Canine Cadre – Northford
Ranked #2 in Northford and #26 in Connecticut
Service area: Canine Cadre is based in Central Connecticut, with locations in Wallingford and Northford. They serve clients across a broad region, including Stonington, Greenwich, Springfield, New Haven, Danbury, and Putnam.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Service Dog
- Competition / Agility
- Working Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Biting / Nipping
- Potty Training
- Fearfulness
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Private Facility
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Balanced Training
Canine Cadre offers a comprehensive range of dog training programs, including Canine Behavior Modification, Canine Distraction Class, Puppy Head Start Program, and Canine Obedience. They also provide specialized training such as Hearing Ear Dog Training, Therapy and Service Dog Training, Search and Rescue Dog Training, IGP/Schutzhund, Narcotics Dog Training, and Police Patrol Dog Training. Their training methodology integrates canine behavior modification with training in drive, adopting a holistic “Gestalt” approach to address problematic behaviors and strengthen the dog-owner bond.
Training sessions are primarily private and customized to the specific needs of each dog and owner, emphasizing the owner’s active participation for lasting results. The Puppy Head Start Program focuses on early imprinting, puppy development, and socialization, drawing from German and Super Dog Programs. The Canine Distraction Class is designed to proof newly acquired training skills in challenging environments, requiring a prerequisite of basic obedience.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Distraction Classes and the Puppy Head Start Program are offered free of charge to clients who are already enrolled in Canine Cadre’s private training programs. The business also operates an online store where various pet products are available for purchase, such as a housebreaking video priced at $9.99.
Policies
Canine Cadre and its behaviorists explicitly state they are not responsible for any dog bites or damage to persons or property that may occur during or after training. They also do not guarantee that a dog will not bite. The business emphasizes that the success of training results is contingent upon the client’s active participation both at Canine Cadre’s facility and at their home.
Testimonials
“Cannot say enough great things about Canine Cadre! You can tell they genuinely care about their clients. We worked with Erich and saw major improvement with our dog, Luna. Looking forward to continuing our work with Canine Cadre, as they just started a program for Canine Cadre Graduates.”
– Heather J
“My new rescue was having issues with reactivity when walking her. She was out of control when walking by other dogs that I stopped walking her… I had a difficult time trying to control her…Kat Stevens taught me about dogs and their behaviors… Kat also taught me how to walk my dog without any reactivity to other dogs. I’m so happy that I can walk my dog since shes no longer reactive. . She also showed me how to walk my dog (former puller) in one session… She taught my dog all the basic commands too! You get what you pay for….”
– Clare and Abby
“In 2016 I got a 9 week old yellow lab and knew in order to make sure he was always on his best behavior he needed to meet Lenny and the Canine Cadre crew! between 1 on 1 sessions and puppy classes Lenny has taught me the A to Zs about my pup! and how to help integrate him into my family. I quickly learned it was important to socialize the puppy and learn how to communicate with him. Puppy socialization class with Lenny made getting to know and understand my pup lots of fun, while giving incredibly valuable information. The 1 on 1 sessions were even better I was taught how to interact with my dog and learn to read his body language which is critical especially if your dog will be interacting with people and other animals, With the training and the great socialization experiences that I was guided through, Bud my English yellow lab has grown up to be a well-behaved 3 yr old, who everyone loves to meet. I was so pleased with the outcome of Lennys work , I am now bringing my second dog another 9 week old English lab to join to doggy fun with Lenny! I wouldn’t think twice about going anywhere else! Thank you for teaching me and Bud ! I can’t wait to do it all over again with my new little one! Woof!!!”
– Kim R
About the Trainer
Canine Cadre is a dog training organization established in 1977, operating from two locations in Central Connecticut: Wallingford and Northford. They specialize in canine behavior modification and training in drive, applying psychology principles to their methods. The business offers a wide array of services, ranging from puppy development to advanced obedience and specialized behavior programs.
Their philosophy centers on a holistic “Gestalt” approach, focusing on the entire dog and the relationship with its owner, rather than just isolated commands. Canine Cadre emphasizes private, one-on-one training sessions, believing that direct owner involvement in the training process leads to more enduring results. The team is led by owner and canine behavior expert Lenny Paquette, supported by canine behaviorists Erich Paquette and Kathy Stephens, and Distraction Class Instructor Catherine Maynard.
They aim to provide solutions for problematic behaviors and enhance the bond between dogs and their families. Additionally, Canine Cadre offers an online store with various pet products, including training leashes, balms, supplements, and a housebreaking video.
Accomplishments
Canine Cadre has been established since 1977, indicating over four decades of experience in dog training. Lenny Paquette, the owner and canine behavior expert, has a background in psychology, having achieved minor requirements in the field while attending Central Connecticut State University. Their Puppy Headstart Program is noted as one of the first of its kind in Connecticut.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients can initiate their engagement with Canine Cadre by scheduling a free evaluation, which is designed to help improve the relationship between owners and their dogs and foster well-behaved pets. For more complex or serious behavioral issues that require an in-depth diagnosis, clients are advised to contact the business for a consultation. Inquiries can also be made through their online contact form.

Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Pet supply store