My Woof Gang

Meet the Trainer

Dog trainer Laura Garber, CPDT, is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and is certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), the first national certification for dog trainers. She is also an approved AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator.

Besides her work in relationship training and behavior modification with private clientele, Laura does treatments with and consultations for dogs at the Liberty Humane Society and teaches their B.A.D. (Bullies Are Deserving) Dogs classes. Before this, Laura worked as a behavior counselor in the behavior department at the ASPCA in NYC, where she specialized in the behavioral evaluation and rehabilitation of the shelter dogs. Her education includes an honors certificate from the Dog Trainers' Academy at the San Francisco SPCA and a training internship with the Monks of New Skete. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Laura regularly attends seminars and conferences in dog behavior, behavior modification and training. She has attended TTouch (Tellington Touch) training and is currently pursuing a certificate in Companion Animal Studies with Clayton College of Natural Health. While in the Florida Keys, Laura had an opportunity to work with the dolphin trainers at the Dolphin Connection, a facility touted for its marine mammal education, breeding and research techniques.

Laura has authored articles about dogs and dog behavior in such animal-centric magazines as Your Pet Connection and The Animal Companion, and on-line resources Dog Service Network and Cliffview Pilot.  She has published the book Bringing Up Puppy about the proper training and socialization of a new puppy. A guest lecturer and "Ask the Trainer" speaker for shelters, doggie daycares, pet stores, and groups throughout the Northeast and Midwest, she's done a call-in radio show on the Sirius Radio's Road Dog channel called Freewheelin' and been seen from time to time on the famous Animal Planet TV show Animal Precinct.

Laura believes strongly in strengthening the bond between human and companion animal. For this reason, she regards training as an exercise in building relationship rather than obedience. Such an approach promises greater understanding and symbiosis within our family packs.

Testimonials

“I can't thank you enough.  I told my husband our sessions were the best birthday gift!  He's excited about learning what you have taught me as well.  The biggest change is inside... I didn't realize it until I had to reform my ways.  I was WAY lax.  Oscar's happier, and when we take him for "business", it's almost immediate.  Thanks again, and I can't wait for our next session!” Beth Kumar, Jersey City, NJ, Oscar's human family

“Blake is doing very well. He's gained 4 pounds [...] and is his usual playful self. He's quickly becoming the puppy I knew he could be -- and we really credit you for a lot of that!” Lauren Leatherman, Jersey City, NJ, Blake's human family

“I cannot thank you enough and am so happy to say that the lesson did so much! Not only did it help me help Kismet become a better-behaved dog but it made our walks so much more fun. When he started exhibiting his aggression during walks, I became tense and nervous every time we went out. After the training, it was the highlight of our days. Not only did we enjoy ourselves, but it made so many people come to us to ask what we were doing and for them to compliment him. I'm hoping some will call you with their own issues!” Jin Park, Hoboken, NJ, Kismet's human foster family

“I was very lucky somebody gave me your card and I decided to call you. I was running out of options, and in front of the real dangerous situation my dog is creating, I was ready to use the electrical collar and punish him for something that is not his fault, or even sacrifice him if that didn´t work. Instead of going back to the Middle East with a collar, I go back with new ideas and new methods that make a lot of sense. If only for that, my trip to New York was worthwhile. Walad and I thank you from the other side of the world.” Marina Solis, Mascate, Oman, Walad's human family

“Thank you for the amazing session. You worked magic. Mocha couldn’t wait to get into the crate this morning. It was very funny to watch. I will definitely take all your advice and see how things go. Will keep you updated. Thank you so very very much! It was the most amazing hour with Mocha during our 5 years.” Acme Wu, NY, NY, Mocha's human family

“Laura, I love your sessions with Didge and me. It is such a pleasure to have you in our lives. We both really appreciate what you are doing for us! Thank you so much.” Michelle Ra'ttray, NY, NY, Didge's human family

“The light came on!!!! Dakota had been a family member for 3 weeks, and I was a little frustrated. Then we stumble onto Laura. WOW, just an hour and a handout later and........ progress! It was apparent within the first 15 minutes of the seminar that there was a connection between Laura and the puppies at the social hour. This led me to believe that there was hope and that I could do it too. Laura, your handout instructions were so easy to follow that, in one training session, (with me struggling to read the handout and guide Kota through the exercises), Kota learned to "touch"!!! And I saw how much Dakota loved to learned!!!! Thanks so much for that and for your support on further questions and working through our issues. Your perspective and experience have made a huge difference. It's so much fun to learn together, and we are being a team. We couldn't have done it without you!!” Rhonda Gibson, Grand Haven, MI, Dakota's human family

“Laura has been a big help to Rosie and me when we encounter other dogs on our walks. Our walks are already much better. Laura had lots of patience (with me AND Rosie!!) and gave me good advice. Although I can't say a major miracle happened, we've had minor miracles and progress on every single walk. Thank you, Laura, for your expert advice! And, Rosie thanks you too!” Cheryl Wabeke, Grand Haven, MI, Rosie's human family

“What a terrific first session for us and a real relief to feel like we have a better handle on what to do with Spencer. You are just wonderful both with Spencer and with us, and for that we are most grateful. p.s. Oh, and he slept thru the night till around 5:45am and then back to bed til about 7. Not bad. We are starting to sleep again and that is so thanks to you!!!” Chris and Gina Burns, Weehawken, NJ, Spencer's human family

“Thank you so much for all your great input! You are so fantastic at what you do!!! Lucy says "woof"!” Kerry Ackerman, Hoboken, NJ, Lucy's human family

“Laura returned my initial email query promptly and set up an appointment for that week. I told her that Rudy responds badly to the doorbell ringing, so Laura suggested she phone upon arrival instead. I was able to unlock the door and Laura was able to enter. Laura had instructed me to keep Rudy on leash and he barked like mad, but she continued to give me instruction on what to do (and what NOT to do) and Rudy settled down to the point of allowing Laura to play ball with him. Laura emails me after each visit and meticulously explains each exercise she suggests. As Rudy needs a lot of exercise but sometimes suffers with leg pain, Laura has introduced some "mental activity" games to keep Rudy's mind active even if his body is mostly resting. She assesses Rudy's behaviors and then crafts a positive and rewarding scenario which is easy for both the dog and the human to follow. It's been a long road, but I feel like we have finally found our own "dog whisperer".” Ellen Scheurer, Hoboken, NJ, Rudy's human family

“Laura Garber is a truly amazing dog trainer. She is an absolute wealth of knowledge regarding dog behavior and will explain things to you about dogs that you didn't know existed. This woman is right on top of her game! She can and will gladly give you reasons behind everything she does with your animal and can date it back to dog history. My dog, Wes, knows basic commands and is 100% house-broken because of Laura. She is extremely humanistic and no-nonsense. She cares, and people know her in the community. If you have issues with your pet, you must allow her to handle them one at a time. She will do the job with impressive, humanistic methods that a lot of us didn't know about growing up with animals. Go with more than four sessions –- it just makes sense –- if you're looking to really help your dog.” Dr. Michael and Mrs. Piper Magera, Hoboken, NJ, Wes' human family

“I hired Laura to work with my dog after I rescued the dog from a shelter. Laura's knowledge of animal behavior and temperament were evident from the moment we began working together and her friendly, positive-reinforcement approach to training made for a fun and educational experience all around. I highly recommend Laura's services.” Valerie Boccadoro, Hoboken, NJ, Molly's human family

Call Laura at (646) 345-5116 if you'd like to set up a private consultation. Or stop by and visit with her at Cornerstone Pets in Hoboken on Sundays from  12 to 2pm. She'll be happy to answer your questions, trouble-shoot a behavior issue, or just give some fun training tips.

We'd love to hear from you! Feel free to send questions, comments, or suggestions for the site to info@myWoofGang.com.