Contact us: (516) 217-1604

K9 Mania Dog Trainers & Facility Staff

Our mission is to provide exceptional and progressive balanced dog training, with the highest quality service. The goal is to allow our clients to have a better experience by unleashing their dog’s true potential and guiding dog owners.

The process includes helping dog owners understand, communicate, work with their dogs, resolve training challenges and behavior problems in a real world setting.

We have a team of dog trainers and dog behaviorists in Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan areas with the passion of helping dog owners achieve a happy and harmonious relationship with their dogs.

From the simplest to most severe behavioral problems, K9 Mania dog training will consistently deliver results that are proven to exceed our clients’ expectations.

We work with all breeds, any dog, and any problem. If you are ready to transform your dog and your life, we are ready to help!

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Elliot Rosenberg

Owner/ Head Dog Trainer/ Dog Behaviorist

Born in Long Island, Elliot Rosenberg is a Certified Master Trainer and Behaviorist who joins positive reinforcement with balanced training methods to instill trust and respect in the dogs he trains.

For over 10 years he has rehabilitated and trained hundreds of happy dogs to compete professionally in obedience, tracking, herding, agility, and protection sport. Fostering a lifelong love for learning how dogs communicate, he coaches dog trainers and pet parents on basic and advanced obedience, search and rescue, and behavior modification.

Previously Elliot spent 7 years in Costa Rica training high-drive (working) dogs in a variety of dog sports. But his passion remains with owners who are desperate for help. Highly skilled in the diagnosis of behavior issues in dogs with aggression, fear, and separation anxiety, Elliot puts together specialized individual programs to tackle each problem.

Elliot holds a B.A. degree in Psychology from Queens College. His best pet memories are of his Dutch Shepherds, Momba and Sergeant, whom he trained in elite search and rescue, and his German Shepherd, Troy Hartis, who he competed with internationally in Schutzhund and IPO/IGP dog sport.

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Jake Muller

Head Dog Trainer/ Dog Behaviorist

Jake Muller is a Certified Dog Trainer from Oceanside, whose family has been raising award-winning show dogs all his life. Surrounded by these skilled trainers, understanding dogs became second nature, which is why he has spent the last 5 years working with dogs to help improve their behavior and help them live happier lives.

Working at K9 Mania Dog Training, Jake has touched the lives of so many fur parents by helping them with their dog’s behavioral issues. Thanks to his presence at our dog training facility in Deer Park, Long Island, he helps transform even more lives along with everyone else on the staff.

One of the recent families he’s helped is a German Sheperd Collie mix named Solo that struggled with crippling anxiety. Before meeting him, Solo used to refuse to leave the house and would bite his owners without warning. His owners were struggling to administer medication to calm him down and were even considering putting him to sleep. But after 3 weeks of training with Jake and the K9 Mania Dog Training family, Solo is now almost completely off his medication and is even willing to go on adventures with his family.

“I believe the most difficult behavior I’ve helped work with are fear and anxiety. There are dogs whose fears are so crippling that anything out of their comfort zone completely shuts them down. For some dogs, moving away from that kind of fear can be a very long process, while other dogs can overcome fear more quickly with the right support. You can never know how long this process can take. My advice to everyone dealing with that kind of crippling fear is just to be patient.” — Jake’s advice for working with fearful and anxious dogs.

To Jake, the most rewarding part of being a dog trainer is changing the lives of dogs AND their owners. Seeing the owners go from miserable to living the happiest life possible with their dog makes all the work absolutely worth it.

His approach to teaching is supportive, practical, and friendly and has earned the trust of many fur parents. Jake is a balanced dog trainer and uses all training methods at his disposal to achieve the best result. He believes that every dog is different and that every training style is unique to every dog.

Training is a complicated process, and it can be frustrating for dog owners when the usual methods don’t work. Jake’s advice for dog owners is to simply ask for help, get educated, and exercise patience. By seeing and learning other training methods, dog owners can find out what training style suits their dog the most.

Jake loves boxers, partly due to his admiration and respect for his grandmother’s work with them in dog shows. He considers them an extremely intelligent and fiercely loyal breed.

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Jayden Rowe

head Dog Trainer/ Dog Behaviorist

Jayden Rowe has spent a good chunk of his life transforming the lives of dogs the way they have transformed his, making him passionate about helping dogs and their owners build happy and healthy relationships.

With 4 years of experience (and counting!) working at doggy daycare and boarding facilities, Jayden knows all the tricks in the book when it comes to nurturing the well-being of dogs and bringing out their fullest potential, from basic obedience to behavioral modification and everything in between.

He has plenty of experience in caring for dogs, knowing what to look out for, and how to properly handle different situations so every dog’s needs are met.

Jayden likes to use balanced dog training techniques. With consistency and persistence, Jayden believes no dog is impossible to train.

For Jayden, the most rewarding part of being a dog trainer is witnessing their progress and transformation from start to finish. There’s nothing quite like being with them every step of the way!

“I love all the different personalities dogs have and the bond you can create with them. They have so much love they can express for everyone.” —- Jayden, on what he loves about working with dogs

One of the things that Jayden likes to do when handling dogs is to stay calm and composed. This, combined with a slow and steady approach, helps put dogs at ease and gives them a chance to get used to his presence at their own pace. Once he builds that initial level of trust, he then uses treats and pets to help make them feel loved.

He’s absolutely smitten by the charm and personality of pitbulls. He finds their big personalities and funny energy endearing.

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David Loehr

Canine Behavior Evaluator
& Program Director

David Loehr is an experienced sales executive with over 20 years of expertise in growing businesses, building strong teams, and creating strong client relationships. As the Canine Behavior Evaluator and Program Director at K9 Mania, David combines his passion for dogs with his leadership skills to make sure clients and their dogs have the best experience possible.

As the Canine Behavior Evaluator and Program Director, David works closely with the training team to assess and improve the programs, ensuring that each training approach is tailored to meet the needs of the dogs and their owners. His goal is to help every dog reach their full potential while making sure the process is rewarding for both dogs and their families.

David believes that every dog deserves a loving home, with a special passion for helping rescue dogs find their forever families. He loves seeing a dog’s happy face when they get a reward—whether it’s for good behavior or simply because they deserve it. He always strives to be a calm and steady presence, which helps dogs trust him and feel comfortable.

David enjoys spending time with his dog, Shadow, an Australian Cattle Dog mix. Shadow is incredibly loving and always knows when someone needs comfort—she’ll gently give her paw to cheer them up, a gesture that never fails to bring a smile to David’s face.

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Gaby Kaufman

Head Dog Trainer

Gaby Kaufman is a seasoned dog trainer with years of dedicated experience in enhancing canine lives through a unique combination of expertise in both canine nutrition and behavior training. Her approach is holistic, and balanced and seeks to provide comprehensive support for dogs’ dietary and obedience needs.

As a dog trainer, Gaby believes there’s no such thing as “difficult” behavior, only opportunities for improvement. She tackles complex health issues, including allergies and anxiety, using her nutritional knowledge to improve the overall well-being of every dog she works with. She also guides dogs with various forms of anxiety through tailored approaches designed to fit each individual case.

Her best advice is to embrace patience. Her emphasis on patience has transformed many scared dogs into confident, happy companions ready to face life’s unexpected moments with a wagging tail.

Gaby strongly believes that educating dog owners is as important as training their dogs. She strives to correct misconceptions, such as the improper use of crates as punitive measures. Instead, she teaches that crates should be a sanctuary, promoting positive associations and ensuring dogs view them as a safe haven.

At home, Gaby’s heart belongs unequivocally to two particular breeds—the noble German Shepherd and the spirited Doberman. Her six-year-old therapy-trained shepherd and her one-year-old Doberman, who enjoys demonstrating his obedience skills, are a testament to her training excellence—a truly dynamic pair.

Natalie Cullen

Natalie Cullen

Dog Trainer

Meet Natalie Cullen, a dedicated dog trainer at K9 Mania. With years of experience in animal care, Natalie’s journey began in animal hospitals, where her passion for helping dogs grew into a fulfilling career.

Her training approach emphasizes building trust and confidence through love, play, and consistent practice, ensuring each dog develops strong bonds and essential lifelong skills. She also believes that consistency and patience in training are essential to get amazing results. 

As a dog trainer, Natalie excels at resolving behavioral issues such as anxiety. Her expertise and empathy during every session demonstrate this, making her a trusted partner for dog owners seeking lasting behavioral improvements. 

Natalie’s favorite breeds, particularly German Shepherds, reflect her admiration for their intelligence and potential to become the best dog with the right training.

 
Jaime Bruer

Jaime Bruer

Dog Trainer

With over 20 years of experience, Jaime Bruer has dedicated her life to working with dogs. Her journey began in shelters, where she played a crucial role in resocializing abused dogs, helping them overcome their fears and anxieties. She holds a certification in Basic Veterinary Science and has helped in hoarding cases in the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

As a dog trainer, Jaime uses a balanced approach, focusing on rewards to bring out the best in each dog. She knows that every dog is different, so she tailors her methods to fit each one’s needs. 

For Jaime, successful dog training is all about being patient, earning the dog’s trust, and understanding what motivates them. She proved this with one of her toughest cases: a severely beaten dog that was too scared to let anyone near. With time, patience, and care, Jaime helped the dog see that not all humans are bad, turning him into a more trusting and friendly companion.

Jaime finds joy in working with “spicier” breeds, viewing their spirited nature as a sign of intelligence. She also loves Rottweilers, Belgian Malinois, and Shepherds.

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Erika Kohutka

Dog Trainer

Erika Kohutka is a skilled dog trainer with over a decade of experience in the dog industry, including four years specializing in dog training. Her lifelong passion for dogs allows her to connect with and understand her canine clients.

As a dog trainer, Erika primarily uses positive reinforcement methods, but she tailors her approach to each dog’s unique needs, recognizing that some may respond better to other techniques. Over the years, she has helped many dogs overcome fear, aggression, leash reactivity, and other behavioral challenges through a combination of training, confidence-building, and tailored approaches.

For Erika, dog training is about more than just the dog—it’s also about educating the owners. She takes the time to teach them how to manage fear-driven aggression and stresses the importance of consistency in reinforcing commands. Seeing the joy of owners when they experience their dog’s transformation is the most rewarding part of her work.

To her, the keys to successful dog training are patience, consistency, and a positive mindset. Erika believes building trust between the dog and owner is just as important as teaching commands.

While Erika deeply loves all animals (including fish), she has a special affection for Dobermans, Italian Greyhounds, and Mini Schnauzers. She has two beloved dogs at home: a sassy, long-haired Chiweenie and a German Shepherd passionate about playing fetch.

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Janine Cantalupo

Dog Trainer/ Dog Behaviorist

Janine Cantalupo is a highly accomplished dog trainer who has dealt with an extensive number of cases involving dog behavioral issues with exceptional professionalism.

This led to her numerous successful resolutions of cases where desperate dog owners simply didn’t know what to do or who to turn to. Her vast experience, considerable expertise, and unbending work ethic have been a major godsend to K9 Mania Dog Training.

Janine’s track record with clients, both before and after joining the K9 Mania Dog Training family speaks volumes of her capabilities in fixing embarrassing or undesirable dog behavior. Her outstanding interpersonal skills are also a huge asset in allowing her to work with frustrated dog owners.

In fact, Janine makes it a point to stay in touch with clients even after their dogs have graduated from their training programs. This is why her clients put so much trust in her ability to solve their dilemmas involving their dogs. It also gives clients proof of her devotion to her calling as a professional dog trainer.

Janine has been an avid animal lover from a young age and grew up surrounded by them, particularly dogs. This allowed her to become comfortable around canines and ignited her desire to work with them in a professional capacity. Janine has an excellent sense of humor and a deep devotion to providing safe havens for dogs.

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James Shannon

Dog Trainer

James Shannon is an enthusiastic assistant dog trainer at K9 Mania. Working with dogs for over a decade, James Shannon focuses on helping dogs master basic obedience through balanced training techniques. 

As a dog trainer, his approach is patient and focused. He’s especially skilled at addressing challenging behaviors like anxiety and recently guided a dog through successful off-leash training. 

A strong believer in the importance of timing, James teaches dog owners about the critical 1.3-second window for corrections. His favorite saying, “Slow is fast and fast is slow,” reflects his patient, methodical approach to training.

James finds great joy in watching dogs progress over time, evolving into the best versions of themselves.

Among all breeds, James has a special affection for Dobermans, admiring their loyalty and intelligence.

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Brett Lawrence

Dog Trainer

Brett Lawrence is a skilled dog trainer with over 13 years of experience specializing in large breeds. Known for his expertise, Brett assists NY-based rescues in assessing the behavior of extra-large breeds like Landseers, Great Danes, and more.

As a dog trainer, Brett focuses on helping dogs confidently take commands and build strong bonds with their owners. Brett’s approach to dog training is simple: focus on positive reinforcement, build trust, and ensure every dog knows they are loved and understood.

Brett’s training style is rooted in empathy and patience, always focusing on what motivates each dog. He believes every dog is unique, and tailoring training to fit their personality is key to success.

Whether helping dogs overcome aggression towards other dogs or guiding a fear-aggressive 220-pound Mastiff, Brett is proud to witness the transformation that happens when a dog gains confidence.

One of Brett’s favorite breeds to work with is the Great Dane. His personal experience with his daughter’s bond with two Great Danes showed him just how loving and compassionate these gentle giants can be. That connection further solidified Brett’s passion for helping dogs and their families live happier, more balanced lives.

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Yasuri Manterola

Content Lead & Operations Admin

Yasuri Manterola is K9 Mania’s Content Lead & Operations Admin, combining her lifelong love for dogs with her skills in creating engaging content and managing daily operations. With years of experience in caring for dogs, she has always formed a deep and meaningful bond with each dog in her care.

In her role as Content Lead, Yasuri brings this passion and understanding of dogs into her work, creating content that reflects K9 Mania’s dedication to canine care. As Operations Admin, she ensures everything runs smoothly, contributing to the success of the team and the well-being of the dogs.

Yasuri’s approach to dog care is all about keeping dogs happy and active with play, running, and long walks. She also knows gentle petting and calm words can help dogs relax and feel safe.

For her, the most rewarding part is seeing the joy dogs bring, inspired daily by her own playful Cockapoo, who loves backyard games of fetch.

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Karym Rodriguez

dog trainer & Kennel Tech

Karym Rodriguez is a passionate dog trainer and talented Kennel Technician with an incredible dedication for her work in the dog training industry. With experience in grooming, care, and training, Karym knows how to keep dogs healthy, comfortable, and well-behaved.

Karym goes above and beyond to ensure the dogs under her care are happy and well-loved. She believes in nurturing and shaping the lives of vulnerable creatures like dogs, and her dedication and affection for them permeate her work.

When handling dogs, Karym brings a warm and loving energy to her workplace, creating happier and more welcoming spaces. She approaches her training by being calm and observant of each dog’s unique needs, helping them stay relaxed. If a pup shows signs of anxiety, she takes them out for walks, talks, and affection.

Her favorite thing about working with dogs is their character, which makes her work incredibly fulfilling and worthwhile. Karym is an animal lover at heart and adores all kinds of dogs.

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Priscilla Garcia

dog trainer & Kennel Tech

Meet Priscilla Garcia, one of K9 Mania Dog Training’s dedicated kennel technicians and a passionate dog trainer! With a heart full of love for dogs, she’s committed to providing the best possible care for all the dogs she works with.

Her favorite part about working with dogs is feeding and playing with them, making sure to help them relax by taking them out for walks and giving them plenty of love and attention to help them feel happy and comfortable.

As a skilled dog trainer, Priscilla enjoys guiding dogs through their training journey, helping them develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive. She takes pride in seeing the transformation of dogs, whether they’re learning basic obedience or overcoming behavioral challenges, and is dedicated to helping each one reach its full potential.
Priscilla believes the key to keeping dogs happy is empathy and building trust. She knows these qualities can help accelerate their growth toward a healthier, happier, and higher quality of life.

As a proud owner of German Shepherds—her favorite breed—Priscilla loves their commitment and loyalty, especially as they look after her disabled parents.

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Kimberly Tierra

ASST. DOG TRAINER & Kennel Tech

Meet Kimberly Tierra, an enthusiastic assistant dog trainer and kennel technician at K9 Mania. She has always been passionate about animals, and her extensive knowledge about their care and well-being shines through in her work. 

Working as an assistant dog trainer and kennel technician, Kimberly makes sure that the dogs are always in a clean environment and receive balanced daily portions of food. She also incorporates games and activities into their routine to keep them engaged and focused on the physical and mental well-being of the dogs in her care. 

What Kimberly loves most about working with dogs is the ability to connect with them and understand their unique personalities.

Kimberly’s favorite breed is the Chihuahua, influenced by her cherished companion, Terry. Terry, her loyal and occasionally possessive Chihuahua, is not just her best friend but also her constant companion.

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Francisco Baquerizo

ASST. DOG TRAINER & Kennel Tech

Francisco Baquerizo is a dedicated assistant dog trainer and kennel technician at K9 Mania, where he brings his passion for dogs to life every day. Francisco has always had a deep love for them, honed through years of caring for his own dogs.

As a kennel tech, Francisco’s approach is simple yet effective: he believes that keeping dogs happy starts with love and positive reinforcement. Working as an assistant dog trainer, he takes pride in teaching dogs to obey using rewards like food, making learning a joyful experience for them.

Francisco is particularly skilled at helping dogs relax and feel at ease. Whether it’s through gentle rubs, fun walks, or playtime in the park, he knows how to create a calm and happy environment for every dog in his care.

His favorite breed is the Pitbull, a reflection of his appreciation for strong and loyal companions.

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Kimberly Tierra

Kennel Tech

Meet Kimberly Tierra, an enthusiastic and committed kennel technician at K9 Mania. She has always been passionate about animals, and her extensive knowledge about their care and well-being shines through in her work.

Working as a kennel tech, Kimberly makes sure that the dogs are always in a clean environment and receive balanced daily portions of food. She also incorporates games and activities into their routine to keep them engaged and focused on the physical and mental well-being of the dogs in her care. 

What Kimberly loves most about working with dogs is the ability to connect with them and understand their unique personalities.

Kimberly’s favorite breed is the Chihuahua, influenced by her cherished companion, Terry. Terry, her loyal and occasionally possessive Chihuahua, is not just her best friend but also her constant companion.

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Our Team

K9 Mania Dog Training’s mission and promise to you is that we will provide the best and most progressive balanced dog training, with the highest quality service.

Our Method

K9 Mania Dog Training is a balanced dog training company Together, with our team of dog trainers and dog behaviorists…

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