About The Good Behaviorist
Hi! My name is Sylwia. I am a Certified Animal Behaviorist (C.C.A.B.) and a certified dog trainer based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and I am on a mission to promote a holistic approach to dog behavior and dog training rooted in deep knowledge of canine emotionality and based exclusively on positive reinforcement. My expertise in animal behavior was honed at COPE International, where I had the privilege of learning under the guidance of world-renowned specialists spanning from South Africa to the UK. With a wealth of experience gained in both the US and Europe, I've collaborated with various New York-based pet care companies and rescue organizations, and I am now excited to offer fully customized, in-person sessions to clients in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
My journey into the world of animal behavior began with a fundamental belief: every living being deserves to feel safe, protected, and understood. As a certified animal behaviorist, I specialize in working with animal trauma (Yes, I am trauma-informed), dedicating my practice to helping those who cannot speak for themselves and their owners who refuse to give up on them. I have met so many incredible humans along the way, who fed me with the kind of inspiration that only comes from REAL love and REAL commitment! I also do regular dog/puppy training!
My path to this calling was shaped by years of navigating high-pressure environments in New York City (as an immigrant), and a lifelong passion for education and understanding the roots of communication. I FIRST graduated with a MA, as an English teacher in 2006, taught for a number of years, and later in 2021, I turned that dedication into a formal mission, with an advanced postgraduate studies in animal behavior. Since then, I have built my practice from the ground up, helping dozens of dogs and their owners overcome complex behavioral challenges, resolve deep-seated issues, and rebuild mutual trust.
I bring a unique, trauma-informed lens to my work. My professional background includes enforcing mandated safety and protective training systems within the educational sector; a role that centers entirely on recognizing the warning signs of distress and protecting the vulnerable. I translate this exact vigilance, structure, and deep empathy into my behavioral work with dogs.
When you work with me, you are not just getting a trainer; you are getting a fierce advocate for your dog's emotional well-being. I look past the symptoms to find the root causes of distress, providing practical, compassionate, and scientifically backed guidance to restore peace, safety, and a true sense of home to your sanctuary.
