Pet Classes Instructors
Janet Mines Krings, Director of Obedience SICDTC
with Corky ("The Professor")
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Janet Mines Krings - Director/Instructor
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Desma with Ginger
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Desma Dunne - Assistant Instructor
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Kathy with Tessie & Dug
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Donna Reiss with Pretzel, the Australian Shepherd, and Spurs, the Beauceron.
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Donna Reiss - Instructor
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John and “The Grand” Canyon
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John Rittenhouse - Assistant Instructor
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Kathy O'Connor and her Golden Retriever Inis
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MaryJane with her adorable Cocker Spaniels-Dani & Jingles
Mary Jane Monahan-Instructor
Graduated Brooklyn College in 1978 with her BS in Physical Education. Completing her MS in Business Management of Sports in 1987 In 1990 she completed a second MS degree in Administration and Supervision from Brooklyn College. In 1980 she started her career as owner/operator of United Gymnastic Center. Worked as a substitute teacher and then full time since 1987 as a Health/PE teacher at Edward R. Murrow HS for 28.5 years for the NYC DOE. Mary Jane has been a SICDTC member since 2009, joining the training committee in 2011 with her rescue dogs Bella the German shepherd and Bentley the cocker spaniel. Bella achieved AKC titles in Rally Obedience and agility. Bentley achieved his AKC Preferred Agility Champion at age 13yrs 9months. German Shepherd BZ Bella RA MX MXJ OF CGCA Cocker Spaniel PACH Bentley Bear MXP3 MXPB MJP3 MJPB PAX OFP CGCA. As a training committee member her qualifications are completion of both Beginner and Advanced Instructor Training courses with Pia Silvani Donna Duford and Sue Sternberg. Attended training seminars in obedience /clicker training with Ian Dunbar, Pam Dennison, Teri Ryan, Karen Pryor and Ted Turner. Completed Certificate Course 1 at the Pat Miller Academy. Worked privately with Polly Hanson, and taught classes at the Educated Puppy and Dogs with Barbara Giella. Briefly taught classes at Biscuits and Bath for Andrea Arden Dog Training. And worked as a volunteer instructor at St. Hubert’s Giralda in Madison NJ.
She is currently training, still learning, and also competing with her Cocker Spaniels Dani and Jingles in Agiltiy, Barn Hunt, and Dock Diving.
Dani aka CH Pinecliff's Rise And Shine MX MXJ OF RATM CZ8B CGCA TKP
Jingles aka Pinecliff's Winter Frost AX AXJ OF RATO CGCA TK
Instructor -Beginner 1 & 2
Cody the yellow Labrador,
Buster the black/white mix,
Lisa Lena the Pomeranian mix, Holly the Papillion -Loved by Debbie Scotto
Deborah Scotto-Instructor
Back in 2003 I stood exactly where you are. I attended classes with my newly adopted rescue pup looking towards the same obedience goals as you. Low and behold 19 years later, my involvement with training has far exceeded anything I anticipated. I graduated from Animal Behavior College in 2004 which together with the training at Staten Island Companion Dog Training Club hooked me into teaching forever. As you can see, one rescue pup led to four! But with the continued help, guidance and trusting knowledge of SICDTC we all co-existed beautifully. I've served 2 terms on the Board of Directors, first as Secretary, then as Vice President. I am a member of the Training Committee and have instructed classes for the last 13 years.I welcome each class of new pups with the same excitement and enthusiasm of the first day of school. Joining this club is a no brainer. You will never find better
Certified AKC CGC & Trick Dog evaluator.
Instructor-Beginner 1 & 2, Games & Tricks
Back in 2003 I stood exactly where you are. I attended classes with my newly adopted rescue pup looking towards the same obedience goals as you. Low and behold 19 years later, my involvement with training has far exceeded anything I anticipated. I graduated from Animal Behavior College in 2004 which together with the training at Staten Island Companion Dog Training Club hooked me into teaching forever. As you can see, one rescue pup led to four! But with the continued help, guidance and trusting knowledge of SICDTC we all co-existed beautifully. I've served 2 terms on the Board of Directors, first as Secretary, then as Vice President. I am a member of the Training Committee and have instructed classes for the last 13 years.I welcome each class of new pups with the same excitement and enthusiasm of the first day of school. Joining this club is a no brainer. You will never find better
Certified AKC CGC & Trick Dog evaluator.
Instructor-Beginner 1 & 2, Games & Tricks
Nova winning her Jumpers Class at an Agility Trial
Joann Sarni-Assistant Instructor
It all began with my first Aussie, Jesse in 1999. I got her from a litter that was born at my barn, and I enrolled her in the Puppy Kindergarten class at the dog club. She was my “Novice A” dog that I trained and showed in Obedience and Agility.
Most dog trainers will tell you that they are so grateful for their Novice A dog because it introduces them the world of competition. Once I tried Agility with Jesse, I was hooked! In order to become a successful agility partner, I would have to keep training on her attention and obedience. She set the foundation for my dog training career.
About 3 years ago, the training committee approached me and asked me if I would be interested in becoming an assistant trainer. I immediately said yes and partnered with longtime friend, Donna Reiss on Friday nights for the Beginner 1 classes as well as step in as a sub for puppy kindergarten.
Australian Shepherds are my breed of choice. I love their drive and intelligence. I’m currently competing with my Aussie girl Nova in Advance Rally and Excellent level Agility. I am also training my year-old pup, Jake in Novice Rally and Foundation Agility.
Assistant Instructor-Puppy Kindergarten, Beginner 1, Agility For Fun
Terry with Luca, Gunny & Baci
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Terry Papineau-Instructor
My love for dogs started as a young girl. I was not allowed to have a dog so I trained all my neighbors’ dogs. I have been training and showing dogs with SICDTC since the 1980s in obedience, rally, agility and now do herding as well. I have trained and titled various herding breeds including German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies and a Sheltie. I am an AKC CGC and Trick Dog Evaluator as well as an ASCA obedience judge. I am one of the originators of the puppy program for SICDTC. The best part about teaching class is watching the success of your students and knowing you were a part of it. Terry |
Harley, Maddie, Shea top
Gladys w/Izzy bottom
Gladys Stern-Instructor
Gladys' love for dogs began as a young girl, with her German Shepherd dogs (one of whom she saved in a house fire). In 1998, Gladys adopted a Labrador/Pitbull mix named Shea (we are big Mets’ fans in our home). Shea was a large, dominant male that tested her patience. She enrolled in several classes, did private lessons and eventually sought the help of a behaviorist, who helped her understand Shea’s emotional responses to stimuli. This experience gave Gladys valuable information. She decided to put her knowledge to the test by volunteering at a local rescue group, Staten Island Council for Animal Welfare (SICAW), where she adopted Maddie.
Maddie was a very shy dog who lacked confidence and needed a lot of training and socialization, which brought Gladys to the Staten Island Companion Dog Training Club (SICDTC) in 2005. Maddie took several classes and flourished at SICDTC! She earned many titles and ribbons in obedience, rally, and agility. Eventually, Gladys’ love for training grew stronger and she started teaching at SICDTC. Maddie’s favorite thing to do was to assist her in puppy class. It became apparent that Maddie needed her own puppy, which brought us Harley. Harley was a Yorkshire Terrier with a huge heart and an even bigger personality. Harley enrolled in classes at SICDTC and over time earned several titles in obedience, rally, agility and tricks. In addition, Harley was also a certified therapy dog, and Gladys’ demo dog for SICDTC classes.
Currently, Gladys has a schnauzer/yorkie cross (Izzy) whom she rescued from the Brooklyn Shelter. Izzy was four years old when Gladys adopted her. She has turned into a wonderful companion and is currently showing at the Master's level of Rally. Izzy is a certified therapy dog and has her tricks title, but mostly is a joy to live with.
Gladys studied at SUNY Farmingdale College and is a registered Dental Hygienist. While Gladys has been practicing Dental Hygiene for over 40 years, her heart belongs to this club and the sport of dog training. When Gladys is not training dogs, she can be found spending time with her two daughters and four grandchildren. As you can see from the diverse set of dogs she’s owned and worked with throughout her life, Gladys loves all types of dogs. If you have a furry friend that needs some fun in their life, come join us! It may very well change your life.
Instructor-Puppy, Beginner 1 & 2, Games & Tricks.
Also: Manager Barkingham Palace, Board of Directors (two terms)
Gladys' love for dogs began as a young girl, with her German Shepherd dogs (one of whom she saved in a house fire). In 1998, Gladys adopted a Labrador/Pitbull mix named Shea (we are big Mets’ fans in our home). Shea was a large, dominant male that tested her patience. She enrolled in several classes, did private lessons and eventually sought the help of a behaviorist, who helped her understand Shea’s emotional responses to stimuli. This experience gave Gladys valuable information. She decided to put her knowledge to the test by volunteering at a local rescue group, Staten Island Council for Animal Welfare (SICAW), where she adopted Maddie.
Maddie was a very shy dog who lacked confidence and needed a lot of training and socialization, which brought Gladys to the Staten Island Companion Dog Training Club (SICDTC) in 2005. Maddie took several classes and flourished at SICDTC! She earned many titles and ribbons in obedience, rally, and agility. Eventually, Gladys’ love for training grew stronger and she started teaching at SICDTC. Maddie’s favorite thing to do was to assist her in puppy class. It became apparent that Maddie needed her own puppy, which brought us Harley. Harley was a Yorkshire Terrier with a huge heart and an even bigger personality. Harley enrolled in classes at SICDTC and over time earned several titles in obedience, rally, agility and tricks. In addition, Harley was also a certified therapy dog, and Gladys’ demo dog for SICDTC classes.
Currently, Gladys has a schnauzer/yorkie cross (Izzy) whom she rescued from the Brooklyn Shelter. Izzy was four years old when Gladys adopted her. She has turned into a wonderful companion and is currently showing at the Master's level of Rally. Izzy is a certified therapy dog and has her tricks title, but mostly is a joy to live with.
Gladys studied at SUNY Farmingdale College and is a registered Dental Hygienist. While Gladys has been practicing Dental Hygiene for over 40 years, her heart belongs to this club and the sport of dog training. When Gladys is not training dogs, she can be found spending time with her two daughters and four grandchildren. As you can see from the diverse set of dogs she’s owned and worked with throughout her life, Gladys loves all types of dogs. If you have a furry friend that needs some fun in their life, come join us! It may very well change your life.
Instructor-Puppy, Beginner 1 & 2, Games & Tricks.
Also: Manager Barkingham Palace, Board of Directors (two terms)
Joy with her adorable Norwich Rascal and Airdale Reagan
Joy Cappucci-Assistant Instructor
I have had a close bond with all my dogs since childhood. My Dad was a true dog whisperer. He taught me so much and to this very day I am still learning how to communicate with all my animal companions and dogs I meet along the way. I can still remember as a child, my first love was-a little Scottish terrier…. "Tippy".
I am a life-long Staten Islander, originally from Arrochar, which back then, was like living in the country. One day I asked my dad, ” Hey Dad, where is Tippy?” He told me he joined the Foreign Legion. I was SO proud that my dog did this, and I told everyone in school! I suspect that was not the case at all, but at the time my Dad was sure to spare me any tears about his true whereabouts.
The closeness I have with dogs started back then and since they have always been like a family member. Each dog has its very own personality. I learned that it is up to us, to read them and know what they need. I learned to care for them in so many different ways! I recall when my little Miniature Pinscher "Rusty" got hit by a car and he could not walk. We think his pelvis was broken. His bed was a towel and cardboard box. I took such good care of him…taking him outside, feeding him. Those days there was no special surgery and hardly any vets like we have now… just love, care and patience. Well, low and behold one day he did stand and did walk…. Jubilation!
For myself I am a graduate of Wagner College with a Masters in Special Education. I have a background in teaching. I have worked for TWA and United Airlines for over 20 years. Career wise- a very long resume. Travel experiences even longer.
I have learned and am still learning that we aren’t really training our dogs. We are communicating with them. When I took my Norwich to an elementary school for a Therapy dog visit, many of the children spoke only Spanish. They were talking to him and asking him to do some things…I said, kindly, children remember Rascal doesn’t speak our language so we have to make him understand what we would like in a different way.
I know dogs will do anything to please us, so we have the best students you can ask for. My Dad always said “you get what you put into it”…It takes time and patience and lots of love….I tell all my students to give them a chance. When there is the right connection and they get it, they will never forget what they have learned and that’s what makes them great.
My little Norwich "Rascal" is a decorated Scent Work dog. When he started, he didn’t have a clue what to do and in addition he was a marker (peed to tell the world he was here). But with perseverance and time and bonding he is now grand! He learned that marking was not the way to go (or no bacon-his favorite!). He earned his Farm Dog Title, CGC, Trick Dog Novice, and Therapy Dog titles….and we did it not for the ribbon but for the enjoyment of being together. Best friends ever.
Each dog will be different…some are easy to get the gist of it and others may take more time. Give them a chance. Give them devotion, love and praise. They will do anything for you. They just need to understand what you are asking.
Put this all together and It is a great recipe for success.
Assistant Instructor - Puppy Class
I have had a close bond with all my dogs since childhood. My Dad was a true dog whisperer. He taught me so much and to this very day I am still learning how to communicate with all my animal companions and dogs I meet along the way. I can still remember as a child, my first love was-a little Scottish terrier…. "Tippy".
I am a life-long Staten Islander, originally from Arrochar, which back then, was like living in the country. One day I asked my dad, ” Hey Dad, where is Tippy?” He told me he joined the Foreign Legion. I was SO proud that my dog did this, and I told everyone in school! I suspect that was not the case at all, but at the time my Dad was sure to spare me any tears about his true whereabouts.
The closeness I have with dogs started back then and since they have always been like a family member. Each dog has its very own personality. I learned that it is up to us, to read them and know what they need. I learned to care for them in so many different ways! I recall when my little Miniature Pinscher "Rusty" got hit by a car and he could not walk. We think his pelvis was broken. His bed was a towel and cardboard box. I took such good care of him…taking him outside, feeding him. Those days there was no special surgery and hardly any vets like we have now… just love, care and patience. Well, low and behold one day he did stand and did walk…. Jubilation!
For myself I am a graduate of Wagner College with a Masters in Special Education. I have a background in teaching. I have worked for TWA and United Airlines for over 20 years. Career wise- a very long resume. Travel experiences even longer.
I have learned and am still learning that we aren’t really training our dogs. We are communicating with them. When I took my Norwich to an elementary school for a Therapy dog visit, many of the children spoke only Spanish. They were talking to him and asking him to do some things…I said, kindly, children remember Rascal doesn’t speak our language so we have to make him understand what we would like in a different way.
I know dogs will do anything to please us, so we have the best students you can ask for. My Dad always said “you get what you put into it”…It takes time and patience and lots of love….I tell all my students to give them a chance. When there is the right connection and they get it, they will never forget what they have learned and that’s what makes them great.
My little Norwich "Rascal" is a decorated Scent Work dog. When he started, he didn’t have a clue what to do and in addition he was a marker (peed to tell the world he was here). But with perseverance and time and bonding he is now grand! He learned that marking was not the way to go (or no bacon-his favorite!). He earned his Farm Dog Title, CGC, Trick Dog Novice, and Therapy Dog titles….and we did it not for the ribbon but for the enjoyment of being together. Best friends ever.
Each dog will be different…some are easy to get the gist of it and others may take more time. Give them a chance. Give them devotion, love and praise. They will do anything for you. They just need to understand what you are asking.
Put this all together and It is a great recipe for success.
Assistant Instructor - Puppy Class
Laura with Pryce
Laura Piro-Instructor
I’ve been a member of SICDTC for approximately 10 years.
My breed of choice is the Rottweiler. I have owned this breed since 2001. My current love is 2 year old Pryce.
Being an owner of Rottweilers, I understand the responsibility that comes with it. So, I became an enthusiast on dog behavior and training.
My style of teaching (which there are many) is to understand the workings of animal/dog and incorporate that into basic training. Students may need several tools or very few to become a successful leader.
Instructor for Puppy and Beginner 1 class
I’ve been a member of SICDTC for approximately 10 years.
My breed of choice is the Rottweiler. I have owned this breed since 2001. My current love is 2 year old Pryce.
Being an owner of Rottweilers, I understand the responsibility that comes with it. So, I became an enthusiast on dog behavior and training.
My style of teaching (which there are many) is to understand the workings of animal/dog and incorporate that into basic training. Students may need several tools or very few to become a successful leader.
Instructor for Puppy and Beginner 1 class