ABOUT CANINE COLLEGE

Trusted by those who expect more

Number 80 with the years 1946 and 2026 on either side, celebrating an 80th anniversary.

Training Dogs. Educating Owners.
Building a life worth sharing since 1946.

Founded by WWII Army K-9 Corps veteran John M. Behan, Canine College began as one of the country’s first professional dog training programs. What started as a pioneering effort has evolved into a premier countryside retreat for dogs and their owners, now proudly continued as a third-generation, family-owned and operated institution.

For over 80 years, we have remained committed to uncompromising standards, intentional selectivity, and highly individualized care. Canine College is a heritage-driven establishment built on nearly a century of experience in disciplined canine training and care.

At our core, we believe there is a meaningful difference between loving a dog and truly respecting one. Lasting behavioral transformation comes from clear expectations, structure, and consistency, not overstimulation or high-volume group environments. Our approach prioritizes calm, balance, and clarity, helping each dog feel secure, responsive, and at ease while fostering a stronger partnership between dog and owner.

This philosophy is brought to life by a highly experienced team that has successfully trained more than 15,000 dogs. Developed through an apprenticeship-based model and supported by American Red Cross Pet First Aid certification, our staff carries forward generations of hands-on expertise, delivering care that is calm, confident, and deeply intentional.

We didn't build Canine College overnight. Over eighty years, we've refined every method, elevated every standard, and earned the trust of thousands of families who expect the very best for their dogs. Our approach has never been one-size-fits-all. Every dog is different. Every program is tailored. And every outcome is one we stand behind.

80 YEARS OF
EXCEPTIONAL HERITAGE

Continuous family ownership and
pioneering knowledge in the field of
dog training since 1946.

Canine College Retriever illustration

INDIVIDUALIZED
ATTENTION

Every dog receives highly personalized,
one-on-one attention, ensuring that
each dog benefits from a tailored approach
within a calm, structured, and
controlled environment.

Led by Family, Inspired by Excellence

SHARON LANOUE

STEPHANIE KASSNER

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CANINE COLLEGE

OUR FACILITY

BUCOLIC COUNTRY ESTATE

Set on a picturesque property in Redding, Connecticut, our facility functions as a premier countryside retreat. The private family estate features a historic barn and stable, offering pastoral landscapes and expansive grounds designed for relaxed, scenic walks.

PREMIUM ACCOMMODATIONS

Every detail of our indoor facility is designed with your dog's ultimate comfort in mind. The private accommodations are exceptionally clean, bright, and airy. To ensure a comfortable stay year-round, the entire facility is fully climate-controlled and features radiant heated floors for the colder months.

CALM ENVIRONMENT

The property itself is intentionally designed to communicate calm, control, and expertise. By maintaining a low-volume approach, our facility provides a peaceful, structured atmosphere that actively avoids the overstimulation and chaos of other boarding environments. 

Our History -
A Legacy of Exceptional Canine Care

Canine College has been family owned and operated since it was founded by John M. Behan in 1946. John began his career in the Army’s K-9 corps during WWII. After his time in service, John established canine police programs throughout the country, as well as protection work for Macy’s, the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney, Bronx Zoo and Columbia University. The original program was rooted in a belief that training should be structured, consistent, and practical.

Over the decades, the business remained within the family, preserving not only its founding principles but also its apprenticeship-based system of knowledge transfer. This continuity has allowed Canine College to maintain a rare level of consistency in both philosophy and execution across generations. Today, that legacy continues with the same guiding principle established in 1946: disciplined, structured training rooted in respect for the dog and responsibility to the owner.

Visit our Media page to learn more about our history and the Canine College experience.

Black and white logo featuring a circular design with the words 'CHININE COLLEGE' and 'EST. 1940' surrounding an image of a hand in a peace sign.

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