Canine Dimensions was founded by nationally known trainer and dog behavior expert Phil Guida,
a pioneer in the modern science of balanced, reward-based dog training.
In 1997, after years of study and research, he blended the best components of existing dog training programs and added some intuitive methodology based on his observations of how dogs communicate with one another. The resulting 3-phase dog training model was a powerful, naturally balanced system which produced astonishingly fast results. That was when the Canine Dimensions dog training system was born.
Nature designed this training method for dogs, but Phil Guida was the “interpreter” who made it available for practical use by dog owners. Our system is proprietary – only a Canine Dimensions certified dog trainer can teach it. It creates a proper balance in the human-dog relationship and builds a strong bond of loyalty and trust between dogs and their owners.
We train puppies and dogs of any breed or age, using humane, dog-friendly training methods – no shock collars and no clickers.
At Canine Dimensions, we specialize in professional in-home dog training and dog behavior solutions designed to help dogs and their owners live better lives together. Since our founding in 1997 in New Jersey by Phil Guida, our mission has been clear: to provide real, lasting solutions for everyday dog behavior problems. What began with helping shelter dogs avoid being returned for issues like “unruly,” “destructive,” or “not listening” has grown into a nationwide training system that has helped nearly 100,000 dogs and their families succeed.
Our training philosophy is built on the understanding that effective dog training is about more than obedience commands—it’s about every dimension of the relationship between you and your dog. Dogs thrive when they have clear communication, consistent leadership, and structured guidance, which is why our approach focuses on building trust, respect, and understanding in the home . This relationship-based, balanced training method allows us to successfully address a wide range of common behavior issues, including housebreaking problems, pulling on the leash, not coming when called, darting out through open doors, hyperactivity, destructiveness, aggression, nipping and mouthing, fear, jumping on people, excessive barking, and counter surfing.
Unlike generic or “one-size-fits-all” programs, Canine Dimensions uses a customized approach tailored to each dog’s temperament, personality, drives, and environment. Our certified trainers implement a proven, multi-phase training methodology that teaches your dog what behaviors are expected, reinforces compliance, and builds reliability—even in real-world situations with distractions . This structured system is what allows us to produce consistent, long-term results for dogs of all ages, breeds, and behavioral challenges.
For puppy owners, our Puppy GoodStart® training program is especially valuable. Puppies go through critical developmental and socialization stages that shape their future behavior, and when these stages are handled correctly, many problems can be prevented before they ever begin. Our certified trainers understand what’s coming next as your puppy grows, guiding you step-by-step so you can stay ahead of issues like fear, nipping, housebreaking challenges, and unwanted behaviors—giving your puppy the best possible foundation for life.
We also believe that successful dog training must include the owner. That’s why our in-home dog training programs focus on coaching you as much as your dog—teaching you how to communicate effectively, establish leadership, and maintain results over time. From early puppy training and socialization to advanced obedience and behavior modification, we address the root causes of behavior—not just the symptoms.
Today, Canine Dimensions is proud to have a great team of certified dog trainers located throughout the United States, along with thousands of 5-star reviews from satisfied clients. In fact, we are the only national dog training company authorized by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) to provide continuing education (CE) training to veterinarians. The AAVSB Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) program sets uniform standards for veterinary continuing education in North America. RACE-approved programs ensure quality and are widely accepted by licensing boards for license renewal.
Canine Dimensions is recommended by veterinarians, animal shelters, foster groups and dog rescues throughout the United States. We are frequently cited as information and reference sources including the best-selling book by The Association of Professional Dog Trainers “Top Tips from Top Trainers.”
Our proprietary training methods are exclusively taught by our certified professionals, and the results speak for themselves: a well-behaved dog, a more confident owner, and a stronger, more enjoyable bond between you and your pet!
Many of our trainers are certified CGC evaluators by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and are Red Cross certified in canine CPR and first aid.
Our trainers provide foster homes for homeless, abused and neglected animals and volunteer with local dog rescues, animal shelters and other animal welfare organizations across the country, including: Canine Cellmates, Animal Welfare Society of Camden County, San Diego Dog Lovers Ministries, Mile High German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue, Tri-County Animal Rescue, PetsInDistress.org, Doberman Rescue League of Fort Lauderdale, Garden State German Shepherd Rescue, Mid-Atlantic German Shorthaired Rescue, Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary, Delaware Valley Doberman Assistance, Arvada K9 Water Safety Program, Canines for Therapy (pic), East Berkshire Animal Control, Dallas County SPCA Youth Village program, Delaware County SPCA, Frontier Animal Shelter, German Shepherd Rescue of New England, Homeward Bound-Addison County Humane Society, Rescue Express, The Animal Welfare Association, The Animal Adoption Center, New Jersey Aid for Animals and PetSmart Animal Adoption (Ontario).
Meet “Dooley” – a dog we found at a local animal shelter. After testing him we believed that he had “the right stuff” to become a search and rescue dog.
Canine Dimensions recommended him to the National Search Dog Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to strengthen disaster response by recruiting rescued dogs and partnering them with first responders to find people buried alive in the wreckage of disasters. Dooley (now named “Crocker”), recently graduated from his S&R training, and is now helping save lives.
Canine Dimensions Founder and CEO Phil Guida (center) at the Best Friends® National Conference with Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center’s team of life-saving professionals. Homeward Bound has increased their shelter’s live-release rate every year, and recently became the New Jersey’s first high volume open-admission no-kill shelter.
Canine Dimensions Managing Director Amanda Striker, CDBA, CMT volunteers with Hearts Alive Village, a 501c3 nonprofit organization with the mission of nurturing a compassionate society where pets are supported in their homes and on their journey to find new homes. Through their low-cost vet clinics, spay/neuter services, Cat Cafe, foster/rescue programs, veteran support services, pet food bank and so much more, Hearts Alive helps provide much needed support to thousands of pets and their families each year.
Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary
Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary was founded in the fall of 2014 by Canine Dimensions trainer Jim Dascoli, CDBA, CYNX-L. Their mission is to rescue and find loving homes for adult and senior German Shepherds. They also help find homes for large breed shepherd mixes, or other large mix breed dogs, who are at risk of being euthanized.
The average age of a dog rescued by Sedona is 7 years old. This compares to the typical age of 18 months for shelter dogs. Adult and senior dogs, especially large breed dogs, are at the highest risk of being euthanized.
Most shelters do not have a dedicated program to help older dogs find homes. That’s where Sedona comes in. Working with other rescue organizations in the area, their team of dedicated volunteers provide sanctuary for those older dogs that need help.
Their lifesaving work has helped hundreds of dogs find foster homes and forever homes!