Canine University Denver

Preschool is for puppies two to five months old and runs six 60-minute classes, twice a week over three weeks, in a group or individual format focused on socialization, bite inhibition, and laying the foundation for obedience.

Obedience runs through Basic, Intermediate I, Intermediate II, and Advanced levels, with every course starting with a roughly one-hour private consultation to identify the dog’s and family’s needs. The Master’s level teaches tricks such as high five, roll over, and fetch, built around a customized list the owner selects.

The Doctorate program titled “Who’s the Best Patient” runs at least 16 classes of 20-30 minutes, twice a week, and teaches dogs to voluntarily accept nail trims, ear cleaning, injections, and exams so vet and grooming visits stay low stress.

Group Classes meet for about 40 minutes with 3 to 10 dogs per class and require a Basic Obedience diploma or a private consultation first. Genius Walks are 30-minute dog walks sold in weekly packages of two to five walks and do not include obedience or behavior work.

VID Dog Sitting and Wedding Pet Attendants round out the offerings, with the wedding service training dogs to take part in ceremonies, including posing for photos and carrying the rings.

Policies

An original, up-to-date vaccination certificate is required for every program with no exceptions, and only flat, nylon, or martingale collars are accepted; choke chains, prong collars, and shock collars are not allowed in classes or walks. Payment is made by deposit or cash, with most courses requiring either full payment before starting or a split payment such as 50 percent before starting and the remainder partway through the course.

Gift cards are valid for six months from the date they are sent and are non-refundable once redeemed. In structured courses like the Tricks program, up to two absences per month are allowed at no charge, with additional missed classes billed in full and arrivals 10 minutes or more late possibly counted as an absence.

Canine University Denver offers dog training for puppies and adult dogs of any breed, based at Garland Park in Denver, Colorado. They run classes on campus and offer in-home sessions throughout the Denver area, along with dog walking, pet sitting, and wedding pet attendant services.

Founded by Caro Sacco, CPDT-KA, the business uses positive reinforcement methods built around real-life situations rather than isolated commands. Every new client starts with a private consultation so the trainer can learn the dog’s and family’s routines before recommending a course.

Programs run from Preschool for puppies two to five months old through Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Obedience, plus a Master’s level in tricks and a Doctorate program titled “Who’s the Best Patient” that teaches dogs to cooperate calmly for nail trims, ear cleaning, injections, and other vet and grooming procedures. Group classes and Genius Walks round out the offerings for owners who want ongoing socialization and exercise support.

The business only accepts flat or martingale collars and does not allow choke chains, prong collars, or shock collars in its programs. Caro Sacco is bilingual in English and Spanish and brings a background that includes marine mammal training, therapy and service dog handling, and work with animal actors in TV and photo shoots.

Accomplishments

Canine University Denver is led by founder Caro Sacco, CPDT-KA certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and the first Venezuelan trainer to earn that certification. She also trained as a marine mammal trainer with ABC Animal Training and Dolphin Discovery in Florida and has prepared animal talent for TV commercials, photo shoots, and trick shows.

How to Get Started!

New clients reach out through the contact form on the Canine University Denver website to schedule a private consultation before starting a course. Consultations and classes are by appointment only.