Specialties

The Canine Country is a dog boarding and training facility on the Colorado River. Offering kind, fair and humane training for your best friend, our school uses the latest scientifically proven techniques to gain amazing results. We train without breaking your dog's spirit: no pain, fear or intimidation! In addition to offering great dog training, we also offer tailored coaching through private lessons (in your home or our school) to meet your training goals. Group classes covering a diverse array of topics (sports, behavior issues, tricks, competition obedience, conformation, hunting, etc) round out our training program. We also offer clean, safe, social boarding in a home environment. With several big, open yards, the dogs get to run, stretch and exercise throughout the day. Radiant heated floors keep your pooch comfortable, while periodic dips in the river keep him having fun. Your dog is loved and cared for as you would, complete with holiday parties and regular excursions.

History

Established in 1986.

In 1986 Nancy Thomas and then partner Donna Dubois started the Canine Country School outside of New Castle, Colorado serving the dog- owning communities of Vail, Aspen and the areas in between. In 1990 the partners split and Terena Thomas took over the day to day operations. In 1991 Terena became the head instructor and in 1996 she took over the family business entirely. In 2002 the facility moved from New Castle (on the Southwest side of the Flattops) to its current location on the Southeast side of the Flattops on the Colorado River. In that time techniques evolved from traditional training (dominance theory and training using aversive methods like choke chains) to more dog- friendly approaches using positive reinforcement and psychology to get successful results. The school now uses solely positive training techniques with great results and has certified trainers (CPDT) that are compassionate, fair, clear and consistent in their expectations.

Meet the Manager: Terena T.

Eduction Colorado Mountain College, Rifle, CO Associates of Science 1997 University of Colorado, Denver, CO , 2002 B.S. in Psychology- Graduated with honors as a Psi-Chi member Experience 1990-Present Canine Country School- Animal Behavior Specialist Develop protocol and instruct training for companion animals and their people through the integration of behavior modification techniques with current non-aversive learning theory models. Professional Affiliations/ Accomplishments 1988- Present Active member and volunteer with the AKC Roaring Fork Kennel Club 1994-Present Judge Obedience, Showmanship, Agility and Rally annually for at least three county fairs within the region 1998- Present Subscriber to Animal Wellness, Whole Dog Journal and Dog Watch 1998- Present APDT Professional Member # 71904 2000- Present Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge Assessed Certificate #1020226 2003 - Present American Red Cross Instructor Certification with