“Sit. Stay.
Graduate.”
COPE is unique — students don’t just learn about service dogs, they train them. Working alongside our professional instructors, students master up to 90 commands while developing the confidence and skills to transform their own lives.
1,000+
Students
90+
Sit. Stay.
Graduate (hover)Graduate
How Canines in the Classroom Works
Enroll
Students join during the school day — linked to the Ontario curriculum and earn credits
Train
Students work alongside COPE instructors teaching up to 90 service dog commands
Go Out
Teams visit elementary schools, seniors homes and community events
Graduate
Students and dogs both grow — 98% of students graduate or remain in school
Canines in the Classroom
Students facing barriers get a unique opportunity — to train a service dog during the school day. Linked to the Ontario secondary school curriculum, students earn credits while learning literacy, workplace skills and self-confidence. The program is currently running in Simcoe County.
Reading Buddies
COPE dogs are the best listeners — they never judge, never criticize and never rush. Student handler teams visit elementary schools where children read aloud to the dogs, building literacy confidence in a warm, non-judgmental environment. Children who would never read aloud in class find their voice with a COPE dog by their side.
Community Canines
Student handler teams take their COPE dogs out into the community — visiting seniors homes, hospitals, libraries and community events. For seniors who may be isolated or less mobile, a visit from a COPE dog and student brings genuine joy. For students, it builds empathy and an appreciation for those around them.
The Research Speaks for Itself
Independent research from the Simcoe County District School Board confirms what we see every day — students in Canines in the Classroom show measurable improvements in grades, attendance and behaviour.
Watch Canines in the Classroom
1-minute student-made video
CIC and Reading Buddy in action