New Skete Dog Training
Dog Training for all Breeds of Dogs
Our Training Program
Our Training Philosophy
Our goal is to help you fully enjoy life with your dog—and to help your dog understand how to thrive within your family. We focus on building clear communication, mutual trust, and the calm confidence that allows dogs to become reliable companions at home and in public.
Your dog will learn the core foundation behaviors—Heel/Let’s Go, Sit, Wait/Stay, Place, Come, Down, and Down-Stay—both on and off leash. We also address any specific behavioral concerns you share with us. Our approach, described in our books How to Be Your Dog’s Best Friend, The Art of Raising a Puppy, Divine Canine, and Let Dogs Be Dogs, The Art of Training Your Dog: How to Teach Good Behavior Using and E-collar, and The Joy of Playing with Your Dog, is rooted in praise, fairness, and consistent guidance.
Training unfolds through patience, repetition, and thoughtful leadership.
Standard Board & Train — 2.5 Weeks
Our most popular and comprehensive program, designed to build a strong foundation of manners, confidence, and responsiveness.
Includes:
• Boarding in our thoughtfully designed, beautifully maintained kennel
• Daily exercise and professional care
• Daily training sessions with our full training team
• Pre-arrival interview to understand your dog’s needs and answer questions
• Meeting with a monk/trainer upon arrival
• Report cards throughout your dog’s stay
• Copy of The Art of Training Your Dog:
How to Gently Teach Good Behavior Using an E-collar
• E-collar and any other training collar used with your dog
• Final interview with full demonstration and
private hands-on training for you
• Detailed training report for continued training at home
• Access to our training app and video library
• Support for the life of your dog
Cost $3,695.00 + NYS sales tax
Enhanced Board & Train — 4 Weeks
Ideal for anxious dogs, families needing extra support, or owners who want more foundational work before their dog returns home—ensuring a more confident and seamless continuation of training at home. This program provides the same high-quality training and full suite of benefits as our Standard program, with an extended stay that allows for deeper learning, confidence building, and more consistent behaviors.
Includes everything in the Standard Program, plus:
• Additional training time for anxious or easily overwhelmed dogs
• More repetition to solidify reliable behaviors
• More time for the dog to settle, adjust, and generalize skills
• A steadier return home due to increased stability and confidence
• Excellent option for busy dog owners and families
Cost $5,495.00 + NYS sales tax
1-Week Refresher Training
(For dogs who have previously completed our Standard or Enhanced Board & Train)
Life gets busy, and even well-trained dogs can benefit from a tune-up. Our Refresher Training program is designed to reinforce the skills your dog learned during their original board and train, helping reestablish good habits and rebuild confidence where needed.
Over the course of one week, your dog will work with our training team to review foundational exercises, strengthen responsiveness, and address any areas that have slipped over time. This is also an excellent alternative to traditional boarding when you’re traveling—allowing your dog to stay in a familiar environment while polishing their manners and obedience.
A Refresher stay helps your dog return home more focused, consistent, and ready to continue thriving in your life.
Cost $1,295.00 + NYS sales tax
The Art of Training Your Dog Workshop
A five-day, in-person workshop led by Brother Christopher, Marc Goldberg (co-author of The Art of Training Your Dog), and the New Skete training team.
This immersive program is designed for owners who want to train their own dog under expert guidance. Throughout the week, you and your dog will work directly with Brother Christopher and Marc as they teach and demonstrate the methods outlined in their book. Participants gain hands-on experience, clear instruction, and practical skills that can be applied immediately at home.
Offered twice a year with limited class size to ensure personal attention and a supportive learning environment.
The Training Team
Brother Christopher - Director of Training
With over 40 years of experience as a professional dog trainer, Brother Christopher serves as the primary author of the monks' acclaimed dog training books. He is a distinguished Hall of Fame member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), reflecting his expertise and dedication to the field.
Tom - Senior Trainer
Tom has been a valued member of the New Skete Dog Training team for over a decade. His journey began when he attended a workshop hosted at New Skete, later becoming an apprentice under Brother Christopher's mentorship. Tom holds a degree in psychology, which enhances his understanding of canine behavior. His passion for helping dogs and their owners inspired him to pursue a career in dog training. Tom is a proud member of the International Association of Canine Professionals.
Sarah - Dog Trainer
Sarah is a graduate of the Canine Training and Management Program at SUNY Cobleskill and has been a dedicated member of the New Skete training team for over four years. In addition to her training expertise, Sarah is an accomplished pet photographer. She is also a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals.
Click here to see "The Faces of New Skete Dog Training" photos by Sarah.
Brother Brennan - Dog Trainer/Monk
Brother Brennan's deep love for dogs and his thoughtful approach to training make him a valued addition to the New Skete training team. He is the first point of contact for clients when they arrive with their dogs. Here he is with his dog, Victoria, aka Tori.
Jeff - Dog Trainer/Resident Volunteer
Jeff came to New Skete in the spring of 2025 with hands-on experience in dog care and a heart for service. As he explores a monastic vocation, he contributes daily to the training team and community life with dedication and humility.
Josh - AM Kennel Attendant
Josh has been an integral part of the New Skete training team for over ten years. In addition to his work with the dogs, Josh manages the monastery's maintenance projects and serves as the monks' cook, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to the community.
Logan - Kennel Assistant
Logan joined the New Skete team in early spring 2023. Growing up on his family farm, he gained valuable experience raising alpacas, llamas, chickens, and various other animals. He currently assists a local Amish family in caring for their horses and sheep, further expanding his animal care expertise.
Clyde - Kennel Assistant
Clyde is the youngest member of our team, joining New Skete in late summer 2025 after graduating high school. He brings energy and enthusiasm to his role—especially when it comes to leading spirited games of fetch.
Ida - Training Coordinator/Assistant
Ida has served as the Director of Marketing and Communications for New Skete Monasteries for over 15 years. Shortly after joining the monastery, she began assisting the training team by coordinating training schedules and working directly with clients, ensuring smooth communication and excellent service.