Canine Center Florida

Dogs Playing for Life’s Advanced Training and Behavior facility is designed to support unowned dogs that are suffering behaviorally. We have understood for some time that long-term confinement and isolation are not healthy for any sentient being, and the effects are observable – social and behavioral deterioration, but what alternatives do shelters have available to them?

When there are no options left for at-risk homeless dogs

It’s a Nation-Wide Challenge

Many animal welfare organizations simply do not have the staffing, resources, or training expertise to emotionally sustain our canine companions in kennels long term. The reality of these conditions can range from longer stays that further overburden the shelter and caretakers, to the placement of struggling dogs into homes that can lead to potentially unsafe or unsuccessful situations. It quickly becomes a self-fueling loop that leads to more long-term stays and increased risk of euthanasia – for space or behavior.

“Working with CCF is such a dream.
The work and the process that they complete with the dogs in their care is just incredible.”
– Animal Shelter Foundation

Delivering Another piece of the Solution

CCF was established in 2017 to uniquely address these challenges. At CCF our trainers are able to focus on helping the dogs to progress without any other competing priorities and in an environment that is more conducive to healthy canine expression. By providing them with the individualized attention and training expertise needed, more dogs have become happy, healthy and well balanced companions and/or exceptional working dogs. Our success rate has drawn world-wide attention, allowing us to work with renowned industry professionals to provide a level of resource in-need dogs can’t find anywhere else.

“DPFL is not only a game changer for shelter dogs but a life saver as well.”
– Shelter team member and Mentorship student

What We Do

Teaching Essential Skills for a Life Fulfilled

A typical day: From cleaning and feeding routines to nap times, everything we do revolves around what’s best for the dog’s emotional well-being.

Daily playgroups – time to get those ya-ya’s out!
Multiple carefully crafted sessions outside of enclosures per day for enrichment and training
Customized training protocols to support each individual dog
1-1 handling and training by expert staff and instructors from across the nation
Handling by Dogs Playing for Life students to support solid generalization of skills
Field trips into our community for exposure and to practice in novel environments
Overnights with our professional staff and visitors in on-site dorm rooms to experience life away from the kennels
Professional foster program to provide extended assessment to dogs when needed
Daily in-kennel enrichment and comforts

The Surroundings Matter

A World Class Environment

A place for canine expression

13 fully fenced “Free Roam Yard full of doggy dream-world” (trees, bushes, grass, toy, pools…)
9 onsite dorm rooms to share with canine companions
9 enclosed outdoor play yards
36 indoor/outdoor kennels
2500 sq ft of covered training space (for those rainy days)
Official dock diving pool