Reactive & Aggressive Dog Training · Westchester, NY

Reactive & Aggressive Dog Training in Westchester, NY

Help for dogs that bark, lunge, or react—and for serious aggression, bite history, and resource guarding. Structured board & train and private programs built for safety and real-world results. Servicing Westchester, NY & Fairfield County, CT.

Limited monthly training spots available.

Problems we fix

We Help With

Reactive Dog Training

Reactive Dog Training

If your dog barks, lunges, or melts down at the sight of other dogs or people, that's reactivity—an over-aroused, over-threshold response. We help your dog learn to stay calm, focused, and under control around the triggers that set them off.

Board & train vs. private lessons: for reactive dogs, a board & train is often the stronger choice—a reset out of the dog's everyday environment lets us build new patterns before handing the skills back to you. Private lessons can work for milder cases when you're ready to practice consistently.

Dog Aggression Training

Dog Aggression Training

Aggression—biting, serious dog- or people-directed aggression, and resource guarding—is handled with a safety-first process. These are the tough cases we're known for taking on—dogs that other trainers often can't handle—with an honest, structured approach rather than quick fixes or unrealistic promises.

Safety first: we assess carefully and structure training around safety for your dog, your family, and the public. Serious cases need a longer board & train for proper rehabilitation—and we're honest about outcomes. We don't make unrealistic guarantees; aggressive dogs typically need long-term management, and we're upfront about that.

Program Options

Program Options

Why Owners Choose Us

Why Owners Choose Us

Trained by Angelo

Meet The Trainer

Angelo Presta

Owner & Head Trainer

Angelo works hands-on with every dog and owner, taking on cases from basic obedience to serious behavior issues that other trainers often turn away. His approach is built on clear communication, consistency, and accountability—not quick fixes.

Because intake is intentionally limited, every client gets focused attention and a program tailored to their dog—plus the handler skills to keep results going long after training ends.

A Real Owner’s Story

Client testimonial

Hear directly from an owner whose dog went from no control to reliable, calm obedience—in their own words.

Aggression & disobedience → calm, social & in control

Before: severe aggression toward other dogs, plus disobedience and destructive chewing around the house.

After: still his fun, playful self — but calm, social, and reliably following the rules at home.

“I was nervous about an e-collar — I didn’t want to hurt my dog. But it just startles the bad behavior; it doesn’t have to be painful, and it’s simple training I can keep up at home. I’d recommend Angelo to anybody.”

— Ranger’s owner

Client Reviews

“Angelo is a wonderful dog trainer. Regardless of age/temperament/breed of your dog, I highly recommend sending your dog for obedience boarding with him. He takes the time to understand the uniqueness to each dog, and structure a program towards that so that they become wonderful lifelong pets for the owners.“
- Ri Mehta
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“Angelo is awesome. His attention to detail, his keen insight and ability to see what’s actually going on and what my dog needed is spot on. Since working with him Hercules is more responsive and less stubborn, amazing walks and way less reactive to other dogs etc. Angelo gives clear direction, homework and lessons. We will continue to work with him for however long! I highly recommend anyone with any issue to work with him.“
- Jennifer Vagios
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“The Art of K9 is wonderful and I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs a little or a lot of help with their dogs. I have two large dogs (2 year old golden retriever and 4 year old Old English Bulldog). They ruled the house until I sent them to Angelo at the Art of K9. Now they are so much more behaved and Angelo gave us the tools to make sure they stay that way.“
- Jen Dehardt
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Reactive & Aggressive Dog Training FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you work with reactive and aggressive dogs?

Yes. We’re known for taking on tough cases that other trainers turn away. We tailor each program to the individual dog, and for reactive or aggressive dogs we typically use an e-collar for long-term management. Note that aggressive and reactive dogs are not candidates for off-leash work.

Will my dog always have to wear the training tools (e-collar, prong collar etc.)?

For dogs with a bite history, door-charging, or reactivity, we’re most likely using an e-collar for long-term management to upkeep the training. We recommend the dog wears their e-collar full-time for at least a year, as planned out in your go-home instructions.

Will my dog listen to me when they get home?

Yes. At the end of your program we work hands-on with you so you get the training needed to upkeep it. Developing proper handler skills, holding your dog accountable, and setting the right lifestyle are what keep your dog reliable long-term.

Can my aggressive dog be “cured”?

We’re honest about expectations. We aim for an overall 50–85% improvement and don’t offer a 100% guarantee—we’re working with living animals, and genetics plus owner consistency play a role. For serious aggression, think long-term management rather than a one-time fix. Our guarantee is full support as long as you stay consistent.

How long does training take?

Your dog gets roughly 1.5–2 hours of formal obedience throughout the day, plus walks, duration commands, and field trips—every time they’re out of the crate, it’s training time. Serious reactivity and aggression typically need a longer board & train, which we’ll recommend based on your dog.

How do I get started?

Call us or request a training call and we’ll talk through your dog’s behavior and recommend the right program. To reserve a board & train, we require a non-refundable $1,000 deposit (deducted from your balance) and a signed agreement; the balance is generally due on the first day.