SERVICING MANHATTAN, NYC
Meet Your Trainer:
Maddie Messina
Founder · MA, ACAAB, CSAP-BC, FFCP
Founder of Paws for Thought and Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
Maddie Messina, a certified applied animal behaviorist with over 10 years of experience, empowers guardians to nurture deep and fulfilling relationships with their canine companions. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior from Bucknell University and a Master of Arts in Animal Behavior and Conservation from Hunter College, she possesses a comprehensive understanding of animal behavior and welfare.
After witnessing the transformative power of personalized training in her veterinary and shelter experience, Maddie shifted her focus to private dog training. Inspired by a desire to go beyond basic obedience, she founded Paws for Thought Dog Training in 2021. This practice was built on the principle of providing thoughtful, solution-oriented services that tackle complex behavioral issues often unresolved in traditional group classes.
Her expertise encompasses puppies, adolescent dogs, and those exhibiting challenging behaviors. From teaching puppies to thrive in the city's vibrant atmosphere to helping fearful dogs gain confidence and reduce leash reactivity, Maddie's goal is to empower clients to cultivate happier, more fulfilling relationships with their dogs.
As an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, your pet insurance provider may cover the cost of behavior modification services with Maddie Messina!
Learn more about your trainer
Maddie’s Profile
Education and Certificates:
BS Animal Behavior, Bucknell University
MA Animal Behavior and Conservation, Hunter College
CPDT-KA, Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed
CSAP-BC, Certified Separation Anxiety Behavior Consultant
FFCP, Fear Free Certified Professional
ACAAB, Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
Media Features:
The Farmer’s Dog Digest: How to Help a Fearful Dog
Spruce Pets: First 24 Hours with Your New Rescue Dog
Family Pupz: Puppy Training Myths, Part 1
Reader’s Digest: Why Do Dogs Dig
helloBARK: Best Dog Breeds for Lazy Owners
Scary Mommy: Want to Bring a Big Dog Home?
Petminded: The Science Behind Modern Day Dog Training
Dear Dog It’s Us, Ali and Betsy Podcast
Is your dog’s training just masking the issue?
The Farmer’s Dog Digest: Here’s the Science on “Talking” Dogs
The Farmer’s Dog Digest: Is There Such a Thing as a Dog Who Isn’t Food-Motivated?
The Farmer’s Dog Digest: Should You Let Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed?
Continuing Education:
IAABC and FDSA Lemonade Conference 2020, Virtual
Puppyworks: Solving Non-Aggression Problems 2020, Virtual
APDT/CAPDT Virtual Conference 2021
Aggression in Dogs Conference 2022
Research Bites Member 2024- ongoing
IAABC Conference 2024
Our training practices are reward-based and rooted in science.
We adhere to LIMA (least intrusive, minimally aversive) and force-free principles. This means that we do not use ‘aversives’ or ‘corrections’- techniques that cause fear, pain, and frustration in dogs. We aim to educate clients and provide them with the stepping stones for behavior change so that clients can walk away from our training experience empowered to continue on their own.
Why Our Credentials Matter
Anyone can call themselves a dog trainer, so we make sure ours are visible: every trainer on our team is certified through a nationally recognized certification program, meaning our expertise has been independently verified. We also stay current through ongoing continuing education, like conferences and coursework, so the guidance you get is always rooted in the latest canine science.
CLIENT STORIES
What our clients say.
"
Our Standard Schnauzer has some challenges navigating the human world and we've been working with Maddie to make it more easier for him and us. It was amazing to see our Shane respond to Maddie's training / suggestion in real time during our sessions.
By following Maddie's advise and tips, we are seeing positive changes in how our pup sees the world. Couldn't have been happier.
-Shane’s Guardian
"
My wife and I have been working with Maddie for two years. She has given us tools to manage the chaos of puppyhood and life with a very sensitive dog which has transformed our lives. We cannot thank Maddie enough for all the guidance and training.
-Benny’s Guardian
"
I adopted a 2 month old mixed breed pup in February, I was super nervous to train him on my own and I am so happy I discovered Paws for Thought. Working with Maddie has been very beneficial, she is extremely patient, kind and works with you to problem solve right on the spot. She has great advice and was an overall pleasure to work with.
I will take the skills I learned with her and continue to train my pup as he grows.
-Kip’s Guardian
📍 In-home training areas
NEW YORK CITY
Manhattan (below 96th St) and select areas in Brooklyn including Williamsburg.
EVERYWHERE ELSE
Outside our areas? Virtual training is available anywhere and may be a great fit.
Ready to get started?
Book a free 15-minute consultation call — no commitment, just a conversation about your dog and what you'd like to work on.