Mari Fetzer : Regulation-First, Certified Dog Trainer - New York, NY
As a dedicated dog trainer with a focus on Regulation-First Dog Training, I help pet parents transform their dogs from "stubborn," "reactive," or "dominant" to calm and cooperative companions. Using my proprietary, science-driven MariDog Method™, I start by understanding your dog's state of mind through my Regulation‑First Training approach. The journey begins with a complimentary RTT (Regulation Type Test) to uncover your dog’s behavioral architecture, followed by a Metrics Test that maps eight regulatory dimensions to identify any breakdowns. With this insight, I provide a 12-week Custom Action Plan and a MariDog Dashboard to track progress in real-time.
My expertise lies in coaching you, the guardian, to lead with confidence through consistent, trusted signals that your dog's nervous system can respond to. By focusing on building Focus, Confidence, and Calm, I tailor protocols to seamlessly integrate into your home, routines, and goals. Whether it's improving door greetings, managing guests, or achieving calm-on-cue, I ensure that training is practical and pressure-free. Discarding outdated "alpha" tactics, I prioritize predictable leadership and practical micro-drills that foster a stress-free learning environment.
With over two decades of experience and certifications in Dog Obedience Training, Pet Behavior Modification, and Pet CPR, I offer both online and in-home sessions for ultimate convenience. Whether you choose a concise 4-session package for immediate stabilization or a comprehensive 12-week program for a lasting transformation, I provide flexible scheduling and a guardian-friendly experience. Ready to enjoy quieter doorways, smoother walks, and a dog eager to listen and learn? Book your session with me through Petworks today!
- Licensed
- Certified
- Online Sessions
Pricing Packages
Most training fails because it starts in the wrong place, asking for obedience when your dog's nervous system isn’t ready. A dysregulated brain isn’t “stubborn.” It literally can’t absorb, process, or execute in the moment. My Regulation‑First Training fixes the state first so behavior change actually sticks.
How it works:
1. Take the complimentary RTT (Regulation Type Test) to see your dog’s R-Type (processing architecture).
2. The Metrics Test maps eight regulatory dimensions to find the real bottlenecks.
3. You receive a 12‑week Custom Action Plan (a $250 value) plus a MariDog Dashboard for real‑time behavior tracking.
4. We bring it to life with four private in‑home sessions tailored to your dog, your space, and your goals.
What’s included • 4 x private in‑home sessions
• Custom Action Plan + MariDog Dashboard
• Hands‑on adaptation for YOUR dog based on real data
• Email and text support between sessions
Expected outcome: A dog who can finally listen and learn because their mind is regulated first.
Why this works: Regulation creates learnability. When the nervous system stands down, skills land and last.
Next step: Book here on Petworks - you'll get an email to schedule your private sessions and with the Regulation-Type Test link immediately
With 12 weeks, we’re not just installing skills - we’re rewiring patterns, proofing them under pressure, and normalizing a new baseline for real lasting behavior change.
What 12 weeks unlocks that 4 sessions can’t: Across three phases we move from stabilization to generalization to automaticity. First, we downshift the nervous system and build clear safety signals so your dog can actually learn. Next, we take those same protocols into real life - doorways, guests, walks, recoveries -so regulation holds steady when the world isn’t cooperating. Finally, we shift from “trainer present” to “guardian‑led,” extending durations, adding distance and distraction, and stress‑testing until calm and cooperation are the default, not the exception. By week twelve, you won’t be managing emergencies, you’ll be running a rhythm your dog trusts, with faster resets, fewer spikes, and skills that stick without constant micromanagement.
Unsure? I get it - I would be too. In 15 minutes, we’ll pressure‑test Regulation‑First Training for your exact situation, not in theory.
What you’ll get: Clarity on whether dysregulation - not “disobedience” - is driving your dog’s behavior. A quick read on your dog’s Regulation Type and where capacity breaks down. Two to three actionable moves you can use this week to reduce chaos at the door, on walks, or with guests. A follow-up Loom and write-up so you can reference what we said. Zero fluff, zero sales pressure, just straight answers so you can decide your next step confidently.
How it works: Book your $25 Zoom slot, tell me your dog’s name, age, and top challenge, and bring one recent scenario that keeps happening. I’ll map what’s likely going on in the nervous system and give you targeted steps to test immediately.
Who this is for: Guardians who’ve tried “be the alpha,” more treats, or even harsh "tools" and still feel stuck. If you want proof that a regulation‑first approach fits your dog before committing, this is the fastest way to know.
Outcome: You leave with a yes/no on fit, a mini plan you can run the same day, and a clear path if you want deeper support.
Transform your dog’s behavior by addressing what most training overlooks: regulation.
This 45-minute, in-person 1:1 session is built around my proprietary Regulation-First Method—a science-forward approach that fixes the sequence of training to unlock faster, more lasting results.
Most dogs aren’t disobedient—they’re dysregulated. When a dog is outside their Functional Zone, their brain can’t process or retain training. That’s when behaviors like reactivity, pulling, or “not listening” show up.
In this session, we correct that at the source.
Working in real NYC environments, we’ll identify your dog’s unique Regulation Type (R-Type) and systematically shift them into a state where learning becomes possible. From there, training becomes clearer, more efficient, and far more effective.
This is not generic obedience work—it’s targeted behavioral recalibration for dogs living in high-stimulation environments.
Ideal for:
• Reactivity to dogs, people, or city stimuli
• High-arousal, anxious, or unpredictable behavior
• Dogs who “know commands” but don’t follow through
• Owners ready for a more strategic, science-based approach
What you gain:
• A precise read on your dog’s behavioral patterns
• Immediate shifts in focus, responsiveness, and control
• Clear, repeatable strategies tailored to your dog and environment
• A more effective role in shaping your dog’s behavior
Session details:
• 45 minutes, in-person (NYC)
• Pay-as-you-go, no pricey "package" committment
• In depth detailed training plan
• email and text support for 4 weeks
• Full credit towards a package if you choose to have more sessions
How do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Animal Behaviorist
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
- Private Dog Training
- Dog Behaviorist
What training tools do you use?
- Back-clip Harness
- Barriers
- Clicker
- Front-clip Harness
- Leash
- Long Line
- Muzzle
- Praise/Affection
- Toys
- Treats
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Dog Obedience Training
- Pet Behavior Modification
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Dogs
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- PetCPR+ Pet CPR Certification
- The Family Dog Private Trainer Certified
Do you offer mobile services?
- Yes
Education
The School of Canine Science
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island, Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, Union City, West New York, North Bergen, Fort Lee, Guttenberg, Edgewater, Cliffside Park New Jersey
SERVICE AREA: Within 10 miles, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island, Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, Union City, West New York, North Bergen, Fort Lee, Guttenberg, Edgewater, Cliffside Park New Jersey
Distinction
Customer Reviews
Positive. Mari is great. She has patience and understanding. Would use her again.
- Maridith FMari was great. I didn’t get it all and I reached out to Mari and she sent detailed instructions from our visits.
- Mindy LHow do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Animal Behaviorist
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
- Private Dog Training
- Dog Behaviorist
What training tools do you use?
- Back-clip Harness
- Barriers
- Clicker
- Front-clip Harness
- Leash
- Long Line
- Muzzle
- Praise/Affection
- Toys
- Treats
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Dog Obedience Training
- Pet Behavior Modification
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Dogs
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- PetCPR+ Pet CPR Certification
- The Family Dog Private Trainer Certified
Do you offer mobile services?
- Yes
Education
The School of Canine Science
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island, Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, Union City, West New York, North Bergen, Fort Lee, Guttenberg, Edgewater, Cliffside Park New Jersey
Customer Reviews
Positive. Mari is great. She has patience and understanding. Would use her again.
- Maridith FMari was great. I didn’t get it all and I reached out to Mari and she sent detailed instructions from our visits.
- Mindy L🐶 About Mari Fetzer — Certified Dog Trainer in New York, New York
Mari Fetzer is a certified dog trainer serving New York and the surrounding New York County area, including nearby communities such as Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, The Bronx, Staten Island, Newark, Jersey City, Yonkers, Paterson, Elizabeth. They specialize in helping dogs and their people build calm, trusting, and lasting relationships through positive, science-based training. Whether you're working through leash pulling, anxiety, reactivity, or simply want a well-mannered companion, Mari tailors each session to your dog’s personality, history, and learning style—so progress feels natural and sustainable, not forced.
❤️ Great dog training isn’t just about commands — it’s about connection.
Mari works closely with you as the owner, helping you understand your dog’s behavior, build clear communication, and create routines that lead to real-world success at home and in public.
✅ Training Support for Real-Life Challenges
From everyday manners to more complex behavioral concerns, Mari provides practical, results-driven support with:
- Obedience and focus for home and public settings
- Leash training and more relaxed, enjoyable walks
- Reducing anxiety, fear, and reactivity
- Puppy and new dog foundations for long-term success
Recommended Certifications for Dog Trainers
When choosing a dog trainer, professional certifications are a strong indicator of expertise, experience, and commitment to ethical, science-based methods. Widely recognized credentials include the CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, which demonstrate mastery of modern training techniques, canine behavior, and learning theory. The KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) highlights trainers skilled in positive reinforcement and clicker training, while the IAABC Certified Dog Trainer credential, recognized internationally, signals advanced knowledge in behavior modification and problem-solving. Membership or certification through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) further reflects ongoing education and adherence to ethical standards. Many trainers also pursue specialty certifications in areas such as aggression management, behavior modification, or puppy development to address specific challenges.
For pet parents, choosing a certified trainer like Mari Fetzer, ensures that your dog’s training is grounded in science, safety, and compassion. Asking about a trainer’s credentials is one of the best ways to make a confident, informed choice.
⭐ Why Pet Parents Book Through PetWorks
Booking through PetWorks gives you more than access to a qualified trainer — it gives you confidence in your choice.
Mari is a verified professional who uses force-free, positive reinforcement methods grounded in modern behavioral science. Pet parents value the supportive, judgment-free approach, along with the ability to read verified reviews and book securely through a trusted platform.
🦔 How Booking Dog Training in New York, NY on PetWorks Works
Finding the right dog trainer starts with trust and fit. On PetWorks, you can explore Mari’s profile, read real feedback from pet parents across New York County, and either initiate a booking offer by clicking the "Book Now" button, or start with a conversation by clicking 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Send Message'.
Training works best when you begin at the right time. For puppies and newly adopted dogs, early training builds strong habits from the start. For older dogs, challenges like leash pulling, anxiety, or reactivity can absolutely improve with consistent, professional guidance — with many pet parents noticing meaningful progress within just a few sessions.
In New York and throughout New York, demand for experienced, force-free dog trainers can increase during the spring and early fall, when routines shift and outdoor activity picks up. Booking a bit in advance can help you secure the schedule that works best for you.
Most dog training sessions across the U.S. typically range from $75–$150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and training type. On PetWorks, you can review available services and choose the option that aligns with your goals.
All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. Every booking also includes PetWorks Care Coverage, giving you access to a dedicated concierge team, added protection, and support throughout your experience. Once you connect, you’ll coordinate scheduling, location, and training goals directly with Mari to get the most out of your sessions.
❓ Dog Training FAQs
How many dog training sessions will I need? Every dog is different, but many pet parents begin to see progress within 2–4 sessions. More complex behavior issues like reactivity or anxiety may require ongoing training and consistency at home.
Do you offer in-home dog training in New York, NY? Many trainers on PetWorks, including Mari, offer flexible options such as in-home sessions, local meetups, or virtual coaching. Check the services listed above or use Request Quote to confirm what works best for your situation.
Can dog training help with aggressive or reactive behavior? Yes. Positive, science-based training can be very effective in addressing reactivity, fear, and certain forms of aggression. Early guidance from a certified professional helps ensure safe, lasting progress.
🐾 Start Building a Better Relationship With Your Dog
Training is an investment in your dog’s happiness — and your peace of mind.
Explore Mari’s profile, read verified reviews from local pet parents across New York County, and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog today. Availability can vary week to week, so booking ahead is recommended.
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