Welcome to the Movement!

To become a Therapy Dog team…

  1. Complete Foundation Skills for Your Dog & You (6 sessions) or be a current member of a traditional Therapy Dog organization (such as Pet Partners, Alliance of Therapy Dogs or Therapy Dogs International) or pass an evaluation with one of CIC’s trainers.

  2. Complete CIC’s Therapy Dog Training (8 sessions) & Pass CIC’s Therapy Dog evaluation on the last day of class

  3. Complete a background check, veterinary check, and submit documentation for your badge

  4. Volunteer at one of many CIC Therapy Sessions in the Twin Cities metro

To strengthen your relationship with your dog through training classes…

  1. Join one of CIC’s many dog training classes developed for all dog parents in our community by registering online (links below!)

  2. Once registered, wait for an email from the CIC team with instructions about 1 week before the start of class (check your spam if you haven’t received this!)

  3. Attend your selected class at the CIC HQ at 2300 Myrtle Ave, St Paul MN 55114!

Training Class options:

  1. Foundational Skills: A six-session course focused on teaching essential training and obedience cues, impulse control, and calm behavior. Perfect for strengthening communication with your dog and preparing for therapy dog training.

  2. Big Feelings Class: For reactive dogs who experience fear, anxiety, or overexcitement — this class helps owners understand emotional triggers and teaches dogs to feel safe and calm in new situations.

  3. Play Clinic: A fun, small-group class where dogs learn healthy social play and owners learn to interpret canine body language, helping every pup become a confident play partner.

  4. Puppy Class: Foundational socialization and basic manners for puppies under six months, building confidence and curiosity through play-based learning and gentle guidance.

  5. Recall Rover Class: Focused on reliable recall and engagement, this class strengthens your dog’s response to come when called — even amid distractions — through positive reinforcement and games.

  6. Tricks Class: Teach your dog fun, creative tricks that enhance focus, build confidence, and deepen your bond — perfect for dogs of all ages and skill levels.

  7. Tweeners Class: A class for adolescent dogs navigating the “teen” phase, helping them channel energy, improve self-control, and maintain solid skills through positive, structured exercises.

To schedule a private 1:1 training session with a CIC Trainer…

  1. Fill out some information on you & your pup by registering online

  2. Once registered, wait for an email from the CIC team to get connected with your trainer

  3. Attend your session at the CIC HQ at 2300 Myrtle Ave, St Paul MN 55114 or in your home

Why Train with CIC?

At Canine Inspired Change (CIC), we believe that dog training transcends commands and obedience—it's about forging deep, trusting relationships between you and your dog. Our approach is rooted in the understanding that a strong human-canine bond fosters not only effective training but also emotional healing and community well-being.​ Our programs include Trauma Informed verbiage, kindness and compassion, and continual support.


Unlike traditional training programs, CIC emphasizes the relational aspect of dog training. We integrate mindfulness practices, such as breathing exercises and meditation, into our sessions to create a calm and focused environment for both dogs and humans. This holistic approach nurtures empathy, mutual respect, and a sense of partnership.

Join our Community!

Training with CIC means becoming part of a community that values connection, healing, and growth. Our programs are designed to support you and your dog in developing a partnership that extends beyond training sessions into everyday life and community involvement.

Ready to embark on this transformative journey? Explore our classes below and become part of a movement that believes in the power of canine-inspired change.

Foundational Skills For Your Dog and You Foundational Skills For Your Dog and You Foundational Skills For Your Dog and You Foundational Skills For Your Dog and You Foundational Skills For Your Dog and You
Foundational Skills For Your Dog and You
$200.00
Canine Good Citizen Training Canine Good Citizen Training
Sold out
Canine Good Citizen Training
$140.00

Sign up for CIC Training Classes

Puppy Class
Puppy Class
$160.00
Zen Dog Class Zen Dog Class Zen Dog Class
Sold out
Zen Dog Class
$140.00
Grooming Workshop Grooming Workshop Grooming Workshop Grooming Workshop
Sold out
Grooming Workshop
from $60.00
Tweeners Class Tweeners Class Tweeners Class
Tweeners Class
$140.00
Play Clinic Session Play Clinic Session Play Clinic Session Play Clinic Session Play Clinic Session Play Clinic Session
Play Clinic Session
from $50.00
Tricks Class Tricks Class Tricks Class Tricks Class Tricks Class
Tricks Class
$105.00
1:1 Dog Training Session 1:1 Dog Training Session 1:1 Dog Training Session
1:1 Dog Training Session
from $100.00
Big Feelings Class Big Feelings Class
Sold out
Big Feelings Class
$0.00
Therapy Dog Training Class Evaluation Therapy Dog Training Class Evaluation
Therapy Dog Training Class Evaluation
$50.00
Recall Rover Class Recall Rover Class
Recall Rover Class
$105.00

What people say about our training classes

  • "We loved our experience with Canine Inspired Change! Beth was a wonderful teacher and helped us to better understand and get to know our new to us Hound. She was patient and I especially appreciated how welcoming CIC was to our kids. This was great to do this together. Thanks for the great work you do in our community!"

    Jennifer B

  • "My dog and I had a great experience taking Canine Inspired Change's therapy dog course. Taylor and Beth, the trainers, created a welcoming, non-judgmental space for everyone. My dog always was so excited to attend class. Something that sets CIC apart from other organizations is that they bring in volunteer students to practice working with the teams. I gained more confidence as we worked through real-life scenarios together."

    Gracia S

  • "My experience at Canine Inspired Change has been nothing but positive. Our dog and I attended their Foundational Skills program in the summer of 2025 - Taylor and Beth did a wonderful job as facilitators. We found it extremely helpful and based on that, we've also committed to their next class, Therapy Dog training later this year. Overall, the organization's mission, programs and people are truly valuable and make a difference in our world, in my humble opinion."

    Bryan A

  • "We had a wonderful experience with Taylor and Beth at CIC! The puppy class was thoughtfully curated and tailored to meet each puppy where they were. We not only learned the classic puppy skills, but also practical tools—like pattern games—that we can continue to use during the teenage years. Each week included new objects and experiences, from meeting people with crutches to being introduced to kids and new faces, helping the puppies build confidence. At the end of each class, there was even a bit of playtime for the puppies. Taylor and Beth also shared a wealth of useful information on navigating fear periods, recognizing appropriate play and handling for groomer and vet visits. We left the class with more knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to support our puppy’s growth."

    Kelsey J

  • ​"Before finding Canine Inspired Change, I was honestly at my wit’s end. I had tried other training centers, and each time I left feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and defeated—often in tears—thinking maybe my dog was just “bad” or untrainable. It was heartbreaking. Then we found CIC, and everything changed. At Canine Inspired Change, Torque wasn’t treated like a problem to be fixed—he was seen as a partner. Through their compassionate, empowering, and trauma-informed approach, we both grew in ways I never imagined. Torque became more than just my dog—he became my partner. I saw his confidence bloom and our bond deepen like never before. He went from being misunderstood to being celebrated, and I finally felt seen and supported as his person. Canine Inspired Change doesn’t just train dogs. They transform relationships. "

    Madi N

  • "After a disappointing puppy kindergarten experience elsewhere, we decided to try again at CIC, and let me just say the difference almost made me mad. Why can’t all puppy classes be like this one?!?! CIC cares about more than just teaching your pup basic obedience skills: they do that PLUS focus on the emotional wellbeing of both pup and owner. They’ve also created a space that is welcoming and supportive of the training, allowing sufficient space for each puppy to focus on the tasks at hand, while also giving them ample time to play with the other puppies at the end. There’s no way we would take Oliver anywhere else as we continue his training. Whether you are hoping your pup will eventually become a therapy dog, or you just want to get your pup off to a great start, this is the place to go."

    T B

  • "I have trained my previous dogs through other local training facilities and none of them come close to the excellent training, helpful hints, videos and compassion of the trainers at Canine Inspired Change. My dog and I will be continuing our training with the Therapy Dog classes and we're both excited for our class to start. Thank you so much!"

    Nancy T

  • "Great facility and positive vibe with professional and respectful trainers. Skills are taught clearly in a relaxed and measured way. Danielle and Taylor both have a way of making both owners and dogs feel like they can and will be successful. The most positive and encouraging trainers I’ve ever had!"

    Liz M

  • "What an amazing team of dog experts! Foundations class at CIC did what other training classes couldn't for my rescue dog and me. We became a better family because CIC met us where we were at and taught us the communication skills we needed to work through the rough stuff."

    Louise T