Riverhead, NY · Growing Beyond
One Step. One Paw.
One Life at a Time.
Professional, force-free dog training on Long Island's East End — and a growing vision where shelter dogs, veterans, kids, and families move forward together.
Serving East End families since 1995. One mission.
Not sure yet? Book a free 15-min call
Trusted by East End pet parents since 1995
30+
Years in Pet Care
100%
Force-Free Methods
1-on-1
In-Home Sessions
✓
Licensed & Insured
What We Do Today
In-Home Dog Training
Long Island's East End
1-on-1, force-free training in your home and on your walk routes. Real-life routines, real results, real support.
Serving Riverhead, Aquebogue, Jamesport, Hampton Bays, Westhampton, Wading River & other surrounding communities
Meet Theresa
30+ years working with animals on Long Island's East End — from pet care to professional dog training. Animal Behaviour College alum, Penn Foster graduate, and member of APDT. Licensed, bonded, insured, and Pet CPR/First Aid certified.
Every session is in your home, on your schedule, tailored to your dog and your life. No cookie-cutter programs — just clear, practical coaching that empowers you as your dog's trainer.
Leash Reactivity Reset
8 weeks (Core) · 6 weeks (Lite)
For dogs who bark, lunge, or growl on leash. An 8-week structured program with real-world field sessions. Safety-first, force-free, and built around your daily walk routes.
Learn more →🤝Cooperative Care
6-week hybrid program
Teach your dog or cat to participate in handling — nail trims, vet visits, grooming, medications. Consent-based, step-by-step, and designed around your household routines.
Learn more →🐾Puppy Foundations
Customized to your puppy
Private, in-home puppy training covering biting, jumping, potty/crate training, leash manners, socialization, and handling prep. Build the right habits from day one.
Learn more →🚶Training Walks
35–45 min sessions
Structured, behavior-focused walks — not just potty breaks. Leash manners, enrichment, decompression sniffaris, and real-life distraction practice. 35–45 minutes per session.
Learn more →Every program starts with a Paid Consultation to assess fit, safety, and goals.
Book Here Now PleaseOr call (631) 213-7994 · [email protected]
Simple, Clear Process
How It Works
Book a Paid Consultation
We meet in your home. I assess your dog, learn your goals, and build a clear, actionable plan — even if you decide not to continue.
$199 · Credited toward your program if you enroll within 7 days
Get Your Custom Training Plan
No cookie-cutter programs. Your plan is built around your dog, your household, and your real daily routines.
Safety-first · Force-free · In your home
Train Together, See Results
I coach you through every step. You become your dog's trainer — confident, capable, and supported long after our sessions end.
Real-world practice · Ongoing support
Real Families, Real Results
Why East End Families
Choose Theresa
“Theresa is amazing! She helped us with our aggressive Belgian Malinois, Diesel. She even worked with my 13-year-old daughter. I would give her 10 stars if I could!”
Linda Pacella
Belgian Malinois transformed
Google Review
“Theresa is extremely knowledgeable. She helped us with our Jack Russell puppy. She was always timely and never cancelled. I highly recommend her!”
Beth Gualtieri
Jack Russell puppy success
Google Review
Since '95
Serving East End families
100%
Force-free methods
1:1
In-home sessions
0
Aversive tools used
Your First Step
What Happens at Your Consultation
The Paid Consultation is a real working session — not a sales pitch. You leave with a clear plan, even if you decide not to continue.
During the Consultation
- ✓I come to your home and observe your dog in their real environment
- ✓We discuss your concerns, goals, and daily routines
- ✓Full behavioral assessment — triggers, body language, safety
- ✓You get an immediate safety/management plan to start using that day
- ✓Honest recommendation: which program fits (or if training isn't the right next step)
What You Walk Away With
- →A clear understanding of what's driving the behavior
- →An immediate management plan you can use right away
- →A recommended training program (Core, Lite, or alternative)
- →Confidence that you're not alone — and there's a path forward
$199 · In your home · ~75–90 minutes · Credited if you enroll within 7 days
This week's booking perk
Priority scheduling + consult credit
Book your Paid Consultation ($199) and you'll get access to the next available training start dates. If you enroll in a program within 7 days, your consult fee is credited toward your plan.
One credit per household. Not stackable with other offers.
Riverhead + East End (in-home)
“I kept seeing the same need everywhere — shelter dogs waiting for purpose, veterans and families searching for connection. The answer was always the same: start with trust, build from there. That became A Paw Forward Retreat.”
What We're Building
A Paw Forward Retreat
A place where shelter dogs get a second chance, veterans find purpose, kids grow alongside their dogs, and trainers sharpen their craft — all through the transformative bond between humans and dogs.
Forward Bound
Veterans & First Responders
Veterans and first responders receive a trained service dog — a partner for the road ahead. Structured support, lasting bond, real purpose.
Camp Haven & Hound
Kids & Their Dogs
School-age kids attend camp with their own dogs during school vacations. Together they learn, play, bond, and grow — side by side.
Paws & Anchors
Anchor Dogs for Autistic Children
A pilot program training dogs to become anchors for autistic children. A calm, reliable presence trained to keep them safe and grounded.
Unleashed Leadership
Trainers, Companies & Retreats
A dedicated space for trainers and companies to hold retreats or conferences. Trainer retreats may include dogs — corporate events are people-focused. Professional growth in a stunning setting.
Rescue. Train. Serve. Inspire.