Cindy is a graduate of the esteemed Karen Pryor Instructor Training Academy where she earned the "Certified Training Partner" title. Additionally, she apprenticed with the Canine Connection for several years before becoming a full instructor. Cindy now leads our agility program and teaches introductory and advanced obedience classes. Cindy has trained and competed with her Yorkies in the dog sport of agility. Her first agility dog, four pound Edie (AKA “Crazy Edie”), shown here with Cindy, received multiple titles in the sport.

Cindy's love and devotion to dogs has been a lifelong affair. During high school, she attended Butte County’s Regional Occupational Program (ROP) to become a veterinary assistant. After graduating from the program, she worked five years for a local small animal and exotic veterinary hospital. Cindy did take a break from her life with animals long enough to complete a master's degree and teach in computer engineering at Chico State. However, her love of animals won over and she has returned to a life where she is fully immersed in dogs at home and at the Canine Connection.

Robin Ehn has been training dogs since 1972. She has been an avid positive/clicker trainer since 1996 when her “teacher dog”, Stormn’ Kisses, introduced her to the joys and results of this approach to dog training. Robin has received the nationally recognized certification “Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed” and is continuing her study of animal behavior through the Companion Animal Sciences Institute where she is studying for her Diploma of Dog Behavior Science and Technology. Additionally, Robin is a member in good standing of the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals.

Besides teaching group dog training classes and private lessons for many years, Robin has trained dogs for hunting, drug detection, and stage shows. Robin is not only a superb dog trainer and educator, but she’s an entertainer too! With her dog, Aidan the Golden Cur, another of the family dogs, and her goats, Robin spent several years entertaining the crowds at Renaissance Faires throughout California. Robin’s motto for training is: Accentuate the Positive !CLICK! Eliminate the Negative.

Shagay Anselment recently decided to pursue her life's passion - animal care. After many years in the electronics field, Shagay enrolled in the Butte County Office of Education ROP program, with a focus on animal and veterinary careers. As part of her classroom program, Shagay and her classmates visited the Canine Connection to learn about animal behavior and training. Shagay was hooked and has been an invaluable part of our team ever since. Now an ROP graduate, Shagay works for the Canine Connection in our training, day care, and events programs. She also works as a veterinary assistant at Companions Animal Hospital in Paradise and is continuing her education to become a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT). Shagay shares her home with husband, Tim, and their beloved dogs and cat.

Kevin first became involved with the Canine Connection while a student at Chico State. For a class project in a recreation therapy class, Kevin organized a program that brought people with mental disabilities together with our therapy dog team. The outcomes were wonderful. At that time, Kevin became committed to working with dogs and their people. Upon graduating from Chico State, he joined our team full-time, as our dog day care program team leader. In this capacity, he ensures that every dog has a wonderful time by being matched with appropriate peers, oversees our amazing dog day care team, and handles day care logistics. When not hanging with our day care dogs, Kevin can be found hanging with his own dog, Cyan, and his sweetie Cathryn.

Amber was first introduced to the Canine Connection when she visited with her ROP Animal Careers class. She immediately decided that she wanted to do her internship with us, beginning a career in dog training and behavior. After completing her internship hours, we couldn’t let her go. She has joined our staff as an apprentice in our dog trainer development program, assists with our dog training clients and classes. But that’s not all. Amber, and little dog, Elvis, are also an integral part of our daycare team. Those who know Amber – humans and canines alike – appreciate her friendly smile and encouraging ways.

Miles wears two hats at the Canine Connection. He’s a dog day care leader at our Main Campus and also helps with our boarding dogs at our South Campus (AKA Hotel Seville). In both roles, Miles’ main job is to help good dogs have a great time. Miles is a big guy with an even bigger heart. While all dogs love Miles, he has a very special touch with our small, sensitive dogs. Big or small, outgoing or timid, our Canine Connection dogs and staff appreciate Miles’ special connection with our furry friends.

Loren Claflin is the Canine Connection’s dog care “au pair.” Loren works primarily at our South Campus, where we offer premium boarding and overnight care. A true friend of dogs, Loren spends his time at the Canine Connection walking them, playing fetch, and ensuring that all our VIP (Very Important Pooch) houseguests are happy and healthy. Loren’s work comes naturally to him. He grew up caring for rats, dogs, a cat, turtles, birds, rabbits, lizards, fish, and any other animal he could fine. A native of Chico, Loren has lived in Brazil where he worked at a yoga adventure spa and in the Santa Cruz area on a small organic farm. When not at the Canine Connection, Loren enjoys riding his bicycle, creating music, and spending time with his girlfriend.

Becca began working with the Canine Connection since January 2011. She first visited the center with her ROP Animal Careers class and, once here, became hooked on learning about dog behavior and training. She completed her ROP internship at the Canine Connection and then joined our staff. Becca helps in all areas of our services, including training, daycare, and boarding. You may also hear her helpful voice when you call us since she often answers our phone. A longtime dog lover, Becca has two dogs of her own, a German Shepherd mix (Smokey) and a Sharpei mix (Roxy). She has enjoyed training them using positive reinforcement and has been particularly thrilled to find that at 12 years old, Smokey can indeed learn many new tricks.