Canine Inspired Change

I was looking for a way to volunteer with my sweet dog, June, who is a born therapy dog (naturally sweet and LOVES EVERYBODY). Canine Inspired Change was recommended, and from my first interaction and inquiry through the last therapy dog training class and graduation, I have been impressed by their consistent communication, care, and expertise. And I appreciate their trauma-informed approach, with an emphasis on doing your best rather than being perfect. I look forward to sharing sweet June with more people and getting active in the volunteer opportunities that go well beyond petting/sitting on a hospital bed! I love that the therapy dogs get to be active with people and kids, and that I, too, will get to meet more people and give back to the community.

We LOVED receiving our therapy dog training through CIC. Being the only trauma informed program in the country means we are getting a great understanding of how to work with folks AND how to always advocate for our dog! Through a positive and safe environment, different games, skills training, obstacles and meeting new people, my dog Rowlf grew so much during his classes and I understand him so much better than I did before. We both loved attending each class and really look forward to working with folks now that we have graduated!

We’ve been using Canine Inspired Change for our dog training for over 5 years. My child volunteers with them and we’ve taken a variety of classes. They’re extremely knowledgeable and kind. The relational approach supports a comfortable and inclusive learning environment and you leave feeling happier and more connected with your dog than when you arrived. The classes have become our favorite thing to do together. I encourage anyone, even those not exclusively looking for therapy dog training to try them out. Sydney is amazing!

My 3-year-old Chihuahua rescue dog started the class with some knowledge of tricks and pretty unmanageable leash reactivity and barking. I would always be anxious to take her out on walks or out in public, since I often felt judged or frustrated. On the first day of class, she barked incessantly almost the entire time. After 6 quick classes, she was able to walk by dogs outside without reacting and waits by the door without rushing past me to escape. Even if you feel like your dog is too rowdy or a slow learner, Bethany meets everyone at their individual starting points and explains the how/why of everything that works and doesn’t work. This was more than just a class to teach my dog obedience or tricks—she is now calmer and less anxious, which makes it worth every penny!