Great Companion Dog Training

Each training program is customized to the dog’s needs and the owner’s goals. Sessions are 45-60 minutes long and held in-home or at a relevant local location. After each session, clients receive detailed email notes with step-by-step instructions, videos, and resources. Programs focus on positive reinforcement techniques including clicker training, hand signals, and reward systems. Most clients achieve desired results in 2-4 sessions. Services include AKC Canine Good Citizen and Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dog evaluations.

Pricing Summary

First session: $110; additional sessions: $85. Discounted rates for dogs adopted from shelters or rescues within the past month: $85 for first session, $45 for second. A $15 travel fee applies for locations more than 30 miles from Grahamsville, NY. Group sessions available upon request.

Great Companion Dog Training, led by Certified Professional Dog Trainer Steve Porter, offers customized, science-based, force-free, positive reinforcement training for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. Sessions are conducted in the client’s home or at a local location like a park or dog-friendly store to address behavior in the dog’s natural environment. Each 45-60 minute session includes personalized instruction, followed by an email within 24 hours with step-by-step training plans, videos, and resources to continue progress. Most clients see results in 2-4 sessions. Steve also donates $5 from every session to a local animal shelter. He specializes in puppy training, basic and advanced obedience, aggression, reactivity, separation anxiety, and therapy/service dog preparation, including AKC Canine Good Citizen and Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dog evaluations.

Steve has over ten years of experience in dog training, including working with veterans through the Wounded Warriors Project to train service dogs, and serves on the board of Rocky’s Refuge animal rescue. His methods emphasize consistency, rewards, and building confidence without force or punishment. He provides ongoing support and follow-up, ensuring clients feel empowered to maintain progress long after sessions end.

Accomplishments

Steve Porter is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) through CCPDT and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). He is a certified evaluator for AKC Canine Good Citizen and Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dog programs. He served as a trainer for the Wounded Warriors Project through Action Toward Independence, helping veterans train service dogs. He is on the board of Rocky’s Refuge animal rescue and consulted on the construction of a local “green” dog park.

How to Get Started!

Client engagement begins by calling or texting Steve at (845) 423-8569 to schedule a session. No formal consultation is offered, but questions can be discussed during scheduling. Sessions are booked directly and can be scheduled seven days a week, including evenings.