Canine Initiative Training

08/27/2024

Official 2024 Community Voting Awards Platform for Peoria, IL. Where the community votes for their favorites every year.

08/17/2024

Don’t forget - group classes start next week!

We have a few spots left! You can still sign up at:
https://canineinitiative.com/classes

(As a bonus, you’ll probably get to see this cutie around the training facility as she learns how to be the best demo dog ever!)

08/12/2024

Is your dog ready for school to start?

We have classes for all skill levels! “Dogmanship” courses, play-based training, puppy classes, and specialty classes like Rodeo Dog, Nose Work, and AKC Competition Obedience!

Learn more and register at canineinitiative.com/classes

Where to Start? Group Classes Private Lessons Board and Train Day Training Daycare Boarding Online Learning Training ClubGroup Classes Group instruction with a personalized feel   Our small group classes are available for a variety of different training goals, including puppy training, basic obedie...

07/26/2024

This morning I said goodbye to an absolutely incredible dog, my boy Jasper. While he hasn’t been as active around the training facility in the last year or two, he’s been a constant in my life for the past 13 years, and we’ve had quite an incredible journey together. 💚 He’s going to be very missed.

Thank you all for bearing with me if I had to reschedule an appointment or a class you had scheduled this week, or if I’m a little slow to respond to messages in the coming days.

07/12/2024

Rodeo Dog Workshops are now open for registration!

• Saturday, July 20th, 1:00-3:00pm
• Wednesday, July 31st, 6:30-8:30pm

The workshops are free to audit, but spots are limited so registration is required! We also have a limited number of Fun Runs (following the informational portion of the workshop) available for owners who would like to bring their dog along to the workshop to give it a try. Each dog signed up for the Fun Runs will have a chance to try 2 beginner level runs.

Fun runs are open to dogs and owners of any skill age, skill level, and ability! (However, dogs must be able to wait politely with their owner or in a crate during the informational portion of the workshop.)

To register to Audit Only, go to: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=18763175&appointmentType=65500557

To register for the Workshop AND the Fun Runs, go to: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=18763175&appointmentType=65590245

We look forward to sharing this fun new sport with you! Yee haw!

07/10/2024

Rodeo Dog is coming to Canine Initiative Training!

We have two workshops planned to provide opportunities to learn about the sport and even give it a try!

You can also expect to see a Rodeo Dog class in the upcoming session of classes.

Stay tuned! Workshop details and registration will be available later today or tomorrow.

07/01/2024

It’s firework season! More dogs will go missing this week than at any other time of the year. And tragically, some of them will never make it back home.

Be aware and be prepared! Here’s a checklist to make sure your pup stays safe this week:

🎇 During popular firework times, make sure you have at least TWO mechanisms for safety and control in place at all times - a primary method of control/containment, plus a backup.
🎆 Ensure your fenced yard is secure. Check for gaps, holes, weak boards, unsecured latches, etc. Add locks to gates if needed. If your fence has weaknesses or is short enough for your dog to jump - even if they’ve never jumped it before - act as if you don’t have a fence at all, and use a secure leash, even while in the yard.
🎇 Use ID! Have ID tags on your dog’s collar. Even adding a makeshift tag with your number is better than nothing if you don’t already have ID tags. And then, make sure the collar is on the dog and properly fitted and secured.
🎆 Use a second collar or harness to attach the leash to. Make sure the collar/harness is properly fitted so it can’t slip off. A properly fitted slip or martingale collar that will tighten if the dog tries to pull away is a more secure option than a regular collar. Use quality equipment that isn’t prone to breaking. Metal buckles are more secure than plastic buckles.
🎇 Attach your ID tag collar to your primary collar or harness with a carabiner, so if one breaks or slips off, you’re still attached to the other.
🎆 Check your leash or signs of wear and tear or weakness. Use a leash that is strong while also being easy to grip. If you know your dog is prone to chewing the leash, consider using a chew-proof leash or using 2 leashes.
🎇 Leave your dog at home. Even if he doesn’t seem bothered by fireworks, don’t take him along for festivities. It’s just not worth it.
🎆 Keep your dog away from exterior doors even when inside your home! Use a leash while in the house, or contain your dog in a crate or another room so they can’t slip out when people enter or exit the house.

Remember, scared dogs will not behave rationally if they panic and enter flight mode. Don’t assume that just because your dog has never done something before means that they won’t try it this week.

Dogs’ preferences and tolerances may also change as the dog ages. Don’t assume that a dog who was fine with fireworks last year will be fine with them again. Use precautions, just in case.

There are a number of strategies you can use to help get your pet through the holiday, including:
🎆 Try to plan potty breaks around the worst of the fireworks, when possible.
🎇 Most dogs feel most secure in smaller spaces. Use a crate or smaller room/space to give your dog a place that feels safe and secure.
🎆 Block the visual of the flashes of light. Cover the crate, or block windows.
🎇 Deaden the sound as much as possible by securing your pet in a basement, bathroom, or interior room of the house. Drown our the sound by leaving on a radio or TV near your dog.
🎆 If you are gone, try use food or play to create positive associations with the sounds.
🎇 If your dog is anxious, offer CALM reassurance - but do not coddle him or get anxious yourself! He won’t understand that you’re worried about him, and will think you’re anxious about the fireworks, too!
🎆 Use medication if necessary and if recommended by the vet to get through the worst of the fireworks.

And finally, remember that after the 4th, you’ll have 180 days until New Years, and 364 days until the 4th of July next year, to help prepare your dog! If you have a firework phobic dog, reach out to a trainer for help. Some dogs are predisposed towards phobias because of their genetics, early socialization experiences, or traumatic experiences. But we owe it to our dogs to help them become the bravest and most resilient version of themselves that they can be!

07/01/2024

Update on the Townline Rd closure for those attending classes from the direction of Bloomington/Normal.

06/27/2024

One of our long time clients has made the heartbreaking decision to rehome one of their dogs, Xiah. If you would be interested in discussing whether Xiah might be a good fit for your home, please let me know, and I will get you in touch with her owners.

Xiah is an (almost) 5 year old German Shepherd (she turns 5 on 7/1). She is fairly petite at about 60 lbs, and has a longer black coat (compared to the more common shorter coat). She sheds less than the average shepherd but still has the normal grooming requirements of a longer coated dog.

Xiah has been through training and already has a solid grasp of the basics. She walks nicely on leash sits, downs, and goes to place on cue, stays, and recalls. She has been trained on an e-collar for off leash recall.

Xiah has high prey drive. Her owners have done great work with her and she will generally catch herself before giving chase, but we would not recommend a home with small pets or small dogs. A home with a fenced yard would be preferred.

Xiah has gotten into fights with the other female shepherd in the home multiple times now, and on at least once occasion, both dogs did damage to each other that required veterinary attention. Same-sex-aggression is not an uncommon issue to run into among shepherds, and females especially tend to hold grudges. Because of the significance of the fights and the number of other dogs and kids in the home, the family has opted to rehome Xiah.

Xiah has lived with other dogs of varying breeds, sizes, and sexes without issue. She even used to attend dog daycare here at Canine Initiative. But because of her history with the other female shepherd, we recommend a home with no other female dogs, no small dogs, and no large packs of dogs. A home with a chill male dog may be an option with proper introductions, which I would be happy to help facilitate if needed. She would also do well as an only dog.

Xiah is wonderful with people, and could be successful in a home with children. She is sweet and affectionate, with no history of aggression towards people. She has lived with and been socialized with kids of all ages. New owners should be prepared to remind her that chasing kids is not an appropriate form of play, and help kids understand how to interact with her appropriately, as you would do with any dog.

She is crate trained, chills in the house, and is overall a really nice dog. She does have anxiety during thunderstorms.

I could see her flourishing with a young couple or family who is ready for their first dog as a family. Or any other number of family situations with no other dogs or only a chill male dog. Skip the puppy stages, but still get a young adult dog with lots of life and love to give.

Xiah is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and has no known health issues. She is located in Central Illinois.

Please reach out to me by message, text (309-241-6261) or email ([email protected]) if you are interested in being connected with her owners.

Any judgmental comments in regards to the situation or the owners’ decision to rehome Xiah will be deleted.

06/18/2024

Don't miss out! Puppy classes start this Thursday! We have just 2 openings left in our 6:00 class!

Learn more and register at https://canineinitiative.com/classes

Have an older puppy or adult dog over 6 months old? Check out our Dogmanship 1 classes!

06/15/2024

Heads up to anyone traveling Townline Rd on the way to classes!

The closure is on the east side of the interstate - anyone coming from I-155 to Townline will not be affected.

Only clients traveling from farther east on Townline (like from Bloomington) will be affected by this closure.

06/11/2024

Vivid the Demo Dog cordially invites you and your dog to the first step towards a better relationship!

Whether you’ve recently welcomed a brand new puppy into your home, or are ready to disprove the myth that old dogs can’t learn new tricks, or anywhere in between - we’ve got a place for you!

Classes start the week of June 20-25. You can find class information and schedules, and sign up now at https://canineinitiative.com/classes

06/06/2024

We’re currently experiencing an influx of scam posters making comments on previous posts on our page. I’ve already blocked and deleted comments from at least 8 different scam accounts in the last half hour.

Please bear with me as I try to keep them off the page, and don’t click on any links from unknown profiles!

05/28/2024

Vivid would like to know-
What specialty classes are you and your dog hoping to see on our summer schedule??

05/25/2024

Our Intro to Disc Seminar is finalized and open for registration. Working spots are limited, auditing is unlimited.

Check out our event page here: https://facebook.com/events/s/intro-to-disc-seminar-with-hop/394630440224969/

Registration is available at the event page.

Dogs do not have to have any prior experience with frisbees to attend, but it’s best if they have enthusiasm for chasing toys and/or for food.

04/17/2024

Our next session of classes starts next week! We have just a few openings left - don't miss out!

Relationship Through Games - Mondays at 7:30pm
Dogmanship 1 - Tuesdays at 4:30pm or Thursdays at 7:30pm
S.T.A.R. Puppy - Thursdays at 4:30 or 6:00pm

Register online at

Where to Start? Group Classes Private Lessons Board and Train Day Training Daycare Boarding Online Learning Training ClubGroup Classes Group instruction with a personalized feel   Our small group classes are available for a variety of different training goals, including puppy training, basic obedie...

03/21/2024

Gauging interest in an Introduction to Disc workshop in the future!

Our friend Hope Retter has offered to come and teach a disc workshop here at Canine Initiative. Hope can work with teams of any skill level - from advanced disc dog teams to dogs who have never played with a disc before! (Dogs should have some desire to chase toys to get the most out of the workshop.)

If you are interested in participating in a disc workshop, shoot me a message or email! ([email protected])

I will keep everyone updated as we work out details. :)

03/19/2024

This past weekend, we had the privilege of hosting a GRC Dogsports training day and Social Responsibility Test here at Canine Initiative Training. Clubs, trainers, and enthusiasts came from Indiana, Chicagoland, St Louis area, and even farther to spend the day training and learning together. Proceeds from the event benefitted Jay Jack, the founder of GRC Dogsports, in his ongoing recovery after a head-on collision with a drunk driver last fall.

GRC Dogsports is a newer venue of competition, designed for the purpose of motivating owners to get out and train and play with their dogs. The Social Responsibility (SR) test evaluates a number of things, including the dog and handler’s communication, clarity, and cooperation with the leash; the dog’s ability greet people in an appropriate way; the dog’s obedience with multiple different commands, and self control around distractions during obedience; and the dog’s ability to exist “at liberty” and make appropriate, self-controlled choices without commands from the owner. There are three levels of the test: Level 1 requires a single qualifying pass, Level 2 requires 2 qualifying passes, and Level 3 requires 3 qualifying passes. Complexity and distractions increase with each level. Each team starts with a perfect 100 points, and must keep a minimum of 70 points to qualify. (Easier said than done!)

On Saturday, we had 12 teams take the test (10 in Level 1, and 2 in Level 2). Lots of great dogs and owners and great training and teamwork, but the test is HARD. 3 dogs passed yesterday.

We want to wish a huge congratulations to Nadine Lizcano and her dog Blue, who passed SR1 with a lovely run and a great score of 90. Also passing were two of my own dogs, Gideon in SR1 with a score of 77, and Ember in SR2 (her first of 2 required passes) with a score of 73.

At the end of the day, everyone went home with the best dog(s)!

We’re incorporating more and more of GRC’s play-based style of training and social responsibility concepts into all of our training programs here at Canine Initiative, and are working towards becoming an official GRC-affiliated club. I’m always happy to answer questions and help people learn how to get started in GRC!

02/27/2024

Most of our March classes are full or filling up fast, so don't miss your opportunity to sign up! Classes start this week!
Register now at canineinitiative.com/classes

Our current openings are as follows:
S.T.A.R. Puppy Class, Thursdays at 4:30pm - 2 spots left

[Updated 3/4]

02/17/2024

Words of wisdom from our friends at Engineering Change!

Let's talk about emotional control.

Emotional control is the ability to separate your actions from your emotions - just because you feel a certain way does not mean you must act a certain way.

The ability to take a breath and calm yourself down before making a rash move is something that a lot of people don't have. It's also one of the top skills that we actively try to teach our dogs!

In my opinion, if you don't HAVE it, you shouldn't be trying to TEACH it.

I've seen so many people - pet owners and professional trainers alike - lose their cool in all sorts of situations with their dogs. Work on yourself first. If you can't take a breath and keep your cool, it's not fair to ask your dog to do the same.

02/13/2024

Just wanted to share a quick note/update!
Due to multiple medical things with my dogs - some planned, and some unforeseen - which have required my time and attention over the last few weeks, I am behind on both new client inquiries and schedules/registration for our March session of classes.
I hope to be able to get registration open for March classes no later than the end of the this week, and hope to catch up on emails as soon as possible.
Thank you all for your patience!

01/16/2024

AKC shared an excellent breakdown about how to greet dogs properly.
(Hint: It DOES NOT involve sticking your hand in their face to “let them smell you”!)

Just as we have social etiquette for meeting new people, dogs have rules for greetings too. Learn how to greet strange dogs safely and politely.

01/09/2024

Does your dog… Pull on a leash? Jump on guests? Ignore you when you call? Have trouble staying for more than a few seconds?

We can help with that! But time is running short - most of our classes are full, but we have just a couple openings left in our Dogmanship 1 classes!

• Thursday 7:30-8:30pm class starting January 11th (standard 6-week class)
• Thursday 10:30am-12:00pm class starting January 18th (4-week class)

Register Now at https://canineinitiative.com/classes

01/02/2024

Get the new year off on the right paw! Classes start the week of January 8th. Sign up now at https://canineinitiative.com/classes

In 2024, help your dog be their best self and have fun while doing it!

01/01/2024

New Year’s Resolution: Face life’s challenges like a Staffy - full of determination, drive, and enthusiasm! 💜
Happy New Year! 🎉

12/25/2023

Merry Christmas from Canine Initiative Training!

12/15/2023

Start the New Year off on the right paw with training classes!
Visit https://canineinitiative.com/classes to learn more and sign up!