Taaka’s is a grant program to help low-income dog owners get training for their dogs and puppies. Depending on the needs of the dogs and owner, this program matches each dog owner and dog with one of The Inner Pup's partner trainers for group classes. We are offering basic puppy and intermediate group classes, held on Saturday mornings in New Orleans

Simply put, training builds better relationships between you and your dog. It will get you listening to your dog more (their needs) and help them listen to you. Mutual respect.

Dogs, unlike cats, need both mental and physical exercise to be good pets and community members. Most breeds we have are in a long lineage of some form of "working breed" and so our pets need to be put to task to be calm in their minds. Always, the type of training we need depends on the person and the dog. Most dogs benefit from the basics – sit, stay, come, be calm in the face of distractions. Other dogs have specific behaviors such as barking, jumping, separation anxiety, or hyperactivity. Many behavioral issues can be solved by basic training. Often we get undesirable behaviors because dogs might be acting out, because they are not getting their needs met. Or sometimes we must realize the breed of our dog and know that the behaviors we see are deeply ingrained in who they are and so rather than removing the behavior, we find proper outlets for our dog’s excess energy. Either way, we will work with you to match the right trainer for you and your dog.

Puppy training is the best time to begin your training relationship with your dog. The best trainers will tell you, "Start as you mean to go on." Puppies are sponges and the foundation of a relationship and prevention of bad habits is the best time to start training. Teaching communication skills between you & your puppy is key to building a strong and lasting bond. One extra-long consult, followed by group classes can work well for puppies.

This grant program is strictly for low income dog owners who need help with their dogs.

By accepting this grant, you agree to attend your scheduled sessions or reschedule with appropriate notice to the trainer. If you miss your session, TIP must still pay the trainer, which takes money away from other dogs that could have been helped.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel or reschedule, you must let your trainer know with 24 hours notice or more to avoid the late cancellation fee. If you do not contact your trainer with greater than 24 hours notice, you are considered a late-cancel and are responsible for reimbursing TIP for the full payment to the trainer (not just the 10%).  

Late Arrival Policy

For Zoom sessions, if a trainer does not hear from you, they will wait 10 minutes. If you do not arrive within 10 minutes, you will be marked as a late cancellation.

No Show Policy

If you are a no-show or do not use your group classes by the expiration date on your voucher, your classes will be voided and you will not be eligible for future grants (training, vet assistance, spay/neuter) from The Inner Pup.Item description

Yes. Dog parents are asked to pay 10% of the total cost to The Inner Pup. So, if the grant is for $250, you will pay $25 and if the grant is for $100, you will pay $10.

Submit an application AND email proof of low income (or your story as to why you qualify as low-income) to Angie at dogtraining@theinnerpup.org; we’ll do our very best to get back to you within 7 days. When approved, we will pair you with the best trainer for your needs, and we’ll email you a voucher for use with one of our local or zoom dog trainers. We will send you information on your trainer, and the dollar amount & expiration date.

For clarification or questions, email us at dogtraining@theinnerpup.org