Our Mission here at RUFF HAUS K9:

To provide the best mixture of care, love, and service to your pet as we would expect for our very own.

                                                                Email Us: rikki@ruffhausk9.com      Phone Us: 631-925-8041

Thanks for taking the time to visit me here at Ruff Haus K9. I like to think that I have created the absolute friendliest place on Long Island where you and your best friend can count on acquiring an exceptional experience when learning all about canine behavior modification and obedience training.               


My lifelong love and interest in dogs has allowed me to enjoy an 11-year career as a New York City K9 Officer before retiring young enough to pursue my dream of offering all my accumulated knowledge and hands on experience in my very own setting.


Ruff Haus K9 is now a thriving business success thanks also to my dedicated backup team of individuals who love dogs as much as I do. They assist with everything from obedience lessons, dog walking, dog sitting and the creation of a perfect atmosphere for comfortable vacation boarding, doggy daycare, and all training programs designed to achieve lasting results.


I am a graduate of the Animal Behavioral College with a degree in Dog Obedience and Behavior Modification and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), the International Pet Sitters Organization (IPSI) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consulting (!AABC). I am also a volunteer for the SPCA advocating for animal rights.


RHK9 is Bonded and Insured and extremely safety minded. That's why we require that whenever you take advantage of our boarding and training, or even if you just visit us for the day, that your pet is up to date with all required vaccinations.


Why don't you both make an appointment with me to discuss your needs and let me show you what can be accomplished here. Any references and background checks you'd like are available upon request. Feel free to ask me any questions you have, because consultation here is always free no matter how many times you use it. We all love what we do and it shows each and every day.

Rikki Fontana

Owner/Trainer at Ruff Haus K9 with "Puppy"

one very satisfied canine client.

KIERA AHERN ★★★★★

I sent my 15 month old Border Collie Husky mix to Rikki for the 2 week board and train. My dog came out a whole new dog. I thought I had her trained before sending her but she came out so much more well trained and behaved. I spoke with Rikki before sending my pup to her to address the concerns I had with my dog. I.e. excessive barking, slight food aggression, fearful around kids and lastly wanting her to have a strong recall when off leash. Rikki nailed all my concerns and my dog is doing very well post training. I highly recommend Rikki to anyone who is looking into a dog trainer for their dog. You will see the results you want.

JEANNIE POWERS ★★★★★

I had the privilege of enlisting Rikki as my dog Jack's trainer for a two-week period, and I am thrilled to express my utmost satisfaction with her exceptional services. Rikki's profound knowledge, unwavering dedication, and genuine love for dogs have made an indelible impact on both Jack's behavior and our lives. Her remarkable training skills and personalized approach have truly transformed our canine companion into a well-behaved and happy member of our family.

Thanks to Rikki's expertise and dedication, the transformation in Jack's behavior has been astounding. She has become more obedient, responsive, and well-mannered, making our lives so much easier and enjoyable. Rikki's training has equipped us with the tools and knowledge to continue Jack's development even after the training period ended. We are confident that the positive changes instilled by Rikki will have a lasting impact on Jack's behavior.

MARNEY HILLEN ★★★★★

We were looking for someone to board our puppy when we were going away.  Sadie our mini golden doodle started going to doggy daycare at Ruff Haus.  Each time she came home we noticed Sadie had a new skill. After discussing with Rikki the possibility of additional training, we decided that we would board and train Sadie for two weeks, this was the best decision we could’ve made.  Sadie learned so many positive skills and behaviors.  Throughout the training, Rikki sent us videos of her progress. Sadie is  always excited to see Rikki and I know that she is in good hands!

ROBERT KENNEDY ★★★★★

Had my 6 month old German Shepherd in for the two week board and train and I must say the trainer Rikki is outstanding. She listened to our needs and issues we were having with our puppy. She took what we said and trained our pup perfectly. He is better socialized, obedient and overall a happier dog. I would highly recommend Rikki as your trainer. Thank you Rikki.

Welcome to RuffHausK9.com

Where Canine Behavior Modification and Obedience Training Begin.

Why Are Our Training Methods So Successful?

Most dog owners do not have the schedule it requires to fully train a dog. That's why our "Board & Train" method allows you to drop off your misbehaved and unmanageable dog for a period of 2, 3, or 4 weeks and pick them up as well behaved, well-mannered individuals with the ability to follow basic commands. We will also fix certain behavioral problems as they arise.

What we've learned is that while many severe behavior issues are not a quick fix, many are easily modifiable as long as you (the owner) do your due diligence with the training protocols we provide specifically for you. These individualized plans will help improve your dog's issues in this respect, and allow you to manage them and enjoy a happier, less stressful life with your dog moving forward.

Each plan is based on your dog's individual energy level, body language and how they generally respond to touch. No two dogs are alike! We use training tools such as exercise, affection, positive reinforcement and an ecollar. These in combination have proven to be superior to other current training methods. The proof of this can be found in the reviews below that we include on this site.  

What will your dog learn?

Because our program is designed for dogs 6 months of age and older, we have tailored the results to include all those things that make for a well rounded canine.

● Heel / Walking on a leash.                      

● Sit, Stay, Come and Down.

● Out, Leave it and Off commands,

● Stay, Extended Stay and Place.

● Off Leash Training.

● Socialization.

● Crate Training.


What is included?                    

● Evaluation prior to start date.

● Educator e collar ($300 value).

● One additional Session once they go home and settle back into their environment.

● Customizable Schedule based on the dog's specific needs.

● 3 Video / Picture updates per week, during their stay.

● Trainings inside and outside including parks and stores such as Home Depot, Petco,     

  DICKS, and/or Target).

What dog owners everywhere are saying about Ruff Haus K9: