Ria
New York
Specialisations
Inspiration
Ria’s journey into dog training began with her first dog, Sadie—a rescue pup who had been abandoned in Tennessee and later brought to a shelter in New Jersey. Though Sadie was smart and eager to please, she struggled with intense reactivity toward both people and other dogs. Living in a trigger-filled apartment environment, Ria realized Sadie needed more than just love—she needed understanding and guidance. Ria devoted herself to learning everything she could about training dogs with fear and anxiety, developing a gentle, non-punitive approach grounded in empathy and positive reinforcement. Over time, Sadie not only improved—she thrived, eventually becoming Ria’s service dog. Today, Sadie is retired and enjoys dog sports, but she remain
Professional Experience
Ria began working professionally with dogs at age 20 while attending college, starting at a training and daycare facility where she learned foundational skills in dog handling, care, and group safety. She then gained experience as a dog walker and daycare counselor, honing her ability to read canine body language and manage group play. Her next step brought her into the shelter world, where she worked hands-on with dogs facing significant behavioral challenges. She progressed from kennel care to supervisory roles, including coordinating transports from southern shelters. During this time, Ria earned her ABC-DT certification, became Fear Free Certified, and later earned her designation as an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She is currently continuing her education with a focus on service dog training and behavior modification.
Training Focus
Ria has experience working with dogs of all ages and backgrounds, from basic manners and obedience to complex behavioral concerns like reactivity and separation anxiety. She particularly enjoys helping dogs overcome fear-based challenges and loves witnessing their progress toward becoming more confident, resilient companions.
Training Philosophy
Ria believes that training should be as unique as the dog-and-owner team in front of her. Her approach is creative, flexible, and fully customized to meet each dog’s emotional and behavioral needs. She follows LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) principles and is committed to positive reinforcement, with a focus on building trust, confidence, and strong communication between dogs and their people. For Ria, training isn’t just about obedience—it’s about creating partnerships that last a lifetime.
Certifications
Why choose us
Positivity
We utilize positive reinforcement to strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. Our training philosophy centers on maintaining a positive approach, emphasizing the rewarding of desired behaviors rather than using punishment for unwanted ones.
Expert Trainers
Our team of experienced trainers is skilled in addressing a wide range of behavioral issues and training goals using positive reinforcement methods. With years of hands-on experience and a passion for canine behavior, our trainers are dedicated to helping each dog reach their full potential in a compassionate and supportive environment.
Individualised Attention
At Tail Tales Academy, we believe that every dog is unique. That’s why each dog receives personalized care and attention, ensuring that their specific needs are met. Our tailored programs focus on the individual characteristics and learning pace of your dog, providing a customized approach that leads to effective and enduring results.
Proven Results
Our custom programs are designed to achieve lasting results, helping your dog become a well-behaved and happy member of your family. We use evidence-based training techniques and continuously monitor progress, making adjustments as needed to ensure your dog's success. Our clients consistently see improvements in behavior, obedience, and overall well-being.
Comprehensive Programs
We offer a wide range of programs to suit every dog and owner’s needs, from basic puppy training to advanced protection work. Our holistic approach covers all aspects of canine care and training, including nutrition, exercise, and mental stimulation. Whether your goal is basic obedience, behavior modification, or specialized training, we have a program that fits.
Lifetime Support
We understand that training doesn't stop when the program ends. Tail Tales Academy offers ongoing support to help you maintain your dog's progress at home. Our trainers are available for follow-up consultations, and we provide resources and guidance to help you continue reinforcing good behavior and training techniques.