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Fear/Anxiety

verified client RAVE reviews

Fear /Anxiety

"Christina is amazing! We have seen a tremendous improvement, making our Buskhi a permanent and happy member of our (now happy) family"

Bushki -  Pitbull mix
Separation Anxiety, Fear aggression people and d
ogs 

Bushki - Fear On Walks

Working with Christina we have seen a tremendous improvement in our rescue dog’s fear when left alone and to people and other dogs. We had tried a trainer prior who wanted to shock my dog - who was already afraid of him and people - unbelievable. Christina is the real deal, a real dog expert, we highly recommend her to get successful help for your dog's problems. Christina we appreciate everything you have done for us, many thanks from us and smooches from Bushki! ~ David Horowitz, Brooklyn Heights

Heidi - Beagle, Fear of Strangers

"Christina transformed her from a terrified dog who was limited to our house to a happy and confident one who is now capable of enjoying life."

Heidi - Beagle
Fear of Strangers, Fear on Walks, Anxiety, Rehabilitation

“Shortly after I got Heidi she became more and more frightened of strangers.  She began to shake and hide whenever a visitor came to our house and would not come out until they left, even if it took hours.  When I tried to walk her outside, she would be terrified and shake, pant and lunge back indoors so that I was unable to walk her.  She would also jump and run at every new noise. Through Christina’s behavior modification program she no longer hides from visitors and now looks forward to our walks. The difference is remarkable.  Christina transformed her from a terrified dog who was limited to our house to a happy and confident one who is now capable of enjoying life.  I really recommend NY Clever K9!” ~ Christine Marino, Queens

"I whole-heartedly recommend
Christina and NY Clever K9"


Ginger - Boxer 
Fear on Walks, Anxiety, Obedience

Ginger-Boxer, Fear on Walks

“I brought home to NYC the cutest 11-week-old puppy, Ginger. However, I found that when I tried to walk Ginger outside she would not even leave my apartment to go out into the hallway. Ginger was petrified, terrified of leaving my apartment and much less the building. Enter into my life Christina Shusterich. Christina began with Basic Obedience and then developed a desensitization program to build up Ginger’s confidence and reduce her fear of outside by bringing successful obedience, exercise and fun games into the hallway that I could do with her.  Slowly but surely Ginger found the hallway to be the best place ever, she became curious about the noises from other apartments and she got used to the ones that frightened her. We worked our way to the lobby and then to the sidewalk. Ginger has been taking long walks with ease for about 2 months. Not only does she takes walks, she loves them. It was a difficult time for me as I thought it was the strangest thing to have a dog that didn’t want to go for a walk, but I am so glad that I stuck with the training program that Christina provided. Ginger brings so much joy to my life and we love to spend our days together strolling through the park. I whole-heartedly recommend Christina and NY Clever K9 whether it is for Basic Obedience or working with your fearful dog.” ~ Stacey Giunta, NYC

Judah - Labrador, Separation Anxiety

“Christina is beyond gifted.”

Judah - Labrador Retriever
Separation Anxiety


(Can see Christina’s multiple published articles and videos about how to both prevent and treat separation anxiety in dogs of all ages, breeds and circumstances in the Media Library)

“Incredible! I could not say enough good things about Christina Shusterich, the behaviorist who owns this business.

Our 1 year old lab was suffering from severe separation anxiety and we had wasted time and money going from trainer to trainer with minimal results that didn’t last and included confining her to a crate. We kept listening because we felt helpless, exhausted and had been told this was the “only way” to treat separation anxiety. Thankfully, due to a wonderful vet tech we knew, we were informed of the difference between a trainer and behaviorist and that we needed to speak to a dog behavior expert, someone truly qualified, educated and specialized to work with behavior problems in dogs. Not only did we love working with Christina, our dog loved her and we all learned so much from the experience, She is beyond gifted and truly loves her work which shows through in her dedication and commitment. Separation anxiety is a very difficult thing to deal with in a dog and it can be exhausting and push you to the limit…but if you find someone as great as Christina and follow the plan – you will get your life back. I really cannot say enough great things about Christina and her work – meeting her changed our lives and gave us back our freedom. We can actually leave our apt now and not worry about our pup barking or panicking …we never thought we would get here…but we did with the right help.” ~ Jenn SanClements

"Remarkable."

Denver - Lab Mix
Anxiety, Blind

Denver - Blind Lab Mix, Anxiety

“Denver”, a Blind, 12 year old Labrador mix. Re-Housetraining in new home and reduction of anxiety. “Remarkable. Denver is more comfortable here than he ever was in our old home. Thanks so much!” ~ Jim Palefe, Queens, NY

Boh - Coohound Mix, Stranger Aggression

"We were at the end of our rope, but Christina stepped in and showed us what a charismatic and wonderful dog we had . Adopting her methods has improved our relationship with Boh and has allowed him to shine, cannot thank Christina enough"

Boh - Coonhound
Separation Anxiety, Stranger Aggression

"I cannot say enough about Christina's services. Her expertise and professionalism combined with her love of dogs has had a profound impact on the way we interact with our dog, a Black and Tan Coonhound named Boh. With such a large dog, it was crucial that he be on his best behavior. Anxiety had started to form after several moves and other types of upheaval and Boh developed separation anxiety and stranger aggression. After having tried other trainers and methods we were at the end of our rope but Christina stepped in and showed us what a charismatic and wonderful dog we had under our noses the entire time. Adopting her methods has improved our relationship with Boh and has allowed him to shine. I cannot thank Christina enough nor can I recommend her highly enough. You owe it to yourself and your dog to enroll with Christina." ~ Jeremy Wicks

"Christina is a savior!"

Cesar - Greyhound Mix
Separation Anxiety, Rehabilitation

Cesar - Greyhound Mix, Separation Anxiety

“Christina is a savior! A few months after we adopted Cesar, a greyhound mix, he developed separation anxiety. He chewed books and pillows when we left the apartment, scratched all our doors, chewed through all the blinds and even broke through our bedroom window screen. As soon as Christina started working with Cesar using her separation anxiety program specifically tailored to his issues he drastically improved.  Working closely with Christina we found her to be very professional and personable. Separation anxiety takes patience, time and diligence to treat and we are grateful we found her, not every dog professional can resolve it but thankfully Christina is excellent. Before Christina treated Cesar, he would follow us right to the door and panic when we walked out without him and we were at a loss on how to treat it. Today, Cesar barely notices when we come and go, thanks to his time with Christina, and he even takes the liberty of napping on our bed when we leave. Cesar is calmer and much more confident which enables him to feel comfortable when we leave him alone. He now lives an anxiety-free life…

and so do we! ~ Jackie & James Mundy, Queens, NY

Hannah & Sydney French Bulldog, Pug, Anxiety

"When we first called Christina we were frustrated and quickly losing hope.  After the first 20 minutes with Christina, my dogs had learned more than after all 6 group classes.  My dogs greatly enjoyed these sessions each week and Christina’s obvious passion and expertise made learning fun for everyone. Both Hannah and Sydney’s behavior have drastically improved, and I have found that they are much happier dogs altogether. I would highly recommend Christina to anyone."

Hannah & Sydney / French Bulldog & Pug
Anxiety, Obedience

"When we first called Christina we were frustrated and quickly losing hope with our 7 month old French Bulldog, Hannah. Hannah barked constantly for attention, and we had received several complaints from neighbors in our NYC apartment who were losing hours of sleep each night. We had tried products such as the ‘citronella collar’ to reduce barking, and had even enrolled Hannah and Sydney, our pug puppy, in basic group obedience classes.  Nothing had helped control the barking and after 6 group obedience classes, our puppies had only learned how to ‘sit’ because when they were there, all they wanted to do was play with the other dogs.  After the first 20 minutes with Christina, my dogs had learned more than after all 6 group classes. My dogs greatly enjoyed these sessions each week and Christina’s obvious passion and expertise made learning fun for everyone. Now that they realize that I am in control and that barking is a futile attempt to get my attention, both Hannah and Sydney’s behavior have drastically improved, and I have found that they are much happier dogs altogether. I would highly recommend Christina to anyone. We can’t thank you enough!” ~ Allie, Sydney, and Hannah Butler, NYC

"Christina is a magician! We love you!“

Izzy & Jellybean / Mini Poodle & Toy Poodle
Fear (Submissive Urination), Blind, Obedience, Rehabilitation

Izzy &Jellybean - Blind Poodle, Fear of people

“Christina is a magician.  Kate and Ginger try really hard but aren’t able to always understand us.  Granted, we have some issues: Izzy is blind and barks to try to communicate and Jellybean has some submissive urination issues.  With kindness and patience Christinadetermines, develops and translates for us what we can really do (a lot!) and how to effectively communicate with us.  If you need your linguistically challenged humans to learn ‘The Ways of the Dog,’ training, leadership skills and make your life less stressful and better all around give Christina a call, you won’t be disappointed.  An extra benefit we got from the confidence we gained through Christina obedience program and our improved relationships is that Izzy no longer needs to bark constantly to try to get his point across and Jellybean’s urination problems have really decreased.  Christina we love you!“ ~ Izzy, Jellybean, Kate & Ginger, Brooklyn, NY

Godiva and Charlie - Whippet Mix, Cocker Spaniel Dog Acclimation

"Double Miracle! It could not have happened without Christina.  Christina holds herself to the highest of standards and is always professional. I highly recommend her!"

Godiva & Charlie / Whippet & Cocker Spaniel
Anxiety, Aggression to Owner, Leash Aggression, Touch Aggression, Dog Aggression, Dog to Dog Acclimation, Obedience, Rehabilitation

"Double Miracle! Last year I adopted a 3 year old whippet mix named Godiva, whom I nicknamed Diva. She was an anxious insecure dog who had been abused. She was very affectionate, but would growl if I petted her, and growled if I didn’t. She lunged at strangers and barked at passersby. She would bark, growl, and bare teeth at other dogs. I was stumped by her behavior. Christina taught me calming exercises and ways to pet her without triggering her. She became a more secure, calmer dog. I adopted a second dog, a Spaniel mix named Charlie. He was totally undisciplined, not housebroken, impulsive and very stubborn. But he was also cute, smart and eager to please, so I took a chance. There ensued an intense rivalry between Diva and Charlie. Diva would deposit her 50 lb. self on my lap and glare at Charlie. Charlie fired back by peeing on my leg. I was at the end of my rope! A friend suggested an exorcism. I had a better idea. I called Christina. Christina came promptly and determined that the root of the conflict was not so much Diva’s dog aggression, but Charlie’s lack of doggie manners and dominant personality. He would jump on Diva and take treats out of her mouth. Diva was attempting to teach him manners by growling, but he was not getting the message. Christina devised an intense training program to teach Charlie doggie manners and establish Diva as “lead dog.” I followed her instructions to the letter. Then came the day we put both dogs together. They sniffed each other, circling ,and proceeded to lie down together, completely relaxed! Now they are a pleasure to walk together. Diva taught Charlie how to lift a leg on walks. He is completely housebroken and follows her lead. Diva is calmer and more secure in her role as of “big sister.” Charlie has re-awakened Diva’s playful nature and has become less dominant. It could not have happened without Christina. Christina holds herself to the highest of standards and is always professional. I highly recommend her!" ~ Maria McLaren, Queens, N.Y.

"I never saw anyone work so dramatically,
so effectively, so fast."


Cappy - Bichon Frise
Fear of Strangers, Fear Aggression, Stimuli and People Fear
due to years prior isolation, Touch Aggression, Rehabilitation

Cappy-Bichon Frise, Anxiety

"Christina Shusterich is an amazing behaviorist. The welcome home rescue dog session Christina had with our new dog Cappy was way beyond our expectations. I have worked with a number of trainers over the years but never saw anyone work so dramatically, so effectively, so fast. We have been seeing amazing changes in Cappy ever since she left yesterday — he is less fearful, more confident, more engaged, more animated… happier! She was able to keep Cappy from exhibiting any of the aggressive signs of fear of strangers that we began seeing in him..We think Christina is a terrific find." ~ Zoe Stolbun, NYC

Blue Siberian Husky Separation Anxiety, Fear on Walks

"Christina literally saved our dog (and us!)"

Blue - Siberian Husky
Fear on Walks, Separation Anxiety


(Can see Christina’s multiple published articles and videos about how to both prevent and treat separation anxiety in dogs of all ages, breeds and circumstances in the Media Library)

"Since moving to NYC, our dog Blue became very frightened and skittish on walks but worse she soon became very anxious when left alone, something that had never happened before. She would completely panic, circling us when we tried to leave and barking non stop when we were gone. This became a huge problem as several neighbors complained and we got a warning from the Board and were new to the building. We tried a trainer who put a citronella collar on her which she just barked through and told us to crate her - she injured her mouth (a vet trip) trying to chew through the crate. As we couldn't move again we became desperate as to how to keep Blue, who we love dearly. A coworker recommended NY Clever K9 and Christina Shusterich, (the owner) who immediately started working on both problems, making changes almost as soon as she walked in - no crate! It seems miraculous but with sessions and our practice we can now leave Blue alone and she is so much calmer on walks - she even likes them now! Christina is not only intelligent but very compassionate, quickly acting as a mediator with our landlord to give us time to work with Blue, Christina loved Blue and was very kind and patient with us as we were extremely stressed. We really can't thank her enough!"

~ Alicia Sancerre

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