Backyards, bridges and green hills.
- County
- Richmond County
- From New York City
- 12 mi southwest
- Main roads
- the Staten Island Expressway
- Where dogs walk
- High Rock Park and the lakes of Clove Lakes Park
Staten Island is coextensive with Richmond County and is described as the most suburban borough. Houses with yards are common. That makes yard manners, such as coming when called and not charging the fence, an everyday concern. General estimates for a stay come in around $1,500 to $2,500 or more, with variation by trainer.
The island has a long list of parks. High Rock Park is part of the Greenbelt, which covers about 2,800 acres of forested hills and kettle ponds. Clove Lakes Park, in Sunnyside, holds three connected lakes and outcroppings of serpentine rock. Check the posted rules for leashes and dogs in each park.
The Staten Island Expressway cuts across the island, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge ties it to Brooklyn. Because getting off the island means a bridge, ask trainers who work elsewhere how they handle drop-off, pickup and handoff lessons.
Once your dog is home, use the yard for structured practice. Ten minutes of waiting at the door, coming when called and settling on a mat each day will do more than a free-for-all in the grass. Rotate the order of the exercises so your dog listens instead of guessing the next step.
Estimates only, and they shift by trainer, dog and season around New York.
Dog Board and Train$1,500 to $2,500+ for 2 to 3 weeks→Visits at Home$100 to $200 per visit→Leash and Manners$500 to $1,200 per package→Getting ready in three moves.
- List the habits you most want to change and rank them.
- Ask each trainer where the dog sleeps and whether they can meet you near Staten Island.
- Walk near High Rock Park and the lakes of Clove Lakes Park daily, in short and calm sessions.
Nearby communities. Also in this guide.
Local resources. Learn more about Staten Island.
Ground rules
Clear terms. Clear limits.
Run by K9PN. The Disclaimer explains more.
Good questions
Before you begin.
Do yards make training easier?
They help with practice but add new distractions such as squirrels. A trainer can show you how to build up.
Who handles bridge tolls?
Ask the trainer before booking whether travel costs are included.
Can a stay help a dog who digs?
A trainer can address digging, though it takes steady follow-through at home.
How soon should practice start after a stay?
The same day, in short sessions.