named programs · 4 · from sources
What they call their work
Beginner and Advanced Dog Training Classes
Offers structured training from puppy basics to advanced AKC and CPE levels, including obedience, rally, and scent work.
CPE and AKC Competition Trials
Hosts agility, rally, barn hunt, and scent work trials sanctioned by CPE and AKC for local and regional participants.
Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program
Prepares dogs and handlers for CGC certification, promoting responsible pet ownership and community safety.
STAR Puppy Program
Foundational training for puppies focusing on socialization, basic skills, and handler education.
activities · 3 groups
What they do
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Dog Sports and Conformation Events 7 activities
- Advanced obedience, rally, and agility training for membersProvides advanced dog training programs in obedience, rally, and agility exclusively for club members, including competition preparation, skill proofing, and specialized handling instruction. These classes require prior training and controlled behavior, with some focusing on AKC or other performance event standards.
- Canine certification testing and title preparationAdministers official canine certification tests including AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and supports teams in earning titles such as Fit Dog Gold and Silver, RNX, REMX, and RATCHX through structured training and evaluation.
- Dog evaluations for class placement and membershipConducts 6–8 dog evaluations annually on weekends and evenings to assess temperament and training level for appropriate class placement and club membership eligibility.
- Educational seminars, demonstrations, and outreach eventsHosts educational events including obedience seminars with guest trainers (e.g., Marian Crane), monthly club meetings with speakers and demonstrations, and outreach activities such as agility demos, school visits, nursing home visits, and participation in parades via a dog Drill Team.
- Obedience and agility competitions and trialsHosts and participates in canine competitions including obedience, rally, agility, and Barn Hunt trials under organizations such as AKC and Canine Performance Events (CPE). The club has hosted independent agility trials since 2011 and supports member teams in earning titles and qualifying legs in regional events.
- Specialty and skill-specific dog training classesOffers periodic specialty classes such as Nosework, FitDog (including Levels Two and Three), Happy Ratters, therapy dog preparation in partnership with Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, and "Big Feelings" for reactive dogs. These classes are primarily for members and focus on specific skills or behavioral goals, often culminating in titles or mock evaluations.
- Training facility access and space rentalOperates a climate-controlled training facility at the Shops at Ithaca Mall equipped with rubber matting, obedience gating, rally signs, and agility equipment. The space is used for classes, seminars, workshops, and meetings, and is available for private rental by qualifying members.
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Rescue Dog Behavioral Training and Adoption Support 2 activities
- Dog training classes for beginners and intermediate dogsOffers recurring dog training classes for puppies and adult dogs at beginner and intermediate levels, including structured progression from puppy socialization to Canine Good Citizen certification. Classes are open to the general public and held at the Shops at Ithaca Mall, with sessions typically lasting 6–7 weeks and offered 3–5 times per year.
- Puppy-specific training and certification programsProvides AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy classes for puppies aged 3–5 months, focusing on socialization, basic obedience, and responsible ownership. Classes meet weekly for seven weeks, with teams eligible to earn certification upon completion.
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Organized Member Social Events 1 activity
- Club meetings and member community eventsOrganizes regular club meetings that include educational content, “swap & shop” events, summer picnics, Christmas parties, and awards gatherings. These events foster community among members and include opportunities for social engagement and celebration of achievements.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2025
revenue
Total revenue$86K
Contributions & grants$00%
Program service revenue$79K93%
Investment income$6591%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$69K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits$3K
Grants paid out$0
balance sheet
Total assets$80K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$80K
3 years on record · 2023–2025 · YoY revenue -0.5%
relationships · 14
Who they work with
- 4-H Acres Partner — Hosts IDTC classes and events at its facility in Ithaca, NY.
- American Kennel Club Partner — Offers AKC STAR Puppy and Canine Good Citizen classes in alignment with AKC standards.
- Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine Partner — Collaborates on the Cornell Companions therapy dog program, preparing teams for evaluation and community visits.
- Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine Partner — Collaborates on the Cornell Companions therapy dog program, preparing teams for evaluation and visits.
- Cornell University Partner — Collaborated with ITHACA DOG TRAINING CLUB to deliver a CGC-U class, with university staff teaching, liaising, and evaluating teams.
- Cornell University Livestock Pavilion Partner — Hosts IDTC classes and events at its facility in Ithaca.
- Finger Lakes Kennel Club Partner — Collaborates by volunteering at AKC obedience trials sponsored by FLKC.
- Marian Crane Partner — Guest trainer conducting obedience seminars for club members.
- Marion Crane Partner — Co-hosts obedience mini seminars with ITHACA DOG TRAINING CLUB.
- Paws for Thought Farm Partner — Hosts IDTC classes and events at its facility in Groton, NY.
- SPCA Partner — Received donations collected by ITHACA DOG TRAINING CLUB members during the Annual Awards Party and through prior contributions.
- Shops at Ithaca Mall Partner — Hosts IDTC training classes at its facility
- Shops at Ithaca Mall Partner — Hosts IDTC's training space within the mall premises.
- Tompkins County 4-H Tailwaggers Partner — Recommends Tompkins County 4-H Tailwaggers as a training resource for children under 12.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community-Driven Peer Engagementmethodology: community-drivenBy fostering peer-to-peer learning and mutual support among members, the club builds sustained engagement and knowledge sharing, because shared experiences and social connections increase motivation, accountability, and long-term participation in responsible dog ownership.
- Gradual Habituation for Reactive Dogsmethodology: gradual habituationBy gradually exposing sensitive or reactive dogs to group training settings through controlled, low-stress experiences, the club improves their ability to learn and engage, because incremental acclimation reduces fear and builds confidence in unfamiliar environments.
- Inclusive, Multi-Goal Training Pathwaymethodology: inclusive_training_for_all_breeds_and_purposesBy offering a unified training program that accommodates both competitive obedience and basic pet behavior goals across all breeds, the club increases participation and retention, because inclusivity in goals and breed acceptance removes barriers to entry and supports diverse owner-dog needs.
- Positive Reinforcement and Handler Educationmethodology: positive-reinforcement trainingBy using positive reinforcement and teaching handlers how to communicate effectively with their dogs, the club improves canine behavior and strengthens the human-dog bond, because dogs learn more effectively and sustainably through reward-based methods and informed handling.
- Structured Developmental Progressionmethodology: structured_class_progressionBy placing dogs into training levels based on age and developmental stage rather than assumed skill, the club ensures appropriate learning pacing and safety, because aligning training with cognitive and physical development improves skill acquisition and long-term success.