Home Dog Training in Westchester County, Putnam County, & East Bronx!

Welcome! I am Nicole Martel, your local Bark Busters dog behavioral therapist and trainer. I work with clients in Greater Westchester County, Putnam County, and parts of the Bronx.

I have successfully trained over a thousand dogs to be well-behaved companions for their families and have helped dog owners overcome a variety of frustrations - from typical puppy misbehavior (nipping, jumping, and chewing) to incessant barking, leash pulling or reactivity, door charging, to severe cases of adult dog aggression, separation anxiety, and sibling rivalry. Building upon my success in 2018 as Bark Busters U.S. Trainer of the Year and 2018 Finalist for U.S. Office of the Year, I have continued to hone my craft and maximize the successful results that I am helping my clients achieve.

I've always loved dogs and been fascinated by how they behave and interact with us. I first became familiar with Sylvia and Danny Wilson’s methods for dog training years ago when I hired a Bark Busters trainer help me with my own dogs. My household had gone through a lot of major changes and stresses in a short period of time, and it was taking its toll on my dogs’ behavior. I will never forget my first lesson, because it changed the course of my life forever. Not only did I witness my own dogs’ behavior transform before my eyes, but seeing firsthand the impact of these amazing methods over the long term inspired me to change my own career path and to become a behavioral therapist and trainer myself. To be able to share my experience and to help other dogs and people change their lives is truly a dream come true and something I am thankful for every day.

I truly believe that our method of training is the best, and it brings me great joy to see how well dogs universally respond to it.  Our methods succeed where others fail, because they enable you to communicate with your dog in a way he actually understands. When you start thinking like a dog, suddenly your dog’s behavior will all make sense, and you’ll understand how to communicate to tell him to stop any unwanted behaviors. And, because you’re going to communicate with him in his language, he’ll understand and respond. One of the best parts of my job is watching owners achieve this communication with their dogs and seeing the looks on their faces when the dog responds and focuses his attention on them for the first time. It can really be a magical moment!  It is so satisfying to see the dogs “get it,” bringing smiles and relief to their humans’ faces and to also know that we have accomplished this together in a way that builds and enhances the loving bond between the dog and owner. That is one of the things that I like best about our techniques.

I'll never forget the first lesson I had with a deaf puppy. The way that dog looked at me at the end of the lesson and the kiss he gave me on my chin will stay with me forever. It truly felt like gratitude, and it left a huge impression on my heart. So many dogs end up in shelters and being euthanized because we, as humans, have failed to understand them and to meet their needs. I see dogs every day who have issues and are either in danger of losing their homes or have just been rescued and need to get their behavior straightened out so that they can fit in to new homes. It is my mission to be able to help owners understand and meet their dog’s needs for appropriate food, shelter, entertainment, and most important of all safety. A dog that feels safe is a happy, relaxed, and well-behaved dog, and I love being able to empower people to provide that critical feeling of safety for their pups. As the owner of two rescue dogs myself, I have personally experienced the joy of having been able to be the first human to provide them with that.

So, however severe your situation is, please don’t give up on your dog, reach out to me! And if you have a brand new puppy, remember that by investing in training now, you will be setting a great foundation for a lifetime of peace and enjoyment together while preventing serious behavioral issues down the road. Either way, you’ll be amazed when you see how your dog responds to you right in the first session, and then with practice, you’ll continue to improve and fine-tune your communication, achieving lasting results. Training together will be something that you and your pup both enjoy and that will enhance your bond together.

I train dog owners not dogs. You don’t have a bad dog. Your dog’s behavior is a function of your relationship with your dog, how your dog perceives you, and how you communicate with each other. Once I teach you to communicate with your dog using body language and voice tones, you will be able to tap into his natural instincts to help your dog feel safe so that he can relax and is not likely to misbehave. You will establish your place in the pack – as the “Top Dog”, and your dog will gladly relinquish control to you, knowing that he can trust you and that you will always keep him safe as his leader and protector.

You will likely see some immediate results. By the time we finish our first training session, you will have already begun to see your dog respond. But practice and consistency is absolutely crucial. Reinforcing the techniques during your normal daily routines will allow your relationship with your dog to continue to grow and transform for the better. The training exercises are quick, easy, and fun, and without needing to have a lot of visits to see results, you will be able to actually start enjoying your dog sooner rather than later. While you practice, you’ll be proving to your dog every day that you really ARE a leader and protector and your dog can just relax and be a dog.

I use only humane, dog-friendly methods. When you communicate in your dog’s native language of body language and voice tones, there is no need for treats or clickers. I can help you train your dog’s brain, rather than its stomach, which makes for long lasting results and a great trusting and respectful relationship with your dog. I also never use harsh or physical methods such as prong collars, shock collars, e-collars, pinning, or alpha rolling, because I want your dog to trust you, never to fear you.

Any dog, any age, any size, any breed, any issue. Because all dogs speak the same language, our dog training system works for any dog, any breed, any age, any issue! Even old dogs can learn new tricks. Rescue dogs, shelter dogs, puppies, senior dogs, dogs who are blind or deaf or have other disabilities... I love them all, and I can help them all by tapping into their natural instincts and affinity for environments where leadership and structure help them to feel safe and relaxed.

Training happens in the comfort of your own home and in the environments where you want to be able to take your dog in public. With dogs, behavioral issues originate in the home, so it is critical to begin training there, where your dog will be less distracted and more comfortable.  After we have built success there, when you and your dog are ready, we will meet up for work out in public in higher distraction environments such as a busy sidewalk or park with a lot of foot traffic. I also offer group leash walking practice sessions at local parks (at no additional cost) to all my existing clients. These are a great way to get extra practice in while enjoying the company of your pup and other dog lovers in beautiful settings.

Your training comes with a Lifetime Guarantee of Support. My clients have my support for the life of the dog if new issues surface as the dog matures and ages or if old issues resurface. If a client moves outside of my area, I always endeavor to continue our relationship virtually; however, their service also transfers (at no additional charge) to the trainer “on the ground” in their new local area, in case they need help in person. I have helped a number of clients who have had training with other trainers 13 or 14 years ago when their dogs were puppies, and now their dogs are aging and facing blindness and/or deafness. They have been so relieved to know that they have the help and coverage to meet their dogs’ changing needs as they age!  My own clients that I have worked with years ago have frequently commented on how much they appreciate the value of the Lifetime Guarantee of Support and knowing that they can call me any time they have a question or issue and know that I will respond immediately and give them the help they need.

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