Canine Connection

The Academy offers Puppy Kindergarten for puppies 11–20 weeks old, a 7-week group class focusing on foundational behaviors like attention, recall, leash walking, and polite greetings. Puppy Social is a 4-week play-based program for the same age group, emphasizing socialization and confidence-building. Private Puppy Coaching is available for puppies under 11 weeks or those with specific needs. Continuing Education classes follow Puppy Kindergarten for adolescents and adults, reinforcing skills and introducing advanced training. Behavior services address fear, anxiety, reactivity, and aggression with customized plans. All programs use positive reinforcement and include access to online resources and client support.

Pricing Summary

Puppy Kindergarten costs $375 and includes seven weekly sessions, training equipment valued at $75, access to a student portal, online office hours, and graduation materials. Puppy Social is $100 for four sessions or $35 per single session. Private coaching is available but pricing is not listed publicly. Continuing Education and behavior services are offered with individualized pricing.

Policies

Puppies must be at least 11 weeks old and have received two DHPP vaccines, Bordetella, and a clear fecal test by the first class. Puppies must have been in the home for at least two weeks with only vaccinated dogs. Vaccinations must be administered by a licensed veterinarian. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated on the website.

The Canine Connection is a dog training, daycare, and boarding facility in Chico, CA, founded in 2002 by Dr. Sarah Richardson. They specialize in force-free, positive reinforcement training to help dogs and their owners build joyful, lasting connections. Their Academy offers group and private training programs for puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs, including Puppy Kindergarten, Puppy Social, and Continuing Education classes for advanced skills. They also provide behavior modification services for fear, anxiety, reactivity, and other challenges. Their Resort offers enrichment-based daycare and overnight boarding in a safe, comfortable environment. The team has over 70 combined years of professional experience and has helped over 10,000 dogs. They emphasize education, client support, and community involvement, having raised over $150,000 for local animal shelters and fostered over 200 dogs.

They provide all training in a climate-controlled, dog-friendly facility with specialized equipment. Clients can choose from group classes, private coaching, or a combination of both. Training includes essential life skills, leash walking, recall, impulse control, and socialization. They also offer pre-puppy coaching to help families prepare before bringing a new dog home.

The Canine Connection is known for its compassionate, knowledgeable staff, including trainers Deb, Anna, and Olivia, who are praised for their patience, professionalism, and ability to adapt to individual dog and owner needs. They maintain a strong online presence with active social media and a client portal for ongoing support.

Accomplishments

Founded in 2002 by Dr. Sarah Richardson, The Canine Connection has been a pioneer in modern, force-free training in the Chico area. They have helped over 10,000 dogs, raised over $150,000 for local animal shelters, and fostered over 200 dogs. Their team has over 70 combined years of professional experience. They are recognized as the first modern dog training, daycare, and resort facility in the Chico area.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can register for Puppy Kindergarten or Puppy Social through the online portal. For private coaching or behavior services, they can contact the Training Coordinator by phone or email. Pre-puppy coaching is available for families preparing for a new dog’s arrival. A free orientation seminar is included in the Puppy Kindergarten program to help owners understand dog behavior and training principles.