★ 5.0 Stars From 121 Google Reviews

Group Dog Training Classes: Coming Soon

Ruff Haus K9 doesn’t offer group dog training classes on Long Island yet, but Rikki is open to starting them if enough owners are interested. Group classes are a great way for dogs to practice manners and focus around other dogs. Join the interest list: fill out a quick form and Rikki will reach out when classes are being planned. Need help sooner? She can recommend a program for your dog now.

Rikki of Ruff Haus K9 crouching with a husky in front of a Long Island mural
⭐5.0 Stars on Google
🐾A Plan Built for Your Dog
🌳Real-World Training
🎓You Learn It Hands-On

Check Out Our Reviews

★★★★★
Rated 5.0 from 121 reviews on Google
M
Meagan R.February 2026
★★★★★

We had a great experience with Ruff Haus K9 for our dogs, Ruby and Ralph. Ruby came home noticeably more confident, and Ralph (our puppy) made amazing progress with his foundational training. The team was professional, communicative, and clearly cares about the dogs they work with. We’re very happy with the results and would highly recommend Ruff Haus K9 to anyone looking for an effective board-and-train program. Thank you Ricki, Cat, and team!

S
Sean M.December 2025
★★★★★

I am very impressed with the results of my dog's two-week training course. Begbie has made significant progress, walking well on a leash and mastering commands such as Sit, Down, Stay and Come. The daily videos provided valuable insights into Begbie's progress and enjoyment during the Course. Rikki's training efforts were also evident, as Begbie has been well behaved and responsive to commands. Overall, I am very satisfied with the results and highly recommend this training course.

J
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.

L
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 !!!!

D
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. ❤️🐾

T
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.

N
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.

M
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!

C
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.

J
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.

Where Group Classes Stand Right Now

We want to be clear from the start: Ruff Haus K9 isn’t running group classes at the moment. There’s no class schedule, location or start date yet.

What there is: real interest from Rikki in bringing group dog training classes to Long Island families, if enough owners want them. The interest list is how she’ll know. Every name on it helps decide whether classes happen and what they focus on.

Adding your name is free and doesn’t commit you to anything. It simply tells Rikki you’d like a group option and gives her a way to reach you if classes move forward.

How the Interest List Works

1

Fill out the form

Tell Rikki about your dog and what you’d want from a group class, whether that’s basic manners, focus around other dogs or a place to keep skills sharp.

2

Rikki reaches out

When group classes are being planned, the owners on the interest list are the first people she contacts.

3

Help in the meantime

If your dog needs help now, Rikki can recommend a program that fits, so you don’t have to wait for classes to make progress.

What Group Training Does Well

In general, group dog training classes fill a different role than one-on-one training. Here’s why so many owners look for them.

Focus around distractions

A sit in your kitchen is one thing. A sit with other dogs nearby is the real test, and a class setting lets your dog practice it on purpose.

Calm social practice

Being near other dogs and people in a structured setting helps many dogs learn to stay relaxed instead of overexcited.

Learning alongside others

Owners pick up a lot by watching other teams work through the same skills, and it’s encouraging to see everyone improve together.

Keeping skills fresh

Regular practice outside the home helps good habits stick long after the first lessons, which builds a stronger bond with your dog.

What We’d Like Classes to Cover

These are plans, not a set curriculum. If group classes go ahead, Rikki would like them to focus on the everyday skills that make life with a dog easier on Long Island streets, in parks and around the neighborhood.

The goal would be the same one behind all of her training: owners who understand their dog, and dogs who listen when it counts. Like all of Rikki’s training, practice at home between sessions would be what makes it stick.

  • Loose-leash walking and heel
  • Sit, down and stay with other dogs nearby
  • Coming when called
  • Place, leave it and polite greetings
  • Reading your dog’s body language
A husky, a boxer and another dog holding a down on a turf yard in Long Island, NY

Group Classes vs. Training Available Now

Group classes may be on the way. Private in-home lessons and board and train are available today, and each one works a little differently.

Group classes (planned)

  • Learn alongside other owners
  • Practice around other dogs
  • Everyone follows one class pace
  • Good for everyday manners
  • Start date not set yet

In-home lessons or board and train

  • One-on-one time with your trainer
  • Practice at home and in public places
  • A plan built around your dog alone
  • Help with reactivity, anxiety and more
  • Available now, after your consultation

Need Help With Your Dog Right Now?

You don’t have to wait for a class to get started. With private in-home lessons, Rikki or her team comes to your home and teaches you how to train your dog, right where everyday problems happen.

Board and train is the other route: your dog stays with the Ruff Haus K9 family for two, three or four weeks with training every day, and at pickup Rikki shows you everything your dog learned. It’s a great fit for busy families and for dogs that need focused work.

Ready? Tap the button below and send a short form to join the interest list. Rikki will get to know your dog and, if you’d like help sooner, suggest the program that fits your goals and your dog’s needs.

Rikki walking a large shepherd on a leash along a quiet Long Island street

Group Classes Questions

Do you offer group classes right now?

No, not yet. Ruff Haus K9 doesn’t run group classes at the moment. Rikki is open to starting them if enough owners are interested, so join the interest list and she’ll reach out when classes are being planned.

How do I join the interest list for group dog training classes on Long Island?

Click any button on this page and fill out the quick form. Tell Rikki about your dog and what you’d want from a group class. There’s no obligation.

When will group classes start?

There’s no start date yet. Whether classes happen depends on interest, so the more owners who join the list, the better. Everyone on it hears from Rikki when classes are being planned.

How much will group classes be?

Nothing has been set yet, because classes aren’t scheduled. For private in-home lessons or board and train, Rikki hears about your dog on your free consultation and gives you a clear quote for the program that fits.

Is a group class or private training better for my dog?

It depends on your dog. Group classes are great for everyday manners and focus around other dogs. Dogs with reactivity, aggression or anxiety usually do better starting one-on-one. Rikki evaluates every dog before recommending a program.

What can I do while I wait for classes?

Start with a free consultation. Rikki can recommend private in-home lessons or board and train, so your dog keeps making progress while group classes are in the works.

What areas would classes serve?

Ruff Haus K9 calls Kings Park home and trains with families throughout Suffolk and Nassau, from Smithtown and Commack to Hauppauge and Stony Brook. A class location hasn’t been chosen.

Join the Interest List

Want group dog training classes on Long Island? Join the interest list and Rikki will reach out when classes are planned, or recommend a program for your dog right now.