About Us

Our philosophy, our trainers, and our commitment to you and your dog at every step of your journey together

Our Philosophy

At Poodles to Pit Bulls, our training philosophy centers on creating a safe, judgment-free space where both you and your dog can grow together. We understand that living in New York City presents unique challenges for dogs - from crowded sidewalks to overwhelming street noise. We create individualized solutions for every dog and family that blend Applied Behavior Analysis with gentle, fear-free science-based approaches that fit with this urban lifestyle.

We prioritize everyone’s emotional well-being by focusing on strengthening the bond between you and your dog. Rather than using force or compulsion, we build confidence and understanding through positive reinforcement, whether working with basic skills like potty training or complex issues like reactivity.
We know that the dog training journey can be emotionally challenging for dog owners. We are deeply committed to supporting you, as well as your dog, through this process. We make sure that you have the space to come to us and process your feelings while you’re learning new skills to help your dog thrive.

Our Training Methods

Ettel

a close up shot of a woman smiling next to large plant leaves

Owner & Trainer (She/Her)

Certified Dog Behavior Consultant
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner

Fun facts: has lots of plants, and is a lifelong NY Knicks fan

Based in Astoria, I specialize in helping spicy and sensitive pups and their humans navigate NYC life with more confidence and less stress. I support families wherever they are in their dog training journey - from potty training to managing interactions with children.

In 2011, I graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy and am a Certified Training Partner. As a Fear Free certified professional, I understand how to make your dog feel as emotionally safe as possible during our training sessions. Your emotional wellbeing is just as important to me. Dog training can be overwhelming for families. I prioritize the needs of your entire family to create an individualized training plan that works for you. I’m always here for you to discuss your concerns, fears, and emotions about your dog training journey.

I volunteer my services to several rescue groups, as well as low income families in NYC. In 2016, I began volunteering and contracting with the Rikers Rovers dog program on Rikers Island. In 2018, I started offering group classes and private sessions free to the public through NYC Animal Care and Control’s Community Pets Program.
My reputation for helping dogs through difficult situations led The New York Times to interview me at the start of the pandemic. I have been an expert witness on a dog bite case and handled several dangerous dog cases with the Department of Health, and worked for a veterinary behaviorist clinic.

Dog behavior is an evolving science. We’re always learning more. I attend dozens of workshops, expos, and lectures on dog behavior over the years to learn and collaborate with my peers. I continue to stay on top of current news, publications, events, and programs in the field.
I am recommended by veterinary behaviorists, veterinarians, groomers, walkers, sitters, day cares, and other behavior consultants. text goes here

Kayla

A dog walker stands in front of vibrant art on a building. Her dog lies down at her feet

Dog Walker & Training Mentee (She/Her)

Fear Free Certified Professional

Currently enrolled in the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional Program

Fun Facts: is a huge math nerd & obsessed with jigsaw puzzles

I am a life long dog lover with years of experience pet sitting, walking, and fostering all kinds of dogs. I left corporate life to embark on a mentorship with Ettel to elevate my skills and become a dog trainer.

I’m a fully insured Fear Free certified professional. It’s my goal for your dog to feel safe, comfortable, and happy while in my care. I have extensive knowledge of dog body language, enrichment, positive reinforcement training, and helping dogs live their best lives. Every walk is based around your dog’s individual needs.

My training experience started with my late dog, Kona. I learned so much about dog behavior and cognition on our journey, which started with working through resource guarding.

We became a wonderful, connected team tackling stranger and dog reactivity, noise sensitivity, and other obstacles together. I'm really proud of our behavior modification accomplishments. We also learned 40+ tricks, earning the title of Advanced Trick Dog with AKC Trick Dog.
While learning everything I could about dogs both in books and via real-life experience, I started volunteering at Brooklyn ACC. I walked dogs at BACC for two years. I currently volunteer with Second Chance Rescue, walking and playing with dogs at their LIC location.
After Kona passed, I started offering dog sitting services as well as fostering dogs from ACC. During this time I worked with behavior concerns ranging from separation anxiety, reactivity, resource guarding, fearfulness of noises, strangers, and being outside. I watched high energy dogs, low energy dogs, a blind dog, a deaf dog, 5 pound dogs and 80 pound dogs, puppies, senior dogs, a tripod, and more. I’ve since welcomed my newly adopted dog, Dutchy.

Our Commitment

to Inclusivity

It is vital to us that we foster inclusivity, equity, and safety in all of our relationships - both personal and professional. We are dedicated to making and defending safe spaces for our clients at all times. Whether you are a person of color, a member of the queer community, disabled, neurodivergent, unhoused, or identify with any marginalized community, we are here to support you and meet your needs as best as we can.

If you need any type of accommodation, please let us know so that we can adjust our work together. There is next to nothing about dog training that can't be modified!