Your Dog Deserves
a Trainer Who Truly Cares
Through personalized, one-on-one training in the comfort of your home, your dog will learn essential skills with a focus on understanding and trust—not dominance.
Over a Decade of Experience
2000+ Dogs Trained

Expert Dog Training in Southington CT | Puppy Obedience Specialists.
Every dog has the potential to be amazing once they understand the art of effective communication”What We Offer
Our Services
You rescued a dog and not sure where to even begin?
Well if you are ready to have positive changes for both you and your dog, you have come to the right place!
Client Stories
Proof In Their Own Words
Kaitlyn Charette2025-10-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Steve was amazing with our little guy Ray. We adopted him 3 months ago, when he himself was 3 months old. Not only did he train Ray, but he trained us as well. Explained why it was important for Ray us to do certain things certain ways and how it would benefit him. He was patient with all of us and were so grateful to have found him. Worth every penny! Couldn’t recommend him more Spencer Charette2025-10-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Steve is a wonderful dog trainer. He’s very good. He has a lot of tips and tricks. He explains everything he does and why it’s important. Very good at communication. Great person! Would recommend to anyone. Carie Gouldsbrough2025-09-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a session with Steve and he showed us an amazing correction technique that helped from the first time we tried it. Our Scout has had a lot of fear aggressive behavior since losing my brother his original owner and we were feeling hopeless with his behavior. Today we are so confident with Steve’s help that our house will be restored to sanity Alana Farnsworth2025-09-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot recommend Steve highly enough! After 3 years of trying different facilities, group classes, and even 1:1 training with other trainers, I felt completely defeated because nothing worked consistently. From the start, Steve’s approach stood out - his practices are grounded in a deep understanding of dog behavior and psychology, and he communicates with dogs in a way that is both straightforward and incredibly effective. Steve’s love and passion for dogs comes through in every interaction, not only with the animals but also with their people. He has helped me improve my relationship with all 4 of my dogs (a Chihuahua mix, Maltese, Dalmatian, and Coonhound mix -ranging widely in size, age, and personality!). He taught me how to train them to behave appropriately, increase their tolerances, and expand their commands in a way that actually sticks. One of the biggest successes is my Dalmatian named Bambi, who, after only a few months of working with Steve, passed her Pet Partners Therapy Dog evaluation with me and is now part of my clinical team working with individuals and small groups struggling with mental health. This milestone felt impossible before working with Steve. What I love most is that Steve doesn’t just “train the dog” - he trains the owners how to teach and communicate effectively so that progress continues long after each session. His methods are clear, compassionate, and designed for long-term success. If you’re looking for training help of any kind, Steve is absolutely amazing. I can say with confidence that he has transformed not only my dogs’ behavior but also my confidence as their owner and trainer. Highly, highly recommend! Gail Brown2025-09-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Steve is the true dog whisperer!! He is very patient with Daisey but more so with me. This is my first dog and we have seen Steve twice and there is such a big change for the better. He explains everything and works with you to get it down right. I can’t say enough good things about Steve, he is such a joy to work with. Vivian Alpert2025-08-05Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were really struggling with our German Shepherd rescue dog who has heartworm and a lot of pent-up energy. He had bitten my brother and barked aggressively at visitors, which made having people over very stressful. Steve was incredibly kind, patient, and professional. Even though our dog initially went after him (while muzzled), by the end of the session he had stopped barking and was much calmer. Steve went above and beyond—he understood our situation and took the time to teach both my daughter and me how to walk the dog safely, manage the muzzle, and reduce his reactivity. Unlike other trainers who felt rushed or overpriced, Steve genuinely cared and worked with us to create lasting changes. You can tell his heart is really in it. We’re so grateful for his help! Melissa Maffeo2025-07-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience working with Steve. Our puppy came along so quick after just a few lessons and he gave us the tools to keep her learning. I would highly highly recommend Steve to anyone looking for a dog trainer. Melissa Polino2025-07-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been working with Steve for over a month with my 7 month old puppy and it has been great!! Bronx has learned simple commands and listens so well. We took him to socialize and he did great. Steve is always on time and worth the money. I will continue to work with him as my dog keeps getting bigger, he does not jump on me anymore. It has been very helpful to teach this big boy with the help of Steve!!! Dr. Rick2025-07-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve had nine Labradors in my life. All professionally trained. All wonderful in their own way. But I’ve never worked with anyone like Steve. There’s simply no comparison. He is, without question, the best. Steve is more than a professional dog trainer — he’s a kind, grounded human being who brings not only skill and structure to the process, but heart. And Bearis Amadeus, our 5 ½-month-old Labrador pup, absolutely adores him. What Steve has accomplished with Bear in such a short time is nothing short of remarkable. Bear now heels, sits, lies down, stays, and walks beside us silently — all without verbal commands. He waits for permission before approaching guests or his food bowl. He knows how to “leave it,” how to be calm and quiet, how to walk respectfully in public, how to behave in a coffee shop, and how to go directly to “his place” — an elevated cot reserved just for him — and stay there until released. That level of control, without breaking the dog’s spirit, is rare. And Bear, full of life and joy, has lost none of his spark. Here’s the part that really amazes me: if Bear is 100, 200, even 300 feet away and hears “Bear, come!” — he turns on a dime and runs straight to us. Every time. That’s not just obedience — that’s trust and connection. What truly sets Steve apart is that he doesn’t just train your dog — he trains you. He empowers you to build a relationship with your dog based on clarity, respect, and consistent leadership. That kind of coaching is priceless. In the next few weeks, Bear will be learning how to put his toys back in the box after a play session. Yes — you read that right. This puppy will clean up after himself. Steve’s training is effective, affordable, and humane. But more than that, he’s a compassionate soul who takes pride in helping both dogs and their people thrive. I can’t recommend him highly enough. If you want your dog to be their best self — and to become the kind of person your dog already believes you are — work with Steve. You’ll be grateful you did. — Dr. Rick Audrey Brown2025-07-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are so grateful to have been able to work with Steve. Our wonderful two year old dog Nimbus had developed some territorial behaviors, including intense, loud barking all at the window throughout the day, barking at and leash pulling toward people, dogs, and cars during walks, and anxiety around strangers. On the first visit, Steve has Nimbus following his commands without question. I was so scared that she would be nervous around him but she trusted him right away. Not only did Steve help by correcting all of our concerns, but he taught us how to have fun with training. He explained more about how dogs brains works while giving us clear instructions on how to better communicate with her. I love how he is always advocating for the dogs, he clearly cares so much about his work, and with his vast knowledge we were so relieved to have progress within the first day, and solved our issues with just a few sessions. We keep seeing Steve not just to help keep our dog well trained, but also because she enjoys training with Steve so much, and so do we!! Highly, highly recommend.
“Steve has made a noticeable impact with our Ellie after just a couple sessions. His leash training has improved our walks immensely! Not only does he do so well with our dog, but he teaches us, as her owners, valuable skills and exercises that improve confidence, establish structure, and stimulate her brain.
Steve is not only a great trainer, but a great person because you can tell right away that he cares so much for dogs and makes sure that they will get the proper training when working with him. Highly recommend his services!” — Jackie


My Mission
Your Pets Deserve
The Best
Training a dog may be simple, but ensuring consistency with the owners is the real challenge. This is why I offer an affordable and comprehensive training program to all dog owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
What will my dog learn?
Your dog will learn the essential skills needed to be a well-mannered companion. We focus on obedience, leash manners, recall, impulse control, and polite behavior in the home and in public. Beyond commands, your dog will learn to listen, respond calmly, and build confidence in everyday situations
How do I know if my dog needs obedience training?
Every dog can benefit from obedience training, but there are some clear signs that your dog really needs it. If your dog pulls on the leash, doesn’t come when called, jumps on people, barks excessively, or ignores your commands, that’s a strong indication they need structured training. Training isn’t just about fixing ‘bad’ behavior—it’s about building communication, strengthening your bond, and helping your dog feel calmer and more confident. Even well-behaved dogs can improve their manners and reliability with training. Think of it like giving your dog the tools to succeed in everyday life.
Can you help with an aggressive dog?
Yes, I can absolutely help with aggressive behavior. Aggression is usually a symptom of something deeper, like fear, insecurity, lack of boundaries, or past experiences. With the right training plan, structure, and consistency, most dogs can make major improvements. I focus on teaching both the dog and the owner how to understand the triggers, build better communication, and replace unwanted behaviors with calm, controlled responses. Every dog is different, so I create a plan tailored to your dog’s needs. With the right approach, aggression can often be managed and greatly reduced.
What are the advantages of private in-home training?
Private in-home training has many advantages because your dog learns in the environment where they spend most of their time. It eliminates distractions found in group classes and allows me to focus 100% on your dog and your goals. Training at home also means we can address real-life issues right where they happen — like jumping at the door, barking at the window, or leash manners in your neighborhood. In addition, you’ll get hands-on coaching so you feel confident continuing the training between sessions. This personalized, convenient approach often leads to faster results and a stronger bond between you and your dog.
How quickly can I expect to see results?
Every dog is different, so results depend on the dog’s age, temperament, and how consistently the training is reinforced at home. Many owners notice improvements within the very first session — like better focus, reduced pulling, or calmer behavior. For lasting results, consistency is key. practice is also very important if you’re working with your Dog only once per week, but not reinforcing the skills you learned you won’t see the results you expect
Do you provide behavioral training services in Connecticut?
Yes! I offer comprehensive behavioral training throughout central Connecticut, including in-home sessions where your dog feels most comfortable. Behavioral issues like anxiety, aggression, excessive barking, or destructive habits require specialized approaches beyond basic obedience. We assess each dog individually and create customized training plans that address the root cause, not just the symptoms. Our service area covers most towns within 30 minutes of Hartford.
Can you help train my shy or fearful dog?
Absolutely — shy and fearful dogs are some of our most rewarding cases. We use specialized confidence-building techniques that respect your dog’s emotional boundaries while gradually expanding their comfort zone. Our approach focuses on creating positive associations without flooding or forcing interactions that could worsen the fear. We’ll teach you how to read your dog’s subtle stress signals and coach you through exercises designed specifically for timid dogs. Many owners are surprised how much their “scaredy dog” can blossom with the right approach. We’ve helped dozens of shy dogs in Connecticut become more confident companions, from puppies overwhelmed by the world to rescue dogs overcoming past trauma.

Areas We Serve
Providing professional dog training throughout Central Connecticut including Southington, Cheshire, Meriden, Plainville, Bristol, Wolcott, Milldale, Plantsville, Marion, and surrounding communities in Hartford and New Haven counties.