Based in Queens, NY, I specialize in training for the pet dog. I teach a motivation-based method of dog training rooted in behavioral psychology that focuses on giving the learner choice. I subscribe to the LIMA (least invasive, minimally aversive) philosophy, and use many different protocols and tools in my training, including (but not limited to!) clicker training, desensitization and counter conditioning, BAT (behavior adjustment training), proper management and socialization, among many others. The dog training I do is geared towards coaching you how to be your dog's trainer, giving you the skills you need to succeed. I work with all breeds, ages, temperaments, and sizes of dogs, as well as many types of behavior problems ranging from potty training, inappropriate barking, and leash walking, to some serious issues like separation anxiety and fear-based behaviors that can lead to aggression and biting.
I will never ask you to do something painful or stressful to your dog, and you are always welcome (and encouraged!) to ask questions. Dog training with me is focused on learning to read your dog's body language and signals properly, setting them up to succeed, and rewarding good choices.
I will never ask you to do something painful or stressful to your dog, and you are always welcome (and encouraged!) to ask questions. Dog training with me is focused on learning to read your dog's body language and signals properly, setting them up to succeed, and rewarding good choices.
I was originally pursuing a graduate degree in English Literature at the CUNY Graduate Center here in NYC. Charlie, my Miniature Poodle, was 6 years old at the time, and plagued with various behavioral issues, his most severe was his clinical separation anxiety. I go over the details in the blog section, as well as how I dealt with it, but at his worst he collapsed his own trachea, had the police called, and even received hand written complaints from neighbors unhappy with his non-stop barking. He also destroyed the apartment, and urinated and defecated when left alone.
I decided to leave the world of literary academia to pursue dog training in 2009. Up until then I had informally trained Charlie to do a myriad of tricks and cute behaviors, and had worked with kennel and rescue dogs for years, but had no formal behavior training. I shadowed other trainers, and learned all I could in the following years. I dedicated myself to working with Charlie and his separation anxiety, and am happy to say that he has been in recovery since 2010.
In 2011 I graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy and am very proudly a Certified Training Partner. I am currently enrolled in the Animal Behavior and Conservation Master's Program at Hunter College. I volunteer my services to several rescue groups, as well as low income families in NYC through the Pet Help Partners program through The Humane Society of the United States. I am constantly reading new dog training and behavior books, watching webinars, taking part in online behavior forums, and attending seminars. I have attended several Clicker Expos - if you've never been to a Clicker Expo, I highly recommend it!
In 2015 I acquired Prynne, a Toy Aussie. She was privately rehomed because her previous owners just couldn't keep up anymore. She was a tough puppy and wasn't socialized before she came to me, but has blossomed into a spectacular little dog and has recently debuted as my decoy dog. If your dog has reactivity issues with other dogs - there's a good chance you'll get to meet her!
Charlie is now 14 years old, and we share our home with Prynne, the 11 month old Toy Aussie.
I decided to leave the world of literary academia to pursue dog training in 2009. Up until then I had informally trained Charlie to do a myriad of tricks and cute behaviors, and had worked with kennel and rescue dogs for years, but had no formal behavior training. I shadowed other trainers, and learned all I could in the following years. I dedicated myself to working with Charlie and his separation anxiety, and am happy to say that he has been in recovery since 2010.
In 2011 I graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy and am very proudly a Certified Training Partner. I am currently enrolled in the Animal Behavior and Conservation Master's Program at Hunter College. I volunteer my services to several rescue groups, as well as low income families in NYC through the Pet Help Partners program through The Humane Society of the United States. I am constantly reading new dog training and behavior books, watching webinars, taking part in online behavior forums, and attending seminars. I have attended several Clicker Expos - if you've never been to a Clicker Expo, I highly recommend it!
In 2015 I acquired Prynne, a Toy Aussie. She was privately rehomed because her previous owners just couldn't keep up anymore. She was a tough puppy and wasn't socialized before she came to me, but has blossomed into a spectacular little dog and has recently debuted as my decoy dog. If your dog has reactivity issues with other dogs - there's a good chance you'll get to meet her!
Charlie is now 14 years old, and we share our home with Prynne, the 11 month old Toy Aussie.
Sadly, Tigress passed away in August of 2013, and Emma passed away in March of 2015. They were both very important to my development as a trainer and are dearly missed. Tigress was my non-dog animal for my KPA certification, and she knew more tricks than many dogs I know! She was always up to something, and was an incredibly confident, dog-savvy cat who welcomed all our boarders with the utmost of kitty grace. Emma was my stellar decoy dog. If you've worked with me in the past with a dog reactive dog, you've likely met her. She had a rough time of it before she came to me, it showed on her body, but her heart was always pure and bright. She was the peace keeper and got along with everyone. She loved to cuddle and would take it upon herself to make sure all our boarders knew they were welcome. I would always catch her snuggled up to whoever was staying with us.
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