Licensed ● Bonded ● Fully Insured ● 4.8 ★ on Google ● 5.0 ★ on Yelp ● 30+ Years of Experience ● +1 914-755-7478
Your Trusted Dog Training, Walking & Pet Sitting services Serving New York & Connecticut
Families across the Hudson Valley and Western Connecticut have turned to The Doggie Tutor not just once, but year after year. Don and Mia Henderson have built one of the most proven, enduring reputations in pet care in the region: dependable when it matters, devoted to every animal in their care, and trusted by the same families for a decade or more.
30 Years of Experience. Clients Who Never Left
At The Doggie Tutor, we believe every pet deserves expert care, and every owner deserves genuine peace of mind. Don and Mia Henderson have spent more than 30 years earning that trust, one family at a time, across Pawling, Patterson, Holmes, Danbury, Ridgefield, Bethel, and New Fairfield.
What sets them apart isn't just experience, it's the kind of steadfast, unhurried dedication that keeps clients coming back for 10, 12, even 14 years. Families who called Don when their dog was a puppy still call him today. That's not a coincidence. It's a reputation built on showing up, following through, and caring for every animal as if it were their own.
From one-on-one
in-home dog training to daily
dog walking and
pet sitting, Don and Mia bring the same unwavering commitment to every visit, with the patience, warmth, and attentiveness you'd want from someone looking after your family.
Don's background is exceptional. He has trained alongside K-9 patrol units, some of the most demanding, high-stakes dog training in the world and brought that same precision and expertise into private in-home sessions for families just like yours. Mia matches that with a calm, consistent presence that dogs respond to immediately. Together, they've become the go-to name in pet care for the communities they serve.
Serving New York & Connecticut
New York: Pawling, Patterson, Brewster, Holmes, Stormville, Poughquag, Dover Plains and surrounding Hudson Valley communities.
Connecticut: Danbury, Ridgefield, Brookfield, Bethel, Sherman and New Fairfield.
The Kind of Trust That Only Experience Can Build
4.8 on Google and a perfect 5.0 on Yelp reflect something most businesses can't manufacture: a long-term track record. Don and Mia's clients don't just leave good reviews; they stay. They refer to their neighbours. They call when they move and ask if The Doggie Tutor can still reach them. That kind of rock-solid, word-of-mouth reputation doesn't come from a great first impression. It comes from being the name people rely on, year after year, without question.
⭐ 4.8
Rating on Google
⭐ 5.0
Rating on Yelp
30+ years experience
30+ years of combined professional experience in pet care
14 years
Clients who first called over 14 years ago and still call today
Contact Us
New to The Doggie Tutor? Book 5 dog walking or dog training sessions and get your 6th one free — our way of saying thank you for giving us a try.
Joyce,
Wappingers Falls, NY
Pet Sitting
"Don and Maria took care of our dog Katie that passed away and now take care of our dog Izzy and our cat Socks! We trust them both in our home and are happy they keep us updated while we are away on how our pets are doing. They send us pictures too. We highly recommend them for pet care."
"We adopted a rescue puppy (Rusty) and quickly decided that we needed help to get his training started right away… With his help and guidance Rusty not only learned his basic commands, but we learned the best way to handle his ongoing training and development, breaking him of some of our bad habits as well… We would not have such a well-behaved dog if it wasn't for Don. Don and Maria also walk Rusty during the week. He is always excited to see them."
"Don has walked my dog Lola (Siberian Husky) for an entire summer as well as pet sat for Lola and our dog Fitz… He has helped train her better on the leash and generally has reduced her level of anxiety during the day when I am not around… Lola looks forward to her daily visits from Don and is visibly overjoyed once he arrives to walk her… He treated Lola as if she were his own. I highly recommend Don for any dog walking, training and pet sitting needs."
Don and Maria are the best of the best! So loving and caring of all animals. I have known them now for about 2 years. They can answer any questions you may have and are willing to go out of their way to help you. My little Sydney is a tough little girl! She doesn't take to most anyone. When she sees Don, she is totally a different dog. She loves him to pieces! He is so good with her, and she listens to him...more so than myself (Lol) -- No Joke! Don has stayed over my house when I went on vacation and took great care of her. He is the only one I would ever leave her with, and feel comfortable to go away! You can put your trust and furry kids in their care. Wonderful trainer as well! You won't be disappointed.
Contact The Doggie Tutor
Whether you need dog training services, a trusted dog walker, or reliable pet sitting, we're just a call away. With 30 years of experience and a team that truly loves animals, The Doggie Tutor is here for your family.
Phone
+1 914-755-7478
CALL
Location
8 Evergreen Way, Pawling, NY 12564
LOCATION
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you work with difficult dogs, such as anxious or aggressive dogs?
Every dog is different, so my approach is tailored to each individual and their specific level of anxiety, fear, or aggression. For training to be effective, the dog needs to be in a relatively calm state. Drawing on my many years of experience, I'm usually able to help dogs settle and feel more comfortable before beginning any training. By working at the dog's pace and building trust first, I can create an environment where learning is possible and progress can be made safely.
What are your hours?
We are available 7 days a week, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call anytime at +1 914-755-7478.
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Yes. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured for liability, including care, custody, and control of all pets. We are insured through Pet Sitters Associates LLC and are also members of the ASPCA.
Is there a discount for first-time clients?
Yes, book 5 dog-walking or dog-training sessions and get your 6th one free. Our way of saying thank you for giving us a try.
What if there's a medical emergency with my pet?
We are certified in Pet First Aid and Canine CPR, and we act immediately. As one long-time client shared, Don and Mia once rushed her dog to an emergency veterinary clinic in the middle of the night when a serious spinal condition arose suddenly and stayed with her until 3 a.m. Your pet's safety is never treated as an inconvenience.
What is our process for dog training, and what sets us apart from competitors?
Every training journey starts with a conversation. I take the time to understand what you want to achieve with your puppy or dog, as every owner and every dog has different goals and needs.
From there, I create a tailored training plan using proven, positive training techniques that suit both you and your dog. I guide you through each step of the process, making sure you understand the techniques and feel confident using them at home.
What sets me apart is the ongoing support I provide. You're never left to figure things out on your own—I explain the "why" behind the training, answer your questions, and work alongside you until you're comfortable and seeing results. My goal is not only to train your dog but also to give you the knowledge and confidence to build a lasting, positive relationship with them.
Happy pets, happy homes — advice from the pros
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