SICDTC agility field

Classes are structured in progressive levels: Puppy Kindergarten, Beginner 1, Beginner 2, then advanced tracks in Obedience, Rally, Agility, Scent Work, and Therapy Dog Prep. Each class is a 6-week session with weekly 90-minute meetings. Therapy Dog Training requires prerequisite obedience skills and is by invitation only. Agility and obedience classes include preparation for AKC trials. All programs emphasize real-world behavior and bonding, with certification testing available for CGC and Tricks titles.

Pricing Summary

Non-members pay $225 for the 6-session Therapy Dog Training class; general members pay $150; TC members pay $130. A 10% discount is offered on the first 6-week session for shelter-adopted dogs. Pricing for other classes is not explicitly listed but follows a similar session-based structure. No refunds or make-ups for missed group classes.

Policies

Group classes missed by students cannot be rescheduled, made up, or refunded. Instructors will assist with missed material. Classes canceled by the club due to weather or instructor unavailability will be rescheduled. Students are notified via email. Therapy Dog Training is limited to 10 students per session and requires invitation.

SICDTC is a nonprofit, AKC-sanctioned dog training club established in 1947, offering group training classes for dogs of all breeds and mixed breeds. They provide a wide range of programs including Puppy Kindergarten, Beginner Obedience, Advanced Obedience, Rally, Agility for Fun, Scent Work, Therapy Dog Training, and Tricks. Their instructors are highly experienced, with multiple AKC titles including OTCH, UDX, and CDX, and have competed at national events like Westminster and the National Obedience Championship. Classes are held at their 100×100 grass agility field and training hall in Staten Island. They offer a 10% discount for shelter-adopted dogs and certify dogs for Canine Good Citizen and Tricks titles. Visitors are welcome to observe classes, and no membership is required to enroll. The club also hosts AKC trials, seminars, and community events like Meet the Breeds.

Therapy Dog Training is offered in small, invitation-only groups with prerequisites including Beginner 2 Obedience or equivalent skills. Classes are 90 minutes, six sessions long, and include practice with medical equipment and facility protocols. They emphasize building a strong human-dog bond and preparing dogs for visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.

The club promotes responsible ownership and believes well-trained dogs are less likely to be surrendered to shelters. They support both pet owners and competitive handlers with structured, progressive training pathways from basic manners to elite competition levels.

Accomplishments

Instructors hold multiple AKC titles including OTCH, UDX, and CDX. One instructor’s dog earned 3rd place at the 2024 Westminster Agility Master’s Championship. Another instructor’s German Shepherd was ranked #1 in the U.S. for obedience in 2015. Multiple instructors have competed at the National Obedience Championship and Westminster. The club has been active since 1947 and is an AKC-sanctioned organization.

How to Get Started!

Prospective students can visit the website to review class offerings and register for sessions. Visitors are welcome to observe classes at the training hall or agility field. For Therapy Dog Training, interested individuals must contact Janet Mines Krings to be placed on a waiting list and receive an invitation.