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What We Do

Canine Cadré runs a variety of dog training programs in Central Connecticut and leads an intensive and comprehensive private class schedule. We are one of the rare organizations that can tailor a program to fit you and your pet’s needs.

The meaning of Cadre – A nucleolus of personnel capable of assuming control and training others

Canine Cadré is a 46-year-old organization based in Wallingford and Northford, Connecticut.

With his associates, Canine Behavior expert Lenny Paquette brings their understanding of the canine psyche into the training, troubleshooting and behavior modification process to ensure the maximum benefit for you, your family and your pet’s relationship.
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Our Philosophy

At Canine Cadré we want you to get the best out of your dog and we believe that starts with you! Your relationship is the most important tool to sharpen when training your dog. This includes how you spend time with your dog, play with your dog, talk to your dog and work with your dog. This is also why we believe that it’s vital that YOU train YOUR dog. In our experience this is the training that lasts.

Our sessions are private so we can focus on you and your dog and the specific issues that you are experiencing. We believe a strong foundation in obedience, engagement and play are vital to any training program including behavior modification.

what we do

Prevention

Canine Cadre’s Puppy Headstart Program is and was one of the first of its kind in Connecticut. The PHP educates not only puppies but the owners as well on how to socialize, what it is, and why it is so critical. The benefits of socialization include developing natural bonding techniques, troubleshooting potential challenges for the puppy and knowing how to do it right the first time.

CONSULTATION or EVALUATION

If you need training to improve the relationship with you and your dog, and have a well behaved pet and have fun along the way, then click the tab for a free evaluation.  If you are looking for a more in-depth assessment of your dog’s behavior due to a serious situation or crisis, then contact us for a consultation.

Canine Distraction Class

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Lenny Paquette began his career as a USAF Patrol Dog Handler, Law Enforcement during the Vietnam era. Seeking a better understanding of the canine psyche he next apprenticed under a German Behavioral Biologist in the first federal program of its kind. Initially starting his business in 1977. Lenny combined behavioral understanding and obedience whether for home, Schutzhund (IPO) , therapy dogs, hearing ear dogs, narcotics dogs, SAR (search and rescue) dogs, and many other endeavors. Whether providing behavioral counseling for aggression, separation anxiety, barking, or chewing, we tend to provide a positive approach to behavior modification using training in drive. As a former competitor in the AKC obedience ring, and current competitor in the IPO ring, Lenny brings this expertise to the troubleshooting process as well. Lenny is also an Importer of German Line German Shepherd Dogs from Europe.

Lenny has appeared on Channel 2 CBS in New York regarding canine behavior. Lenny also has been a consultant for the FBI in New Haven, CT and other federal agencies. Lenny has trained narcotics dogs for the Meriden CT Police Department and for his own business searching businesses and private schools for narcotics.

Lenny began Canine Cadre while attending Central Connecticut State University in 1977 initially majoring in psychology and matriculated to business management. He began apprenticing in 1978 to enhance his ability to apply his understanding as a canine behaviorist/trainer. Lenny has worked with luminaries like Paul Newman, Scott Burrell, a fine gentleman who worked and loved his dog, and Ted Christopher, a NASCAR driver who trained all of his dogs with Lenny and became a lasting friend. Lenny treats everyone like a celebrity because dog owners love their dogs and know what love is. The British say, “you end up having the dog you deserve”, If you apply yourself, you will have more than the dog, you will have trained with Lenny.

Erich is the son of owner and founder Lenny Paquette and brings many years of experience to his clients and their dogs. After attending college and living in Massachusetts for several years, Erich has relocated back to Connecticut and joined Lenny and the Canine Cadré crew.

You can find Erich at our Northford location or out-and-about training his German Shepherd dog “Duke”. Erich trains Duke for IGP and is a certified helper for the USCa and GSDCA.

Kathy Stephens has been a trainer for several years and has been a full time associate of Canine Cadre for the past year. She was involved in a Canine Cognition Study at Yale University during the time she joined Canine Cadre in 2018.

In the past, she has competed in American Kennel Club and obedience trials and became to realize that her more in-depth understanding of the canine psyche has brought her up to a new level of competence from a teaching/training aspect. Her love and dedication to our pooches is clear and she is a joy to work with.

Catherine joined Canine Cadre as a client with her dog Tulip several years ago. Tulip turned out to be a challenge and Catherine rose to that challenge. Along the journey with Canine Cadre, Catherine developed an interest in working with other dogs and became the Distraction Class Instructor for the Wallingford location.

You will find Catherine in Wallingford every Saturday hosting the group class as well as the Puppy Social group.

BOOK YOUR FREE EVALUATION

Let us help you decide which type of appointment you need.

A free evaluation is a 15-30 minute appointment where we meet you and your dog and structure a program to meet your goals.

A consultation is an in depth meeting that can take 1 to 2 hours to gather the behavioral sight picture. This is not a free service and is typically designed to assist handlers with more serious or aggressive situations.

Contact us for more information