Our owner/trainer Tressie has been training professionally since she became an Accredited Pet Trainer in 2008. She has successfully been in business for 10 years and has managed 30 other trainers for another company in-between. She also owns a pet sitting and dog walking company in NC. After moving to New York in 2023, she decided to relocate her business and share her knowledge with others in this area. She has trained a mobility/PTSD service dog for ex-NFL player Brian Schaeffering. Before her career, she participated in dog shows through 4-H and FFA. She has judged several dog obedience events as well as being a participant herself. Tressie is a balanced trainer, who uses the best methods for each dog/case. She keeps an open mind when evaluating a dog and is always extending her knowledge on a daily basis. She has experience with therapy dogs, service dogs, obedience events, and protection sports.
About
Coach Tressie
Coach Don
My name is Donald Opanhoske, and I’ve been professionally training dogs since 2001. With over two decades of hands-on experience, I’ve dedicated my career to understanding canine behavior and helping dogs and their owners build strong, respectful relationships.
Throughout my journey, I’ve earned certifications from some of the most respected dog training schools in the world, continuously expanding my knowledge and refining my craft. I actively compete in both obedience and protection sports, which keeps my skills sharp and my training methods current.
As a balanced dog trainer, I believe there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every dog is different—and so is every human. That’s why I create personalized training plans tailored to each dog’s temperament, behavior, and the goals of their owner. Whether you’re dealing with basic obedience, behavioral challenges, or preparing for competitive work, I bring a thoughtful, practical, and results-driven approach to every case.
My mission is simple: to help dogs and their people thrive—together.
.