Pet Classes Instructors

Janet Mines Krings, Director of Obedience SICDTC with Corky ("The Professor")

Janet Mines Krings - Director/Instructor​
​I have been showing and training dogs since 1993, participating in Conformation, Therapy Dog training, CGC &Tricks evaluations, Obedience, Rally, Field/Hunting, and Freestyle with my dogs. Flat-Coated Retrievers are my favorite breed because their silliness makes me laugh and their beauty brings me great joy.  It is an HONOR to teach class here at SICDTC, and I hope I have helped people and dogs enjoy life together. 
Certified AKC CGC & Trick Dog Evaluator. 
Evaluator for Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs.

​Instructor-Beginner 1 & 2, Therapy Dog

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Desma with Ginger

Desma Dunne - Assistant Instructor
I owned dogs my entire life, but I only discovered the exciting world of dog training when I came to SICDTC Beginner 1 class with Ginger, my 6-month-old Maltipoo. One class and I was hooked! We continued taking classes, I eventually became a club member and then club Treasurer. Later, I join the club’s Training Committee and have enjoyed assisting with teaching pet classes. Ginger and I have titles in Obedience, Rally,
Nosework, Barnhunt and Therapy Dog. I am a certified AKC CGC and Trick Dog evaluator. When not training, I enjoy traveling with Ginger, gardening and cooking.

Assistant Instructor-Beginner 1 & 2, Therapy Dog

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Kathy with Tessie & Dug

Kathy LaRosa - Instructor
I started training dogs when I was 13 yrs old after being given a very difficult Doberman puppy from my brother. It was then, that I fell in love with the sport of showing and training dogs. Eventually training, showing and breeding Rottweilers in conformation, obedience, tracking, and herding. I now own Golden Retrievers which I show in Obedience, Rally and Nosework. After working as a research scientist, I got my license as a Veterinary Technician which enabled me to be at home more with my children. When I'm not training dogs or working, I enjoy reading, gardening and spending time with my family.
Certified AKC CGC & Trick Dog Evaluator. 
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​Instructor-Puppy Kindergarten, Beginner 1

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Donna Reiss with Pretzel, the Australian Shepherd, and Spurs, the Beauceron.

Donna Reiss - Instructor 
I have devoted my life to animals, with 25 years as a veterinarian assistant, owner of a dog grooming business and training dogs well over 30 years. I have owned many different breeds from toys to large breeds , holding titles in Obedience, Agility,  Rally , Tricks , CGC , and therapy. I am an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator . I raised my son and introduced him to training at the age of six , he has placed top ten in the AKC Rally National Championship three years in a row with our Australian Shepherd. Training is my passion, I enjoy teaching the art of building the bond between owners and their K-9 companions in my classes. I make training fun and enjoyable, bringing out the best in my students and dogs.

Instructor -Beginner 1 & 2

John and “The Grand” Canyon

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John Rittenhouse - Assistant Instructor
I began assisting at SICDTC approximately 6 years ago.  My favorite classes to volunteer for, is Therapy Dog training, Beginner one and two and of course Puppy Kindergarten.   I rescued Canyon from Garden State German Shepherd Rescue. She is now 10 years old with numerous titles under her collar. In 2022, became a Certified AKC CGC & Trick Dog evaluator.
Assisting in classes is my therapy! 
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Assistant Instructor-Puppy Kindergarten, Beginner 1 & 2, Therapy Dog​

Kathy O'Connor and her Golden Retriever Inis

Kathy O'Connor- Instructor
I’ve been a club member since the 80's.
I have owned multiple Golden Retrievers and competed in many different venues. 
I am proud to say that my dogs have successfully competed and titled in Obedience, Field, Agility, Rally and Scentwork.

Instructor -Beginner 1 & 2 





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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

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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

 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.

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