About Canine Training Research Group

Training, boarding and canine research

Canine Training Research Group (CTRG) is a Houston private dog training and boarding business that also runs canine research, serving Houston and surrounding areas. It cites over 15 years of experience and says proceeds from its services fund ongoing canine research projects. The group describes itself as researchers, veterinarians, animal behaviorists and dog trainers working on evidence-based training methods.

Training offered

Programs are tailored to each dog and owner and include obedience training, behavioral modification, service dog training for a range of tasks, and specialized training for working dogs in tracking, search and rescue and detection. Premium boarding is offered too.

The owner

Owner Scott DePietro holds a master's degree in Intelligence Studies from Mercyhurst College and managed canine programs for the US Government as a Supervisory Canine Professional and data analyst. His current focus is collecting training data to improve how efficiently dogs are trained, including mobility and rehabilitation dogs.

What owners say

One client wrote that their 2-year-old Doberman had her basic training down in about a week and a half. Another called CTRG "by far the best trainers we used."