About Ruff Haus K9

Ruff Haus K9 is a dog training and boarding business based in Kings Park, New York, serving families across Long Island in Suffolk and Nassau counties. Owner Rikki Fontana and her team run board and train programs of 2, 3 or 4 weeks and private in-home lessons: obedience, off-leash, puppy, potty and crate training, help for reactive dogs, slight to moderate aggression and separation anxiety, service and therapy dog training and agility, plus vacation boarding and daycare. Every program starts with a free consultation.

Meet Rikki Fontana, Owner & Trainer

Rikki brings a lifelong passion for dogs and hands-on training to Ruff Haus K9, and an easy way of connecting with every dog that comes through the door, from tiny pups to large working breeds. She is a graduate of Animal Behavior College in dog obedience and behavior modification.

She approaches every dog with genuine care, respect and a long-term commitment, and she believes successful training strengthens the bond between dog and owner. That’s why owners play an active part in every program, from the updates during training to the go-home lesson at the end.

Rikki Fontana, owner of Ruff Haus K9, with a shepherd on a leash

Every Dog Is an Individual

Every plan is built around the dog in front of us: energy level, body language and sensitivity to touch. Training focuses on the behavior that makes life at home better, and we explain every step so you feel confident and in control.

We use a balanced approach that combines exercise, affection, positive reinforcement and e-collar training. Our mission: to provide the best mixture of care, love and service to your pet, as we would expect for our very own.

Rikki Fontana with a husky in front of a Long Island mural

A Small Group, Not a Kennel

We only accept a limited number of dogs each month, so every dog gets daily training and our full attention. Dogs get outdoor play time and rest, and you get photo and video updates three times a week.

By graduation day, the goal is a calmer, more capable and happier dog, and a better relationship between your dog and your family that lasts. You’re welcome to visit and ask questions before you decide, and references are available on request.

Three dogs relaxing on the turf in a fenced yard

Check Out Our Reviews

★★★★★
Rated 5.0 from 121 reviews on Google
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Linda R.October 2026
★★★★★

I recommend Rikki at Ruff Haus K9 for your training needs as she is just amazing. I can now walk my hyperactive Dobermans. Rikki is just amazing. My fur babies have manners before entering home, they stay on command, heel when walking and my one dog is now create trained. And so much more. I truly recommend Ruff Haus so you can have that beautiful bond with your fur babies. We can now enjoy our walks and hikes. Off Leash and On. I highly recommend Rikki and her amazing team !!!!

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Jack C.October 2026
★★★★★

I brought my dog to Rikki Because he was very disobedient and in just a few sessions, I saw a dramatic change in his behavior. He started listening better and became much calmer. I can’t think you all enough for the amazing job you did I highly recommend your service and facility. You are a true dog whisperer.

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D. DagostinoOctober 2026
★★★★★

Can't recommend Ruff Haus K9 Training enough! We have a 2.5yr old 70lb mini Bernese mountain dog who was reactive to everything - the doorbell, dogs barking (even in tv commercials), seeing his leash knowing he was about to go for a walk, etc. He was overly excited on walks to the point where he became unmanageable on a leash due to his sheer strength and lack of listening to commands. He would follow us room to room in our home and never seemed to just relax. After 3 weeks with Rikki and her team, a brand new version of our dog has come home. He is calm, listens on command, walks right at my side with his nose up instead of to the ground, doesn't pull on the leash, doesn't follow me around the house. He is completely transformed - not exaggerating - it really is night and day. My only regret is not sending him to training sooner.

The biggest night and day result I can share is when our dog would get out of the house, he had no recall. I was 5months pregnant chasing this dog around the neighborhood trying to get him back. When we picked him up from Rikki, he was walking on the front lawn off lease and listening to commands by verbal instruction only. Truly worth every penny!!

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Pamela H.September 2026
★★★★★

You better be ready for some magic, because that’s exactly what Rikki Fontana and the RuffHaus K9 team deliver! ✨

I own a pet camp and have had many of my clients work with Rikki, all with incredible results. But this was my first personal experience with one of my own pups—and I can honestly say, the transformation has been nothing short of miraculous.

I rescued Noelle, an abandoned 2-year-old Pit Bull who had virtually no socialization. She would become aggressive around other dogs, which was obviously a major concern with multiple dogs coming in and out of my pet camp every day.

So I called Rikki.

I had already seen the amazing work she had done with my clients, but seeing it firsthand with my own dog was something completely different.

Noelle was smiling and happy in all the videos and pics they sent and came home calm, focused, and confident. She heels like a champ, listens to commands, and—most importantly—Rikki taught her that other dogs are not a threat. 🐾❤️

That one lesson has changed everything.

Because of Rikki’s incredible skill, patience, passion, and understanding of dogs, Noelle now has the opportunity to live the happy, balanced life she deserves. And as someone who loves this pup deeply, I truly cannot put into words what that means to me.

I am beyond grateful to Rikki and the entire amazing RuffHaus K9 staff. What they do is so much more than training—it’s giving dogs and their people a chance at a better life.

Without hesitation, I can say Rikki is by far one of the most talented and dedicated behaviorist/trainers I have ever had the privilege of working with.

Thank you, Rikki, for giving my girl a second chance. We are forever grateful. ❤️🐾

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Tara H.September 2026
★★★★★

We have a Cunucu rescue from Aruba. She was extremely reactive to other dogs and loud trucks. My husband had exhausted all training on his own. We sent her to Ruff Haus for a two week board & train. The experience was great. Rikki taught us all the commands and we have been able to walk her off leash and are able to reduce the reactive behaviors. Staying consistent with the commands makes a big difference. Since then we have boarded our dog with Ruff Haus and she loves Rikki.

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Nicholas L.September 2026
★★★★★

Couldn’t recommend Rikki and her team enough! The difference in our puppy in the three week training class is unbelievable. Will definitely use Ruff Haus in the future for any further dog and already plan on using exclusively for any boarding needs.

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Moses D.September 2026
★★★★★

I had a great experience with the three-week board and train program! My dog Nova is an older dog, so I knew changing habits that he’s had for years wasn’t going to be easy, but he came home like a whole new dog.

His walking has improved tremendously, he listens and responds to commands much better, and one of the biggest improvements has been with his potty habits—he has not had accidents in the house since coming home. I can definitely see the time, patience, structure, and effort that went into working with him.

What I appreciate most is that he still has his same personality and excitement, but now he has much better structure and discipline. The difference from before training to now is honestly night and day.

I’m extremely happy with the progress Nova made during his three weeks of training and would absolutely recommend this program to anyone looking for help with their dog, especially anyone who thinks their dog might be “too old” to learn new habits. Thank you for all the work you put into Nova!

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ClemszkiSeptember 2026
★★★★★

My 4-month old Irish Doodle trained with Rikii for 3 weeks. BIG improvement in behavior when Sherlock came home. He used to run away from me if take him off his leash. Now- I can walk him with or without his leash. Promptly obeys commands, his social skills are much improved! Rikii is readily accessible for any questions before and after the board and train. I highly recommend Ruffhaus with Rikii to train your best bud!

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Emily S.July 2026
★★★★★

I adopted a sweet girl with a tough background and a lot of triggers. Rikki was wonderful! She listened to my concerns and worked closely with my dog to work through those issues. Rikki and the Ruff Haus K9 team kept me updated and made me feel comfortable throughout the whole process. Truly a great experience and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for training or boarding.

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Josh C.April 2026
★★★★★

Rikki and her team are incredible. They took my high-energy Great Pyrenees mix, Lola, and turned her into the most well behaved and obedient companion anyone could ask for. On day 1 of her returning home I noticed a complete 180 in her behavior; Walking at my side (on and off leash), refraining from jumping on people when she’s excited, and following all newly learned commands to the letter. Truly a brand new dog, I couldn’t be happier. 10/10 experience.

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RobertApril 2026
★★★★★

We sent our pup Reese to Ruff Haus K9, signed up for the 3 week course so she can be more disciplined. I tell you it was WORTH EVERY PENNY! Rikki and cat were phenomenal and very professional. We will refer Ruff Haus K9 10/10 times to friends and family. We couldn’t be happier with the service!

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J K.April 2026
★★★★★

We had a great experience having our dog Gus trained by Rikki at Ruff Haus K9. Communication was excellent throughout his 3 week training process, including updates, videos & photos. We couldn’t be more impressed at the resulting changes in his behavior, responsiveness & control. We know Gus was well cared for & loved on while he was at Ruff Haus, and he got lots of outdoor playtime to help with his energy. We highly recommend Ruff Haus K9 to anyone who is looking for intensive dog training that produces excellent results.

Where We Work

Ruff Haus K9 is based in Kings Park and trains dogs for families across Long Island, in Suffolk and Nassau counties.

Kings Park Smithtown Commack Northport Huntington Hauppauge St. James Stony Brook Islip Brookhaven Babylon Nassau County

Ready to Talk to Rikki?

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