Say goodbye to outdated dog training methods
and welcome a new era of training that nurtures your dog's emotional well-being while achieving harmony and cooperation.
Having faced my own hard times, I understand the power of unwavering support, patience, and second chances.
Meet our stellar trainers!
Check out our Sit. Stay. Stella. Training Service Area map for in person sessions!
lauren
“As a certified dog trainer, LAUREN’S journey has been shaped by both HER professional expertise and personal resilience”
Lauren's love for dogs evolved into a passion for training, catalyzed by her late dog Sammy and her current pup, Stella.
Sammy, a Shiba Chi mix, overcame a history of aggression through Lauren's dedicated rehabilitation efforts during the COVID pandemic. Despite his extensive bite history, he eventually became a source of joy for many, enjoying outings, brunches, and trips to Marshall's.
Following his passing, Lauren quickly adopted Stella, trusting the rescue’s high praise of the puppy despite limited notice. However, Stella’s transition to NYC proved challenging—initially anxious and bursting with energy, she struggled with barking, leash pulling, potty accidents, isolation distress, and early signs of fear aggression, all of which took a toll on Lauren’s mental health.
With early interventions, veterinary support, and positive reinforcement training, Stella overcame her anxiety and reactivity. These experiences deepened Lauren’s empathy for her clients, allowing her to connect with their struggles on a personal level. Employing force-free methods, she prioritizes both the dog’s agency and the client’s emotional well-being. Her innovative approach, which includes stress-reducing sitting services, positions her as a compassionate and consultative trainer.
certifications:
claire
Claire has been working within the animal welfare and veterinary medicine fields since 2001. She received her MA in the Advanced Psychology of Animal Behavior and Conservation in 2008. The most rewarding aspect of her work is strengthening the human-animal bond and seeing her clients achieve a deeper understanding of their dog’s communication, motivations and behaviors. She specializes in urban anxiety, fear-based aggression, leash reactivity, dog-dog sociability, impulse control building and of course, working with puppies to set them up for success!
Claire started her own business in 2009 and since then, has supervised, managed, and trained animal behavior staff across all sectors of the animal behavior world, developed curriculum for training programs for training schools, municipal shelters, and therapy dog programs, given webinars on canine behavior topics, built behavior assessment systems, and developed individualized behavior training plans for dogs displaying a wide variety of behavior concerns.
She is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and a Fear Free Certified Professional and also is an instructor at CATCH Academy as well as a behavior consultant for Petcademy and Black Dog Behavior and Training in Delaware. Previously, she held positions as a Behavior Consultant for Behavior Vets of NYC, the Private Trainer Manager at School For the Dogs in NYC, a behavior consultant on the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Behavior Team and was the executive trainer and coordinator for The Good Dog Foundation.
certifications:
madeline
Madeline (she/her) has been passionate about dogs since childhood, growing up with her goofy black lab, Edna, named after one of her father’s favorite poets. From pet-sitting in 2nd grade to baking dog treats for Hurricane Katrina’s displaced animals, she’s always had a natural bond with dogs. Whether reuniting lost dogs with their owners or simply comforting them, Madeline’s connection with animals has always been effortless.
In 2020, during the pandemic, she adopted Stanley, a blind pit bull, and launched a career in the pet industry. Her journey led her to study at CATCH Canine Trainers Academy, where she delved into learning theory and animal behavior, discovering creative ways to train Stanley using tactile and aural cues. This experience ignited a passion for tailoring training methods to each dog’s unique needs.
Madeline continued her education, specializing in leash reactivity, urban anxiety, and over-arousal, and earned certifications like CPDT-KA and Family Dog Mediator. In 2024, she began the Michael Shikashio Master Class in Aggression. Her philosophy is simple: dog training is all about building a strong relationship, fostering trust, and using that connection to unlock effective learning and mutual understanding.
certifications:
As a Latina-owned business, Sit. Stay. Stella. embraces diversity and avoids judgment, understanding that Dog guardians operate based on their knowledge and circumstances
Meet Stella!
The one who inspired it all!
This spirited soul embodies the perfect blend of spunk and sass, adding a playful spark to every moment. With a knack for keep-away games and a never-ending love for balls and squeaky toys, playtime is always an energetic adventure. Embracing the unconventional, Stella finds joy in the quirkiest of pleasures—yes, even trash becomes a source of entertainment!
Despite a touch of shyness, Stella’s heart is as vast as her playful spirit, readily sharing affection and forming deep connections. She has exuberant zoomies which are a testament to her zest for life and uncontainable enthusiasm.
My favorite part of working with her is that her focus is to train Hippie to make our bond stronger and my life a little easier.
“Lauren is the best! My favorite part of working with her is that her focus is to train Hippie to make our bond stronger and my life a little easier. I now have a dog that I can really enjoy and when I get frustrated with something, I know that Lauren will know just how to work on it. She is realistic in her expectations of her clients’ schedule when it comes to training and she makes sure that I have the tools to help Hippie on what we really need. Lauren is super knowledgeable and great to work with!”
-Alina & Hippie
Meet The stellar sitter squad
For your anti-walks and pet-sitting needs!
Sabrina, based in Brooklyn, does her best to ensure that any dog staying with her has their needs met and they are treated like kings and queens. Sabrina is happy to keep the dogs routine and requirements the same while they stay with her.
Her dog, Parker, also loves having other dogs over but also is happy to respect their space if they are on the more independent side. She would love to host or stay with your pup!
Sabrina
hannah
Hannah, an avid dog-lover, lives in Upper Manhattan with her best friend Babka, a 12 pound Miniature Schnauzer who is very social and adores the company of other doggies.
Located just a stone's throw away from the park, Hannah and Babka cherish their daily strolls amidst the serenity of nature. With a deep-seated dedication, Hannah ensures that each pup entrusted to her care feels secure and cherished, going above and beyond to provide a nurturing environment.
Sarah is an actor and a WFH content writer based in Lower Manhattan. She first began her dog training journey while playing Dorothy on the 2015-2016 North American tour of The Wizard of Oz, where she trained under esteemed show animal trainer Bill Berloni. On tour, she spent a year working and snuggling with two adorable rescue cairn terriers named Nigel and Loki.
She is happy sitting in your home to help ease pup anxiety and provide companionship (and tons of snuggles as requested). She is available for separation anxiety/isolation distress dogs and is a cat sitter as well.
Sarah
Meet Christina, a lifelong animal enthusiast! With her cherished dachshund companion, Peeve (aptly named after the playful concept of a 'pet peeve'), Christina has crafted a cozy haven that she's excited to share with your furry friend.
Christina dreams of her apartment becoming your dog's home away from home, while Peeve eagerly awaits making new friends to share his time with! Christina and Peeve is so excited to have many delightful days ahead, filled with wagging tails and happy memories with you and your furry friend!
Christina
MADISON
Madison (they/them) is a professional theatre and music artist currently living in Bed-Stuy.
As a passionate "animal person," Mads has always adored dogs. Their childhood companion Jack the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel cemented their belief that a dog is a family member, through and through.
Madison is eager to meet your dog's needs, whether that be through sitting quietly together or adventuring through the park. Mads is excited to work with your pup!
ariel
Meet Ariel, Upper Manhattan's dog-loving superstar! She's known for saying hi to every dog she meets.
Ariel works well with anxious and socially awkward pets and has experience with dogs of all sizes and ages. Though she doesn’t have a fur baby of her own, she’s won the hearts of all her clients, both furry and human. She’s dedicated to making sure your pet's needs are met and treats them like the royalty they are. Ariel offers in-home pet sitting to keep your pets comfortable and happy, and she's also a fantastic cat sitter!
rachael
Meet Rachael, the fun, amazing sitter and actor from the Upper East Side!
A longtime aspiring dog owner, her love for animals has grown exponentially throughout her life, and she hopes it never stops. Rachael believes pets deserve as much respect as people and values kindness, observing boundaries, and patience when working with dogs (and cats!). She is available for sitting at your home!
OLIVIA
Olivia is a dog lover who has been surrounded by animals her whole life. She loves to get out and about with dogs, as she works in the Upper West Side. She treats every pet as her own and she values patience, respect, and attention to detail. She has experience with all sizes and breeds, and is enthusiastic and flexible to all pet needs!
taya
As a devoted animal lover and proud dog mom, Taya reside just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Central Park alongside her husband and adorable Yorkiepoo, Laika. Her daily routine revolves around exploring the park's wonders and embracing the beauty of nature.
Her and Laika will be more than happy to host your little pup!
Jessica is a full-time model living in NYC with a big heart for dogs. She has a pitbull/boxer mix named Peanut back home, who she misses dearly. Growing up with a variety of pets, Jessica has plenty of experience handling dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments.
Living right next to Central Park, her apartment is great location for dog sitting making walks easily accessible. Jessica is dedicated to treating every furry friend in her care as if they were her own, ensuring they feel safe, loved, and well cared for.
JESSICa
NANDINI
Nandini is a proud dog mom, treat dispenser and expert at giving ear scritches! She has a soft spot for rescues and plenty of experience with pups with leash reactivity, anxiety, allergies, meds, blindness, etc.
Whether your dog needs patience, playtime, or just someone who gets them, Nandini will make sure they feel safe, loved, and part of the family.
JANE
Jane has been an animal lover from day one-her very first word was “doggy!” She grew up with Australian Shepherds and has been dog sitting and walking for over six years. Jane has experience with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments, and she takes behavioral triggers seriously. She’s truly never met a dog she didn’t love and can’t wait to give your pup an amazing day!
KELSEY
Kelsey is a professional actor with a big heart for pups! Growing up surrounded by a variety of animals, she developed a deep love for all creatures—especially dogs. With experience caring for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and personalities, Kelsey knows how to connect with each pup on their level. She treats every dog as if they were her own, making sure they feel safe, loved, and completely cared for.
LUKEY
Lukey (they/them) is an animal lover and actor based in Brooklyn, NY. They grew up in Michigan with dogs and have been pet-sitting in the city when they are not performing. They’ve worked with elderly dogs, puppies, and pups with medical needs. Lukey loves to spend their time outside and explore the city with their friends.
AMANDA
Amanda is a life long dog lover. She has always had a family dog growing up who she has raised and personally trained - a beautiful golden retriever for 11 amazing years. She believes dogs are truly apart of the family. Also, she loves going for long walks in Central Park and being outside.
KATARINA
Born and raised in San Francisco, Katarina moved to NYC to pursue acting. Because of the nature of her work, most of her days are spent at home working and taping/auditioning with her partner by her side (who also works from home), so your pup will get double the scratchies. Her space is calm, cozy and full of love! The perfect environment for dogs who might get nervous when their parents are away. Whether your dog loves constant playtime or prefers to curl up for a nap, she’ll adapt to their routine, feeling safe, loved and right at home!
SAMMY
Sammy is an active guy from Brooklyn. He loves the outdoors and traveling!
He has been around dogs since his childhood, growing up with two pups who sparked his love for animal care.
NYEMA
One day her sister asked Nyema to watch her dog, after she recently lost her own and from that point on, pet sitting and dog walking became a way to help heal her broken heart and to share her love for animals.
She is experienced in caring for young rambunctious pups and the distinguished ones too.
ANNA
Anna is an Event Specialist living in Brooklyn. She grew up with 2 dogs, 2 cats, 1 bearded dragon lizard and found a love for animals at a very young age. She has been dog sitting for over 10 years now and has experience with separation anxiety dogs, senior dogs, and dogs needing medication. She loves all breeds and sizes and ensures that each dog is cared for like her own!
Melissa
Melissa has over 2 years of experience walking doggies of all sizes, breeds, temperaments and different energy levels.
Based in New Jersey, she has availability for dog sitting and walking in the afternoons and weekends.
THOMAS
Thomas is a voice actor, filmmaker and creative based in Queens. He loves socializing, self-development, and videogames.
Both cat and dog lover, Thomas will ensure your own and your pet’s experience are on a different level!
Join our stellar team!
Join the fun at Sit. Stay. Stella.! We're looking for amazing Stellar Sitters and trainers to join our team. If you have a passion for pets and love making tails wag, we want to hear from you! Please email admin@sitstaystella.com to reach out or click here:
