The Family Companion

Programs include: Welcome Puppy (in-home), Super Puppy Social Hour (4-week rotating), Puppy Pre-School (7 weeks, ages 12 weeks–5 months), Family Companion Class (7 weeks, adolescent dogs), Graduate Family Companion (CGC Prep), Pet Therapy Prep (5 weeks, requires CGC), Obstacle Fun (4-week rotating), and Senior Companion Class (4 weeks). All group classes require proof of vaccinations. Classes are held weekly at multiple locations with set times. Private in-home training and behavior services are available separately.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not explicitly listed on the website. Group classes are 7 weeks long with limited enrollment. The “A Walk in the Park” program costs $100.00 by reservation. Private in-home training and behavior services are offered but rates are not published.

Policies

Proof of vaccinations (including canine cough) is required before the first class. “A Walk in the Park” program is postponed in case of rain. Class sizes are limited to 8 dogs. No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated.

The Family Companion is a dog training business based in Western New York that offers group classes, private in-home training, and specialized behavior services for dogs of all ages. They provide a range of programs including Puppy Pre-School, Family Companion Class for adolescent dogs, Graduate Family Companion (CGC Prep), Pet Therapy Prep, Obstacle Fun, and the only Senior Companion Class in WNY designed for older dogs. Their training emphasizes positive, practical applications for home life, with a focus on manners, recall, leash walking, and behavior prevention. They also offer in-home Welcome Puppy services to help new puppy owners establish good habits early. Their team includes certified professionals like Marcia Ritchie (LVT, CPDT, VTS-Behavior) and other certified instructors. They require proof of vaccinations for all dogs in group classes and promote force-free, reward-based methods. They also offer a unique “A Walk in the Park” Saturday program with natural obstacles and social distancing guidelines.

They serve multiple locations across Western New York including Amherst, Buffalo, Grand Island, Hamburg, West Falls, Snyder, and Springville, with classes held at churches, recreation centers, and dog daycare facilities. They are members of the AAHA Behavior Task Force and participate in the Fear Free Veterinary Initiative.

Additional services include behavior consultations, private in-home training, and kitten programs like Kitten Kindergarten. They do not offer boarding, grooming, or pet sitting services.

Their programs are structured in multi-week sessions with limited class sizes (8 dogs max) to ensure personalized attention. All household members are encouraged to attend classes to reinforce training at home.

Accomplishments

Team includes Marcia Ritchie, LVT, CPDT, VTS-Behavior; members of the AAHA Behavior Task Force and Fear Free Veterinary Initiative Advisory Board. Programs prepare dogs for AKC Canine Good Citizen certification and therapy dog evaluations.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can review the Locations & Schedule page to find a class near them and register via email or phone. For in-home services, clients can contact the business directly to schedule. Vaccination records must be provided before attending any group class.