The Full Story
WHY CANIS?
The animal care field is in a profound state of transformation. Nowhere is this more evident than in the care and understanding of our canine companions. Over the past two decades, advances in science, training philosophies, and behavior have helped shape a new generation of professionals—but they have also created silos, limiting collaboration and shared growth across the field.
CANIS was born from a recognition of both the crisis and the opportunity. As the world grows more complex for humans, it has become exponentially more challenging for dogs. The assumption that dogs must conform to environments designed without them in mind has led to growing welfare concerns and breakdowns in the human-animal bond.
We ask: Can we create a world where environments adapt to dogs, not just the other way around? Can shared understanding across disciplines help us do better—for dogs, and for the professionals who serve them?
We believe the answer is yes. And we believe the time is now.
Vision
CANIS is where the future of the field begins. It is more than a conference. It is a movement to reimagine how professionals from every corner of the canine world can connect, learn, and lead together.
CANIS is a coalition of leading organizations rooted in science, welfare conscious training, behavioral and veterinary expertise, and deep respect for the role of dogs in our lives. From researchers and trainers to veterinarians, shelter professionals, and sport competitors, we are building bridges across practice areas to create a unified, compassionate, and forward-thinking field.
Together, we will tear down silos, amplify innovation, and craft a more humane and effective ecosystem of care. The future demands it. The profession is ready. The dogs we serve are depending on it.
Mission
CANIS is committed to cultivating an inclusive, respectful, and professionally enriching environment, where individuals of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, and religious or spiritual beliefs feel welcome, supported, and empowered to participate fully.
We also honor the diversity of training philosophies, professional backgrounds, learning styles, and lived experiences that each attendee brings to our shared space. By embracing these differences, we create opportunities for meaningful education, deeper learning, and growth, not just within our disciplines, but within ourselves. Our goal is to foster respectful engagement, welcome constructive dialogue, and build a community rooted in unity, curiosity, and mutual regard, because the future of our industry and the advancement of animal welfare depend on it.
ABOUT CANIS
CANIS is an initiative co-created by the Association of Professional Dog Training International (APDT International) and Aggressive Dog Inc, in collaboration with over a dozen organizations committed to advancing science-based, humane care for dogs.
Each of these organizations has played a leading role in education, advocacy, and professional development within their domain. Together, we are uniting our reach to build a conference—and a movement—that can do more than any one discipline alone.
Tracks include:
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Training & Learning Sciences
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Behavioral Science & Applied Psychology
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Veterinary & Neurological Advances
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Shelter, Rescue & Non-Profit Impact
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Canine Sports & Performance
At CANIS, we are creating a place for collective elevation. One that honors where we’ve been but dares to redefine what comes next.