3 German Shepherds and 4 cats. She has known Connie and PPA for 10 years now through classes, daycare and other activities. She is involved in various dog sports such as flyball,
dock diving, disc and has dabbled in agility. She has also been involved in rescue work over the years.
We are especially thankful that Connie Adams will remain with Pawsitive Paws Academy during a transition period to ensure a smooth and seamless change for our clients and their dogs. Her experience and familiarity with the business and our canine guests will help us maintain the trusted routines and high standard of care. We are truly grateful for her continued support during this time. Our new leadership team is looking forward to getting to know you and your furry family
members. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, feedback, or just to say hello—we’d love to meet you!
Thank you for trusting Pawsitive Paws Academy. We are excited for this next chapter and can’t wait to continue serving our community together.
Warm regards,
Lee & Kaitlin Boyse
Owners, Pawsitive Paws Academy
Brittany Bell,
General Manager, Pawsitive Paws Academy