New York, NY
Maddie Messina, a certified applied animal behaviorist with over 7 years of experience, empowers families to nurture deep and fulfilling relationships with their canine companions. Inspired by a desire to go beyond basic obedience, she founded Paws for Thought Dog Training in 2021. This practice was built on the principle of providing thoughtful, solution-oriented services that tackle complex behavioral issues often unresolved in traditional group classes.
Maddie Messina's training philosophy is rooted in science and positive reinforcement. She uses reward-based methods that are humane, ethical, and stress-free for both the dog and the owner. She believes in educating clients and providing them with the tools they need to continue training their dogs on their own.
Paws for Thought Dog Training offers a variety of services, including:
- Puppy Prep: Helps new puppy owners learn how to communicate effectively with their new puppy from the start.
- Basic Manners: Teaches puppies and dogs necessary life skills such as housetraining, socialization, grooming, and obedience commands.
- Behavior Modification: Addresses complex behavior issues rooted in fear, anxiety, or aggression.
- Separation Anxiety: Helps dogs feel safe and comfortable when left alone.
- Homeschool Sessions: A trainer comes to the client's home and trains the dog while the owner is away.
- Pre-Puppy Consult: A virtual consultation for families preparing to bring home a new puppy.
- Virtual Training: Available for clients who live outside of the service area.
Maddie Messina holds the following certifications:
- Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB)
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
- Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer (SAPT)
- Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP)
Maddie Messina specializes in the following areas:
- Puppy training
- Behavior modification
- Separation anxiety
- Leash reactivity
- Fearful dogs
- Urban-anxiety
Maddie Messina uses positive reinforcement methods, also known as R+ training, or rewards-based training. She does not use aversive methods such as prong collars, choke chains, electronic collars, or slip leads.
Here are some customer reviews and testimonials:
- Anneke, Devin, and Hudson Monster: "We have loved working with Maddie at Paws for Thought! She helped Hudson learn all the basics in a way that was motivating and fun for him and gave us great tips and tricks as new dog owners. “
- Jessica and Milo Nelson: "It is an absolute pleasure to work with Paws for Thought. They go beyond training and take the time to explain your pup's actions and body language demystifying the reasons behind specific behaviors."
- Shelley, Evan, and Charley Gillman: “The best decision we made last year was to hire Maddie from Paws for Thought to train our new toy poodle, Charley. Maddie worked with Charley in our home for several months, and we couldn't be happier with the results. Maddie taught us how to create a bond of trust and comfort with our pup. I highly recommend Maddie to all humans and dogs!”
- Sarah, Whit, and Monty Scrudato: “We have loved working with Paws for Thought. Maddie has helped us navigate various behavioral issues with our pup, and seeing him make progress in these areas is a testament to her level of expertise. Maddie also always explains the “why” behind everything she does, which has helped us develop a greater understanding of our pup’s overall mindset and feelings.”
- Lynette and Kimi Cooke: “Maddie's warm and calm approach helped to alleviate any concerns I had. I most appreciated how she helped me prioritize the things I needed to worry about in the first few weeks.”
Maddie Messina has been featured on the Dear Dog It’s Us podcast.
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
