Meet Our Experienced, Educated & Ethical Team

Justis Bolding

Founder

*NOTE: Justis is no longer taking new clients.*

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 holds 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 enjoys working with complex behavior cases, raising puppies and everything in between.

Malia Stevens-Sandler

Trainer, Behavior Consultant

Malia Stevens-Sandler is a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA), Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and Certified Family Dog Mediator (FDM™). Malia’s work is rooted in ethology and applied behavior analysis and her approach is always gentle and fear free for both her human and canine clients.

Malia has had a long relationship with Animal Care Centers of NYC. First as a volunteer then as a the first consulting trainer in the Community Pets Program which 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.

Kristina Trank-Donovan

Trainer, Behavior Consultant, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer

With 15 years’ experience as a practicing and professionally certified dog trainer, Kristina puts an emphasis on providing her clients with dog training advice that is practical, humane, scientifically validated and without judgement.

Kristina is certified through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) , and has had the privilege of helping dogs and their guardians in New York City, Oakland, and Los Angeles.

From showing puppies how to feel safe in the city, to teaching obedience, tricks, & leash skills, and addressing fear and aggression, Kristina has experience helping dog guardians reach their goals, no matter the challenge. She regularly attends workshops and conferences to maintain her professional certification and keep current on the latest research.

Kristina is also a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT). She specializes in this challenging behavior and offers training plans and daily guidance so that guardians and their dogs can live better lives together and apart.

Kristina has also had dogs with Separation Anxiety so her training always comes with an extra dose of empathy and compassion.

When Kristina isn’t actively training other people’s dogs, you can find her volunteering as a member of The Behavior Team at Angel City Pit Bulls or having fun with Faye, her adopted Angel City Pit Bull alum. She also teaches teaching Strength classes at Hot 8 Yoga.

Evelyn Lazen

Dog Walker & Sitter

Evelyn is a dog walker and sitter with a passion for animal behavior and enrichment.

Their background in neuroscience brings structure to their care, while their work as an aerialist and circus artist adds a playful energy your pet will love.

Noa Gurvis

Dog Sitter

Noa brings 15 years of experience to the team having started dog sitting in high school and most recently working in a management role at a popular NYC dog care company where she learned about body language, behavior and handling skills.

Noa and her trusty sidekick Pilot- a senior 6.5 lb pup- are available to dog sit in your home and her current work from home position gives her the flexibility be there when your pup needs her. Noa is comfortable with dogs of various breeds, sizes and behavior needs. As the guardian of a dog with separation distress, she understands first hand the need for loving care and companionship.

Perla Martinez

Dog Sitter

Perla is a NYC-based dancer with a big heart for animals and an even bigger love for dogs. When she’s not auditioning or performing, you’ll find her working with pups all over the city—a role she’s cherished for the past five years. Along the way, she’s fallen head over heels for her fluffy clients and the wonderful families behind them.

Most recently, Perla worked on Queen of Versailles on Broadway as a dog handler under the guidance of Lydia DesRoche, combining her performance background with her passion for animal care. She’s always excited to meet new pup friends and their humans, and she loves learning alongside trainers and dogs every step of the way.