Got dog problems? The Dog Tamer, led by Master Trainer Tom Hickey, is your answer. With over two decades of experience, Tom is renowned for rehabilitating dogs and is even an appointed Instructor for ABC Animal Behavior College. Based in Bloomingdale, NJ, we offer top-notch dog training that gets real results. Whether your furry friend needs a complete behavior overhaul through our Board and Train program, personalized attention with Private Session Evaluations, or flexible Online/remote training, we tailor our approach. We also provide specialized Boarding & Training and comprehensive Rehabilitation services. Our focus is on creating a harmonious life for you and your dog, building confidence and good habits.
Training & services
Training goals
Behavior consultation
House trainingCustomer-reported
Leash training
Obedience training
Behavior support
Fear and confidence
Reactivity trainingCustomer-reported
How training happens
Board and trainProgram details
Dogs stay with the trainer for an immersive training experience focused on behavioral development.
This service combines overnight boarding with focused training sessions for your dog.
In-home training
Online or virtual trainingProgram details
Receive training guidance and support from a distance through virtual sessions.
Owner coaching
Private trainingProgram details
Work one-on-one with a trainer to address specific behavioral concerns or training goals.
Dog age
Puppies
Additional services
Boarding
Daycare
Dog walking
Other listed services
View 12 additional details
Dog sitting (in-home)
Behavioral Modifications
Canine Behaviorist
Customized Training
Day Programs
Home Lessons
Master Trainer
Training Lessons
Training Walking
Unique Training
RehabilitationProgram details
Specialized training programs designed to address and modify challenging dog behaviors.
Exercise and Wellness PackagesProgram details
These packages offer various options to support your dog's physical activity and overall well-being.
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
5/5My fiancé and I cannot recommend Tom enough! Our pitbull mix is extremely anxious and reactive, often becoming aggressive in stressful situations. We were struggling to create a peaceful home, but Tom completely changed that.
From the start, it was clear that Tom is one of the b…Read full reviewClose full review
My fiancé and I cannot recommend Tom enough! Our pitbull mix is extremely anxious and reactive, often becoming aggressive in stressful situations. We were struggling to create a peaceful home, but Tom completely changed that.
From the start, it was clear that Tom is one of the best trainers and behaviorists we’ve ever worked with. He took the time to understand our dog’s triggers and created a tailored plan that addressed the root causes of her anxiety. His structured approach, patience, and deep understanding of canine behavior made all the difference for our dog.
Thanks to Tom, our dog is no longer reactive or aggressive. She’s more confident, trusts us, and our home is now peaceful. If you’re struggling with a reactive dog, Tom is the trainer you need—his work has been truly life-changing!
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Ryan Shropshire
5/5Tom is not only a great trainer , he’s a great person. After the first session I felt the energy shift In the house with my two dogs, ensuring me that it wasn’t an aggression issue. He’s guiding me to take back control and creating a space where everyone feels safe. Truly indebte…Read full reviewClose full review
Tom is not only a great trainer , he’s a great person. After the first session I felt the energy shift In the house with my two dogs, ensuring me that it wasn’t an aggression issue. He’s guiding me to take back control and creating a space where everyone feels safe. Truly indebted to Tom and the work he does, not having to re-home one of my dogs is a really great feeling. Couldn’t have done it without his help 🙏
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Ashlyn Lewis
5/5Highly recommend Tom. He came and helped us after we started having trouble with our 5 year old coonhound mix Cooper becoming reactive and slightly aggressive after having our son. We did 4 sessions and he helped us learn a lot about our dog, Mostly about his breed and what he sp…Read full reviewClose full review
Highly recommend Tom. He came and helped us after we started having trouble with our 5 year old coonhound mix Cooper becoming reactive and slightly aggressive after having our son. We did 4 sessions and he helped us learn a lot about our dog, Mostly about his breed and what he specifically needs from us. Tom was very good at making us feel comfortable with how to manage the dog and the baby moving forward. Thank you for your time with our family.
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Deanna DeMarco
5/5I am currently taking Animal Behavior College’s dog obedience program. I had the privilege of doing my externship with Tom. I highly recommend Tom to anyone looking for a qualified and compassionate dog trainer. His expertise, dedication, and genuine love for dogs makes him an ex…Read full reviewClose full review
I am currently taking Animal Behavior College’s dog obedience program. I had the privilege of doing my externship with Tom. I highly recommend Tom to anyone looking for a qualified and compassionate dog trainer. His expertise, dedication, and genuine love for dogs makes him an exceptional trainer. You won’t be disappointed. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have learned from Tom and I am confident that I will carry the knowledge and skills I gained during my externship with me throughout my career.
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Colleen Remy
5/5Tom is more than a dog tamer. He is also an owner trainer. Tom helped us with our aggressive husky. Our husky was almost impossible to walk and didn’t do well with most commands. Tom was able to get our husky to calm and not be super reactive, and to my shock, our husky now w…Read full reviewClose full review
Tom is more than a dog tamer. He is also an owner trainer. Tom helped us with our aggressive husky. Our husky was almost impossible to walk and didn’t do well with most commands. Tom was able to get our husky to calm and not be super reactive, and to my shock, our husky now walks beautifully on a leash! Now, he responds well to commands. Our husky is calmer, happier and less aggressive. Thank you Tom! Now that the training is complete, Tom responds to my texts and assists us with our continued learning how to handle him. Honestly, I feel that Tom has become a family friend.
We highly recommend The Dog tamer.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.