About Us

Legitimate help in an unregulated industry.

Dogs…we love them! They enrich our lives in so many ways. They’re great companions, they get us out and exercising, and they provide us with endless affection.

While incredibly rewarding, sharing our lives and homes with this wonderful species can often bring challenges. That’s where we come in.

Whether you just got a new puppy and are looking to prevent behavior concerns or have an adult dog displaying undesired behaviors – we are here to help. From jumping on guests or counter-surfing to more serious issues of fear and aggression, our trainers are formally dog educated and eager to help. We have acquired comprehensive education in the subjects of applied behavior analysis, Pavlovian conditioning, client counseling, animal behavior, and critical thinking from the most rigorous, advanced academic program available.

Our training is free of aversive methods and completely transparent. We will never hurt, scare, or intimidate your dog. Instead, we leverage the good stuff to motivate your dog – the things in life they want access to.

Services

Our Valuable Team Members

Lisa Skavienski, CTC, CSAT
Lisa Skavienski, CTC, CSATTrainer and Behavior Consultant
Lisa gained a foundation in animal training through the Karen Pryor Academy in 2013, where she discovered a keen appetite for continued learning. Specifically interested in animal behavior, she went on to study under behavior expert, Jean Donaldson, at the highly acclaimed Academy for Dog Trainers, graduating in February of 2016. She is eternally grateful for such a thorough and stellar academic experience, particularly enjoying the components involving evolutionary biology. Lisa also holds certification specializing in separation anxiety under Malena DeMartini, and is a certified member of the Fear Free Pets Program, helping dogs to enjoy participating in their vet care. In addition to her work with clients in the private sector, Lisa has provided numerous rescue and shelter dogs with behavior support through her involvement in the local animal welfare community. She participates in an ongoing case study group with peers, continues to follow scientific advancements in relevant fields, and actively provides outreach support to underserved communities. Additionally, Lisa is honored to have a seat on the Academy for Dog Trainers’ presenters panel for seminars and conferences.
John Cicolella, CTC
John Cicolella, CTCTrainer and Behavior Consultant
John graduated with Honors from The Academy for Dog Trainers in August 2017, earning his CTC (Certificate in Training and Counseling). Having graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Networking & System Administration, John worked in the tech field for a short while. After several years in the Rochester animal welfare world, co-founding Rescue Pit, and serving as the organization’s President, John has decided to fully refocus his career to more closely align with his passions. John currently resides in NYC while working at the Animal Care Centers of NYC and is excited to bring evidence-based training to the area while supporting the dogs of his community. In his free time, John enjoys exploring the five boroughs with his dog Monty.
Allison Fitzsimmons, LCAT, CTC, Cert. SAPT
Allison Fitzsimmons, LCAT, CTC, Cert. SAPTTrainer and Behavior Consultant
Allison graduated with honors from The Academy for Dog Trainers in June of 2020, earning her CTC. As of September 2021, Allison also became a Certified Separation Anxiety Pro Trainer through Julie Naismith’s program. Throughout all of her dog training career, Allison has been Fear Free Certified. Among all of this, she also works as clinical therapist, and volunteers for Rescue Pit, a local non-profit pit bull rescue. When not working, Allison enjoys spending time hiking with her dogs.
Elissa Orlando, CTC
Elissa Orlando, CTCTrainer and Behavior Consultant
Elissa graduated from The Academy for Dog Trainers, earning her CTC in February 2021. She also a Fear Free Certified Professional trainer through the Fear-Free Pets Program. She is a volunteer dog walker for Lollypop Farm and sits on the board of Rochester Area Media Partners (City Newspaper). Elissa’s day job is Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at URMC. She spends her free time enjoying her two rescue terriers, Joey and BB.

Our Facility