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A Better Life For Your Dog Starts Here — Powered By Dog Psychology

At Pack Leader Dogs, we’ve helped thousands of dog owners over the last 15+ years. With our time-tested approach rooted in Dog Psychology, our proven results are life-changing!

What We Offer

Dog Psychology-Based Services

Tailored to you and your dog’s individual needs and goals through our unique approach rooted in Dog Psychology.

Give Your Puppy the Best Start

Puppy Training

Unlock the secrets to a trust-filled relationship with your puppy.

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Start Your Dog’s Transformation

Dog Training

Dog Psychology-based training that creates real, lasting change.

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Join Our Members-Only Daycare

Dog Daycare

A structured, trainer-designed daycare where dogs thrive.

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Overnight Lodging – Apply Today

Dog Boarding

A stress-free, overnight lodging experience where your dog is treated like family.

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Train From Anywhere – Get Started Today

Virtual Dog Training

Learn to lead your dog from home with proven Dog Psychology methods.

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The Maddie Ranch

Your Dog's Home Away From Home

Check out our expansive 8-acre private ranch in nature that will have your dog thriving in life and better-behaved at home!

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Dog Psychology & Behavior Experts

Discover Life-Changing Results With The Power Of Dog Psychology

Relationship-based Puppy & Dog Training at our 8-acre Nature Dog Resort, The Maddie Ranch, all based on our unique approach firmly rooted in Dog Psychology!

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    “A year ago, my daughter introduced us to Steve and The Pack. Our older bulldog had anxiety and aggression, which worsened when we got a puppy. After seven weeks at The Maddie Ranch, our dogs made a complete 180—they now coexist peacefully. I won’t board them anywhere else! The Pack truly cares, and I’m forever grateful. Our next puppy’s first stop? The Maddie Ranch!”

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    Ronni Weiner
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    “We’ve gone through six trainers over the years, and Steve was our last resort. Within five minutes of our first meeting, he assessed Odin and us as owners and gave clear, direct feedback. He made the biggest difference and was the best investment we made in ourselves for Odin. Steve is like a dog psychologist, behavior expert, and therapist for humans all in one… and he’s funny too!”

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    Mami Wakimoto
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    “Steve, the founder of Pack Leader Dogs, is truly an expert in his field. He understands that every dog is unique and has a different personality. He is able to tailor his approach to each individual case, which I found to be incredibly impressive. He was able to help me understand my dog’s behavior better and provide me with the tools and knowledge to continue strengthening our bond.”

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    Cesar Cruz
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    “My family and I are beyond happy to have found Pack Leader Dogs. Everyone’s genuine interest in us and our pup made the process so easy. At just 16 weeks, he thrived in the Puppy Enrichment Program, learning so much in a short time. Now, he loves his weekly Canine Social Club visits! The ranch is truly a home away from home—we couldn’t imagine life without it!”

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    Shyanne Ali

Who We've Worked With

Trusted by High-Profile Clientele Nationwide — See Why

See why we're entrusted as the leading dog psychology and behavioral experts across the nation.

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    Bethenny Frankel

    Bravo’s Real Housewives of NY

    "I seriously don’t know what I would have done witout Steve’s intervention."

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    Dina Manzo

    Bravo’s Real Housewives of NJ

    "Yesterday was LIFE CHANGING for me and my little household! Thank you a MILLION TIMES to Steve from Pack Leader Dogs!"

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    Vinny Guadagnino

    MTV’S Jersey Shore

    “I was feeling trapped by my dog. I drove 3 hours to tell everyone how amazing this experience has been!”

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    Dexter Lawrence

    New York Giants

    “You are greatttt!”

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    Tyler “NINJA” Blevins

    Professional Gamer

    “I’m so happy we connected. Our whole family is benefitting from your positive direction.”

  • Danielle bernstein dog trainer[1]

    Danielle Bernstein

    Fashion Influencer: @weworewhat

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    Minka Kelly

    Actress

  • Kyle palmieri dog trainer[1]

    Kyle & Ashley Palmieri

    New York Islanders

Our History

Certified by Cesar Millan, "The Dog Whisperer"

Steve Del Savio is one of the only people on the planet who is Certified by Cesar Millan, “The Dog Whisperer.” Cesar regularly refers clients to Steve, including celebrities, as he fully trusts in Steve’s ability to help people understand Dog Psychology and in turn understand themselves. Steve has been teaching a life-changing workshop called, “Training Cesar’s Way,” since 2013 with Cesar who are great friends to this day.

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Ask The Pack Leader

Frequently Asked Questions

Here at Pack Leader Dogs, we’ve helped thousands of dog owners over the last 15+ years. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we see:

  • We've tried other trainers before with limited results, what makes your program more effective?

    Unfortunately, a large percentage of our clients have been through multiple trainers and veterinary behaviorists. The great news is we’re the last dog training program you will ever need.

    We’ve found that many trainers are focusing on just managing behavioral issues and finding ways to just mask behavior problems without actually solving the root cause of these problems. Unlike many other trainers/behaviorists who focus on only bribing a dog with treats, avoiding problem situations, using compulsion/excessive corrections, medications, or just managing a problem without solving the problem, our unique program has been developed using dog psychology to optimize a dog’s state of mind.

    By understanding your dog’s state of mind we can tap into the root causes of what is causing the behavioral problems. Once we understand where your dog is coming from, we can then address that unbalanced state of mind and come up with a custom blueprint for success with your individual dog. By also assessing your energy as an owner/leader we will teach you how to become a leader and effectively communicate with your dog to achieve the calm, balanced and happy dog that you’ve always dreamed of.

    We don’t train dogs. We rehabilitate dogs and train people how to understand and lead their dog in a natural way based on Dog Psychology!

  • What is Dog Psychology?

    Dog Psychology refers to the study and understanding of canine behavior, communication, and instincts. It involves observing how dogs naturally think, behave, and interact with their environment, other animals, and humans. This understanding is used to build a balanced and respectful relationship between humans and dogs, helping to address behavioral issues and create a harmonious living environment. In our humble opinion, the human needs to understand their dog before learning how to “train” their dog. This is why we focus on training the human how to understand and lead their dog. Learn More About The Core Concepts Of Dog Psychology Here.

  • What services do you offer?

    We provide dog training, puppy training, boarding, daycare, and virtual training, with our proprietary approach all based on dog psychology.

  • What's the difference between Pack Leader Dogs and The Maddie Ranch?

    Pack Leader Dogs is the company that specializes in dog psychology-based training and canine care.

    The Maddie Ranch is our beautiful 8-acre ranch in nature and the physical location where Pack Leader Dogs operates from.

  • Where are you located?

    Our 8-acre private dog ranch, The Maddie Ranch, is located in West Milford, NJ.  We have clients who come to us for our training services from all over the country. If coming to us in person is not possible, we offer personalized virtual coaching which are 1-hour, 1 on 1 video call coaching sessions. Please visit our Personalized Virtual Coaching page for more information, pricing, and scheduling.

    We also offer pick-up/drop-off service for specific locations. For more information, please visit our Dog Daycare page.

  • Do you offer boarding or daycare?

    We do offer Members Only Canine Care.  This includes our Daily Canine Social Club (daycare) as well as our Overnight Lodging (boarding). Both of these proprietary services are not open to the public and require application and acceptance to become part of the Members Only Canine Care services.  Please visit our Dog Daycare page and Dog Boarding page to learn more about the services, requirements for approval, and pricing.

  • Do you work with severe aggression?

    Due to high demand, we are not taking any severe aggression cases at this time. We are taking cases that are reactive or showing signs of aggression. If you are unsure, if your dog’s behavior would qualify for one of our training programs, please fill out our contact form and someone from our team will reach out to discuss your particular case.

  • Do you use positive reinforcement in your training programs?

    Yes. Positive reinforcement is a great way to teach a dog new behaviors.  However, positive reinforcement, by definition, does not stop any behaviors. That is why we use a combination of all quadrants of operant conditioning, including positive reinforcement. Every dog and owner are unique which is why we customize our training program for every dog and owner we work with. We do not use coercion or compulsion when teaching a dog what not to do but instead, if necessary, teach a dog what not to do in a clear, fair way using calm energy. Teaching a dog what to do is very important but teaching your dog what not to do is just as important. Teaching you how to lead your individual dog, the dog psychology way, is most important of all!

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Join The Pack Today

Rooted In Dog Psychology

Get started with an individualized approach, rooted in dog psychology for lifelong results!