Dog Training & Behavior Support
Raising Happy Dogs!
Behind every behavior is a dog doing their best to make sense of the moment. Training becomes joyful when it feels like learning a shared language not simply giving orders.
When dogs feel safe, learning comes naturally.
At the heart of my work is a simple belief: dogs learn best when they feel safe. Safety grows from calm, consistent routines, clear expectations, and a few well-taught words that help you guide your dog through everyday life. Training should not feel like running a military academy or handing out treats like a Pez dispenser. Joy matters, but so do confidence, structure, and predictability.
Before a dog can listen, their nervous system is asking: Am I safe? Are we okay? Can I trust what happens next?
When the answer feels uncertain, behavior becomes a way of coping. Barking, bolting, mouthing, jumping, grabbing, guarding, frantic energy, or shutting down are rarely signs of defiance. More often, they reflect overwhelm, confusion, frustration, or fear. My work begins beneath the behavior. We build safety, clarity, and trust so dogs can think, learn, recover, and move through life with us rather than brace against it.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start training my dog?
As soon as they come home. Whether you've welcomed a puppy, adopted a rescue, or are living with an older dog, every day is an opportunity to build good habits. I think of training as teaching dogs the routines, words, and expectations that help them feel comfortable in our world. The sooner you establish structure and consistency, the sooner your dog learns to relax and thrive. My book, Puppies for Dummies, can serve as a helpful guide.
How do I know which service is right for me?
Start by filling out the new client form. Tell me a little about your dog, your goals, and the challenges you're facing. From there, we'll recommend the option that makes the most sense for your situation, whether that's a private session, virtual coaching, an imprint program, or a group class.
How much does training cost?
Training fees vary depending on the type of service and your location. Visit the pricing page to learn more. You'll also receive an estimated rate after completing the new client form. Virtual sessions are available worldwide, and you're always welcome to travel to my office in Katonah, New York, for a reduced in-person rate.
How long does training take?
That depends on what we’re teaching and where your dog is starting from.
I think of training as teaching good habits. Dogs learn by association, so the more you engage them through daily routines, games, and clear word cues, the more they begin to look to you for direction. Puppies mature over the course of their first year, and the earlier you begin shaping everyday routines, the sooner those habits become part of family life. With older dogs, especially those who have developed patterns like reactivity, hyper-arousal, or anxiety, the roadmap is more individual. Each dog and household has its own rhythm, and rehabilitation unfolds at its own pace. After an initial 90-minute session, packages can be tailored and a training plan established so your dog or puppy can learn new words, routines, and expectations that bring clarity and calm, rather than adding to their confusion.
Can you help with behavior issues like reactivity, anxiety, or aggression?
Absolutely. Most challenging behaviors stem from confusion, fear, frustration, or overstimulation. My approach focuses on understanding what's driving the behavior, then creating practical routines and strategies that help your dog feel more secure and respond more calmly. Drawing on more than four decades of experience, I'll help you understand what your dog is communicating and how to guide them toward better habits. My book Dog Anxiety for Dummies can be used as a supportive guide.
What is positive reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement is simply the art of noticing and rewarding the behaviors you want to see more often. Dogs are constantly making associations. If sitting calmly gets them dinner, they'll sit more often. If coming when called leads to praise, a treat, or a game, they'll be more likely to come the next time.
Most people think positive reinforcement is all about treats, but dogs find lots of things rewarding: attention, play, toys, walks, and hearing your happy voice. I like it because it shifts your focus. Instead of waiting for your dog to make a mistake, you start noticing when they're getting it right. Those little moments add up quickly. When we reward good choices, they become habits, and those habits become part of everyday life.
Support for Every Happy Dog
To get the ball rolling, fill out the New Client Form. Someone from my office will follow up promptly to walk you through your options, schedule a private or virtual session, or confirm your place in a class in Greenwich, Connecticut.