Canine Therapy Corps

Canine Therapy Corps offers group classes and private lessons focused on obedience and therapy dog preparation. Group classes are small, structured, and progress through levels. Private lessons are tailored to individual goals. The Therapy Dog Pre-Assessment is a 30-minute simulated certification test with feedback. Their training curriculum is used in therapeutic settings for veterans, at-risk youth, and individuals in substance abuse recovery, emphasizing communication, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Training leads to certification for therapy dog teams through their own assessment process.

Pricing Summary

Private training: $110 per lesson, $300 for 3 lessons, $495 for 5 lessons. Therapy Dog Pre-Assessment: $50 for a 30-minute session. Group classes are offered with set start dates (e.g., January 10, 2026). No refunds after the first class; cancellations require 48 hours’ written notice.

Policies

Class cancellations by Canine Therapy Corps result in enrollment in an alternate class, credit, or full refund. Client cancellations must be made in writing at least 48 hours before the first class. No refunds are issued after the first class. No make-up classes are offered for missed sessions.

Canine Therapy Corps is a nonprofit organization based in Chicago that provides professional dog training services alongside animal-assisted therapy programs. They offer private training lessons and group classes focused on obedience, therapy dog preparation, and behavior skills. Their training is delivered at their facility in West Fullerton, with an emphasis on positive, goal-directed methods rooted in the human-animal bond. They specialize in preparing dogs for therapy certification and support clients in building confidence and communication with their pets. Their trainers have experience working with dogs of all ages and backgrounds, including puppies, adolescents, and adults, and they tailor instruction to individual needs. In addition to training, they certify therapy dog teams and provide free therapy services to veterans, at-risk youth, and individuals in rehabilitation.

Their training programs are designed to help dog owners achieve practical outcomes such as improved recall, leash manners, impulse control, and emotional regulation—skills that also benefit therapy dog evaluations. They offer a Therapy Dog Pre-Assessment to help teams prepare for certification, and their group classes are small and hands-on, with personalized attention from experienced trainers. Canine Therapy Corps is unique in combining professional dog training with a mission-driven, community-focused approach to animal-assisted therapy.

They also provide scholarships through the Callie Cozzolino Scholarship Fund to make training more accessible.

Their facility is open Monday through Friday, and they serve the Chicago metropolitan area.

They do not offer in-home, boarding, grooming, or day care services.

Their training methods are grounded in positive reinforcement, with an emphasis on consistency, patience, and relationship-building.

They have been serving the Chicago community since 1991.

They are not a breeder, daycare, walker, or pet store.

They are a nonprofit organization focused on therapeutic outcomes through dog training.

They do not offer video training or virtual sessions.

They do not train service dogs for disabilities, but they do train therapy dogs for emotional and psychological support in clinical and community settings.

Accomplishments

Since 1991, Canine Therapy Corps has provided over 1,400 hours of free animal-assisted therapy annually to more than 5,000 individuals. They have award-winning curricula used in VA hospitals, juvenile facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Their therapy dog teams are certified through their own program, and they operate with approximately 90 active volunteer teams. They offer the Callie Cozzolino Scholarship Fund to support access to training.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can schedule private training or a Therapy Dog Pre-Assessment by filling out a form on their website. Group class registration is available through their website with set start dates. Training inquiries should be directed to Training@ctcorps.org.