Serving Westchester & Fairfield from Valhalla, NY
Dog Training for Westchester Owners Who Need Calm, Reliable Behavior in Real Life
Leash pulling, jumping, barking, puppy chaos, reactivity, aggression, and anxiety — handled through a structured training plan at our Valhalla facility.
Dog Training in Westchester County, NY
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Serving Westchester & Fairfield for 12 Years
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Free · No commitment required · Investment discussed on the call
“You didn’t just train Daisy; you gave me the tools and confidence to communicate with her effectively.”
Quick Answer
Sit Means Sit Dog Training of Westchester is an award-winning dog training company serving Westchester County, NY and Fairfield County, CT from a 5,000 sq ft facility in Valhalla, NY. Named Best Dog Trainer by Westchester Magazine in 2025 and 2026 with a 4.9-star rating across 197 reviews, the certified team trains any dog — any age, breed, or problem — through the Dream Dog Program: Day Train, private lessons at every pickup, and lifetime group class, for puppies and adult dogs. The next step is a free call with Training Advisor Emily.
CERTIFIED DOG TRAINING IN WESTCHESTER & FAIRFIELD COUNTY
🏆 Best of Westchester 2025 & 2026 — Westchester MagazineSit Means Sit Dog Training of Westchester is proud to serve pet parents throughout Westchester County, Fairfield County, and the surrounding areas with the best dog training in the region. Our 5,000 sq ft training facility in Valhalla, NY is equipped with expert trainers ready to help dogs of any age, breed, or background thrive.
Our Peace of Mind Guarantee: we will meet our shared training goals, or we'll add lessons or days of training as needed to get back on track.
We offer a unique day-training approach — your dog spends the day with us once a week for five weeks, combining full-day immersive training with personalized private owner lessons and lifetime group classes. No sending your dog away for weeks. No guesswork. Just real results you can see and feel every single day.
Ready to get started? Call us at (914) 687-5532 or schedule your call with our Training Advisor, Emily, to discuss your dog and learn which program is the right fit. Our Peace of Mind Guarantee: we will meet our shared training goals, or we'll add lessons or days of training as needed to get back on track.
Schedule Your Call With Emily ›ANY AGE. ANY BREED. ANY PROBLEM.
We train all dogs, regardless of age, breed, or behavioral issue. Whether you're looking to start your puppy on a path to lifelong success or want to teach your older dog some new tricks, we've got you covered.
OBEDIENCE & BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
We provide individualized one-on-one dog training programs tailored to meet your unique goals and specific needs.
GROUP TRAINING
Our follow-up group training continues after our one-on-one training programs to ensure you and your dog continue to achieve your training goals.
TRAINING PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Day Train
Your dog trains one full day per week at our Valhalla, NY facility for 5 weeks. You pick up each evening with a private coaching session so you stay involved every step of the way. No overnight boarding required.
Board & Train Alternative
Thinking about board and train? Talk to Emily first. Most dogs don't need to be sent away for weeks — and Emily can walk you through what your dog actually needs in a free 10-minute call.
Group Class
Group class is the final prong of our Dream Dog Program — where you and your dog work together through real-world distractions. Included for the lifetime of your dog with the Dream Dog Program.
Private Lessons
Every Dream Dog Program includes private lessons. At every Day Train pickup, your trainer coaches you one-on-one so you learn the same language your dog is learning. Lessons aren't sold on their own. We've found they work best combined with your dog's training days and group class.
Puppy Training
Start your puppy right. The Dream Dog Program takes dogs and puppies 15 weeks and older, and we build obedience, socialization, and house manners during the most critical developmental window.
K-9 Caring Angels
We partner with Westchester K-9 Caring Angels to train and certify therapy dogs visiting hospitals, schools, and care facilities throughout Westchester and Fairfield Counties.
BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION TRAINING
In addition to our training programs, we can train your dog or pup to overcome specific behaviors and emotions for a happier, healthier dog.
AGGRESSIVE
Growling, lunging, snapping, or biting — aggressive behavior puts your family and community at risk and gets worse without intervention. Our certified trainers identify the root cause and use proven behavior modification to address aggression safely and effectively.
Aggressive Dog Training ›HIGH ANXIETY/FEAR
Hiding, trembling, destructive behavior when left alone, or shutting down in new environments — anxious dogs aren't bad dogs, they're dogs that haven't been given the tools to feel safe. We build genuine confidence from the ground up.
Anxiety & Fear Training ›HIGH-DISTRACTION
Does your dog know "sit" at home but fall apart the moment they see a squirrel or another dog? Real obedience means your dog responds to you in any environment. Distraction proofing is built into every program we offer.
High-Distraction Training ›OFF-LEASH
Reliable off-leash recall is the most important safety skill a dog can have. Whether you want freedom on Westchester's trails, in the backyard, or at the dog park, we build the reliable off-leash relationship you're looking for.
Off-Leash Training ›REACTIVE
Lunging, barking, and pulling the second they see another dog or a jogger — reactivity turns every walk into a stressful ordeal. We use threshold-based training to help reactive dogs stay calm and focused around their biggest triggers.
Reactive Dog Training ›SOCIALIZATION
Dogs that miss key socialization windows often grow up fearful, anxious, or aggressive around people and other animals. Whether you have a puppy or an adult rescue, structured socialization training builds the confidence they need.
Socialization Training ›Real owners. Real dogs. Real results.
“His anxiety led him to bite someone and honestly we were afraid of what that meant. Walking into our meeting Toji was trembling and growling at everything and everyone. Neil took us immediately and showed us complete and utter compassion. … You guys have changed our lives. Our world was upside down when we’d come to you and we will forever be grateful for all the ways you’ve helped keep our family together.”
“The team at Sit Means Sit gave me back my life, my dogs, and my sanity. … Pulling on leash, barking constantly, reactivity to other dogs/animals, screaming, you name it. … I no longer have overwhelming anxiety when leaving my apartment to walk them and wonder what horrible thing will happen next.”
“Trying to walk her was always a nightmare, she would pull, scream at the other dogs and lunge towards them ( very embarrassing). … They were great, very patient with me and answered all of my questions, they didn't pressure me to enroll her. … I can walk her!! She's no longer reactive towards other dogs during our walks”
“My dog and I have struggled with his reactivity for years and this program has made progress for my dog that several trainers over several years never could”
“Our main issue was Carl pulling on our walks as well as lunging for bunnies and cats and reacting to a couple of the neighborhood dogs. … After our his first couple of training sessions, Carl was so much easier to walk and it has turned into a fun activity versus a very stressful one. … If I had known how transformative the training would be, I would have started much earlier!”
“A huge thank you goes to Neil and Emily, for running such an outstanding, organized program. … You didn't just train Daisy; you gave me the tools and confidence to communicate with her effectively.”
Results vary by dog. Aggression is managed through training and ongoing owner work, not cured.
Recent Graduates
Josie
June 2026
Hudson
June 2026
Maverick
June 2026
Dallas
June 2026
TRAINERS & STAFF
Our certified Sit Means Sit Dog Training staff has extensive experience in resolving dog obedience issues such as:
Learn more about our team or get started by scheduling a call with Emily today.
MEET THE TEAM ›
NEIL COHEN
OWNER
Neil Cohen is the owner of Sit Means Sit Dog Training of Westchester and a certified professional dog trainer serving dog owners throughout Westchester County, NY, Fairfield County, CT, and the surrounding area from the company's Valhalla training facility. After first coming to Sit Means Sit Dog Training as a dog owner looking for help with a challenging pet, Neil transitioned from a marketing career into professional dog training and now works hands-on with dogs of all ages, breeds, and behavioral backgrounds. Neil is also a certified evaluator for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test and the K-9 Caring Angels A.C.E. certification test, leads one of the region's largest therapy dog teams, and is the handler of Pepper the Bat Dog.
NEIL COHEN'S BIO ›
JAMIE CARNEVALE
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Jamie Carnevale is the Director of Operations at Sit Means Sit Dog Training of Westchester, helping families across Westchester County and Fairfield County move from first call to final training session with clarity and confidence. A licensed speech pathologist for 17 years, Jamie first came to Sit Means Sit Dog Training as one of Neil Cohen's earliest clients while seeking help for her Australian Cattle Dog, Sarge. After seeing the results of the training firsthand, she joined the business and now brings her background in communication and behavioral science to the client experience, making the process feel more personal, organized, and results-driven from day one.
JAMIE CARNEVALE'S BIO ›
CHRIS PENNELLA
LEAD TRAINER
Chris Pennella is the Lead Trainer at Sit Means Sit Dog Training of Westchester, where he works with dogs of all temperaments and behavioral backgrounds for families in Westchester County, Fairfield County, and nearby communities. Chris first came to Sit Means Sit Dog Training as a client with his dog Perry, then continued that journey with Maple, and most recently Wylie. That firsthand experience gives him a strong understanding of what owners need from both the training process and the results. He now leads training plans that range from basic obedience and better manners to more advanced behavior modification, helping owners build reliable communication they can use in everyday life.
CHRIS PENNELLA'S BIO ›
VANESSA FELKER
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Vanessa Felker is the Director of Finance at Sit Means Sit Dog Training of Westchester and an important part of the team behind each smooth, professional client experience. Her organizational skill and attention to detail help support the training journey from first contact through final session, allowing the trainers to stay focused on helping dogs and owners succeed.
VANESSA FELKER'S BIO ›
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Training in Westchester
Common questions from Westchester County dog owners
What dog training programs do you offer in Westchester County, NY?+
Sit Means Sit Dog Training of Westchester offers one program, the Dream Dog Program (Day Train, owner coaching, and lifetime Group Class, for puppies and adult dogs), plus K-9 Caring Angels therapy dog certification — all from our 5,000 sq ft facility in Valhalla, NY. Our flagship Day Train program is part of a three-prong methodology: we train your dog, train you as the handler, and then bring you both together in lifetime group class to work through real-world distractions. We serve all of Westchester County and Fairfield County.
How does the Day Train program work?+
Day Train has three stages. First, our certified trainers work one-on-one with your dog to build foundational obedience. Second, we train you — the owner — so you speak the same language as your dog. Third, group class brings you and your dog together to practice in a high-distraction environment alongside other dogs and handlers. Group class is included for the lifetime of your dog.
Do you train aggressive or reactive dogs in Westchester?+
Yes. Sit Means Sit Dog Training of Westchester specializes in behavioral modification for aggressive, reactive, and high-anxiety dogs. We assess the root cause — whether fear, poor socialization, or trauma — and build a structured program to address it safely. Neil Cohen and Jamie Carnevale have worked with hundreds of dogs with serious behavioral challenges throughout Westchester County.
How much does dog training cost at Sit Means Sit Dog Training of Westchester?+
Program cost depends on the type of training, your dog's behavior, and the goals you want to reach. We don't publish a price list because we don't believe in one-size-fits-all pricing — every program is built around your specific dog.
The process works like this: you call or fill out the form, Emily calls you back for a free phone consultation, she learns about your dog and what you're trying to accomplish, and then presents the program options and investment that make sense for your situation. If it's a good fit, we schedule an in-person evaluation. There's no pressure and no commitment required to have the conversation. Call (914) 687-5532 or reach out through the contact form to get started.
What areas do you serve?+
We serve all of Westchester County, NY — including White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle, Scarsdale, Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Mount Pleasant, Elmsford, Dobbs Ferry, and Ardsley — and Fairfield County, CT, including Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, and Wilton. All training is conducted at our 5,000 sq ft facility in Valhalla, NY. There is no separate Connecticut location — Fairfield County owners train with us in Valhalla.
How long does dog training take at Sit Means Sit Dog Training of Westchester?+
Most Day Train programs are completed in 5 weeks. Your dog trains with us one day per week, and each training day includes a lesson with you at pickup so you know what your dog learned and how to continue the work at home.
The vast majority of dogs complete the program within those 5 weeks. Our Peace of Mind Guarantee: we will meet our shared training goals, or we'll add lessons or days of training as needed to get back on track.
What makes Sit Means Sit Dog Training of Westchester different from other dog trainers?+
Sit Means Sit Dog Training of Westchester was named Best Dog Trainer in Westchester Magazine's Best of Westchester 2025 & 2026. We are led by Neil Cohen and Jamie Carnevale — Jamie brings 17 years of experience as a licensed speech pathologist, a behavioral science background that directly informs how we teach communication between dogs and their owners. Our Dream Dog Program is a named, structured methodology that doesn't just train your dog — it trains you. We also partner with K-9 Caring Angels to certify therapy dogs serving hospitals, schools, and care facilities across Westchester.
Do you offer a free evaluation for dog training?+
Yes. We offer a free, no-obligation evaluation at our Valhalla facility. We'll meet your dog, hear what's going on, and recommend the right training program — with no pressure to commit. Call us at (914) 687-5532 or fill out the form on our website to book.
Can any dog be trained, regardless of age or breed?+
Yes. Sit Means Sit Dog Training of Westchester works with dogs and puppies 15 weeks and older, of any breed, and with any behavioral challenge. We have successfully trained young puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with serious aggression or anxiety issues. Our certified trainers customize every program to the individual dog.
Do you serve Fairfield County, CT?+
Yes. We serve dog owners throughout Fairfield County, including Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, and Wilton. All training takes place at our 5,000 sq ft facility in Valhalla, NY — there is no separate Connecticut location. Fairfield County owners make the short drive to Valhalla for Day Train sessions and owner coaching, and are welcome at our lifetime group classes. Call (914) 687-5532 or contact us to schedule a call with Emily to learn if the program is a fit for your dog.
Do you offer puppy training classes near me in Westchester or Fairfield County?+
Yes. Puppies join the Dream Dog Program, which is for dogs and puppies 15 weeks and older, at our Valhalla, NY facility. Puppy training focuses on foundational obedience, socialization, leash manners, and building the right habits early — before problems develop. Owners from all of Westchester County and Fairfield County, CT are welcome. Call (914) 687-5532 or fill out the contact form to schedule a call with Emily and find out if the program is right for your puppy.
DOG TRAINING SERVICES IN WESTCHESTER
& SURROUNDING AREAS:
Westchester County, NY
Fairfield County, CT
READY TO TALK ABOUT YOUR DOG?
Emily will learn what's going on with your dog, walk you through program options and investment, and help decide whether an in-person evaluation at our Valhalla facility makes sense.
Premium training for owners ready for a structured plan. Serving Westchester and nearby Fairfield County.
AS FEATURED IN
