Suffolk Obedience Training Club

SOTC offers structured, ongoing group classes in obedience and rally, with levels from beginner to advanced. Classes are held year-round at their indoor facility and require enrollment in a multi-week session. They also offer specialty workshops, rally run-thrus, and AKC trial preparation. The Therapy Demo Team provides community outreach through scheduled visits. All programs emphasize teamwork, kindness, and progressive skill-building with no drop-in options.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not listed publicly; interested individuals must contact the club directly for current class fees and package options. Classes require advance registration and are not offered on a drop-in basis. Membership application is required to enroll in classes.

Policies

No drop-in classes are permitted; all classes require advance registration and payment. Cancellation and rescheduling policies are not explicitly stated, but students are advised to call the club for the latest information and to reserve spots. Classes are non-transferable and must be completed within the scheduled session.

Suffolk Obedience Training Club (SOTC) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization with over 75 years of experience providing dog training classes on Long Island. They offer day and evening group classes at their indoor, heated, and air-conditioned facility in Deer Park, NY, for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs of all breeds and mixed breeds. Classes focus on obedience, rally, and behavior skills, with programs ranging from beginner to advanced levels, including preparation for AKC competitions. SOTC emphasizes kind, time-tested, and up-to-date training methods, stressing positive reinforcement and the human-dog bond. They also host AKC-sanctioned trials for obedience, rally, and scentwork, and maintain a Therapy Demo Team that visits schools, libraries, and nursing facilities. The club offers workshops, seminars, and a supportive community atmosphere with ample parking and dedicated training space.

SOTC is led by experienced instructors, including long-time members like Rick Pisani and Kathy Galotti, who are active competitors, evaluators, and judges in AKC events. Their facility supports a variety of training needs, from basic manners to advanced competition preparation, and they encourage community involvement through volunteering and events.

The club is not a boarding, grooming, or day-care provider, but focuses exclusively on training and competition support. Members and students benefit from a structured, consistent program with no drop-in classes, requiring advance registration. Their non-profit status means donations are tax-deductible, and proceeds support training programs and community outreach.

Accomplishments

SOTC has been training dogs since 1947, making it the oldest training club on Long Island. They have hosted numerous AKC-sanctioned obedience, rally, and scentwork trials. The club has produced multiple AKC title holders, including dogs with CD, CDX, UD, and UDX titles. The Fred W. Whitehouse Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the highest-scoring member-owned dog in Open B and Utility. Instructors include certified AKC competitors and judges, and the club has maintained a long-standing Therapy Demo Team since before 2019.

How to Get Started!

Prospective students must visit the Class Descriptions page to review offerings, then contact the club by phone or email to inquire about current schedules and enroll. A membership application form must be completed before registering for any class. No free initial consultation is offered.