Business Details
30 Years
experience
Expert Dog Training Services in Ocean County, NJ
Founded in 1996, our business has dedicated over 25 years to transforming the lives of dogs and their owners through compassionate, science-based training methods. We specialize in creating personalized solutions that address behavioral challenges while fostering stronger bonds between pets and their families. Our team combines decades of hands-on experience with continuous education in animal behavior to deliver results-oriented programs tailored to each dog's unique needs. We pioneered outdoor group classes that emphasize socialization in real-world environments while maintaining structured learning. Our proprietary behavior modification protocols have successfully resolved complex issues like aggression, anxiety, and destructive habits. We maintain rigorous professional standards through ongoing skill development and adherence to ethical training practices that prioritize animal welfare.Our track record demonstrates consistent success across thousands of cases, from basic obedience to advanced canine good citizen certification. We offer flexible service delivery options including in-home visits, facility-based sessions, and virtual consultations to accommodate diverse client needs. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond training through comprehensive post-session support and educational resources. We maintain transparent communication channels to ensure clients fully understand training methodologies and implementation strategies. This dedication to comprehensive, ethical pet education has established us as trusted experts in canine behavior modification.
Services
Group Classes
Private Lessons
Behavior Modification
AKC Certification
New Puppy Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of proven experience in canine behavior modification
- Our team provides virtual training options for Long Island residents
- We utilize science-based positive reinforcement training methods
- We prepare dogs for American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen certification
- Our customized behavior modification programs address specific canine challenges
What people say
Patient and caring
Amazing results
Wonderful trainer
Positive reinforcement
Highly recommend
Services
Group Classes
Structured outdoor training sessions for puppies and adult dogs focusing on socialization and obedience. Our classes teach essential commands while addressing common behavioral issues in group settings. Participants receive written training guides and personalized feedback to reinforce learning at home. Programs run five weeks with weekly 45-60 minute sessions.
Private Lessons
Customized one-on-one training conducted at client homes or our facility. Sessions cover basic obedience, advanced commands, and real-world behavior management. We provide tailored training plans with follow-up materials to ensure consistent progress. Pricing varies based on location and training complexity.
Behavior Modification
Specialized programs addressing aggression, anxiety, and destructive behaviors through systematic desensitization. Initial consultations include comprehensive behavioral assessments and customized intervention plans. Follow-up sessions provide ongoing support with written progress reports to track improvements over time.
AKC Certification
Preparation for American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen certification through structured obedience training. Programs develop essential skills for passing the 10-test CGC evaluation while improving overall manners. Includes practice sessions simulating testing environments to build confidence and reliability.
New Puppy Consultation
Three-hour comprehensive session covering puppy socialization, housebreaking, and basic training. We provide safety assessments for puppy-proofing homes and preventing problem behaviors. Consultation includes detailed written resources and follow-up support to ensure proper development during critical early months.
People
Helen Del Bove
Owner/Trainer
Certified professional dog trainer with 25+ years experience specializing in positive reinforcement methods. Recognized for successful behavior modification programs and AKC certification preparation. Maintains ongoing education in animal behavior science and training techniques.
Questions
Do you offer virtual training options?
Yes, we provide virtual training services for Long Island residents through remote lessons and phone consultations.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Ocean County, NJ with virtual options available for Long Island clients.
Are group classes available year-round?
Group classes operate seasonally, typically resuming in April after winter hiatus periods.
Do you prepare dogs for AKC certification?
Yes, we offer specialized training programs to prepare dogs for American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen testing.
What behavior issues can you address?
Our behavior modification programs handle aggression, anxiety, housebreaking, resource guarding, and destructive behaviors.
Do you offer puppy-specific training?
Yes, we provide new puppy consultations covering socialization, housebreaking, and basic obedience training essentials.
Reviews (6)
Ro Dunn
Apr 20, 2020
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Helen is awesome! She gave me great direction to keep up the training going forward. Highly recommend
Stephanie Larkin
Oct 26, 2019
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Helen is absolutely wonderful to work with. She is patient and kind, and her knowledge supersedes any trainer I have ever met. I highly recommend her!
Maryellen Pierce
Nov 29, 2017
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Helen DelBove has the patience of a saint with all dogs and their humans. Love one of her mottos: Don't complain, train! I brought my 3 dogs for training and they are so good. Positive training works best. Helen started me using hand cues when they were puppies and I am glad she did. My oldest is now 12 and deaf, so hand cues are a life saver. Thank you Helen.
Andi V.
Jul 21, 2017
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I am truly grateful to Helen for working with our dog when we brought home our newborn daughter. We have a large Coonhound mix who is generally friendly; however, he can be neurotic at times and his first reaction to our new baby was BAD. Helen worked miracles and now our beloved first child (our dog) and baby can safely coexist. We also took puppy training classes with Helen and these were great for teaching our dog basic manners. I cannot say enough good thing about Helen; she is an extremely capable dog trainer and a genuine person, I highly recommend her.
Laura Kowalski
Dec 27, 2016
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Working with Helen has been an amazing experience! I can honestly say that with her guidance the relationship between my dog and myself has been transformative. She is a positive reinforcement trainer ( the only way to train) and she knows what is needed to aid in the communication between dog and human. I highly recommend her for anyone wanting to learn how to talk with their dog.
Marilyn Mitacchione
Dec 30, 2015
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My experience is one of great Satisfaction.not only for my Little Charlie Boy (chiweenie) But for myself.learning how to handle little Charlie Boy was so Exciting for me. Coach Helen is a professional trainer and shows her expertize with patience and love to all of her fur-children. High recommendation for SmartyPaws
