Staten Island Companion Dog

SICDTC offers both Pet and Competition classes. Pet classes, including Puppy Kindergarten, Beginner One, and Beginner Two, focus on basic skills for a well-behaved pet. Competition classes provide training for performance events like Agility, Obedience, Rally, and Nose Work.

Puppy Kindergarten is for puppies aged 9 to 20 weeks, teaching basic obedience (sit, down, stay, come, loose leash walking), human and dog socialization, and introduction to agility equipment. These classes are 1 hour long and meet for 6 weeks. Dogs 20 weeks or older enter Beginner One. Pet classes have no more than 8-10 dogs per class to ensure individual attention. Competition-level classes are 8 weeks long.

Beginner Agility classes teach safe approaches to equipment and skill building. Rally training starts with Beginner One and Two, continuing with Rally Foundation. The Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test, a 10-part test for well-mannered pets, is offered as part of the Beginner Two class. Students can repeat class sessions to hone skills, but individual missed classes cannot be made up. For training two dogs, two handlers or separate classes are suggested.

Pricing Summary

Puppy Kindergarten costs $205 for non-members and $125 for members for a 6-week session. Members receive a significant discount on training classes, drop-ins, and ring rentals. Membership dues are $45.00 for a single membership and $5 for each additional family member annually, due every July 1st.

Ring rental fees vary by room: Ring A (Small Room) is $15.00/hour for non-members and $10.00/hour for members. Ring B (Front Obedience Room) and Ring C (Back Agility Ring) are $30.00/hour for non-members and $20.00/hour for members. Monthly Key Memberships, available to members only, cost $40 for 4 weeks (1 hour per week) per ring.

A 10% discount is offered on the first 6-week session if your dog has been adopted from a shelter. NYC dog licensing fees are $8.50 per year for spayed/neutered dogs and $34 per year for non-spayed/neutered dogs over 4 months old.

Policies

SICDTC does not offer make-up classes for missed sessions; owners are encouraged to attend without their dog if the dog is sick. Refunds are not offered if a student drops out after classes begin, as the spot cannot be refilled. However, withdrawals made prior to the first class meeting are eligible for a refund or credit towards another session. Extraordinary situations (e.g., death/severe illness of dog or handler) are handled on a case-by-case basis by the Training Director.

The minimum age for a handler to train is 10 years old with a signed waiver, subject to instructor approval based on dog control and class safety. Only healthy dogs should attend classes, and puppies must have started their vaccination series. Bitches in season may attend class wearing well-fitting panties, but owners may choose to keep them home and attend themselves. Dogs recovering from neutering may participate if their wound is clean and dry and they avoid jumping/physical contact, with female dogs needing about a week to recover. Owners should attend class even if their dog cannot.

For ring rentals, 48-hour notice is required for reservation or cancellation. Scentwork odors (essential oils) are strictly prohibited in or around the training hall, with violations resulting in permanent banning from the club. All visitors must sign a general liability waiver once and sign in and out in the lobby book.

Staten Island Companion Dog Training Club (SICDTC) is a non-profit 501c(4) and AKC sanctioned dog training club established in 1947. It is run by over 100 active volunteer members who contribute their time and knowledge.

The organization’s mission is to promote responsible dog ownership through pet obedience classes, aiming to teach owners how to train their dogs to be good canine family members and neighbors. They believe a well-trained dog is more likely to stay in a loving home.

SICDTC offers a variety of training classes for both pet owners and those interested in competition, including Agility for Fun, Tricks, Therapy Dog, and all levels of Competition Agility, Obedience, Rally, and Nose Work. Membership is not required to train with them, and they do not discriminate against any breed or mixed breed.

Their members are highly experienced, having obtained high degrees in dog obedience and agility competitions, and possess a deep understanding of dog behavior. They also operate a store called Barkingham Palace, selling training supplies, treats, toys, and equipment at competitive prices.

Accomplishments

Staten Island Companion Dog Training Club was established in 1947 and is an AKC sanctioned dog training club. Their members have achieved the highest degrees in dog obedience and agility competitions. The club proudly congratulated member Jen Albrizio and her Cocker Spaniel “Allie” on their third-place win at the Westminster Championship Agility 2025.

How to Get Started!

To register for a class, clients must submit a registration form along with payment. Information and registration forms are available on each class’s dedicated page under the Classes Menu. A Registrar can be emailed for additional information.

For general questions, clients can call the voicemail number or use the Contact Us form on the website. Upon registration for Puppy class or Beginner One, an Orientation document and class notes will be provided, covering details like parking, potty areas, dress code, and suggested equipment.

Required immunizations for Puppy Kindergarten include one round of Distemper, Parvo, Adenovirus, and Parainfluenza (DA2P+PV); Rabies is not required in NY until 4 months of age. For other classes, regular vet care and Rabies vaccinations are expected. Membership application requires attending two class sessions, two general membership meetings, and working two hours for the club.