PawSessions | Long Island, NY Dog Trainers
Solve Your Dog’s Obedience & Behavior Problems with Long Island’s Top Dog Training Team
Transform your dog from stress-case into a calm, safe, and enjoyable member of the family. Conveniently located in Huntington, PawSessions provides indoor and outdoor dog training, group classes, and private dog training sessions.
5-Star Overall Google Rating | 51 Reviews
✓ Training Style: Balanced Dog Training including Treat Training, Owner Involvement, Simulated Distractions, and Socialization.
✓ Training Format: Dog Training Classes, Private Dog Training, Outdoor Dog Training
✓ Locations Served: Suffolk and Nassau Counties on Long Island, NY
✓ Convenient small group class setting: We provide everything you need to complete your dog training on-site.
✓ Training options for reactivity/aggression
✓ Evening and Weekend Classes Available
✓ Availability: Currently accepting new clients
– Exclusions: We do not provide board and trains (sorry!)
Give Us 6 weeks of focused, In-Person Dog Training, and We’ll Provide the Training and Handling Skills You Need to Enjoy Your Dog in Any Environment.
Do you feel like you’ve missed out on “the secret” to having a dog that can behave themselves no matter where you take them?
We see many exasperated dog owners putting up with wild, high-energy, and out of control dogs in both public and private settings. When your dog behaves like this, not only is it a chore to take them on a simple walk, it can even become a liability as they pull, tug, and jump their way into unsafe situations.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Instead, what would it be like if your dog walked calmly by your side, gently greeted other dogs in public, and understood and obeyed your simple instructions?
We can tell you from experience, it will make your life easier! And you’ll be able to enjoy your dog’s company again – indoors, around friends, in parks, on hikes, at dog friendly establishments – wherever!
In fact, our winning formula of individual attention, socialization, group classes or private lessons, and teaching handling skills to owners provides an amazing foundation for your dog in just 6 weeks!
Want to know how we do it? Fill out our form and let’s talk!
Give Us 6 weeks of Focused, In-Person Dog Training, and We’ll Provide the Training and Handling Skills You Need to Enjoy Your Dog in Any Environment.
Do you feel like you’ve missed out on “the secret” to having a dog that can behave themselves no matter where you take them?
We see many exasperated dog owners putting up with wild, high-energy, and out of control dogs in both public and private settings. When your dog behaves like this, not only is it a chore to take them on a simple walk, it can even become a liability as they pull, tug, and jump their way into unsafe situations.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Instead, what would it be like if your dog walked calmly by your side, gently greeted other dogs in public, and understood and obeyed your simple instructions?
We can tell you from experience, it will make your life easier! And you’ll be able to enjoy your dog’s company again – indoors, around friends, in parks, on hikes, at dog friendly establishments – wherever!
In fact, our winning formula of individual attention, socialization, group classes or private lessons, and teaching handling skills to owners provides an amazing foundation for your dog in just 6 weeks!
Want to know how we do it? Fill out our form and let’s talk!
✓ Training Style: Balanced Dog Training including Treat Training, Owner Involvement, Simulated Distractions, and Socialization.
✓ Training Format: Dog Training Classes, Private Dog Training, Outdoor Dog Training
✓ Locations Served: Suffolk and Nassau Counties on Long Island, NY
✓ Convenient small group class setting: We provide everything you need to complete your dog training on-site.
✓ Training Options for Reactivity/Aggression
✓ Evening and Weekend Classes Available
✓ Availability: Currently Accepting New Clients
– Exclusions: We do not provide board and trains (sorry!)
Top Google Review:
“I can’t say enough about PawSessions! Laurie and Sarah are wonderful people who genuinely love all dogs and want the very best for them.
I started working with Laurie when we rescued our boy from Puerto Rico. Max was 10 months old, strong, energetic and lacked any form of structure. Laurie was so kind and patient. Max fell in love with her instantly!
This lady knows her stuff. She explained everything, never made us feel rushed and adapted her methods if she saw something wasn’t working quite right. We saw progress after every session!
Today Max is a well behaved boy who comes everywhere with us and is now training to be my service dog!
Laurie did a great job training me and my husband to be awesome pet parents to our sweet furbaby. Although she was too kind to say it, Laurie knew Max was always perfect – the problem was ME!”
– Theresa
Our Classes & Services
Loose-Leash Obedience in Any Situation
Beginner Obedience Class
Learn the fundamentals of basic obedience with our flagship beginners class! We will put you and your dog through the paces in a comfortable and fun group setting.
This 6 week session will lay the foundation for a lifetime of amazing obedience from your dog, and also set you up for one of our more advanced classes.
Class sizes are limited. Complete our contact form to begin the process and reserve a space in an upcoming class. Both you and your dog will be glad you did!
Parks & Outings Outdoor Dog Training Class
Put your dog’s new skills to the test in real-life situations! This class solidifies the skills and behaviors learned in prior lessons and classes.
We will travel to local parks and other dog friendly locations where you and your dog will be able to build your confidence and skills in a safe and controlled environment…all while having the expert supervision of a professional dog trainer.
The Parks and Outings class size is limited to six dogs, so everyone gets the attention they need.
The Parks and Outings course is 6 weeks long and is available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Private Dog Training Sessions
Is your dog simply too reactive, anxious, or aggressive for group classes?
No problem!
Our trainers will consult with you on the best option for your dog. Private dog training sessions may be the most suitable option for certain dogs prior to moving into a group setting.
This includes:
- Puppies under 5 months of age
- Dogs with moderate to severe leash reactivity or aggression
- Shy, timid or overly anxious dogs
Advanced/ Socialization Class
Want to enjoy even more freedom with your dog in an even greater variety of environments?
Once you and your dog have graduated from our beginner obedience class or have completed 6 weeks of private sessions, you’re ready to move on to our advanced/socialization class.
PawSessions will teach you how to have greater control over your dog’s behavior in this series, which results in you and your dog being more comfortable in public and social situations.
Once we’re finished, you’ll be amazed at your dog’s behavior and will be confident to bring them with you in many different social situations..
AKC Good Citizen Classes
Ready to prove your dog’s obedience skills in the real world?
Our Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Class is a training program that’s open to all dogs, no matter their age or breed. It focuses on teaching the basics of good manners and obedience, instilling the values of responsible ownership, and strengthening the bond between you and your dog at home and out in the community.
One of our big goals during this program is to help you and your dog develop the ten skills needed to pass the CGC evaluation developed by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
CGCA and CGCU programs are also available. Complete our questionnaire below to learn more!
Life with an untrained dog on Long Island is chaotic at best and disastrous at worst…so what do you do?
Have you come to the conclusion after living in New York for some time that people who live in the country with their dogs have it easy? Life on Long Island certainly brings its own set of challenges, including people, cars, bikes, park rules, congestion, and more. If you’re not on your toes, things can get crazy, fast!
And while you’re pretty sure your dog must have fallen right out of doggie heaven most of the time, once you take them out in public you are immediately confronted with their untrained behavior…again.
The tugging, the pulling, the lunging, the multiple attempts to chase after other animals (or even people!) on each and every walk. You know you have to do something about it.
If you’re sick and tired of embarrassing, stressful, and unsafe situations with your dog then you’re going to love the PawSessions approach!
We’re going to help you get your dog under control and turn them into the lovable little creature you know they are on the inside. And it’s going to be much simpler and faster than you can imagine, we promise!
Isn’t it time you started enjoying your dog instead of just putting up with them?
The grass really is greener on the other side. Imagine how your life would change if:
- When you take your dog for a hike, they become your loyal shadow, responding promptly when called.
- You could enjoy a latte at your favorite dog-friendly coffee shop or restaurant with your dog quietly seated at your feet.
- Your friends, once hesitant, are now smitten by your dog’s charm and charisma. They’re happy to play with and engage with your dog when they come to visit.
- You can embark on impromptu adventures with your dog or meet up with friends without having to arrange for a dog-sitter.
- If you do need to leave your dog with a friend or a sitter, you can enjoy the peace of mind that they will be well-behaved and a joy to be around.
This sort of transformation isn’t just a pipe dream. All it requires is a little patience, a good amount of practice and a lot of love.
PawSessions Will Be By Your Side, (Quite Literally) Every Step of the Way
At PawSessions, we’ve developed a comprehensive dog training system to ensure you and your dog get the best results possible. Not only will we teach your dog the commands and skills they need to learn, you’ll also be immersed in the handling skills necessary to engage properly with your dog and even advance their abilities as you progress through our series of dog training classes.
And it gets even better. We host our classes in a fun, small-group setting where your dog will learn the socialization fundamentals they need to act in a responsible and well-behaved manner in public, around other people, and around other dogs. Our beginner classes are hosted in our 1200 square foot dog training facility complete with everything a dog needs to learn, play, and interact with other dogs. If you’re lucky enough to join us at one of our more advanced classes (like our Parks and Outings course), we will increase the stimuli by taking your dog outdoors, in local parks, on walks, where we intentionally allow them to interact with the sights and sounds they might encounter.
So if you’re ready to:
- Stop wasting time on dog training methods that are incomplete or don’t work…
- Experience a calmer, safer, more enjoyable dog to be around…
- Take pride in your dog’s behavior as you receive genuine compliments about them, and…
- Finally relax and enjoy your dog on outings as they walk gracefully by your side…
Then we invite you to complete our quick dog training questionnaire. We will review your comments about your dog, your training goals, your lifestyle, and get back to you right away with which of our classes might be best for you.
We will see you on the other side!
Commands and Skills Your Dog Will Learn
Here is a sample of commands that your dog (and you!) will know once you graduate from our beginner course.
1. Getting your dog’s attention
2. Sit & Stay
3. Down & Stay
4. Come when Called
5. Place
6. Leave it
7. Heel
8. Walking with a Loose Leash
Laurie & Sarah
About Our Long Island Dog Training Company
Hi, we’re Laurie and Sarah, owners of PawSessions.
We are a mother-daughter team, both growing up and living in Huntington our whole lives. We love the area, and are so thrilled to have opened our dream business here and be able to service our community.
At PawSessions, people can bring their dogs for group or private dog training lessons. We understand that each and every dog is as different as their owner’s needs and preferences. We started our business because of our love of dogs, and this is exactly what keeps us in business.
From puppies who need to learn the basics, to dogs with mild to severe aggression, leash reactivity, and timid or shy dogs, we work with you on building your dog’s confidence and independence, which is extremely important for all dogs (and people)! We do our absolute best to cater to the needs of each dog and person, and pride ourselves on our success with problem cases along with basic training needs.
We also offer CGC, CGCA and CGCU (Public Access) training for Therapy and Service Dogs and are certified for AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluations.
FEATURES
6 Features of Working with PawSessions
01.
02.
Simulated Distractions to fine-tune your dog’s training: We will challenge you and your dog in the controlled environment of our indoor facility using props and simulated distractions such as fake raccoons, stuffed dogs, fire hydrants, and of course, other dogs and owners. Once we are confident that your dog can progress to the real world, you can always advance to our “Parks and Outings” class.
03.
04.
Individualized Attention: We keep our group classes capped at a max of 6 dogs. This allows us to give you personalized instruction and tips as well as make sure that you and your dog continue to progress on schedule.
05.
At-Home Guidance: You’ll receive practice items that can be done in 10-15 minutes per day outside of your group class or private training session. We want your training with us to be as fruitful as possible, so we send you home with the tools to drill-in excellence in both your dog’s abilities as well as your handling skills.
06.
Evening and Weekends Hours Available: Can’t sneak out of the office for a training class during the day? We’ve got you covered! We have evening classes available on Mondays and Tuesdays, and we have several different class availabilities on Saturdays, which also extend into the afternoon..
6 Benefits Of Training Your Dog the PawSessions Way
Relief
You’ll be able to relax once your dog isn’t jumping, pulling, and tugging their way all over Long Island. Instead, you can be confident in a much wider variety of settings with your dog, both indoor and outdoor.
Freedom
You’ll have less need to crate your dog when you have people over, or dump them with friends or family when you want to do something fun. More opportunities to bring your dog along with you = everyone wins!
Safety
As your dog becomes better trained they’ll be less of a safety concern for yourself, themselves, and those around you.
Clarity
You’ll know exactly what to do RIGHT with your dog’s training when you participate in our group classes or private training. Our trainers will be there in-person to observe how you interact with your dog, ensuring that you engage with them appropriately depending on the situation.
Engagement
We’ll teach you how to have a relationship with your dog and develop a better connection. You won’t just be learning commands and skills, you’ll also be better equipped to read your dog’s emotions and desires and know how to develop respect from your dog so that they actually listen to you.
Money Saved
You won’t have to worry that the dog training you receive from inexperienced trainers at pet supply stores won’t work, and you’ll be out a huge chunk of cash. Our trainers have a combined 35 years of experience, yet our training classes are actually affordable! And that’s not to mention all the money saved on dog sitting, ruined furniture, and the like that can accrue when you have an untrained dog.
Where We Train
Our training occurs on-site at our facility in Huntington, NY and in the surrounding area on Long Island.
Our facility contains a variety of objects and stimuli that your dog will encounter in the real world like grass, fences, fire hydrants(!), a fake raccoon on a pole and even a padded dog dummy. In our Parks and Outings course we travel off-site to parks and other outdoor environments so your dog can be challenged in a variety of different environments.
Cities and areas we serve in Nassau and Suffolk Counties:
- Babylon
- Bay Shore
- Centerport
- Cold Spring Harbor
- Commack
- Deer Park
- East Islip
- East Northport
- Farmingdale
- Greenlawn
- Hauppauge
- Huntington
- Huntington Station
- Islip
- Islip Terrace
- Kings Park
- Melville
- Northport
- Oyster Bay
- Smithtown
- West Babylon
- West Islip
- and Everywhere In-Between!
Babylon
Bay Shore
Centerport
Cold Spring Harbor
Commack
Deer Park
East Islip
East Northport
Farmingdale
Greenlawn
Hauppauge
Huntington
Huntington Station
Islip
Islip Terrace
Kings Park
Melville
Northport
Oyster Bay
Smithtown
West Babylon
West Islip
Our Past Canine Transformations
Luna
“From pulling like crazy to walking calmly on a leash.”
I adopted my 8 month old Husky a month ago and quickly learned that she was in need of some training. She would constantly pull hard on her leash.
I called Laurie, and we had a great talk about my husky. We had a good discussion over the phone going over what I was looking for in terms of training and her classes.
Laure told me that she could have my husky walking normal on a leash in five minutes. I told Lauie that if she could do that, I would be a repeat customer. After all, I knew how hard my dog pulled on a leash.
I brought my husky to Pawsessions, and true to her word, she had my dog walking calmly on a leash. Much to my surprise, she did it in three minutes! I’ve since been to Pawsessions for some private lessons and will be signing up for their group sessions shortly. In two sessions, I began to walk my dog with no pulling.
If you have a pet that you want to train, I highly suggest Pawsessions!
– Dion Rupa
Monte
“Great knowledge and patience for my crazy and energetic German Shephard/Retriever Mix”
As a first time dog owner of an amazing yet crazy and energetic German Shepherd/Retriever Mix (Monte), I needed all the help I could get. From week one to doggy graduation, the difference in him was night and day. Before PawSessions, I spent a good part of my day cleaning up accidents, trying to fix his biting problem, and attempting to have him listen to ANYTHING I was saying.
Sarah & Laurie showed great knowledge, as well as patience and love for all the dogs in the group. Both Monte and I felt at home and relaxed when in the training classes. Their enthusiasm and care was felt by everyone in the group and even made me sad when the sessions were over!
If you’re looking for effective dog training with the added benefit of a local and family run environment, you’ve found your place.
– Joe Bilello
Max
“From strong, energetic and lacking structure to a well-behaved boy!”
I can’t say enough about Pawsessions! Laurie and Sarah are wonderful people who genuinely love all dogs and want the very best for them.
I started working with Laurie when we rescued our boy from Puerto Rico. Max was 10 months old, strong, energetic and lacked any form of structure. Laurie was so kind and patient. Max fell in love with her instantly!
This lady knows her stuff. She explained everything, never made us feel rushed and adapted her methods if she saw something wasn’t working quite right. We saw progress after every session!
Today Max is a well behaved boy who comes everywhere with us and is now training to be my service dog!
Laurie did a great job training me and my husband to be awesome pet parents to our sweet furbaby. Although she was too kind to say it, Laurie knew Max was always perfect – the problem was ME!
– Theresa
Ali
“A trainer sent from heaven!”
Laurie was sent from heaven! Our rescue Ali would not navigate the stairs in our home, even though they are carpeted.After working with our pup for about an hour, Ali now has the run of the house. We are pleased and grateful. We will be scheduling more paw sessions in the future. Thank you.
– Bart Risetto
“Patient and Knowledgeable”
Absolutely love Laurie at Paw Sessions. Our little cockapoo has made incredible progress in just 3 sessions. Our main focus has been walking on a loose leash, “drop it,” and “leave it.” Laurie is very patient and knowledgeable, and has taught us how to work with our dog so that he is polite and well-mannered around both people and dogs. The facility is very clean, we truly look forward to our weekly sessions! Thank you!
– Danielle
Contact Pawsessions
Want the Best for Your Dog? Take the Next Step.
Ready to leave stress and chaos behind? We’re ready to help you experience the joy of a well-behaved, confident, and calm canine you take along with you in more and more environments.
Fill out out our questionnaire and tell us about your life, your dog, and your training goals. We will then ask you to schedule a quick phone consultation with one of our trainers where we will evaluate which in-person dog training package will be right for you and your pup.
– Laurie, Sarah, and the rest of the team at PawSessions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which dog training program will be right for me and my dog?
One of our dog trainers, Laurie or Sarah, will consult with you on the right course of action based on your training goals that we discuss during your initial phone consultation.
When is the best time to start training my dog?
The earlier the better! We recommend you start training your dog at 10 to 12 weeks of age.
I work regular hours and can't break away during the day. What are my options?
We have good news for you! PawSessions offers group dog training classes in the evenings on Mondays and Tuesdays. We have a variety of time slots available for training on Saturdays.
When is payment due?
Payment is due at the time you book your spot in one of our courses. The majority of our dog training courses are 6-weeks long, with one session per week. Our courses occur in a small group environment, so they fill up fast! Book your consultation now [link] to make sure you get the times and days you want!
My dog is a biter. Can you still help me?
Yes. We are equipped and trained to handle your dog if they have a bite history (even with humans). In this case we will start out with private, in-person dog training sessions until we are confident your dog can handle one of our group classes.
How much time do I have to commit to training my dog outside of the 1x/week group sessions?
We recommend you practice what you learn in class at least 10-15 minutes per day during the rest of the week. Practice makes perfect!
I didn't get enough personal attention in my last dog training class and felt inactive at times. How will PawSessions be different?
PawSessions has a bigger emphasis on doing and practice, which differs from some dog training programs where the trainer tends to talk most of the time. We will have you practicing and refining your dog training techniques the vast majority of the time!
Additionally, we cap our group classes at around 6 total. This gives us time to give every dog owner and every dog the personal attention they deserve!
What sort of information will you need from me before I begin a dog training class?
Our process at PawSessions is pretty simple. We will get you on the phone for a quick, 15-30 minute consultation so we can discuss your dog’s breed, age, temperament, what issues they are presenting, and what prior training they’ve had. This will help us select the right class based on the dog’s current situation.
After this, just show up at our facility, pay for your package of 6 sessions, and you’re ready to train!
Why do I need balanced dog training? Isn't strictly positive reinforcement good enough?
At PawSessions, we believe in individualization and the proper use of dog training tools as your dog moves through a training progression. This includes several factors such as the size and weight of the dog, current training level of the dog, and also the skills and physical capabilities of the owner. For example, we don’t want to see a large dog with a physically smaller owner get into an unsafe situation because no one was willing to use a corrective collar.
We use all tools at our disposal that we believe to be effective yet also humane towards your dog. We rely most heavily on treat training, socialization with other dogs, simulated distractions, and taking your dog into multiple public and outdoor settings. We then fine-tune your dog’s training using slip leads, prong collars, and e-collars as the situation requires. We only sell e-collars to owners who have demonstrated they know how to use them correctly.