Justis and Malia

Justis Bolding

*NOTE: Justis is currently not taking new clients on the West Side of Manhattan.*
Justis Bolding is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), licensed Family Paws Parent Educator (FPPE), member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), and member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT).  She has been training dogs professionally for 15 years, since 2005, and has changed the lives of hundreds of dogs and their owners in the New York City area.  Justis is committed to ongoing education, and attends conferences and seminars regularly to stay current on science-based studies and new techniques for behavior modification.

Malia Stevens-Sandler

Malia Stevens-Sandler is a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA), Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).   She is Fear Free Certified and does not use pain or intimidation in her work with dogs and their humans.  As a  Family Dog Mediator (FDM™) , Malia approaches each case through the lens of applied ethology which considers the LEGS-learning, environment, genetics and self- of each individual.  The motivating factors that cause a certain behavior in one dog may be completely different in another and therefore the approach to management and training is as well.

Malia has had a long relationship with Animal Care Centers of NYC.    She logged many hours handling dogs while volunteering in the shelter before the launch of the Community Pets Program in 2016 for which Malia was the first consulting trainer.   This amazing program offers services to help pets stay in their homes and out of the crowded shelter system.   Malia is a proud 4x adopter of dogs through ACC  which is the city’s only open intake system, meaning no animals are turned away. 

Malia hold’s certifications that require continued education so she regularly attends conferences and seminars to study with experts in the field of behavior and the science of learning.  Most recently, she completed the Master’s in Aggression Course with Michael Shikashio (2019) and LEGS course with Kim Brophy (2022).  Malia enjoy’s working with complex behavior cases, raising puppies and everything in between but has a soft spot for fearful and anxious dogs who struggle in our urban environment.  She works with a network of amazing veterinarians to support families who need a collaborative approach.