Who We Are
Alexis Toriello, Founder & Trainer (She/Her)
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, M.A., ACDBC, CPDT-KA
Alexis is a certified professional dog trainer, behavior consultant and canine cognition researcher. She has nearly two decades of experience in dog behavior modification and has worked with thousands of dogs over the years, with needs ranging from fear to reactivity to separation anxiety and beyond.
Her methods avoid the use of force and rely on molding pet dogs' behavior by building positive life experiences and a strong relationship between human and dog. As a canine behavior and cognition researcher and long-time trainer, Alexis draws from a thorough knowledge of canine cognition and behavioral science, and bases her training on methods that are scientifically supported as being effective, humane, and lasting.
Alexis is an active member of the international dog behavior community. She is:
An International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (ACDBC)
โA Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)โ
A Master's Degree Candidate in Animal Behavior and Conservation at Hunter College
A professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
A licensed Family Paws Parent Educator
Endorsed by the the โWashington Humane Society
Endorsed by Veterinary MDs Linda Isaacson and associates at Prospect Heights and Crown Heights Animal Hospitals, Lisa Scibetta of Hamilton Animal Hospital and Caroline Tan of Dupont Veterinary Clinic
A member of the national accrediting Animal Behavior Society
A member of The Association for Force Free Pet Professionals Pet Professionals Guild (PPG)
A member of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Professional Positive Pet Trainers (MAAPPPT) network formed by well-known behavior expert Pat Miller
A member of positive dog trainer networks Truly Dog Friendly ๏ปฟand Force Free Trainersโ.
Certified by the American Red Cross in Canine First-Aid and CPR
Alexis has extensive experience working in animal shelters as a canine behavior specialist and has done foundational work in city shelters in DC and NY to build their behavior departments and rehabilitate their most challenging dogs for life in homes. She has also trained shelter dogs as therapy and companion animals for disabled war veterans for the organization Pets2Vets.
Alexis was born and raised in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and currently lives in Kensington, Brooklyn with her two dogs and her daughter. Look for her in Prospect Park and say hello!