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.

It began a year ago. I purchased a 14 week old male Chihuahua pup. I named him “Manny.” He was minimally socialized and had very little contact with other dogs. I was his only human contact. Manny was destructive, even pulling wallpaper off of the walls. He barked, nipped and scratched. He needed training badly.  After some research I settled upon Courteous Canine.  It seemed to offer a variety of training options.

Karen is the owner/trainer. With Karen’s assistance we began to put together a program that would benefit Manny.  We started with four private sessions in my home.  Manny barked for a while but eventually calmed down and began to apprehensively approach Karen.

Once she gave him a treat the ice was broken.  He and we were on our way forward.  After our home classes we were ready meet other dogs and their owners and we began group sessions. 

Manny played and seemed to truly enjoy being with his newly-found friends (not only his dog friends but their owners also).  I was quite relieved that Manny appeared happy in this new world.  He also began to learn how to sit, lie down and stay.  This was just the beginning.  We began to enjoy our classes at local businesses ( Home Depot, Marshall’s, Ace Hardware etc.).  Being exposed to more people in different locations has helped Manny to feel comfortable while exploring new people and places. 

We (Manny and I) are not stopping here.  Courteous Canine has more to offer us.  I am so grateful to Karen for all that she does.Manny is maturing and his behavior is mellowing nicely.  Karen’s 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.

Our golden retriever Skyler attended puppy kindergarten and focused puppy classes. 

     Karen is a knowledgeable instructor who is intuitive and understands dog behavior well.   She was able to offer helpful advice on every issue we had.   She taught basic commands as well as strategies to manage distractions and improve impulse control.   The classes are small with individualized attention and play time which Skyler loved. 

Kathe J.

We had such a great experience with Courteous Canine! I brought my dog Stevie to their 6-week group training course with Karen, the owner, and it exceeded my expectations. Karen is incredibly knowledgeable and patient, and she does an amazing job balancing the group setting while still giving each dog and owner individual attention. Stevie learned so much, and it was really helpful to work around other dogs to build his focus and confidence in a more real-world environment. The structure of the program was clear and easy to follow, and Karen made sure we always felt supported and understood what to work on between classes. You can tell she genuinely cares about every dog that comes through her program. We saw such a big improvement in Stevie, and I’d highly recommend Courteous Canine to anyone looking for a positive, effective group training experience!

Britney G.

Thank you so so much for coming to Wickford for the private lesson with Poppy! I cannot tell you what an immediate difference it made. Your observations and experience gave us the guidance we needed, and yesterday we enjoyed the best walk we have ever had with Poppy. Your training is working like magic! As we were walking in Wickford today and someone said, ‘That is what my daughter wishes her dogs would walk like!’

Jennifer S.

Going into classes with our Golden, Leo, I had ambitious plans to have him serve as a therapy dog. His behavior at the first class was awful! I asked my husband to join me for the next class thinking he would have more success. Better but not perfect. Since then, Leo has earned his CGC and passed the Touching Tails Therapy evaluation! The classes with Karen not only taught us how to train Leo for success, they trained us humans how to be the optimal teammate for our canine! We learned so much….about our awesome dog and most importantly, about ourselves! I highly recommend Curteous Canine!

Lady and I loved our time at Courteous Canine.  She was a pampered pet from the day she came home with me.  But now, she is (and we are!) so much more.  I recognize her doggie behaviors and respond appropriately.  She is much more confident in every setting.  In addition, friends enjoy visiting our home as she can now control her enthusiastic greeting.

We’ve been working with Karen since Bugsy was a puppy in Puppy Kindergarten, and she has been an invaluable part of his development. Bugsy is a smart, energetic Labradoodle who knows how to use his cute face to his advantage, but Karen has helped us channel that energy into becoming a well-mannered and confident dog. We recently earned his Canine Good Citizen certification, and we’re now working toward therapy dog certification. What stands out most about Karen is not only her ability as a teacher, but her incredible depth of knowledge about dogs and behavior. She is always a trusted resource and a pleasure to work with. We look forward to continuing our training journey with her for years to come.

My one year old loved going to class with Karen. Matty and I have  learned so many valuable skills that even my neighbors have noticed. She walks on a leash without pulling and does not react to other dogs. She has learned to sit on command for a few minutes if I need her to calm down if she gets excited to meet new people. 

Wendy B

I highly recommend Courteous Canine and their therapy dog class! It was a wonderful experience.  Karen was positive, patient, easy to understand, and very helpful throughout the certification process. 

The course focused on important therapy dog skills as well as strengthening the bond between me and my dog, Levi.  We can't wait to get out there and start helping people!

-Erica R