Chewy: free $30 eGift card with your $100 order

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Family Dog
  • Behavior Modification

Specialty Focus Areas

  • Puppy Training
  • Basic Obedience
  • Leash Pulling
  • Reactivity / Aggression
  • Jumping on People
  • Barking Excessively
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Potty Training
  • Recall

Training Formats Offered

  • Private Lessons
  • In-Home

Program Formats

  • One-Time Consultation
  • Sessions Package
  • Ongoing Weekly

Types of Dogs

  • Small
  • Medium
  • Large
  • Giant
  • Herding
  • Sporting
  • Working
  • Hounds
  • Terriers
  • Doodles
  • Brachycephalic

Age of Dogs Trained

  • Puppy (<1 year)
  • Adolescent (1-2 years)
  • Adult (2-8 years)
  • Senior (8+ years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods: 

  • Positive Reinforcement Only

Equipment: 

  • Clickers
  • Food Rewards
  • Harnesses
  • Flat Collars

The C.L.A.S.S. (Canine Life And Social Skills) program offers progressive training levels from beginner to advanced, delivered in-home with the owner as the primary trainer. Sessions include one-on-one instruction, training walks (30–45 minutes), and socialization. Training is customized to the dog’s needs and the family’s lifestyle, with options for ongoing weekly sessions or intensive programs.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Pet sitting starts at $25 per 30-minute visit for up to 2 pets. Dog walking adds $20 for a 20-minute extra walk. Cat care is $25 for the first two cats, $5 per additional cat. Dog training packages are available via consultation; specific pricing not listed publicly.

Testimonials

“Tessie and big brother Big Papi love the crew at A-1 Critter Sitters. We have used them for over 10 years and have always been reliable and personable. Our 2 pups and 2 cats are always in good hands when we have them take care of our fur babies when we are away!!”
– Earl Truland

“A 1 Critter Sitters is absolutely fantastic, and I cannot recommend the service highly enough. Theresa has been sitting for our Jack Russell for over five years, and there is no one that I would trust more to care for our girl.”
– Sarah Glass

“We’ve used A-1 Critter Sitters for over ten years and find them very reliable. They are animal owners themselves and understand that different pets have different needs. They’re always willing to accommodate any special needs or instructions we might have. Highly recommended.”
– Lloyd Becker

About the Trainer

A 1 Critter Sitters and Training is a dog training and pet care service based in Riverhead, NY, offering one-on-one in-home dog training to help families train their dogs to behave calmly at outdoor events. Founded in 2020, the business builds on 28+ years of pet sitting experience and uses a unique Canine Life And Social Skills (C.L.A.S.S.) program that guides dogs and owners through progressive training levels—from beginner to advanced. Training is delivered in the client’s home, minimizing stress for the dog and allowing the owner to actively participate as the primary trainer. They also offer training walks (30–45 minutes) separate from potty breaks, pet sitting, dog walking, and cat care—all provided in the client’s home. Their trainer, Theresa Cahill, is certified by Animal Behavior College and PENN Foster University in dog and cat training, grooming, and pet first aid/CPR.

They serve families with puppies, rescues, and adult dogs, focusing on real-life socialization and behavior for everyday situations. Their services are tailored for pet owners who travel frequently and want their pets to remain comfortable at home rather than in kennels. They also care for farm animals, including horses, goats, and cows, making them uniquely versatile for multi-pet households.

Accomplishments

Theresa Cahill, the head trainer, holds a Dog Trainer Certificate and Cat Trainer Certificate from Animal Behavior College, a Dog Groomer Certificate from PENN Foster University, and is certified in Pet First Aid and CPR.

How to Get Started!

Book a free Meet & Greet consultation to discuss your dog’s needs and create a customized training plan. Clients can schedule via online booking or by phone/email.

A 1 Critter Sitters and Training featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • 29+ Years Experience

  • Insured

  • Free Consultation

Availability

  • Weekdays
  • Weekends
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening

Certifications

  • Credentialed

Associations

  • Accredited

Languages

  • English

Other Services Offered

  • Dog walker
  • Pet sitter
  • Pet groomer
Chewy: free $30 eGift card with your $100 order

Listing Tools for Trainers

For A 1 Critter Sitters and Training Only

Update Your Info

Something out of date? Send us your changes and we’ll update this page. The form is already filled in with what we have.

Share Your Recognition!

You’re listed among Calverton’s best dog trainers. Add this recognition badge to your website to stand out from the competition, convert more website visitors into clients, and let clients know you’re part of a trusted community.