Results

Told by the owners.

Owners tell it best: dogs once days from re-homing, returned calm and balanced.

In Their Words

Nobody describes a changed dog like the person who lives with one. The accounts on this page belong to families of the pack, many of whom arrived after years of trying everything else. Their words, lightly trimmed for length; families rate the work 4.9 of 5 across 106 Google reviews.

On Film

Four stories, told on camera.

Debra Messing discusses Henry and Pack Leader Dogs on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Vinny Guadagnino on his time with Steve and the pack.

Hunter Pence, World Series champion, on his puppy Foxy's time with us.

@Katy on her experience with Steve and her dogs Turbo and Zoey.

Steve's Promise

“I truly look forward to helping you: what to do with a new puppy, finding solutions for a dog who is misbehaving, and everything in between.”

“It is my honor to be able to share Dog Psychology with you and to be able to bring balance and harmony to you, your dog and your home.”

Steve Del Savio, Founder

A trainer and a German Shepherd shaking paws on the great lawn at The Maddie Ranch.

Dogs who came home different.

Brooke, Brian and their baby daughter at their front door, Emmitt the wheaten terrier happy in Brian's arms.

“We were literally days away from re-homing Emmitt when we decided to try one last approach. After meeting with countless trainers with no results… We spoke with Steve and decided to send Emmitt to him for 3 weeks. The great thing about his program is that you are incorporated into the training so your dog associates you with the new rules and boundaries being put into place.”

“The change in our dog has been the most incredible thing to witness. Steve didn't just teach Emmitt, he taught me and Brian how to be dog owners… We are stopped on the street all of the time by people commenting on his amazing behavior, our vet didn't believe it was the same dog.”

“We are so incredibly happy to have been able to keep our family together… If you are reading this and have a troubled dog, I beg you don't give up on them.”

Brooke & BrianEmmitt, wheaten terrier

Rachel seated on a fallen log in the autumn woods, Marley the black dog resting between her and a friend.

“I have had ongoing struggles with walking my dog, riding the elevator, introducing him to strangers… the list goes on. I have tried and failed obedience classes, dog walkers and trainers in the past.”

“I saw my dog behave in a way with Steve that I did not think was possible. Instead of lunging at other dogs he was able to sit calmly around them. I was amazed. For the 1st time ever he was able to go on a walk without an explosion of some sort… For once I feel encouraged that Marley can be a happy, well behaved dog.”

RachelMarley

Tamara and her partner crouched at a sidewalk cafe beside Tatanka, their white and tan rescue pit bull.

“Steve has changed our lives by helping with our 2.5 year old pit bull… Within the first few minutes of our initial training session with him, he had already changed the energy of our dog.”

“With his calm, assertive energy, he is a true leader… We will be forever grateful for Steve and all his help and knowledge.”

TamaraTatanka, rescue pit bull

Cookie carried in the arms of a Pack Leader Dogs trainer on the waterfront, the Manhattan skyline behind them.

“We adopted Cookie 7 weeks ago and were not able to take him out for a walk due to his fear of wheels, loud noises, strollers, shopping carts… Today, after his first session with Steve, Cookie walked for 40 minutes on the same streets that he dreaded.”

“I have gone from worrying everyday wondering if Cookie will ever get over his fear to feeling confident that I can help him be a happy, balanced dog.”

PayalCookie

With Their Dogs

Three more, in photographs.

“Steve is not only knowledgeable and professional, he clearly cares a great deal about the animals in his care… we see that every week with the respect and excitement that Riley greets him with.”

Katie R.Riley

Katie and Ashley outdoors with their dog Ninja.

“I can't recommend Steve and his team enough. Whether you're just looking for a daily walk or behavior training, Steve is as good as it gets.”

AshleyNinja

David with his dog Rex, the newest addition to his family.

“Made my life easier with his amazing guidance with the new addition to my family. Thank you Steve, I am beyond grateful.”

DavidRex

“I seriously don't know what I would've done without Steve's intervention.”

Bethenny FrankelBiggy & Smallz · Real Housewives of NY

More Voices

Eight more, briefly.

“We've gone through 6 trainers over the years and Steve was going to be our last resort… Within 5 mins of our first meeting, Steve was able to assess Odin and us as owners, and gave us clear and direct feedback… He made the biggest difference, and was the best investment we made in ourselves for Odin.”

Mami WakimotoOdin

“If you witnessed how it was previously, this is the closest thing to a miracle I've ever experienced… For this reason, I have not and will not train my dogs anywhere else… I am eternally grateful to The Pack.”

Ronni WeinerGoogle review

“Admittedly, my sweet yellow lab is the boss of me. He walks me. After getting dragged around town by this overly excited 90 lb lab for months, we called in Steve to help… After one session, the roles started to reverse.”

ChristinaSherman, yellow Labrador

“I hired him to help out with my Cavalier's separation anxiety, within 20mins (no joke) he had already fixed the problem!… I already notice a dramatic difference in my dog's demeanor and confidence just from one session.”

SaraRuxin, Cavalier

“We brought a 3 yr old rescue Husky in to our home with 3 cats and a protective dog. Every day I wanted to bring the Husky back because it saw my cats as ‘prey’… It took some time but worked 100 percent in all our trouble areas. We now have a beautifully melded pack/family.”

LynnSandy & Max

“My only regret is not finding Steve sooner… would have made our lives so much easier!”

JamieIzzy

“Steve at Pack Leader dogs has been a life saver!”

MelissaMadison

“Steve made my life better… After just one session… I wish I would have called him earlier.”

JohnSherman

Admissions

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Every story here began with an application and a conversation. Read personally by Steve Del Savio, answered within one business day.

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