Private dog training for city life
Training for the sidewalk, the elevator and the lobby, then the trail. Every lesson is one-on-one, at your home and in your neighborhood.
Why I train without force
Prong, choke, and shock collars can suppress an unwanted behavior temporarily, but they do not teach a dog what to do instead. In a dense city full of scooters, food carts, pigeons, and other dogs, physical corrections often create deeper anxiety, conflict, and defensive reactivity. I use high-value reinforcement, clear markers, structured management, and toy/food drives to build voluntary focus, and I teach you to do the same.
What I use and what I do not
I use clickers, vocal markers, high-value treats, toys, 30-foot biothane lines, and ergonomic front-clip or Y-front harnesses. I never use prong collars, choke chains, e-collars, or physical intimidation. For severe clinical anxiety or sound phobias, I collaborate seamlessly with your veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist when medical support may help.
What the Experience Looks Like
From the moment our van pulls up to your NYC building to our post-service report, every phase is orchestrated with military precision and gentle, compassionate care.
Markers, Focus & Impulse Control
Establishing reward markers, engagement games, and door impulse control inside the quiet of your home.
Sidewalk Loose-Leash Walking
Practicing calm heel work and handler orientation past delivery bikes, outdoor restaurant dining, and passing dogs.
Elevator, Lobby & Co-op Etiquette
Quiet elevator rides, calm door greetings, settling in the lobby, and non-reactive transitions through narrow hallways.
Catskills Recall & Off-Leash Practice
Practicing reliable recall and trail manners across open fields and forest paths in the Catskills.
How Private Dog Training Transformed Life for Maya
The Challenge
Frustrated leash pulling, lunging at bicycles, and intense barking when waiting for the building elevator.
The Gotham Paw Protocol
6-Week City Manners program focusing on reward markers, engagement pivots, and calm settle cues around building lobbies.
The Measurable Result
Now walks on a loose leash past subway grates and sits calmly inside elevators while neighbors enter and exit.
"Christopher gave us the exact tools we needed. Walking Maya through DUMBO is finally a joyful, relaxed experience!"— Verified Client in DUMBO, Brooklyn
White-Glove Standards with Zero Hidden Fees
We believe high-net-worth service should be all-inclusive. Here is what is built into every reservation.
1-on-1 In-Home & Street Lessons
Lessons occur in your actual everyday environment: your living room, elevator, building lobby, and neighborhood blocks.
Official AKC CGC Testing
As an approved AKC evaluator, Christopher can test and certify your dog for Canine Good Citizen titles for co-ops and trail fast-tracking.
Video Homework & Text Coaching
Receive short video recaps of every session and direct SMS support between lessons to answer questions promptly.
Off-Leash Catskills Option
Seamlessly advance to our 6-week Off-Leash Recall course with real Catskills trail sessions.
Safety Is Not a Buzzword. It Is Our Foundation.
From satellite telemetry in Catskill valleys to crash-tested transport pods, our safety infrastructure exceeds ordinary pet care by an order of magnitude.
Strict 1:4 Handler Ratio
Four dogs maximum per session, personally supervised by Christopher Mejo.
First Aid & CPR Preparedness
Active Canine Wilderness First Aid and Pet CPR credentials with comprehensive trauma kits.
Veterinary Emergency Access
Kingston Animal Hospital (24/7) emergency coverage 12–15 minutes from Catskills trailheads.
Zero-Risk Weather Protocol
Rescheduled for lightning, heat index >85°F, or wind chill <15°F with 100% account credit.
Program Options & Membership Tiers
Choose between single reservations or recurring monthly memberships for guaranteed scheduling and priority status.
Behavior Assessment (75 Min)
In-home behavioral analysis and written roadmap with Christopher Mejo. $195 is credited if you enroll in a 6-week course.
- ✓ 75-minute in-person assessment at your home
- ✓ Full history, trigger analysis & root cause review
- ✓ Customized written training roadmap within 24 hrs
- ✓ 100% credited toward 6-Week City Manners upon enrollment
6-Week City Manners
Our comprehensive foundation: 6 weekly 60-minute private lessons covering street manners, elevators, lobbies, and impulse control.
- ✓ Six 60-minute private 1-on-1 lessons
- ✓ In-home, street, and building lobby training
- ✓ Loose-leash walking, recall, and door manners
- ✓ Weekly video homework & continuous text support
- ✓ AKC Canine Good Citizen preparation
AKC CGC Prep & Test
Two targeted prep lessons plus official American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen testing and paperwork submission.
- ✓ Two 60-minute targeted prep lessons
- ✓ Official AKC CGC test administered by Christopher Mejo
- ✓ Co-op board documentation and AKC title submission
- ✓ Passed dogs skip the 30-min hike consult step
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our Private Dog Training protocols, scheduling, and safety guarantees.
Q. How old does my dog need to be to start training?
Puppies can begin foundation training as early as 10 weeks old once age-appropriate vaccines are underway. I also work frequently with adult rescues, adolescent dogs, and seniors.
Q. Can you help with my co-op or condo board requirements?
Yes. I train specifically for elevator composure, quiet lobby waiting, and loose-leash hall manners, administer the official AKC Canine Good Citizen test, and provide written documentation of your dog's training for your board.
Q. How fast will I see results?
Most owners see noticeable improvement on the street within two to three weeks of consistent daily 10-minute practice. Reactivity and deep anxiety require patient, progressive desensitization.
Q. Do you offer off-leash recall training?
Yes. We offer a dedicated 6-Week Off-Leash Recall course that combines four city long-line sessions with two full days off leash on private land in the Catskills.
Providing Private Dog Training Across Premier NYC Neighborhoods
Give Your Companion the Biological Fulfillment They Deserve
Speak directly with founder Christopher Mejo to schedule your complimentary 30-minute in-person consultation (or submit your passed AKC CGC certificate).