About Kona & Co. Dog Training and Behavior

Kona & Co. Dog Training and Behavior states its service area in its own header: "servicing Astoria, western Queens, and training virtually nationwide." The business is Kona Collective LLC, and it is one trainer working directly with each household rather than a facility.

Who runs it

The About page is written by Kayla Berkowitz, who lists herself as a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, a GoodPup Certified Trainer and a Fear-Free Certified Professional, and says she is currently enrolled in Karen Pryor Academy's Behavior Consulting Program. She describes the origin of the business plainly: her late dog Kona was reactive with aggressive tendencies and severe resource guarding, and working through that pushed her into canine cognition and behavior. She also mentions ten years spent tutoring math and science before this, and volunteering with Animal Care Centers and Second Chance Rescue – both relevant, because the practice is as much about teaching the person as the dog.

What she takes on

The specialties list is specific: newly adopted rescues, reactivity on walks and in the home, fearful dogs, enrichment planning, puppies, handling sensitivity, trick training and basic manners. The stated method is force-free, positive reinforcement and science-backed.

How the packages work, with prices

Unusually for New York, everything is priced on the site. A free 15-minute discovery call comes first. Starter Pack Option 1 is $675 and covers a 75 to 90 minute virtual consultation, three 60-minute in-person or virtual sessions, personalized training plans and text and email support. Option 2 is $415 for the consultation plus one session. After a starter pack, single sessions are $170 and three sessions are $450. A behavior intake questionnaire is sent before the consultation, and clients receive a spreadsheet of resources, product recommendations and training plans afterward.

Day training and drop-ins

Day training – 30 or 60 minute sessions where the trainer works the dog without the owner present – is offered and described as best for puppies, reactivity and fearful dogs, with the caveat that it must be combined with sessions the owner attends. Drop-in service has a two-hour minimum at $90 and very limited availability.