About Us
Carolyn Murray - Owner/Trainer
In 2008, Carolyn was chosen by a small white shepherd puppy. Little did she know the challenging road they would travel together. Cooper was a very fearful puppy and, despite lots of socialization, Carolyn soon realized it was going to take a lot to help this pup. After a couple of agility classes, it was clear the key to building confidence in her dog was a job. Cooper loved to work, so together they trained agility, tricks, obedience, tracking, barn hunt, and nose work. While Cooper's temperament did not allow for him to compete in many sports, the two of them were able to earn titles in nose work among others. Cooper was the first white shepherd dog to earn the challenging Trick Dog Champion title. Cooper passed away in January 2021 but his legacy lives on through Carolyn's training methodology and programs.
Over the years, Carolyn has sought out various trainers and clinics, exposing her to many ideas and methodologies. She continues to be most influenced by trainers highly skilled in engagement and motivation...with an eye for the dog as an individual.
Carolyn specializes in K9 Nose Work® classes but also integrates basic obedience and AKC Certificate/Title programs including AKC STAR puppy, Canine Good Citizen, and trick training.
Training Methodology
The Canny Canine was created on the simple premise that pet owners who actively engage with their dog have a better relationship and often a more well-behaved, happier dog. Carolyn has created a boutique-style dog training environment where she works with clients to both create and achieve goals specific to individual needs.
There are many methods available by which to train your dog. The Canny Canine believes in using motivational training methods to create thinking dogs that want to work with you. We recognize that dogs don't make the decision to play a particular sport, therefore our emphasis is on the following in all of our training classes and activities:
- We focus on motivational methods to create a working and willing TEAM between dog and handler.
- We pay our dog "high salaries" in the form of food, toys, or play.
- We don't "bribe" our dogs with food.
- We don't focus on corrections to produce results.
- "It Depends"
- We focus ultimately on handler accountability.
Dogs sports are a fantastic and highly gratifying way to create a great relationship with your dog. All of our programs are developed for the average family pet that just wants to have some fun!! Come join us!!
Certifications & Memberships
AKC STAR Puppy/CGC/Trick Dog: Evaluator # 82732
AKC Scent Work: Judge #102425
AKC Farm Dog: Judge #102425
Do More With Your Dog: Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) - Bronze Medal Trainer
DogNostics: Certified Fun Scent Games Instructor Level 1 (DN-FSG1)
National Association of Canine Scent Work®: Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI™)
National Association of Canine Scent Work®: Odor Recognition Test Certifying Official & Judge
National Association of Canine Scent Work®: NW1/NW2/L1/L2 EST Certifying Official
National Association of Canine Scent Work®: National Trial Coordinator
National Association of Canine Scent Work®: Member
United Kennel Club (UKC): SPOT Evaluator #7200
Carolyn's Dogs
Scout actively competes in NACSW K9 Nose Work trials at the NW3 level. She has earned the following titles:
DMWYD: Trick Dog Champion (TDCH)
UKC NOSEWORK: PT Novice thru Elite / NNE / NNI / NNC / 1ST LEG NNV / ANI / ANE / 1ST LEG SNI
BARN HUNT: RATI
NACSW: ORT / NW1 / NW2 / NW3-I / NW3-V / NW3-C / NW3-E / L1C / L1V
AKC: STAR Puppy
Cooper - 8/17/08 - 1/25/21
DMWYD: Trick Dog Champion (TDCH)
UKC NOSEWORK: PT Novice thru Master / NNI
BARN HUNT: RATI
NACSW: ORT / NW1
AKC: STAR Puppy / CGC
