We are proud to offer the following events for free with your paid entry to the expo in 2026.
Free Events
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 3:00 pmPositive Training FUNdamentals: No dog required!
Positive Training FUNdamentals: No dog required!
Hosted By: Positive Herding 101, LLC Event Type: Try it Event Duration: 50 Minutes Register Now for Positive Training FUNdamentals: No dog required!
Curious about positive training but not sure where to start? Tried it and felt stuck?
This FREE, no-pressure workshop introduces the basics of science-based, reward-based training. No dog required.
You’ll learn where to start, how to build skills step by step, when to add a cue, and how to adjust when things don’t go as planned. Practice with a stuffed animal, then you’ll have the option to work with your own dog.
We’ll use a simple framework called D.I.R.T.—Decide, Imagine, Revise, Train—to help set you and your dog up for success.
Come with a dog or come solo. Learn, practice, and have FUN.
(Limit of 10 free working spots – Unlimited auditors)
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 9:00 am, 1:00 pmParkour Demonstration
Parkour Demonstration
Event Type: Demonstration Event Duration: 30 Minutes
Come learn about Parkour – a sport where dogs navigate and interact with their environment using climbing, jumping, balancing, going under or around obstacles and other movements inspired by human parkour.
It’s a fun, low impact activity that can boost a dog’s confidence and fitness.
This demonstration will show some of the foundational behaviors and how they are applied to the environment.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 11:00 am, 1:00 pmNon-Aversive Equipment/Training
Non-Aversive Equipment/Training
Event Type: Lecture Event Duration: 1 Hour
This lecture and demonstration explores aversive tools commonly used in dog training—such as prong and shock collars—and introduces effective, modern alternatives. Our goal isn’t to debate training philosophies, but to educate attendees on the humane, science-based options available today.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 All DayNorthland Newfoundland Carting and Water-Work Training Demo
Northland Newfoundland Carting and Water-Work Training Demo
Hosted By: Northland Newfoundland Club Event Type: Demonstration Event Duration: All Day
The Northland Newfoundland Club, which is a regional club for the Newfoundland Club of America (AKC), is putting on demonstrations all day of their carting abilities as well as what we practice on land to do their water work. If you have ever been interested in this breed or the work they do stop by and see them in action.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 10:00 amFundamentals of Service Dog Training
Fundamentals of Service Dog Training
Hosted By: Operation At Ease Event Type: Lecture Event Duration: 1.5 hours
This lecture provides a practical overview of training your own service dog while staying compliant with the law. Learn your rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including where service dogs are allowed and what qualifies as a service animal.
We’ll cover how state and local laws may differ, what businesses can legally ask (and what they cannot), and how to handle public interactions with confidence.
You’ll also learn what legally constitutes a trained “task,” the difference between service dogs and emotional support animals, and the foundational skills needed for a reliable working dog.
Perfect for individuals, families, and professionals look
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 All DayFetch-it Try-it
Fetch-it Try-it
Hosted By: Paws 4 Obedience Event Type: Try it
In the new sport of Fetch-It, we are hear to guide you through the novice level! Come learn some of the techniques and basics of earning your fetch-it novice.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 All DayObedience Try-it
Obedience Try-it
Hosted By: Paws 4 Obedience Event Type: Try it
Step into the ring and test yourself in a beginner novice level competitive obedience trial. Ask us questions and have the opportunity to be walked through the trialing sequence.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 All DayRally Try-it
Rally Try-it
Hosted By: Paws 4 Obedience Event Type: Try it
Bring your pup into a Rally Novice ring and walk the course to get a feel for what Rally looks like when you’re ready to trial. Ask questions, do a run through, or simply have fun running the course!
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Herding Instinct Demo
Herding Instinct Demo
Hosted By: Cherry Hill Training Center Event Type: Demonstration
Herding Instinct Test (Non-AKC)
Description:
Amanda Farnsworth of Cherry Hill Training Center and her Team will be offering a Herding Instinct Test at the NYS Canine Expo. This test is a first step in assessing your dog’s natural herding abilities.
Test Duration: 10 minutes.
There is a fee for this test and it is due prior to starting the test.
Sign-up details to follow and a waiver is required to protect the livestock during testing.
Note: This test is not an AKC (American Kennel Club) test.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 11:00am, 3:00pmNosework Demonstration – Exteriors and Containers
Nosework Demonstration – Exteriors and Containers
Hosted By: Schenectady Dog Training Club Event Type: Demonstration Event Duration: 30 Minutes
See what Nosework is all about! Watch novice and advanced dogs demonstrate nosework by searching containers, vehicles and exteriors under trial conditions.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 11:30am, 3:30pmNosework Try It
Nosework Try It
Hosted By: Schenectady Dog Training Club Event Type: Demonstration Event Duration: 30 Minutes
Learn the first steps in teaching nosework by participating in a short class where birch will be first paired with food, then a simple container search.
Prerequisite:
Limited to 8 dogs participating – others may observe. Dogs must be under control and respond to sit and stay commands. Handlers should have treats but if not some will be provided.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 12:00 pmAgility Demos – HVAC
Agility Demos – HVAC
Event Type: Demonstration Event Duration: 45 Minutes
Watch members of the Hudson Valley Agility Club and friends demonstrate agility fundamentals with dynamic canine partners. This session highlights the athleticism and focus involved in the sport, offering insights into how both novice and experienced dogs can succeed on the course.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pmMock Trial Weight Pull Demonstration
Mock Trial Weight Pull Demonstration
Hosted By: Canine Spotlight Fitness & Training LLC - Thread City Weight Pull Event Type: Demonstration Event Duration: 1.5 Hours
Come watch some professional weight pull dogs compete to see who can pull the most weight! These dogs are trained, seasoned athletes who would love to demonstrate the sport and the versatility of the weight pull dog! Talk to handlers, learn about the sport, and say hi to some of our lovely pups!
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 12:00 pmFearful Dogs: Tips on How to Acclimate Your Scaredy Dog
Fearful Dogs: Tips on How to Acclimate Your Scaredy Dog
Event Type: Lecture Event Duration: 50 Minutes
This lecture will discuss tips, tricks, and troubleshooting for acclimating your fearful dog to everyday life without going too quickly or overwhelming them. In this presentation, attendees will learn how to recognize the sometimes subtle behavioral and body language signs of canine stress and understand how emotions influence behavior. Practical, science-based strategies for reducing stress and supporting behavioral wellness will be discussed, helping owners build confidence, strengthen their relationship with their dogs, and improve overall quality of life.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 1:00 pmAdoption & Acclimation: A “How-To” on New Dog Adjustment
Adoption & Acclimation: A “How-To” on New Dog Adjustment
Event Type: Lecture Event Duration: 50 Minutes
Bringing home a shelter dog can be incredibly rewarding, but the transition period into a new home often comes with unique behavioral challenges. This presentation explores what dogs experience during the adjustment process, common behavioral concerns seen after adoption, and how owners can set their new companions up for success. Drawing from shelter and behavior experience, attendees will gain practical tools for understanding behavior, managing expectations, and helping newly adopted dogs thrive in their homes.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 3:15 pmOne of Us Is Wrong! – Trainer Panel
One of Us Is Wrong! – Trainer Panel
Hosted By: New York Canine Expo Event Type: Trainer Panel Event Duration: 1 Hour
Put three dog trainers in a room, and the only thing they will agree on is that one of them is wrong!
Join Lora Bacharach of North Country Paws for Obedience, Kyle McCraith of KMK9, and Joni Bonilla of Operation At Ease for a lively panel discussion featuring three trainers with three distinct business models and perspectives.
Questions will be asked, answers will be debated, and different approaches to dog training will be explored. Which trainer is wrong? Come decide for yourself!
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 9:00 AM, 11:00 AMIntro to Rally Obedience
Intro to Rally Obedience
Event Type: Demonstration Event Duration: 1 Hour
At the start of each scheduled time, we will provide a brief overview of Rally Obedience. We will have a Novice level course set up, and each sign will be explained. This will be followed by a demonstration of how a Rally course is run. Each person attending will then have the opportunity to run a Novice level Rally course, with input from Mary.
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 11:00 am, 1:00 pmNon-Aversive Equipment/Training
Non-Aversive Equipment/Training
Event Type: Lecture Event Duration: 1 Hour
This lecture and demonstration explores aversive tools commonly used in dog training—such as prong and shock collars—and introduces effective, modern alternatives. Our goal isn’t to debate training philosophies, but to educate attendees on the humane, science-based options available today.
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 All DayNorthland Newfoundland Carting and Water-Work Training Demo
Northland Newfoundland Carting and Water-Work Training Demo
Hosted By: Northland Newfoundland Club Event Type: Demonstration Event Duration: All Day
The Northland Newfoundland Club, which is a regional club for the Newfoundland Club of America (AKC), is putting on demonstrations all day of their carting abilities as well as what we practice on land to do their water work. If you have ever been interested in this breed or the work they do stop by and see them in action.
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 9:00 am, 1:00 pmParkour Demonstration
Parkour Demonstration
Event Type: Demonstration Event Duration: 30 Minutes
Come learn about Parkour – a sport where dogs navigate and interact with their environment using climbing, jumping, balancing, going under or around obstacles and other movements inspired by human parkour.
It’s a fun, low impact activity that can boost a dog’s confidence and fitness.
This demonstration will show some of the foundational behaviors and how they are applied to the environment.
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 All DayWant to give AKC Rally a try?
Want to give AKC Rally a try?
Hosted By: Heel Dog Training Academy Event Type: Try it Event Duration: 1 Hour
This demonstration and workshop will introduce people to AKC Rally Competition. There will be a brief discussion of what Rally is and the different levels and then allow dog owners come into the ring to do a Rally Novice Course with guidance.
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Herding Instinct Demo
Herding Instinct Demo
Hosted By: Cherry Hill Training Center Event Type: Demonstration
Herding Instinct Demo
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 10:00 amFundamentals of Service Dog Training
Fundamentals of Service Dog Training
Hosted By: Operation At Ease Event Type: Lecture Event Duration: 1.5 hours
This lecture provides a practical overview of training your own service dog while staying compliant with the law. Learn your rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including where service dogs are allowed and what qualifies as a service animal.
We’ll cover how state and local laws may differ, what businesses can legally ask (and what they cannot), and how to handle public interactions with confidence.
You’ll also learn what legally constitutes a trained “task,” the difference between service dogs and emotional support animals, and the foundational skills needed for a reliable working dog.
Perfect for individuals, families, and professionals look
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 10:30 AMREALITY Group Class
REALITY Group Class
Hosted By: Paws 4 Obedience Event Type: Group Class Event Duration: 1 Hour
Reality is a class for anyone to join that will cover basic foundations of obedience in a realistic situation, teaching a public skills and drill while going over a typical group class structure in a motivating community environment.
All proceeds for events and certifications go to Washington County Correctional Canine Training Program.
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 11:00am, 3:00pmNosework Demonstration – Exteriors and Containers
Nosework Demonstration – Exteriors and Containers
Hosted By: Schenectady Dog Training Club Event Type: Demonstration Event Duration: 30 Minutes
See what Nosework is all about! Watch novice and advanced dogs demonstrate nosework by searching containers, vehicles and exteriors under trial conditions.
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 11:30am, 3:30pmNosework Try It
Nosework Try It
Hosted By: Schenectady Dog Training Club Event Type: Demonstration Event Duration: 30 Minutes
Learn the first steps in teaching nosework by participating in a short class where birch will be first paired with food, then a simple container search.
Prerequisite:
Limited to 8 dogs participating – others may observe. Dogs must be under control and respond to sit and stay commands. Handlers should have treats but if not some will be provided.
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 12:00 PM, 1:00 PMCompetition Obedience – All Levels
Competition Obedience – All Levels
Hosted By: Heel Dog Training Academy Event Type: Demonstration Event Duration: 1 Hour
This demonstration will give a brief description of what is competition obedience and the different levels and titles a handler and dog can obtain. The different levels will be demonstrated from the beginning level to the high competition levels of Open and Utility. There will be opportunities to ask questions throughout the demonstrations.
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pmMock Trial Weight Pull Demonstration
Mock Trial Weight Pull Demonstration
Hosted By: Canine Spotlight Fitness & Training LLC - Thread City Weight Pull Event Type: Demonstration Event Duration: 1.5 Hours
Come watch some professional weight pull dogs compete to see who can pull the most weight! These dogs are trained, seasoned athletes who would love to demonstrate the sport and the versatility of the weight pull dog! Talk to handlers, learn about the sport, and say hi to some of our lovely pups!
Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 12:00 pmAgility Demos – HVAC
Agility Demos – HVAC
Event Type: Demonstration Event Duration: 45 Minutes
Watch members of the Hudson Valley Agility Club and friends demonstrate agility fundamentals with dynamic canine partners. This session highlights the athleticism and focus involved in the sport, offering insights into how both novice and experienced dogs can succeed on the course.