About New Moon Pet Training

New Moon Pet Training is based in Highland, on the Ulster County side of the river, and the trainer, Brittany, is direct about where her practice came from: a dog called Hades whose "fear and sensitivity to handling pushed me beyond traditional training methods." She became a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner in 2021, holds a B.S. in Biology with coursework in animal behavior and undergraduate research with the Central Florida Zoo, and spent nine years as a veterinary technician – "This background allows me to look at the whole dog – behavior, environment, and health – when developing training plans." Her service area is "clients throughout the Hudson Valley and surrounding areas."

What is on offer

One core course delivered four ways, plus behavior support around it. Beginner's Manners is the foundation, and the four formats are Private In-Home Coaching ("I guide and teach you how to train your dog through weekly sessions in your home … Training happens in your dog's natural environment"), a Day Training Program (two training days a week plus one transition session – "like a board-and-train without the boarding"), in-person group classes, and live interactive Virtual Group Classes for "tech-savvy owners or those outside my service area" with recorded sessions for review. Behavior Support covers potty training, mouthing and jumping, "plus a limited number of fear, anxiety, and reactivity cases." Enrichment & Wellness covers walks, drop-in visits and cooperative care. Cat training is offered separately, including recall.

The part that is unusual

The emphasis on husbandry is what sets this practice apart from the others in the county: "What sets my approach apart is the emphasis on cooperative care and husbandry skills. Beyond foundational training, I specialize in helping dogs feel comfortable with handling, nail trims, vet visits, and daily care routines – the practical skills that make life easier for both of you." For a dog who has to be sedated for a nail trim, that is the whole problem.

Scope, honestly drawn

The FAQ says what she will not take: "For safety and ethical reasons, I do not take cases involving dogs with a known bite history. These situations are best supported by a board-certified veterinary behaviorist who can evaluate both medical and behavioral factors." Dogs showing aggression without a bite history are invited to get in touch so she can say whether it is within scope, and she will work alongside veterinarians and veterinary behaviorists where appropriate. Refusing work you should not take is a mark in a trainer's favor, not against.

What it costs

Everything is published. Rates "start at $120/hour + tax, with package discounts available for most services." The Beginner's Manners packages – each including an initial assessment and orientation plus seven weeks of guided sessions – are $375 for virtual training, $600 for group classes ($560 early bird), $930 for private coaching and $1,690 for day training, all plus tax. Sessions must be canceled at least forty-eight hours ahead.

Who it suits

Households on the Highland and Marlboro side of the county, owners whose dog dreads being handled, and anyone who wants the whole price before the first appointment. Best for: puppy and adult manners in your own home, cooperative care and husbandry, day training, and online classes.