Business Details
24 Years
experience
Expert Dog Training & Enrichment Boarding in Chico
Founded in 2002 by Dr. Sarah Richardson, The Canine Connection has established itself as Chico's premier destination for positive reinforcement dog training, daycare, and boarding. Our team of certified professionals brings decades of combined experience in animal behavior, education, and care, serving over 10,000 dogs throughout our history. We pioneered modern, force-free training methods in the region, expanding our offerings to include enrichment-based daycare and overnight boarding to meet client needs. Our staff includes certified trainers, behavior consultants, and veterinary assistants who regularly participate in continuing education to stay at the forefront of canine science. We maintain strict operational standards through 24/7 staffing at our resort facility and have raised over $150,000 for local animal shelters.Our approach emphasizes building trust between dogs and their people through science-backed techniques, avoiding aversive tools like prong or shock collars. With two dedicated facilities totaling over 23 years of service, we combine professional expertise with genuine compassion for animals. Our community involvement extends to fostering over 200 shelter dogs and providing specialized training programs for behavior modification. This combination of technical proficiency, ethical standards, and community commitment establishes our authority in the pet care industry. We demonstrate trustworthiness through transparent operations, consistent service quality, and verifiable outcomes from our 23-year track record.
Services
Dog Training
Daycare
Boarding
Behavior Consultations
Puppy Programs
Continuing Education
Foster Care
Seminars
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- 23+ years pioneering positive reinforcement training in Chico
- Certified professionals with 70+ combined years of dog training experience
- 24/7 staffed resort facility with enrichment-based daycare programs
- Specialized behavior modification programs for fear and anxiety
- Active community involvement with $150k+ raised for local animal shelters
Associations and certifications
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer-KA
- Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
- Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer
- Licensed Therapy Dog Evaluator
- Fear Free Certified
What people say
Professional team
Safe environment
Happy dogs
Expert training
Peace of mind
Services
Dog Training
Our science-backed training programs use positive reinforcement techniques to build communication between dogs and owners. Certified trainers develop customized plans for puppies through adult dogs, focusing on behavior modification without aversive tools. Programs include foundation skills, advanced training, and specialized behavior consultations for anxiety or aggression issues.
Enrichment Daycare
Structured socialization program combining physical exercise, mental stimulation, and rest periods under professional supervision. Dogs participate in guided play sessions, cognitive enrichment activities, and rest cycles to promote balanced development. Staffed by certified canine counselors maintaining 23 years of safety and enrichment expertise.
Overnight Boarding
Secure 24/7 supervised lodging with personalized care routines and socialization opportunities. Dogs enjoy comfortable sleeping areas, structured playtimes, and individual attention from trained staff. Facility designed to maintain routine while providing enrichment through play and mental engagement during extended stays.
Behavior Consultations
Specialized programs addressing fear, anxiety, and aggression through certified behavior consultant evaluations. Customized treatment plans implement desensitization techniques and positive reinforcement strategies. Consultants hold advanced certifications including CDBC and Fear Free credentials with documented success in modifying complex behavioral issues.
Puppy Programs
Age-specific training focusing on socialization, basic commands, and positive environmental exposure. Programs structured for 8-24 week old puppies with gradual introduction to daycare environments. Certified trainers emphasize bonding techniques and early learning foundations using reward-based methods.
People
Dr. Sarah Richardson
Owner and Founder
Veterinary behavior specialist with 25+ years experience in positive reinforcement training. Developed Chico's first modern dog training program in 2002. Holds multiple certifications including Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer.
Ally Padgett
Trainer - Instructor Training Coordinator
Karen Pryor Academy graduate with decade of experience in positive training methods. Manages training program development and staff certification. Specializes in puppy development and advanced obedience instruction.
Anna Basalaev-Binder
Trainer-Instructor-Behavior Consultant
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with distinction from IAABC. Completed aggression and anxiety mentorship programs. Focuses on behavior modification for complex cases including fear-based reactivity and separation anxiety.
Nancy Kerns
Trainer-Instructor
25-year editor-in-chief of Whole Dog Journal with extensive hands-on experience training puppies and adolescent dogs. Specializes in real-world application of training techniques in NorCal environments.
Jessica Batista
Client Care Coordinator
Animal Science graduate with Fear Free certification. Manages client communications and coordinates care between training and resort services. 10+ years experience in canine behavior assessment and client education.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use science-backed positive reinforcement techniques without aversive tools like prong or shock collars. Our certified trainers focus on reward-based learning to build communication and trust between dogs and owners.
Do you offer boarding services?
Yes, our 24/7 supervised resort facility provides overnight boarding with personalized care routines, structured playtimes, and individual attention from trained staff in a secure environment.
Are your staff certified professionals?
Our team includes Certified Professional Dog Trainers, Certified Dog Behavior Consultants, Fear Free Certified specialists, and Licensed Therapy Dog Evaluators with 70+ combined years of experience.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Northern California including Butte County, Chico, Paradise, Sacramento, Oroville, Yuba City, and surrounding communities with both training and mobile consultation services.
Can my dog attend daycare without training?
Our daycare program requires completion of foundation training to ensure safety and socialization success. This helps maintain our high standards for canine interaction and behavioral expectations.
Do you help with behavior issues?
Yes, our certified behavior consultants specialize in modifying fear, anxiety, and aggression through customized treatment plans using desensitization techniques and positive reinforcement strategies.
Reviews (7)
Tamara Yates
May 31, 2021
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I've had dogs for over 60 years, the Canine Connection is the best, most Professional and most loving Dog resource I have ever experienced. Training with Dr. Sarah Richardson and her staff is a joy. My Camp Fire dog Shadow was made to feel comfortable And safe so she could learn new things (she had a troubled history). My English Shepherd puppy, Charley was brought out of his shell into the amazing "teenager" he is today during his Pup 1 class. Sarah hires the best, dog loving and knowledgeable staff. my dogs love them. I also want to shout out to Sarah whom I worked with during the Camp Fire, caring for the lost dogs (including my future Shadow and her Rudy). She was tireless
Mandi Mitchell
May 29, 2021
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Our high energy doodle loves Canine Connection! He goes to doggie daycare there twice a week, is groomed there once a month, and stays there overnight anytime we travel. The staff members are always friendly and the facility is top notch. They are great about communicating and you can tell they really love all of the dogs.
Dot Morris
Jan 12, 2021
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Sarah and her excellent team have provided our dogs positive, kind and knowledgeable training and care. Highly recommended for training, daycare and boarding!
Charlotte DeWitt
Dec 09, 2020
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If you are a dog lover and owner you really need to check out The Canine Connection. Sarah's training is research based and effective, the facilities are state of the art and the staff are all knowledgeable, friendly and supportive. Our energetic Aussiedoodle is at her happiest after time spent here. An exceptional resource for our canine companions!
Tim Steele
Feb 18, 2020
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Sarah and her team are top notch. Sarah is highly educated, friendly, professional, and great with the dogs in her care. I don't trust everyone with my two crazy dogs - but I certainly trust Sarah. Canine Connections is a great facility that is welcoming, clean, and well-thought-out. If you need training, daycare, or boarding, I highly recommend Canine Connections.
Sheri K.
Apr 11, 2019
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My dog loves it here. She sprints to the door and puts her front paws up on the door until she's let in. We never have to worry when our dog is boarded here. She's treated like royalty! The staff and facility are wonderful and they are only place in town where there is always someone on staff 24/7. They also provide training as well.
Draft
Jan 31, 2019
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So very happy that we found this amazing place to bring our puppy. The team of employees is professional, hardworking and has shown that the animals come first. With our pet being a part of our family, this has been very comforting to us. So if you need a place to bring your pet for lessons or daycare, try Canine Connections and you won't be disappointed, !
