Who We Are
About Us

Over 30 Years Experience - Est. 1976

Trainer Colleen Martin, Trainer Jen Goldstein, Robert H. Brandau, 'Chomper', Trainer Kris Conner
I do dog training because it is my deeply held personal belief that dogs can offer their owners opportunities for personal growth and companionship that are not experienced frequently enough. A dogs ability to communicate and their highly acute senses are far beyond any human but after spending my life with them I am privileged to participate in some of that. Dogs are always in touch with the reality of the moment. They react directly to the environment. It is their ability to let go of the past and the future that dogs can offer their human companions. The peace and comfort that this ability offers is amazing. If we allow them to, our dogs will show us the world in ways many have forgotten since we ourselves were children. In return we may begin to understand that all the inhabitants of the earth have a place in the grand scheme and a right to be here.
I want the dogs we train to have a sense of fun, joy, affection, a natural initiative, know how to play and do their own thinking.
Robert H. Brandau rehabilitates dogs at local shelters.
I do not want training to take out these things but rather encourage them. When you work from a position of teaching you can escape from having to train situationally. This means you don't have to correct your dog.

Trainer Jen Goldstein with 'Maddy', 'Jersey', and 'Mason'.
Teaching a dog to problem solve creates the mental stimulation needed for higher intelligence and a better temperament. We know that we have to build relationships with the dogs and their owners and earn their trust. Now I admit that we are nonconformists in our methods and do not believe in the idea on a superior being compelling an inferior one to obey orders, but rather in developing contact and building a relationship where the dog can become secure, one that encouraged balance, confidence, and contentment. I also believe that a dog can only think and act like a dog.
Robert H. Brandau playing with 'Chomper'.
Everything we do is simple and childlike, and is around an effort to persuade the dogs to turn to us as their friend, whenever they are confused, unsure, upset or afraid. People always ask us at our demonstrations how we get the dogs to do such amazing things, but we don't make them, they want to do it. We begin by becoming interesting, obtaining respect, and building confidence. The training is fun and the lessons are learned almost without any effort.

Trainer Jen Goldstein training 'Jersey"
® (requires real player)
Trainer Kris Conner playing with 'Pablo'. 
Experience has shown me that dogs want to be friendly, cooperate, and that they will, whenever we do our part. They also want to think well of themselves, be understood and appreciated. We know how inhibiting it is to their development to hurt their feelings by correcting them. Dogs don't do bad things from their point of view. We never let a dog feel hurt by anything it has done or failed to do and most of all, never let a dog get into a situation where it could get or receive a correction.
Trainer Jen Goldstein playing with 'Jersey'.
How Canine Companions Got Started
In the mid 1960s, a young Robert Brandau had begun to realize that animals had a unique and special relationship to offer—one he could not put into words, but felt. His friends say that he can talk to animals, all of them. Robert says being able to listen to them is something that you can learn to do. He now teaches people about how dogs think and act.
Trainer Kris Conner training 'Pablo'.
Trainer Colleen Martin training 'Bonnie'
Our fame has grown Internationally
Kevin Spacey and 'Sasha', Robert H. Brandau and Micheal J. Fox, Robert H. Brandau and 'Petie' with Jon Stewart, Robert H. Brandau and Gene Wilder, Diane Lane and 'Trudy', Robert H. Brandau and 'Petie' on the set of "Fresh"
Robert H. Brandau is regarded as an expert in and outside the courtroom, and the canine proof has been seen on major motion pictures, TV networks and commercials. His trained dogs have appeared in; "The Secret of My Success,'' with Michael J. Fox, "See No Evil, Hear No Evil,'' with Gene Wilder, Richard Pryor, Kevin Spacey, "Lady Beware,'' with Diane Lane, "Kojak,'' with Tele Savalaz, "The Equalizer,'' with Edward Woodward and Robert H. Brandau, "Spencer For Hire,'' with Robert Ulrich, "Street Hunter,'' with Steve James, "The Lady in White,''with Kathrine Helmond, MTV on the Jon Stewart Show with Jon Stewart, "The Pick Up Artist,'' with Robert Downey Jr, Vanessa Williams, Molly Ringwald, "Late Night With David Letterman,'' a Colt 45 Malt Liquor commercial with Billy Dee Williams, Dog Bite Prevention public service anouncements for United States Postal Service and many others.

'Chomper' the Dog Bite Prevention Dog
Robert H. Brandau and 'Chomper' Team Up With the
United States Postal Service To Prevent Dog Bites
Click Here for more information and to see the commercials.
Press this link to sign up for training

|