I'm the breeder behind Can Do Canines Assistance Dogs located in New Hope, MN. Can Do Canines is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities by creating mutually beneficial partnerships with specially trained dogs. We envision a future in which every person who needs and wants an assistance dog can have one. We value client commitment, teamwork, integrity, respect for people, and respect for animals. We're an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International, a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to improve the areas of training, placement, and utilization of assistance dogs.
About Karin
I am the breeding coordinator for Can-Do-Canines.org, a non-profit organization that is the largest provider of assistance dogs in Minnesota. I primarily breed labs, but will occasionally work with Goldens as well. I am passionate with what I do and love being involved with something so worthwhile.
What makes Karin’s program special
A defining characteristic of Can Do Canines is its commitment to find new ways for assistance dogs to help individuals with disabilities. The organization’s leadership in ‘thinking outside the box’ can be seen through a variety of innovations. Can Do Canines pioneered the training of assistance dogs to detect low glucose levels for people with type I diabetes and Can Do Canines was one of the first organizations in the country to train a Seizure Assist Dog to interact with a Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS), a device implanted in the chest of an individual to help control seizures. We decide to breed two dogs based upon temperament and structure for working dogs. We perform health testing with OFA and genetic clearances. It is important to us that we ensure genetic diversity and go away from in-breeding.
Karin is a member of a club
Assistance Dogs International
Karin’s certifications & recognitions
Charity Navigator, GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency, Charity Review Council Approved
Karin has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. Together, you'll choose the puppy that's right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Please contact the breeder to get more information about pricing.
Karin may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Karin offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Karin directly.
Certified Good Dog Breeders put a lot of care into raising well-rounded puppies, often focusing on early training and socialization with children and other animals. While Can Do Canines Assistance Dogs hasn’t shared details here about their specific practices yet, we encourage you to reach out to learn more about how they prepare their puppies to go home.
Certified Good Dog breeders ensure their puppies are healthy and ready for their new homes. Puppies receive the appropriate vaccinations and are dewormed or have a clear fecal exam before they leave. While Can Do Canines Assistance Dogs hasn’t shared details about their specific health practices yet, we encourage you to reach out to learn more about how they care for their puppies.
Your puppy may come with extra benefits, like a small bag of food or a toy carrying the scent of their littermates. While Can Do Canines Assistance Dogs hasn’t shared specifics yet, we encourage you to reach out directly to learn what thoughtful extras they may include to help your puppy transition comfortably into their new home.
Karin offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.
Why Karin started breeding
I’ve learned that you gain more that you give. Long, long ago it ceased feeling like I was giving something at all. It just feels like being involved was something so worthwhile that is good news in a bad news world. It shines a light in such a unique way. And on every level, these dogs influence in a positive way the lives of the people that get to be a part of them.
Karin has been a member of Good Dog for about 4 years
Karin was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2020.
Karin’s links
Can Do Canines Assistance Dogs meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Good level
Can Do Canines Assistance Dogs reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Golden Retrievers.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
PRA, Golden Retriever 2, PRA, Golden Retriever 1, Ichthyosis, Golden Retriever Type 1, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd)
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).