What the Ruff! Dog Training, LLC
Service area: Serves clients in Westchester County, NY and surrounding areas within a 10-mile radius of 914 area code.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Barking Excessively
- Separation Anxiety
- Fearfulness
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- In-Home
Program Formats
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Giant
- Doodles
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
Training includes one-hour private in-home sessions with homework between visits, 45-minute Walk & Train sessions to reinforce skills during walks, and 50-minute group classes to build confidence around distractions. Programs are ongoing and tailored to individual dog needs, with focus on obedience, leash manners, reactivity, and puppy socialization.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pricing and packages are available upon request via phone or email. No public pricing listed; clients are encouraged to call for details on private sessions, Walk & Train, and group classes.
Testimonials
Nicki has been so helpful as we navigated a range of issues (reactivity and anxiety, manners with guests, demand barking etc) with our four year old dog, Oscar. She gave us lots of ideas and new commands to work on each week and also came each session with fresh ideas for enrichment. She left us with lots of homework and great notes. Additionally, she encouraged us to pursue a new vet which has also had a positive impact on our boy’s daily life. We are so grateful!
– Client
Nicki has been wonderful with both my rescue dogs. Both dogs are fearful of strangers, Nicki was extremely patient waiting for them to become comfortable around her. Nicki has established a positive relationship with both dogs and worked with them to overcome their fears. Both dogs now adore her. Nicki is professional, knowledgeable, caring and patient. She has provided tips/advice that have helped me. I’m so happy to have the opportunity to work with Nicki.
– Client
Nicki was an amazing resource for helping troubleshoot and address issues with our high-energy puppy, who also had aggressive tendencies. With her incredible patience and gentle techniques, we were able to identify triggers and redirect unwanted behaviors in our pup. She was always responsive and even helped recommend several products like foods, toys and harnesses for our picky pup. Can’t say enough wonderful things about Nicki and What the Ruff dog training!
– Client
About the Trainer
What the Ruff! Dog Training, LLC is a certified Positive Reinforcement and Fear Free Certified dog training business led by Nicki Messano. She specializes in obedience training, behavior modification, puppy consultations, and leash training using humane, science-based methods that build communication and strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. Nicki offers in-home private training sessions, Walk & Train sessions, and group classes designed to help dogs succeed in distracting environments. She also provides trainer-recommended products like harnesses, enrichment toys, and durable chews to support training at home. Her approach focuses on setting dogs up for success through patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
Nicki has extensive experience working with fearful, reactive, and high-energy dogs, including rescues and puppies with aggressive tendencies. She tailors her training to each dog’s needs, provides detailed homework and notes after each session, and even offers vet recommendations when needed. Her clients appreciate her caring, professional, and responsive style, and many report significant behavioral improvements in just a few weeks.
Accomplishments
Nicki Messano is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and a Fear Free Certified Professional. She has hands-on experience working at The Bronx Zoo, a dog daycare, and volunteering at a Wildlife Ranch in South Africa.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients are encouraged to call, text, or email to schedule an initial consultation and discuss their dog’s needs. No online booking system is listed; contact is required to begin the process.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
Monday: 9am-7pm
Tuesday: 9am-7pm
Wednesday: 9am-7pm
Thursday: 9am-7pm
Friday: 9am-7pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Certifications
- CPDT-KA
- Fear Free Certified
Associations
- Accredited
Languages
- English
Other Services Offered
- Pet supply store
Location
Woodlands Dr, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598Listing Tools for Trainers
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