Cooperation Canine LLC

Programs begin with a Complete Behavior Consult (required for complex issues), followed by personalized coaching sessions. Life Skills & Manners training covers basics like leash walking and manners. The Bite Bundle includes a full consultation plus private sessions for dogs with biting histories. OMG Puppies offers early socialization guidance. Day Training involves in-clinic training with transfer of cues to owners. Adoption Transition Support includes prep and post-adoption coaching. All programs emphasize emotional understanding, choice-based communication, and positive reinforcement. Virtual options are available for consultations and follow-ups.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed; clients must complete a New Client Profile to receive a customized quote based on the specific behavior concern and recommended plan. Services include one-time consultations, ongoing coaching sessions, and intensive programs like the Bite Bundle and Day Training, with costs varying by complexity and duration of support.

Policies

There is no explicit cancellation policy stated, but communication is prioritized via email or online forms. Voicemail is not preferred and checked infrequently. No activity occurs on Sundays unless the client is an existing client with an emergency (911 case).

Cooperation Canine LLC is a science-based dog training and behavior consulting business dedicated to improving the human-dog relationship through empathy, compassion, and positive reinforcement. They specialize in behavior modification for dogs with fear, anxiety, aggression, reactivity, resource guarding, and separation issues, using applied behavior analysis and fear-free techniques. Their team, led by Erika Lessa, holds multiple certifications including CPDT-KA, IAABC-CDBC, and Fear-Free certification, ensuring clients receive expert, up-to-date guidance. They offer private consultations, one-on-one coaching, day training, and specialized programs like the Bite Bundle for dogs with biting histories, as well as support for puppy socialization, adoption transitions, and behavior euthanasia decision-making. They also provide resources for veterinarians, shelters, and foster organizations. Their approach emphasizes understanding the dog’s emotional state and changing underlying emotional responses rather than just managing behavior. They prioritize education for owners, helping them learn to read their dog’s signals and respond appropriately for lasting change.

They serve dog owners in Rhode Island and surrounding New England areas, offering in-person sessions at their clinic and virtual support. Their services include cooperative care training for vet visits, life skills and manners training, and enrichment-based strategies to reduce problem behaviors. They do not offer group classes, boarding, grooming, or pet sitting, focusing exclusively on behavior and training consultation.

Clients praise their personalized, compassionate, and thorough approach, noting dramatic improvements in dogs with severe behavioral challenges and strengthened human-dog bonds as a result of their guidance.

Accomplishments

Erika Lessa, Team Lead, holds a Diploma in Canine Behavior Science & Technology (500+ course hours), IAABC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), CCPDT Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), and Fear-Free Certification. She is a published author in PetMD and the IAABC Journal, and has developed presentations on stress and social behavior. The entire team is credentialed and mentored, with ongoing continuing education.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must complete the New Client Profile form on the website. This allows the team to review the dog’s behavior concerns and respond within 24–48 hours to schedule an initial consultation. No free consultations are offered; the first step is always the paid Complete Behavior Consult for behavioral issues.