Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Dog Training in Oxford, Connecticut
Founded in 1946, our club has dedicated over seven decades to fostering the bond between dogs and their handlers through expert training. As a volunteer-run organization, we specialize in obedience, agility, rally, and field training for dogs of all skill levels, from puppies to competition-ready teams. Our instructors are accomplished competitors who continuously refine their teaching methods to deliver effective, science-based techniques.We prioritize positive reinforcement and practical skill development, preparing dogs for both everyday life and competitive excellence. Located in Oxford, Connecticut, we serve the local community with structured classes, exclusive member events, and opportunities to practice in a supportive environment. Our mission extends beyond trainingwe aim to promote canine health, teamwork, and the joy of lifelong learning for both pets and handlers.
Services
Obedience Training
Agility Classes
Puppy Socialization
Competition Preparation
Rally Training
Field Training
Canine Good Citizen Certification
Handler Workshops
Private Coaching
Specialty Clinics
Details
- Year established: 1946
Highlights and features
- We offer 75+ years of combined experience in dog training and competition.
- Our instructors are nationally recognized obedience and agility competitors.
- We provide structured, science-based training for all skill levels.
- We host exclusive member events and advanced competition preparation.
- Our facility is designed for practical, real-world training scenarios.
What people say
Experienced instructors
Structured classes
Visible progress
Supportive environment
Great for competition prep
Services
Obedience Training
Our obedience training programs develop essential skills for pets and competition dogs. Using positive reinforcement techniques, we teach commands like sit, stay, and recall while addressing behavioral challenges. Classes cater to all levels from basic manners to advanced utility exercises, preparing teams for AKC and CDSP competitions through structured, progressive instruction.
Agility Classes
Agility training focuses on obstacle navigation, handler communication, and physical conditioning. We offer beginner foundations through advanced competition courses, covering equipment handling, course strategy, and teamwork development. Our programs accommodate dogs of all sizes and experience levels in a controlled training environment.
Canine Good Citizen Certification
This specialized program prepares dogs for the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. Through six-week courses, we develop socialization skills, obedience fundamentals, and public access readiness. The curriculum addresses real-world scenarios and concludes with official CGC testing for qualifying teams.
Competition Preparation
Our competition training programs cover AKC and CDSP requirements from novice to utility levels. We focus on precision exercises, ring procedure, and performance consistency. Handlers receive personalized feedback to refine their skills and build confidence for competitive environments.
Puppy Socialization
Designed for puppies aged 10 weeks to 12 months, this program establishes foundational skills and socialization. We address house training, bite inhibition, and basic commands while promoting positive early experiences. The course includes the AKC STAR Puppy certification assessment.
People
Laurie Cafaro
Obedience Instructor
With 38 years in corporate roles, Laurie transitioned to dog training, earning multiple titles in obedience, tracking, and nosework. She has trained diverse breeds and appeared in media productions while developing practical training methodologies.
Mindy Costanza
Obedience Specialist
A 30-year obedience competitor, Mindy has earned top titles with multiple breeds. She specializes in problem-solving and advanced obedience training, currently competing with her Australian Shepherds in national events.
Frank McKane
Head Trainer
Former chemical industry executive Frank has trained over 4,000 dogs using his adaptive balanced approach. He holds multiple championship titles and has appeared on ESPN for his field sports expertise.
Barbara Siegel
Agility Coach
Barbara has trained in obedience and agility for decades, earning advanced titles with her Alaskan Malamutes. She teaches at multiple clubs and specializes in developing handling skills and equipment fluency.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use positive reinforcement techniques focused on building communication and trust between handler and dog.
Are classes available for all experience levels?
Yes, we offer programs from puppy socialization to advanced competition training for all skill levels.
How do I register for classes?
Registration is available through our website or SignUp Genius link for most classes and events.
Do you offer private training sessions?
While we focus on group classes, some instructors offer private coaching opportunities by arrangement.
What facilities do you provide?
Our Oxford facility includes dedicated training areas for obedience, agility, rally, and field exercises.
Can I observe a class before enrolling?
We recommend contacting instructors directly to discuss class observation opportunities prior to registration.
