New Skete Dog Training
Dog Training for all Breeds of Dogs
- help correct nuisance behaviors
- deepen the bond between you and your dog
- ensure your dog's safety and happiness
- nurture a good canine companion
Our Training Program
A 2.5 week course in AKC (American Kennel Club) type obedience, incorporating the values of our monastic environment.
Our technique and philosophy
Our aim is to make it possible for owners to include their dogs fully in their lives, to help them realize the dream of what such a relationship can be.
We teach your dog the Heel/Let’s go, Sit, Wait/Stay, Place, Come, Down and Down-Stay on and off leash, and help you with any behavioral difficulties you have mentioned to us. Our method, described at length in our books, "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend," "The Art of Raising a Puppy," “Divine Canine,” and "Let Dogs Be Dogs," employs a philosophy of praise, fairness, and discipline, set against a background of patience, repetition, and dedication.
In addition, over the years, we have had great success integrating remote collars into our training program. These collars use very low-level electrical impulses (usually lower than a human can feel in their own hand) in conjunction with commands to reinforce understanding and bring your dog to on and off-leash reliability, while adjusting unwanted behavior in less time and with much less stress than ever before.
Our Training
Here at New Skete we offer a course in AKC (American Kennel Club) type obedience, incorporating the values of our monastic environment with the teaching of standard exercises both on and off leash. We also help owners with behavioral difficulties they may mention to us. (Please note that some behavioral issues may require a longer or different program than offered at New Skete.)
The course runs 2.5 weeks, and includes:
• Boarding
• Exercise and care
• Daily training
• Remote collar and any other training collar used with your dog
• Final interview with demo and private hands-on training with owner
• Training report for continued education at home
* Access to training app and video library
(We ask that you supply your dog's food.)
Our training comes with support for the life of your dog.
The program includes follow up to insure your happiness and success.
We are always available to help dogs that have completed our training.
The cost for training is $3,495.00 + NYS sales tax. If you are interested in enrolling your dog in the program, please complete the webform. We need to have your application electronically on record in order to keep track of your dog's place on our waiting list.
1 Week Refresher Training
This program is for dogs that have completed the 2.5 weeks program.
We understand that sometimes life gets hectic and situations can arise that may cause training to sink on our lists of priorities. It is easy to get side-tracked.
This one-week program refreshes your dog’s training, building on the foundation from the first board and train.
$1,295 + NYS sales tax.
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 pictured here in front of the Transfiguration Temple with New Skete Shepherd, Liberty.
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.
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.
Client Feedback
Dear Brother Christopher,
Susa has been a joy to have at home. We train every day and she seems to love the exercises. As you can see from the picture, she has become quite enthusiastic about coming when called (and all her other exercises). Thanks again for your wonderful work with her.
Best Wishes
Anne & Nelson
Couldn't resist our snapping these pictures!
Our 4 & 3/4 year old (as she says) granddaughter loves Greta and had her sit and heel today. We thought they both did very well, and thought we would share it with you.
This was spur of the moment and without "tools." We just received the new charger, and will be using it as soon as it is revved up.
Mary
Dog Training Workshops and Seminars
The Art of Training Your Dog Workshop
Based upon their highly rated book, The Art of Training Your Dog: How to Gently Teach Good Behavior Using an E-Collar, this workshop is appropriate for beginner and experienced e-collar users.
Perfect for anyone that would like to learn the unique and detailed method taught in the book with all the authors' professional shortcuts to move things along quicker.
Work with a New Skete dog, bring your own dog, or participate without handling a dog.
This workshop is conducted by Brother Christopher and co-author Marc Goldberg at New Skete Monastery.
Employment Opportunity
We are not hiring at this time
