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Force free dog trainer team. Specializing in aggression, fearful and anxious behaviors. We also offer puppy training to put your puppy on the right path to being a well adjusted adult dog.

Founded by Leah Mendonca, a Certified Fear Free Professional with Pet First Aid certification, Monterey Dog helps you and your companions live your best lives together. Services include: one-on-one dog walking and hikes, in-home or hotel pet sitting, overnight pet sitting, curated pet adventures, and wedding pet attendant services.

I've been working professionally with dogs since 2011. I started my canine career as a professional dog walker in San Francisco and later earned my CTBC certification as a dog trainer and behavioral consultant through DTIASF (Dog Training Internship Academy of SF) as well as my CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed) certification. I currently offer both in-person and virtual dog training and behavioral consulting. My focus is on dogs struggling with reactivity by helping dog owners develop an effective management plan while we work to build confidence and teach new more appropriate skills.

We specialize in online training and support for dogs with fear, aggression, and reactivity, and their people. We focus on a collaborative approach with our clients, to improve their quality of life, and their dog's. We offer one-on-one training, online group classes, and a monthly training membership.

I have been a professional dog trainer in NYC for 15 years. As a child, I participated in dog agility and showmanship through 4-H and won several local and state competitions. I began my path to become a trainer by receiving a certification from the vocational school, Animal Behavioral College. When I began to hit a wall in my self-education four years ago, I enrolled in CUNY's Psychology program, and will be graduating May, 2025 with honors with an interdisciplinary BA in Animal Psychology and Creative Writing. I am currently volunteering as a Research Assistant for the Center for Canine Behavioral Studies, as well as assisting in a lab at Hunter studying Pandas. I am also a PPG member.