helping families & their dogs find happiness through training

Triton has taken both private lessons and classes with Courteous Canine, and they have all helped him tremendously. The outings class and private lessons were especially beneficial in giving me the tools I needed to help him with overcoming his reactivity to other dogs. He now even gets compliments about how good he is when he sits quietly to let other dogs walk by! I would recommend Karen and Courteous Canine 100%.

- Maria D.

It is an honor to write a testimonial on behalf of Karen McCarthy and Courteous Canine. I have been attending classes and private training sessions at Courteous Canine for over 15 years, with two different dogs.

Both my dogs benefitted immeasurably from the professional and caring environment created by Karen McCarthy. She is a true 'dog whisperer' and provides reasonable, practical advice for any problem behaviors.

I have recommended Karen and Courteous Canine to friends who are experiencing issues with their dogs, and will continue to do so because she is an incredible resource.

My dogs, Sasha and Astro, both earned multiple advanced Canine Good Citizen certificates. Both were also registered Pet Partners therapy dogs, and I have relied heavily on the Touching Tails class to get us ready for evaluations and re-evaluations. Sasha has gone over the rainbow bridge but I continue this work with Astro, age 4. Karen and

Courteous Canine have been instrumental in training both my dogs. I give her my very highest recommendation and applaud her for the amazing work she does with dogs and their handlers!

Thank you, Karen, for creating Courteous Canine and being a critical community resource for quality, humane dog training. Rhode Island is fortunate to have you!

- Robin H.

I want to let you know (and I dare to also speak for Manny) that we both are enjoying our current Saturday classes. Just being in the room with other dogs and owners has been a delight for us.  Manny is maturing and his behavior is mellowing nicely.  Your support has been instrumental in our learning to understanding each other.

- Stephen A.

Myles and I have been working with Karen at Courteous Canine for about 7 years. 

Whether it was just showing up for playtime with the other dogs, structured classes or meeting out in the field for out of classroom experiences. Myles is always so excited to show up to class and to see Karen or Sam. The level of patience and professionalism is to no other. 

— Lynne

Thank you so much to Courteous Canine for helping me build a trusting relationship with my new dog Hazel. And thank you to Mabel for being such a good sport!

Courteous Canine has been fabulous for my corgi puppy. He has attended Puppy Kindergarten, Focused Puppy, and Putdoor Adventure. He goes to day camp twice a week and he loves it. Karen has been a real advocate for my dog. She has helped me understand him and is continuously helping him to be a wonderful dog. Meme M.

Great training - keen insights, terrific results for our basset pup Hazel. Tremendous progress, kind and thoughtful instruction has us stunned at how well our little pup is doing - from puppy kindergarten at 3 months, then focused puppy and day camp through 6 months. With bassets being notoriously stubborn and somewhat difficult to housetrain - Karen and Courteous Canine have trained us (and Hazel) that we have no accidents, a bright and delightful, happy, confident pup. Well done - most highly recommended, particularly if you're having a tough time getting your young pup sorted out (newer or non-dog experts.) Regards, Bob W.

We signed our puppy Pepper up for Puppy Kindergarten. We all loved it so much that we continued on with Focused Puppy class and she now goes to Unleashed Day Camp once a week! Karen and Sam are so helpful and caring! Your dog will be in great hands! We love them! Julie G.

Karen McCarthy knows dogs and is unflappable. She uses modern training methods (no choke collars or pack dominance BS) and positive reinforcement. We just completed the Touching Tails Canine Good Citizen class at the new facility in Wakefield, which is a huge improvement over the former site on Route 1. My dog and I both enjoyed the experience.Cynthia D.

Timmy and I really enjoyed our Rally class at Courteous Canine. We were given a lot of tips and pointers to improve his skills. It was so much fun and he even ended up with an AKC title! June G.

Great experience with both classes and camp. Jill S.