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Cristy's Canine Academy believes every dog needs a top-notch education

Veterans suffering from depression, traumatic brain injury, and anxiety work with dogs in need of training through a positive reinforcement program - Circle of Change at Ms. Cristy's Canine Academy.

Jean Seegers

Jean Seegers

— 2 min read
Cristy's Canine Academy believes every dog needs a top-notch education
Roscoe, IL - Dogs with behavioral issues learn behavioral skills at Ms. Cristy's Canine Academy. Veterans train the dogs and benefit from the process. They learn compassion, patience, and positive reinforcement. Dogs and veterans meet every Wednesday at 5496 Elevator Road in Roscoe, at 10:30 am. Pictured: Cristy, Jackie, Don, Colina, Rex, and their furry friends. Missing class members: Ralph, Peter, Gary Jim K, Elizabeth, Jerry, and Jim

One of the first lessons Cristy Aldrich teaches veterans about training dogs is that it's not about tough love. It's about building trust, discipline, and mutual support between handlers and the dogs. Cristy is the owner and instructor at Ms. Cristy's Canine Academy in Roscoe. She is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and an evaluator for the American Kennel Club. Cristy works with Circle of Change, a not-for-profit, innovative, free dog training program.

Cristy began her career in dog training while a volunteer at Noah's Ark in Rockford. She worked as a kennel technician for seven years. She took classes at Pet Smart and eventually became a professional dog trainer. Cristy opened Canine Academy, 5496 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Illinois, in 2014. She works with veterans and first responders who suffer from PTSD, and trauma.

Roscoe, IL - Cristy Aldrich is the owner and dog trainer at Ms. Cristy's Canine Academy in Roscoe. She works with veterans who suffer from PTSD. She trains the veterans to train the dogs.

The Circle of Change program is designed to foster a supportive environment, build confidence, and renew a sense of community. Her focus is on building trust, discipline, and mutual support between trainers and the dogs.

Roscoe, IL - Rex and his dog Daisy are regulars at Ms. Cristy's Canine Academy in Roscoe. He found Daisy at a shelter about 2 years ago. Daisy helps Rex relax and be calm when he is dealing with anxiety.
Roscoe, IL - Colina, a veteran and volunteer at Circle of Change, brings her dog, Lucy, to Canine Academy every week. Colina is one of many veterans who suffer from PTSD. Lucy often helps calm other dogs in the program.

Some dogs are referred to the program by handlers. They are rescue dogs, often found at puppy mills and shelters. Veterans can also bring their own dogs or drop them off for training sessions. The dogs must meet the safety requirements of the Circle of Change program before beginner classes start.

Cristy offers some words of wisdom for training your dog: "Be firm. Dogs need a set of boundaries. Being fierce is not necessary. Dogs are social animals. they enjoy each other's company. Dogs offer love and companionship. They make everyone feel loved and wanted."

" There is another dog training business in the area." Cristy said. "Dave's Doggie Den is at 919 River Lane in Loves Park. They are also part of Circle of Change, helping veterans learn how to handle their dogs." They can be reached at 815-397-2940

Ms Cristy's Canine Academy - 815-494-5392

www.MsCristysCanineAcademy.net

shdogschool@gmail.com

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