Every COPE dog begins here — born into a carefully managed breeding program near Barrie, Ontario. From their very first weeks, pups are handled with gentle intention, beginning the early socialization that shapes their calm, confident character for life.

At eight weeks, each pup goes home with a dedicated volunteer foster family. These remarkable people raise the puppy as their own — introducing them to homes, children, public spaces, and everyday life. Foster families teach basic manners, build confidence, and provide the stability every COPE puppy needs to flourish.

Our signature Canines in the Classroom program places foster pups with high school students across Simcoe County. Student handlers train the dogs — learning responsibility, leadership, and compassion — while the dogs master public access skills in a busy, real-world environment. To date, 98% of enrolled students have graduated or remain in school.

Dogs make the most patient, non-judgmental listeners. In our Reading Buddies program, student handlers bring their COPE dogs to elementary classrooms and libraries where children read aloud — building literacy confidence without fear of judgment. The dogs gain calm-environment experience, and children gain a love of reading.

Around 14 months, dogs with the right temperament enter formal training with COPE’s certified instructors. Over the next several months they learn over 90 commands — from retrieving dropped items and opening doors to turning on lights and assisting with mobility — everything needed to transform a life.