Welcome to the Movement!
To become a Therapy Dog team…
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.
Complete CIC’s Therapy Dog Training (8 sessions) & Pass CIC’s Therapy Dog evaluation on the last day of class
Complete a background check, veterinary check, and submit documentation for your badge
Volunteer at one of many CIC Therapy Sessions in the Twin Cities metro
To strengthen your relationship with your dog through training classes…
Join one of CIC’s many dog training classes developed for all dog parents in our community by registering online (links below!)
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!)
Attend your selected class at the CIC HQ at 2300 Myrtle Ave, St Paul MN 55114!
Training Class options:
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.
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.
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.
Puppy Class: Foundational socialization and basic manners for puppies under six months, building confidence and curiosity through play-based learning and gentle guidance.
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.
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.
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.
Nosey Dogs Club: Scent work for FUN! Teach your dog how to identify birch, clove and anise oil and search for them amongst distractions!
To schedule a private 1:1 training session with a CIC Trainer…
Fill out some information on you & your pup by registering online
Once registered, wait for an email from the CIC team to get connected with your trainer
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.
CIC Training Methods
Canine Inspired Change trains used science backed positive reinforcement methods. Our goals are to help you better understand your dog’s behavior, how to communicate with them in ways they understand, and learn how to teach them new skills! We do this by incorporating the L.E.G.S. framework into all training classes. When you start seeing your dog as a unique individual that is impacted by their overall health, environments they live in, their learning history and previous life experiences, and ability to engage in natural dog needs, things start to fall into place. When you have a better understanding of your dog, your relationship with your dog will blossom.
We are here to support and uplift your journey with your dog - we will meet you where you are at and help you utilize humane, thoughtful, and kind ways to provide your dog with clear direction and guidance in a way that makes sense to both of you. We understand that dog training advice from friends and family, strangers, social media and internet pages, or even dog trainers might be difficult to sift through and know what is best.
The perk of Canine Inspired Change training is that our trainers have a deep desire for continued education and learning. Our trainers have educations through the University of Minnesota, Family Dog Mediation, Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Grisha Stewart Academy, Fear Free, Tromplo platforms and more. Plus, an endless string of books, professional mentors, webinars and reading scientific papers! We’re BIG dog nerds. We love your dogs - almost as much as you do!
Sign up for CIC Training Classes
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.
Important information for dog training classes:
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Click here to review CIC’s Participant Accident Waiver and Release of Liability form.
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For puppy class:
Puppies of all ages will need to have started their DA2PP (or equivalent) vaccine series before beginning class, ideally 7 days prior to the first day of class. We strongly encourage you to discuss other vaccines with your veterinarian, including but not limited to, Bordetella, Leptospirosis, and Canine Influenza before starting class.
Puppies 16 weeks and older are required to have their Bordetella and Rabies vaccine.
For all other training classes:
Dogs 16 weeks of age and older are required to have their DA2PP(or equivalent), Bordetella, and rabies. We strongly encourage discussing other vaccinations with your veterinarian, including but not limited to leptospirosis, canine influenza, lyme.
Proof of vaccinations are not required to be submitted before the start of class, however CIC may request records at anytime.
Dogs completing Therapy Dog training are required to complete an Annual Health form, click to view all required veterinary items.
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Training class participants may receive a full or partial refund if they are no longer able to
participate in class. Refund requests must be made via email to Taylor at taylor@canineinspiredchange.org.
Request received prior to the first day of class:
7 or more days: Full refund of enrollment fee; or transfer payment to future class
6 - 3 days: Partial refund of enrollment fee minus $25; or transfer payment to future class
2 or less days: Partial refund of enrollment fee minus $50; or transfer payment to future class
Withdrawal after class session has started: Transfer payment to future class
Training teams that are unable to complete a training class due to trainer recommendation may receive a full refund based on trainer and CIC staff discretion.
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Each training class will have different recommendations for training tools, treats, and equipment. CIC will reach out to you about 1 week before the start of your class with more information and what to expect. If you did not receive this email, check your spam folder.
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We offer financial assistance for both private training and training classes. Scholarships are available to help cover part or all of your training. Click here to apply!
What people say about our training classes