Paws for Thought Dog Training

There were just five puppies in the class, which was an excellent size. If necessary, it provided the puppies with one-on-one care. I relished the opportunity to socialize and watch my puppy engage with other puppies. The fact that the session was hosted in the facility's entryway probably disappointed me. I thought we would be in a room with plenty of things the puppies could crawl through, climb, and play with.

I adopted my dog Muffin in November and started working with Anna at Paws for Thought to build basic manners and address some New York City–specific behaviors like leash walking, focus around distractions, and being calm in busy environments. We’ve done both private training and group classes, and Anna has been amazing. She uses only force-free, positive reinforcement methods and truly takes the time to explain how dogs learn. I’ve seen such a difference in Muffin’s confidence and mine as a dog parent! If you’re looking for a kind, knowledgeable, and effective dog trainer in NYC, I can’t recommend Anna and Paws for Thought enough!

My two terriers were acting aggressively to other dogs that they would encounter on their walks. In just one session, Maddie gave me strategies and tools to help me (help my dogs) start to redress this behavior. She always approaches issues with pets from a perspective of kindness and understanding— educating the owner on what the dog may be feeling that is fueling their behavior. I learn so much just by watching and listening to how she interacts with my dogs - lots of positive reinforcement and a gentle tone to her voice. Whenever I finish a session with Maddie, I come away from it knowing that I am a better and more responsible dog owner.

Maddie Messina is the best there is for working with your dog's behavioral issues. Hudson was exhibiting several serious behaviors issues. Working with Maddie and following her instruction's has turned Hudson into a more confident, much less confused Pup. Hudson was a difficult case and Maddie figured out techniques that solved some aggressive and unpredictable behaviors. Maddie is a very directive trainer and provided you do the work with your dog, her training and working with your dog and you, will produce success. Maddie is very knowledgeable and works with the entire family to produce results. I've tried many trainer's to help us with Hudson. And wasted alot of money. What I learned is that you must work with credentialed, qualified behavioralist's or you are wasting your time. Maddie and Paws For Thought Training have the appropriate credential's and experience to take on the most difficult cases and provide positive results. We are all much happier now that Hudson is behaving so much better since Maddie starting working with us. It's a family effort and if you do the work with your dog and follow Maddie's lesson plans you will end up with a dog that is much happier, calmer and well trained .Maddie is the best there is and we were fortunate to find her. Happy Dog, Happy Family!