ABOUT
Certified dog trainer and behavior consultant, Diana Sillaots CCDT
I work with dogs and their people to make city life less stressful and more manageable. My style is straightforward: positive reinforcement, practical tools, and a sense of humor when things get messy (because they usually do).
I believe training should be about partnership, not pressure. I promote the dog’s choice to do the right thing, because real progress comes when the dog wants to engage, not when they’re forced. Play is a big part of the process — games help build focus, confidence, and calm, especially in an unpredictable city environment (yes, even when a skateboarder, a siren, and a pigeon all show up at once).
Through my work in New York, I’ve seen how often dogs struggle with anxiety or over-arousal in daily life. A big part of what I do is help dogs find predictability and safety in a world that feels overwhelming. I use relaxation exercises and structured pattern games to give anxious dogs a sense of control, helping them feel calmer and more confident in their choices.
I offer private, in-home training sessions, because dogs learn best in the places where they live and feel most comfortable. This allows me to address behaviors in real-life contexts — inside the home, on the sidewalk, or wherever challenges show up.
As a LIMA trainer (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive), I don’t rely on punishment. Instead, I use science-based, humane methods that support long-term behavioral wellness. The result is a stronger bond between you and your dog, and a companion who feels more at ease in the world (and maybe even less convinced that the doorbell is a personal threat).
Helping Dogs Keep Their Cool,
One Siren at a Time.
TESTIMONIALS:
"It has been a pleasure working with Diana for our rescue pitbull, Amy. Diana has been patient, kind, and loving to Amy, and helped her navigate the world in a way that’s less stressful for both us and her.
Diana started by setting goals with us — less jumping, better impulse control, and lower leash reactivity. We had sessions inside and outside our home to see what worked best in different environments.
We’ve seen significant strides in Amy’s name recall, loose leash walking, her reactivity on leash, her ability to recover after a trigger, and her ability to settle down even in the chaos of New York City.
Diana has only ever used positive reinforcement, which was non-negotiable for us. Every time we take Amy on a walk, we can visibly see the difference — and feel it too (in the strain she doesn’t put on our arms anymore, lol).
We cannot recommend Diana enough!”
— Amy’s family
Feel free to use the form below to schedule our initial
Phone Consultation,
I’d love to hear about Your Dog
(The Good, the Bad, and why the Squirrels started it).