Canine Cooperative

I cannot say enough about how Canine Cooperative saved our dog and our family! We got our dog, Rex, from an extremely reputable breeder in Alabama. We figured out shortly after bringing him home to NJ that he had some aggressive tendencies. We brought him to three different dog trainers, but his behavior continued to escalate. Our vet suggested we take him to a Behavioral Veterinarian who put him on Reconcile (doggie Prozac). Still Rex’s behavior didn’t improve. In fact it was getting worse! He sent my husband to the ER and the straw that broke the camel’s back was when he went after my son who landed up in Urgent Care. We were looking for dog sanctuaries and even considered behavioral euthanasia. A friend suggested we try Canine Cooperative as a last ditch effort because, despite all his faults, we all loved Rex and giving him up or euthanizing him would be devastating to our family. We contacted Jamie and Sabrina and signed up for the “All-In” Program. What I’ll say about their philosophy is that it’s as much about YOU as an owner as it is about the dog. You need to be willing to put in the work and change some of YOUR behaviors to be successful. We’re over a year out since Rex’s stay and while he’s not a perfect dog, he’s much better and WE know how to read him better and control his situation and environment in order to set him up for success. To anyone thinking about this program, I can’t recommend them enough as long as you are also willing to put in the work!

We recently completed the DIY program, and if you’re reading this, you should sign up! Vicky is the best, and you (and your dog) will learn so much at each session. I hesitated to sign up—with a busy schedule, and a dog that “wasn’t really that bad,” was it going to be worth it? YES—This program changed my husband and I’s relationship with our dog Izze. We had her for about 7 months when we started training (not sure of her age), and she was a ball of energy. She would pull us down the street on walks, have crazy zoomies at bedtime, and bully our older dog when he didn’t want to play. We now have a clear understanding of Izze’s needs and how to keep her happy & fulfilled, and Izze has a better understanding of basic manners & the behaviors we expect from her. As a welcome side effect to training, Izze has been listening better in general (not just when we are working on a certain skill), and has been calmer and more affectionate. Working together daily since starting this program has really strengthened our bond and made our time with Izze more enjoyable. We look forward to bringing her back to Canine Cooperative for workshops now that she is a DIY graduate!

I just wrapped up a 5-day shadow program at Canine Cooperative, and it honestly was the best investment I could have made. Jamiee, Sabrina and Vicky are insanely knowledgeable. I could listen to them in regards to dog behavior, body language and psychology for hours. I was able to tailor my time with them around what I wanted to see or do, which I found to be incredibly helpful in order to expand my own skill set and tool belt as both a trainer and business owner. I made immediate changes to my training programs and business practices not only after I departed but even while I was midst of the shadow program. I saw results for the better immediately, and I am thrilled with the direction things are heading. I am so thankful for the entire Canine Cooperative team and all of the wonderful dogs currently in the All-In Program, especially Jetson, Lemonade and Po (who I was able to do hands-on training with during my time there). If you are considering a shadow program, this is the place to go. I am a better trainer, business owner and human being after leaving there, and I hope to make another trek down to learn from them in the near future.

As a puppy, my Bolognese was trained with an e-collar, leash and verbal commands in a board and train environment. I too was taught how to use those tools properly. The end result was a confident, obedient, happy dog and, a proud owner well-equipped in communicating with her canine. As training is a lifelong process for dog and owner, I continued working with him daily. Our sessions reinforced for both of us, the skills we’d learned. When unexpected life changes occurred, including relocating four times in five years, I let my dog’s training slide. With him ignoring me and all commands, my world rapidly became ruled by seven pounds of fluffy diva. I purchased a new e-collar, sure that we’d quickly regain what had been second nature. I was wrong. We needed professional help. Enter Sabrina Joens, a highly competent, patient and knowledgeable, e-collar dog trainer. Immediately, her genuine concern for my dog and our relationship was apparent. She evaluated my dog’s abilities (and mine) and reviewed what we retained from his original training five years prior. Sabrina recognized that a reboot was necessary for us to return to where we’d been. After determining the proper e-collar setting for my dog and ensuring that I understood the proper placement of the collar, Sabrina utilized the commands my dog and I had originally learned. I watched Sabrina work with my dog, demonstrating the correct use of the collar, commands and leash. I then followed suit, asking questions as I went along, with Sabrina answering each one fully. What Sabrina accomplished in a short amount of time was miraculous. I’ve returned to working daily with my dog and I’ll continue to do so. The change in both of us has been positive and healthy. We are again calm, focused and confident. Thanks to Sabrina’s knowledge of dog behavior, training and e-collar expertise, my dog and I again enjoy our time together and communicate well. Additionally, Sabrina has graciously made herself available to me if/when questions or concerns arise. Her willingness to be there for me and my dog is a reliable and welcome security blanket of reassuring comfort grounded in Sabrina’s finely honed skills, honesty, patience, professionalism and compassion for her clients, both canine and human.