Pet Class Instructors
Janet Mines Krings, Director of Obedience
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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Cody the yellow Labrador,
Buster the black/white mix,
Lisa Lena the Pomeranian mix, Holly the Papillion -Loved by Debbie Scotto
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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 |
Nova winning her Jumpers Class at an Agility Trial
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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. |
Gladys w/Izzy & Leo
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. Leo, a rescued, Golden-Cavalier mix is Glady's newest family member, who earns his treats by helping in class, Recently, Leo entered his first Scentwork trial and did very well! 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- 2 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. Leo, a rescued, Golden-Cavalier mix is Glady's newest family member, who earns his treats by helping in class, Recently, Leo entered his first Scentwork trial and did very well! 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- 2 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 & Beginner 1
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 & Beginner 1
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
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
Maryanne Zaccheo - Assistant Instructor
My love of animals, especially dogs began as a child. Growing up my family and I always had several different pets, mostly dogs. I enjoyed training my dogs with different tricks and commands. In 2019, I became a therapy dog handler with my first Golden Retriever Butters. It was then where I began dog training and working with others. Butters brought therapy dog work to life and touched the lives of many people. My love for therapy dog work is immense. I began training at SICDTC in 2021 as I prepared my Golden Retriever Sonny to become a therapy dog and soon after my Golden Retriever Lucy. Sonny and Lucy have earned their CGC titles. Lucy has also earned her CGCA and Novice Trick Dog titles. I continue to train my dogs at the club in attention, rally, agility, disc dog and they have entered into Fast Cat. I am currently on the training committee, assisting with puppy kindergarten and occasional therapy dog classes. I am now a CGC/STAR PUPPY evaluator. My passion for dog training has grown stronger at the SICDTC. It is a privilege to share my passion with others.
Assistant Instructor - Puppy Class, Therapy Dog
My love of animals, especially dogs began as a child. Growing up my family and I always had several different pets, mostly dogs. I enjoyed training my dogs with different tricks and commands. In 2019, I became a therapy dog handler with my first Golden Retriever Butters. It was then where I began dog training and working with others. Butters brought therapy dog work to life and touched the lives of many people. My love for therapy dog work is immense. I began training at SICDTC in 2021 as I prepared my Golden Retriever Sonny to become a therapy dog and soon after my Golden Retriever Lucy. Sonny and Lucy have earned their CGC titles. Lucy has also earned her CGCA and Novice Trick Dog titles. I continue to train my dogs at the club in attention, rally, agility, disc dog and they have entered into Fast Cat. I am currently on the training committee, assisting with puppy kindergarten and occasional therapy dog classes. I am now a CGC/STAR PUPPY evaluator. My passion for dog training has grown stronger at the SICDTC. It is a privilege to share my passion with others.
Assistant Instructor - Puppy Class, Therapy Dog
Carmela Verrengia - Assistant Instructor
My love for dogs started forever ago. I have never not had a dog or 2. Around 2002 I started volunteering at SICAW rescue group. Through the years I’ve had many different breeds, Lhasa apso , yellow lab, cocker spaniel , Maltese & chihuahua. In 2013 I rescued my Louie a chihuahua who was terrified and abused. I signed him up for some classes in hopes he would gain some confidence. It worked wonders and he looked forward to going & still does. He gained his CGC & tricks title and 3 titles in nosework. We’ve since added my Annie a Cavalier King Charles spaniel who started classes at 9 weeks old. She loves going to classes. She is 2yrs old and has achieved her CGC, tricks title and has now became a certified therapy dog. I am currently on the training committee, assist with the puppy classes & am now a CGC / STAR PUPPY evaluator. SICDTC is amazing and I am so happy I walked in that door. My dogs and I are better for it.
Assistant Instructor - Puppy Class
My love for dogs started forever ago. I have never not had a dog or 2. Around 2002 I started volunteering at SICAW rescue group. Through the years I’ve had many different breeds, Lhasa apso , yellow lab, cocker spaniel , Maltese & chihuahua. In 2013 I rescued my Louie a chihuahua who was terrified and abused. I signed him up for some classes in hopes he would gain some confidence. It worked wonders and he looked forward to going & still does. He gained his CGC & tricks title and 3 titles in nosework. We’ve since added my Annie a Cavalier King Charles spaniel who started classes at 9 weeks old. She loves going to classes. She is 2yrs old and has achieved her CGC, tricks title and has now became a certified therapy dog. I am currently on the training committee, assist with the puppy classes & am now a CGC / STAR PUPPY evaluator. SICDTC is amazing and I am so happy I walked in that door. My dogs and I are better for it.
Assistant Instructor - Puppy Class
Stella & Bentley, her Giant Schnauzer, in a training session.
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Stella Inserra - Assistant Instructor
Stella is a dedicated assistant instructor with a deep love for dogs and a profound interest in canine behavior and communication. With extensive experience in special education, Stella brings a unique skill set to dog training, applying techniques developed from years of fostering positive learning environments. Stella's first dog was Spanky, a Rottweiler. Currently she works with her Giant Schnauzer, Bentley, whom she has titled in multiple American Kennel Club (AKC) sports/venues, including Obedience, Rally, Trick Dog, Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog. At the Staten Island Companion Dog Training Club, Stella supports lead trainers, manages class registrations, and ensures a positive and engaging environment for both dogs and their owners. Stella's mission is to help humans understand their canine companions, promoting harmony and enhancing the bond between pets and their families. Stella is an AKC approved evaluator for : 1) AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy®, 2) Canine Good Citizen® 2) AKC Community Canine®, and 3) AKC Urban CGC® Assistant Instructor - Beginner 1 |