Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Dog Training Services in Oxford, CT
Founded in 1946, our club has dedicated over seven decades to enhancing the bond between dogs and their handlers through comprehensive training programs. As a volunteer-run organization, we offer structured classes for pet owners seeking to improve obedience, prepare for competitions, or simply strengthen their relationship with their canine companions. Our curriculum spans from foundational puppy training to advanced competition preparation in AKC and CDSP events, including agility, rally, and field sports. Our instructors bring extensive real-world experience from decades of competitive success and innovative teaching methodologies.Located in Oxford, Connecticut, we provide a welcoming environment for both novice and experienced handlers, with convenient access from major highways. Membership benefits include exclusive events, early registration for trials, and discounted class rates. We emphasize positive reinforcement techniques while maintaining high standards of animal welfare and handler education. Our facility supports diverse training needs, from basic manners to complex competitive skills. Through community engagement and educational outreach, we promote responsible pet ownership and the lifelong benefits of structured dog training.
Services
Obedience Training
Agility Classes
Rally Training
Field Training
Puppy Classes
Details
- Year established: 1946
Highlights and features
- We offer 70+ years of continuous dog training expertise since 1946
- Our volunteer instructors hold multiple national competition titles
- We provide structured programs from puppy basics to advanced competition
- We maintain a balanced approach combining traditional and modern methods
- We host exclusive member events and early registration opportunities
Services
Obedience Training
Structured programs develop basic commands and advanced competition skills. Our curriculum prepares dogs for AKC Canine Good Citizen certification and CDSP events. Trainers use positive reinforcement methods to address household behavior challenges while maintaining training effectiveness.
Agility Classes
Specialized courses develop physical coordination and handler communication through obstacle courses. Training includes weave poles, jumps, and contact equipment. Our programs cater to recreational participants and competition-level teams seeking mastery of complex sequences.
Competition Preparation
Targeted instruction for AKC and CDSP competition success. Programs cover obedience trials from Novice to Utility levels. Our experienced instructors prepare handlers for ring procedures, scoring requirements, and performance consistency under trial conditions.
Puppy Classes
Early socialization and foundation skills for puppies aged 8-16 weeks. Curriculum includes house training, bite inhibition, and basic commands. Classes emphasize positive experiences to build confidence and prevent future behavior problems through structured play sessions.
Field Training
Specialized programs develop natural retrieving instincts for sporting breeds. Training includes marking, handling at distance, and advanced field techniques. Our courses prepare dogs for AKC field trials while maintaining practical skills for real-world hunting scenarios.
People
Laurie Cafaro
Obedience Instructor
38-year IBM veteran turned dog training specialist with multiple AKC/CDSP titles. Trains diverse breeds from German Shepherds to rescue mixes. Achieved recognition through television appearances and Purina packaging features. Current handler of four competition dogs.
Mindy Costanza
Obedience Instructor
30+ years of obedience competition experience with Chow Chows, Norwegian Elkhounds, and Australian Shepherds. Holds UDs, UDXs, and OTCH titles. Conducts weekly classes in Oxford while actively competing with her current partners Stryker and Scout.
Frank McKane
Training Director
Former chemical industry technical director with 25+ years of full-time dog training experience. Developed adaptive balanced training methodology. Holds 63 AKC titles across 16 dogs and multiple ESPN television appearances. Focuses on student success and canine welfare.
Barbara Siegel
Agility Instructor
Started in 1974 with Alaskan Malamutes in conformation shows. Trained in agility, obedience, and scent work. Holds AKC Masters Preferred Bronze title with senior competitor Ivan. Teaches at Middletown agility club while maintaining active competition schedule.
Questions
What types of dog training classes do you offer?
We provide obedience training from puppy basics to advanced competition levels, including agility, rally, field training, and AKC Canine Good Citizen preparation.
Are your instructors certified professionals?
Our volunteer instructors hold multiple national competition titles and maintain active participation in AKC and CDSP events while continuously developing teaching methods.
Can I join if my dog isn't competition-bound?
Absolutely! Our programs accommodate recreational handlers seeking better-behaved pets through positive reinforcement techniques and structured training environments.
What membership benefits are available?
Members receive exclusive event invitations, early registration for trials, discounted class rates, and access to our experienced community of dog training enthusiasts.
Where are you located?
Our facility is conveniently located at 11 Robinson Lane, Oxford, CT 06478, approximately 5 minutes from Exit 16 off I-84.
Reviews (3)
MaryBeth O'Brien
May 05, 2021
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Weekly i go here to meet up with my dog trainer, his dogs and another client or 2 tops, due to covid i think is the regulation of only 4people even though the room inside is huge. It has all the obstacles, tunnels, ramps, jumps to use. Half a dozen cages to crate dogs as when working with another. (4 people with 7dogs) and the flooring is perfect mats for this, and mirrors along the walls is great for this purpose too.
A variety of information is there as well on the tables and wall. Great place i didnt know existed until my trainer brought us there. If you can utilize this place with your trainer.you have a good trainer and a great club
A variety of information is there as well on the tables and wall. Great place i didnt know existed until my trainer brought us there. If you can utilize this place with your trainer.you have a good trainer and a great club
Alexa Holmes
Mar 28, 2020
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Frank is an awesome, experienced trainer! We loved Family Manners, it helped a lot and we can't wait to start Family Manner 2!
Tamra L.
Jan 08, 2020
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We've gone through AKC Star Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, and now Advanced Obedience. Classes are fun, positive, and we are learning a lot. Our instructor has been Frank.
