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 Training Your Dog in Riverhead, NY

We are waiting to become your pet’s new best friend: whether it be for training, walking or popping in while you are away on a trip.
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Dog Training, Dog Walks and More Plus Cat Care

We help your dog earn his training degrees in our Canine Life And Social Skills (C.L.A..S.S.) programs.

We take your dog on a walk around your area for socialization (if applicable) and exercise. We all need to get out of the house once or twice in a while.

Pet sitters come to your home which creates less stress on your pets and you, as you do not need to rush to the kennel to pick them up.

We also need to remember that our cats need daily care when you need to leave them at home when you need to travel.

Dog training classes - a1 critter sitter

1 on 1 Dog Training

Whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to fix habits that have gotten out of control, 1‑on‑1 training gives you focused help that fits your dog and your household.

I use a balanced training approach with clicker/marker work to clearly show your dog what you do want, while also setting fair, consistent boundaries for what’s not allowed. You’ll learn how to communicate in a way your dog understands, so training feels less frustrating and more straightforward.

Common goals for 1‑on‑1 training include:

  • Loose‑leash walking and better leash manners
  • Calm greetings instead of jumping
  • Listening the first time, even around distractions
  • Settling quietly in the house
  • Building confidence for nervous or unsure dogs

Sessions are tailored to you and your dog, and we’ll move at a pace that keeps both of you successful.

dog walking

Leash Reactivity: Calmer Walks With Your Dog

If your dog barks, lunges, or explodes on leash when they see other dogs or people, walks can stop being enjoyable fast. I work with you to understand why your dog is reacting and to give both of you a clear, step‑by‑step plan to change that behavior.

Using a balanced approach centered around clicker/marker training, we’ll:

  • Teach your dog what to do instead of reacting (look to you, move away, or stay calm)
  • Build engagement and focus so you’re more interesting than the trigger
  • Add structure and clear rules to make walks predictable and less stressful
  • Practice real‑life setups at a level your dog can handle, then gradually make it more challenging

The goal is not a “perfect robot dog,” but a dog you can actually enjoy walking—without constantly bracing for the next outburst.

pet sitting

Service Dog Manners Training

Service dogs need more than just basic obedience—they need reliable manners and focus in the real world. I help you lay a solid foundation of marker/clicker‑based training combined with a clear, balanced structure so your dog understands what’s expected in different environments.

We can work on:

  • Public access manners (stores, restaurants, waiting rooms, etc.)
  • Walking calmly through crowds and tight spaces
  • Ignoring food, people, and other dogs when working
  • Settling quietly for longer periods
  • Building focus and engagement around heavy distractions

You’ll learn how to handle your dog in public, advocate for them when needed, and keep standards consistent so their behavior stays reliable over time. This is not a one-and-done program; this IS a commitment for you and your dog!

cat care

Cat Care

Despite a natural belief that cats can care for themselves, cats can be our most favorite buttheads in the world. Have you come home and found that your cat knocked over some plants or something from the counter? WELL, that is my life as well. Our cats are 3 different personalities: The Old Man, The Teenager and The Cranky Lady. And it is not The Old Man that causes the trouble. LOL
$25 for first 2 cats $5 each cat after

Book your consultation

Consultation to discuss you and your dog’s needs. We will help you make the correct choice that will benefit you, your dog and your family.