About Us

As a child I begged my parents for a dog. They were not persuaded by my
arguments. I was 25 when I finally realized my dream of owning a dog.

I chose a Shetland Sheepdog that I named MacDuff ( NOC OTCH Sir Malcolm MacDuff UDX). I enrolled in a basic obedience class and quickly got hooked on dog training Our training progressed from basic obedience to entering American Kennel club competition trials. MacDuff and I went from a beginning Novice A team to the prestigious designations of Obedience Trial champion, Gaines- Cycle Superdog and finally National Obedience Champion. My love of dog training led me to a second wonderful dog, a Golden Retriever named Troy (CH-OTCH Wingmaster’s Ounce of Gold UDX, VCX,WC, Can C.D.) Together we obtained the designation of Confirmation Champion and Obedience Trial Champion. He was the fifteenth dog in the history of Golden Retrievers to obtain the dual designation.

 My third partner in the obedience ring is a great Border Collie named Bob (OTCH Shoreland’s Wild Thing UDX, RA, OA, OAJ). Border Collies believe that they know exactly what you want to do even when you don’t ask them to do anything, Bob is extremely bright and motivated to work which makes him all the more of a challenge to train. Bob finished his Obedience Trial Championship in May of 2006. We started his Agility career when Bob turned 11. In less than eight months, Bob is competing in the Excellent division. Border Collies need a job and sitting on the couch would never suit Bob no matter his age.

Our Staff: Rick Pisani CPDT

KENSI

ANGUS

BARON

Ritsa Galitis, CPDT

I have been training pet dogs since 1998. I’ve always had a love for animals, and dogs in particular. In 1998, I became a volunteer at a local animal shelter, where I began by walking and socializing dogs, to help them become more adoptable. My initial involvement with training there involved mostly traditional training methods. Then at one point, I was asked to work with a group of developmentally challenged teenagers, who loved dogs and wanted to be involved with them in any way they could. I knew that traditional methods would not work best for these kids, and sought to find a “friendlier” alternative. That’s when I learned more about Positive Reinforcement training methods, and I haven’t looked back since.

Rick and I met in 2004 at The Instructors Training Course held at Roundout Valley Kennel for Adoptions. We quickly became friends because of our mutual love for dogs and similar training styles. I have helping assit and teach classes at Rick’s Canine Workshop since 2006.

Ritsa is the guardian to Kensi, a boisterous Old English Sheepdog, Angus a sweet Flat Coated Retriever Mix and Baron, a shy Hound Mix.