I work with dogs and their people to navigate city life with stability and resilience.
The approach is grounded in positive reinforcement and behavior science, with close attention to how dogs cope and regulate in busy, unpredictable environments.
Much of the work centers around fear-based behavior, reactivity, and difficulty settling — as well as supporting shelter and rescue dogs through early adjustment and decompression.
Previously Senior Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant at Biscuits & Bath in New York City, providing in-home training, behavior consultations, and ongoing support for dogs struggling in an urban setting.
Helping Dogs Keep Their Cool,
One Siren at a Time.
How I Work
DIANA SILLAOTS, CPDT-KA, CCDT
Certified Dog Trainer & Behavior Consultant
The work focuses on the dog's nervous system — helping them return to baseline and build real self-regulation. A central part of this is promoting the dog's agency, allowing choice and participation so the process supports both mental and physical well-being.
Relaxation work and structured pattern games help dogs find predictability in busy, fast-moving environments. Sessions take place in real life — in the home, on walks, and in everyday situations where behavior actually shows up.
I follow LIMA principles (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) and do not use punishment, corrections, or aversive equipment.
TESTIMONIALS:
"It has been a pleasure working with Diana for our rescue pitbull, Annie. Diana has been patient, kind, and loving to Annie and helped her navigate the world in a way that’s less stressful for both us and her.
Diana started by setting goals with us — less jumping, better impulse control, and lower leash reactivity. We had sessions inside and outside our home to see what worked best in different environments.
We’ve seen significant strides in Annie’s name recall, loose leash walking, her reactivity on leash, her ability to recover after a trigger, and her ability to settle down even in the chaos of New York City.
Diana has only ever used positive reinforcement, which was non-negotiable for us. Every time we take Annie on a walk, we can visibly see the difference — and feel it too (in the strain she doesn’t put on our arms anymore, lol).
We cannot recommend Diana enough!”
— Annie’s family
“Lilo struggled with anxiety — she pulled so much on walks I wanted to cry, never sat or lay down outdoors, and would get so overexcited meeting dogs in the park that she scared them. Diana was such a huge help in bringing down Lilo’s anxiety, starting inside our apartment (neighbors and pigeons at the window!) and helping us create structure and patterns that soothed her. Now this sweet girl makes friends with dogs and people in the park every day — something I once thought was impossible. Our neighbors constantly remark on how well she’s doing.
I had very little experience with reactive or anxious dogs, and Diana gave us tools, tips, and ideas that made ALL the difference. Lilo now walks with a loose leash (after a harness tip that saved my arms!) and she truly feels like a big city girl. We were incredibly blessed to have Diana’s help.”
– Lilo & Rocky, Brooklyn
"Diana was incredibly helpful when I first brought home my deaf, anxious rescue, Kris. She met me at my apartment and was there the second he arrived in Brooklyn. He had never been in a home before, and didn’t know how to go up or down the stairs in my building. Within a few days, Diana had my guy confidently scaling every set of stairs in the neighborhood! She also helped me build our foundation for recall, and helped Kris ease into his new home gently. I have no doubt she is an even better trainer now than when I met her last year. I cannot recommend her enough!"
- Kris & Carly, Brooklyn
Feel free to use the form below to schedule our initial Phone Consultation,
I’d love to hear about Your Dog
(The Good, the Bad, and why the Squirrels started it).
Sessions typically range from $175–$225.
