Classes We Teach:
Conformation, Puppy Kindergarten
Obedience, Manners, Therapy Dog and CGC
Location:
VFW POST #8096
69 Carey Avenue
Butler, New Jersey
When:
Tuesdays & Wednesdays
6:30pm – 9:15pm
No classes 2nd Tues/Wed of each month
No classes in July and August
Fees:
Conformation Drop-in classes: $20.00 per dog,
RKC members: $18.00 per dog
Six-class package: $98
Obedience, KPT and Beginner: $180.00
Shelter/Rescue dog (with proof): $170.00
RKC members: $140.00
Class Registration Form
Instructors:
Ruth Henningsen, Rally & Obedience
Elaine Barone, Rally & Obedience
Kristin Pierson, Conformation
Assistants: Janis Hayes, Mary Gallagher and Sue Chandler.
Upcoming Classes & Events
RKC Classes
Show Handling and Obedience classes including Rally Instruction
Tuesday Evenings
Conformation handling classes at our training facility at the VFW, 69 Carey Ave., Butler, NJ. Please email Kristin Pierson at piersonkn@hotmail.com if you would like to attend.
Handling Class is cancelled this evening 3/14, due to the snow. Everyone stay safe. Our next class is the 3/28!
2026 Show Handling Schedule
Sept 15th, and 29th
October 6th and 20th
Nov 3rd and 17th
Dec 1st
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PUPPY KINDERGARTEN – 6:30
BEGINNER – 7:30
2026 – 2027 Schedule
2026 Session 1
Sept. 16, 23, 30
Oct. 7, 21, 28
CGC Prep. Classes
Nov. 4, 18
Rally Drop in Class
Dec. 2
CGC/Therapy Dog Testing
Dec. 16
2027 Session 2
Jan. 20, 27
Feb. 3,17,24
March 3
2027 Session 3
March 17, 24, 31
April 7, 21, 28
FMI: Elaineb.bowow@juno.com
Snodogruth@gmail.com
Completed forms with payment should be sent ASAP to:
Elaine Barone
10 Birch Road
Kinnelon, NJ 07405
CGC/CGCA and Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dog tests
CGC/CGCA and Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dog tests will be held on May 21st at the VFW, 69 Carey Ave., Butler, NJ. 07405
Classes are held at the VFW POST #8096, 69 Carey Avenue, Butler, New Jersey, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Our instructors are actively showing and training their dogs in obedience, rally, conformation and therapy dog visits. They have achieved many titles but, most of all, have well behaved companions.
The facility we train in is fully matted, heated and air conditioned. All breeds, mixed breeds, and rescues are welcome. Class size is limited for better one-on-one training.
Fill out the class registration form below and mail it in with your check. If you have a puppy or are a beginner also fill out the KPT/Beginner Questionnaire. We encourage you to send in the form early to ensure a spot for you and your dog as our classes do fill quickly.
For more information:
Ruth Henningsen: 973-697-9456 snodogruth@gmail.com
Elaine Barone: 973-492-1876 elaineb.bowow@juno.com
Requirements: A copy of a Veterinarian’s certificate of current immunization against Distemper, Parvo and Rabies is required for all classes. Puppies will be accepted at the age when immunization protocols are approved by their vets.
CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
Conformation Handling Classes
This drop–in session covers all of the skills required for presenting your dog to its best advantage in the conformation ring, including basic ring procedure, handling techniques, and socialization. It provides an atmosphere in which your dog can learn to be well-behaved in close proximity to other dogs. All breeds of dogs are welcome. Instruction includes how to stack your dog, perform out–and–back patterns, triangle patterns, go–around patterns, etc. Includes table and platform judging. New participants welcome, no experience necessary. Come join the fun and get expert advice and training on showing your dog.
For more information about handling classes:
Kristin Pierson piersonkn@hotmail.com 201-317-7305
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Puppy Kindergarten (KPT)
Puppies with their second set of vaccines up to the age of 6 months are welcome in Puppy Kindergarten (KPT). Young puppies are sponges and easily absorb training. This class is designed to start good habits early and prevent negative behaviors from forming. WE TEACH YOU TO TEACH YOUR DOG using positive reinforcement. Classes include skills of walking politely on leash, sitting on command, staying in down position, prevention of jumping, correction for biting, coming when called, walking over various surfaces, controlled reaction to sounds, building confidence, and brief separation from owner. Potty training and problem behaviors will be discussed. Puppies will receive socialization with other puppies of all breeds and sizes and introduction to non-family members
S.T.A.R. PUPPY Your Instructor will administer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test at the end of the course. S.T.A.R. stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, Responsibility. Your puppy can receive an AKC certificate indicating he/she is a STAR puppy.
Beginner Obedience
This class is for dogs 6 months or older. We teach the basics of sit, down, stay, come, and walking on leash without pulling. This provides a foundation for good manners and dealing with common behavior problems. Dogs and owners will learn the skills to pass the 10 steps for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test.
Advanced Beginner
This class builds on skills learned in the Beginner class with emphasis on more precise attention and handling, foot work, correct fronts and finishes, reliable stays and recalls. Reinforcement of communication with your dog paves the way for Rally, Obedience or Therapy work and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Completion of a Beginner course is a recommended prerequisite.
Rally Novice
Rally is a sport that encourages teamwork between handler and dog…the team moves through a series of exercises, on leash, similar to the childhood game of Simon Says…this is a fun sport for the person who wants to do more with his/her dog, building on basic obedience skills…students will learn to read the signs and guide their dogs through simple maneuvers, understand the rules, and practice to be ready for the competition ring. All “exercises” are done on leash and this training not only prepares you for competition but creates a bond between handler & dog.
Rally Advanced/Excellent (RAE)
Rally Advanced/Excellent (RAE) class reinforces skills learned in Rally Novice (RN) and introduces students to performance of Advanced and Excellent exercises, stronger teamwork with the dog, development of body language cues, working off lead, building speed, and knowledge of rules for AKC, UKC, and Cynosport competition. The class focuses on skill drills and games, course run throughs, and sharing of competition experiences with attention to individual needs. With consistent work, most students can achieve the skills to earn an RAE title.
Therapy Dog Certification
The human-canine bond crosses many barriers and offers support to people in stressful situations. Therapy dogs promote a general feeling of well being to all ages and provide genuine unconditional affection to those who need it. They help to improve focus in people with memory issues and depression, encourage withdrawn individuals to interact, encourage speech in those with communication difficulties, and motivate physical activity for the mobility impaired.
Therapy dogs work in a variety of locations. Initially they started in hospitals, long-term care facilities and nursing homes. Today they are found on college campuses, in special education classrooms, senior centers, domestic abuse shelters, prisons, library reading programs, and visiting in home health settings. Their potential to reach people is boundless.
Basic obedience manners and socialization are important before an owner considers certification testing. Ramapo Kennel Club offers obedience training classes from September to June, and Bright and Beautiful Therapy dog testing twice a year. Please go to the Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dog website for additional information.

















