Camp Ruff Ruff

Training begins with a personalized evaluation of the dog’s personality, history, and behavioral challenges. Programs are tailored to each dog’s needs and include force-free, positive reinforcement methods. Training focuses on building trust, communication, and lifelong behavior change. Clients are coached on how to continue training at home. Programs range from one-time consultations to ongoing sessions and intensive behavior modification. Online training and educational resources are also available.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not publicly listed on the website. Clients are encouraged to schedule a meet-and-greet to discuss individual needs and receive a customized quote. Boarding includes optional photo updates and discounts for extended stays or during weather-related delays.

Policies

Service agreement and veterinarian release forms are required. Clients receive updates and flexibility during unexpected events (e.g., blizzards), with discounts offered for extended stays. No explicit cancellation policy is stated, but communication is emphasized as a core value.

Camp Ruff Ruff is a home-based dog training and boarding service led by Vinny Olito, a certified professional dog trainer and behavior consultant. They offer force-free, science-based training using positive reinforcement methods, with a focus on building trust and communication between dogs and their owners. Services include in-home cage-free dog boarding, behavior counseling for issues like reactivity, fearfulness, separation anxiety, and resource guarding, as well as specialized programs like Family Paws Parent Education for families welcoming a baby. Vinny treats every dog as part of his family, provides personalized training plans based on individual needs, and emphasizes humane, non-confinement approaches. Clients receive frequent updates, photo updates, and flexible scheduling, especially for high-energy, fearful, or medically complex dogs.

In addition to training and boarding, Camp Ruff Ruff offers dog walking, pet sitting, and educational resources including a community forum, blog, glossary, and newsletter. They also provide online dog training courses and sell educational products like coloring books for children to learn dog safety.

The business is fully insured and operates from Vinny’s home in Staten Island, NY, serving the metropolitan area with a reputation for exceptional care and expertise with challenging cases, including rescue dogs, deaf dogs, and fear-aggressive dogs.

Accomplishments

Vinny Olito is a CPDT-KA certified professional dog trainer, LLA-certified by Dr. Susan Friedman, a certified BAT instructor, and a C.L.A.S.S. evaluator. He is a former licensed educator for Family Paws Parent Education and has completed advanced training with renowned experts including Patricia McConnell, Kathy Sdao, Jean Donaldson, and Bob Bailey. He holds a certificate from Dr. Dunbar’s Dog Behavior & Training Academy and has published articles in local magazines.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to schedule a free meet-and-greet to evaluate their dog’s needs, discuss goals, and tour the home environment. This initial meeting helps determine the best training or boarding approach and allows the dog to become comfortable with Vinny and the setting.