River’s Edge Canine, LLC

River’s Edge Canine offers several training programs tailored to different needs. The Board and Train program, available in three or four-week durations, involves dogs staying at the facility for intensive training. This program covers obedience (heeling, place, come, sit, down), distractions, structure, manners, communication, and real-world exposure, addressing issues from minor behavioral problems to severe reactivity and off-leash obedience.

Day Training provides custom or packaged sessions (one or three full days) focusing on brushing up obedience, improving leash walking and reactivity, and socialization. These sessions are available on Tuesdays. Group Classes include a Puppy Class for dogs under 4 months, covering basic communication, commands, handling, and socialization, and a Basic Obedience class for older dogs, focusing on communication, commands, and minor behavioral concerns. Both group classes run for 7 weeks.

Private Lessons are one-on-one sessions designed for owners to learn how to train their dogs. These include a Foundation and Obedience Package for basic behaviors and relationship building, and an Advanced Obedience and Reactivity Package for more complex issues and off-leash obedience. Individual pay-per-session options are also available for evaluations, lessons, or consultations.

Pricing Summary

Board and Train programs are priced at $2,800 for three weeks and $3,700 for four weeks, both including a prong collar or slip lead, an electronic collar, a final lesson, a follow-up lesson, and unlimited email/phone support. Day Training costs $90 for one full day or $260 for a pack of three full days per dog, with prices varying for dogs not previously trained with them.

Group Classes are $200 for 7 weeks for both Puppy Class and Basic Obedience. Private Lessons include a Foundation and Obedience Package for $420 (three sessions) and an Advanced Obedience and Reactivity Package for $700 (five sessions). Individual sessions, evaluations, or on-site consultations are available for $160 each. Payment for private lessons is due in full upon completion of the first lesson, and additional costs may apply for training equipment.

Overnight Boarding is $45 per night for the first dog, $40 per night for an additional boarder, and $35 per night for any further additional boarders. Grooming add-ons for boarding include a bath for $30 and a nail trim for $20.

Policies

For private lessons, a $50 cancellation fee applies if a lesson is canceled less than 24 hours in advance. For overnight boarding, a minimum stay of 2 nights is required for major holidays. The kennel is closed for pick-up or drop-off on Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day, with modified hours on Christmas Eve.

Required vaccinations for boarding include Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, and a yearly Bordetella (Canine Cough), with titer tests being acceptable. Dogs will not be allowed to stay without proper records. Owners must pack their dog’s normal food, treats, leash, and medications (in original bottles with instructions). Bedding must be clean and washable, and will be removed if there are signs of chewing. Rawhides and large edible bones are not permitted for safety reasons. Dogs must be on leash when entering and exiting the building, and are not permitted to be unleashed in the parking lot. The facility does not offer dog socialization or daycare.

River’s Edge Canine, LLC is a dog training business founded in 2018 by Alexandra Whitford (Alex), with Andrew as co-owner and trainer, and Allison and Lynn as additional staff. They provide a range of services including Private Lessons, Board and Train programs, Day Training, Group Classes, and Overnight Boarding.

Their facility, which is also their home, is located in Youngstown, NY, and features 20 indoor/outdoor kennels, indoor and outdoor training spaces, and 10 acres of land. For boarding, they offer an intimate, small-capacity, family-like setting with 24/7/365 video/fire/security surveillance, and accept all breeds, ages, and sizes.

Alex’s passion for dog training stemmed from rehabilitating her own fearful and reactive rescue dog, Lila Blue, giving her a unique understanding of difficult behaviors. Andrew brings competitive obedience experience, having trained and competed in Schutzhund since 2015.

Beyond training, River’s Edge Canine also offers grooming add-ons like baths and nail trims for boarding clients. They focus on building strong relationships between dogs and their owners, addressing behavioral issues, and providing real-world exposure for trained dogs.

Accomplishments

Alexandra Whitford, the owner and head trainer, began her professional career with dogs at 16, working her way up to district manager at a large-scale dog daycare. She furthered her expertise at K9 Connection Dog Training, where she conducted private lessons, group classes, and board and train programs. Alex founded River’s Edge Canine in 2018 and continuously expands her knowledge through seminars, classes, and online courses.

Andrew, the co-owner and trainer, has been training and competing in Schutzhund since 2015, achieving a Level 3 Schutzhund dog with his German Shepherd, Windczar. The business expanded significantly around 2019, acquiring a permanent residence in Youngstown, NY, which includes a facility with 20 indoor/outdoor kennels, indoor and outdoor training spaces, a residential home, and 10 acres of land.

How to Get Started!

To begin training services, clients are required to fill out the online Training Submission Form. For overnight boarding services, a Boarding Submission Form must be completed. Existing boarding clients can reserve a kennel by texting, calling (716) 725-4399, or emailing alex@recanine.com. For Day Training, if a dog has not trained with River’s Edge Canine previously, the Training Submission Form must be completed. To sign up for Group Classes, interested individuals should email niagarak9office@gmail.com.