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Bred For Life

Top Pro

$99/hour
Estimated price


Service type
Type of animal

It’s free, with no obligation to book


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About
Bred For Life is a professional dog training/pet care business dedicated to helping pet owners and pets live happy lives together with loving, respectful relationships. I am a certified dog trainer who has a passion for all animals. I use the Foundation style training methodology which will provde solid long term results. This is accomplished using the principles and disciplines that have been proven in dog training. Your dog learns and progresses while building a solid foundation which is how you achieve meaningful success that remains long term with the proper reinforcement. Your pet will be transformed without losing their unique personality. The end result will produce a well mannered, well behaved pet that will also demonstrate calmness, contentment, a willingness to engage and will display more affectionate behaviors. I work with all breeds, ages and behavior types. All training plans are customized and personalized according to YOUR goals for your dog, and your specific situations. I offer private lessons which occur in your home, mine or online as opposed to a kennel or group environment. This allows for a comfortable, stress free setting for both you and your dog while providing the proper focus needed to achieve results quickly. Whether you are interested in puppy training, basic obedience, proper leash walking, housebreaking, or behavior modification, look no further. Why not get your dog started on the right path now. You will not be disappointed with the amazing results. When providing pet sitting, your pet will be treated as they were my own. You will have peace of mind knowing your pet, as well as your home is in responsible, caring hands. I love every aspect of my job. I enjoy the opportunity to meet so many people and to work with so many unique and wonderful pets. My services have given me the opportunity to not only form long term client relationships, but friendships as well! Please take a moment to check out my reviews.
Overview

Current Top Pro

Hired 103 times

Serves Patterson, NY

Background checked

1 employee

11 years in business

Business hours

SunClosedMon8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Payment methods

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Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

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2024

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2019

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2017

Services offered
Type of animal
Service type

Evaluate needs

Address nuisance behaviors

Address fears or anxieties

Teach basic commands

Location of training

At customers' home

Projects and media

75 photos

Projects and media

75 photos

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.

Excellent 4.9

93 reviews

5

97%

4

2%

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Read reviews that mention:


pro avatar
Laura D.

1 day ago

Hired on Thumbtack

We cannot say enough amazing things about Joyce. When we adopted our first dog, Bella-a 6-year-old former puppy-mill mom-she was terrified of everything. Anxious, shut down, and unsure how to function in a real home, she needed someone with incredible patience and skill. Joyce was exactly that. Joyce guided us through every step, helping Bella come out of her shell and learn how to simply live without fear. She understood Bella’s trauma and moved at a pace that was gentle, thoughtful, and unbelievably effective. Then we adopted Bella’s son, Jessie-a chaotic, high-energy 2-year-old who acted like he’d had twelve cups of coffee for breakfast. Somehow, Joyce worked her magic again. She taught us how to train him to the point where he’s unbelievably obedient-he can literally stay in “place” for as long as we ask. We look at him sometimes and wonder if he’s even the same dog. She has transformed both of our dogs’ lives-and ours. We are beyond grateful for her expertise, compassion, and the confidence she’s given us as dog owners. If you’re looking for a trainer who can handle absolutely anything with grace and real results, Joyce is it. Highly, highly recommend. 🐾💛

Details: 2 - 10 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • House training • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training
pro avatar
Chris F.

Oct 3, 2025

Hired on Thumbtack

My wife and I have been using Joyce's services for a few months, and she has been nothing sort of phenomenal. She is a wealth of knowledge, very patient, understanding, and empathetic. She truly is an expert in her field, and we would not trust anyone else with establishing good foundational behavior and obedience for our puppy. We feel firmly that our dog is being setting up for success under her guidance and tutelage. In short, she has met and exceeded all our expectations. Do yourself a favor and just hire her. You won't regret it.

Details: 0 - 6 months old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • Chewing • Crate training • Biting • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training
pro avatar
Dominic F.

Aug 28, 2025

Hired on Thumbtack

We loved working with Joyce! She didn’t just teach our pup, she taught us how to be better owners. Patient, knowledgeable, and so effective—our dog has come such a long way. Highly recommend Joyce to anyone looking for a trainer!!

Details: 0 - 6 months old • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • House training • Biting • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training
pro avatar
Randi B.

Jun 3, 2025

Hired on Thumbtack

Joyce showed up “on the dot” and was wonderful to work with. She’s very knowledgeable and answered all of my questions. Would hire again and probably will for obedience training😊

Details: 0 - 6 months old • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • Private lessons • Puppy training • Leash pulling • House training • Biting • Crate training • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training
pro avatar
Keith B.

Apr 12, 2025

Hired on Thumbtack

Joyce was fantastic working with our two dogs. We’ve seen a huge change in behavior between them! Our younger dog is listens to all commands extremely well and our older dog has stopped showing signs of aggression towards strangers. She was also extremely flexible with our schedules and was always on time for our appointments. 10/10 would recommend!

Details: 2 - 10 years old • Extra large (70+ lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • Barking • Biting • Destructive behavior • My home, venue, etc.

Dog Training
Credentials
Background Check

Joyce Nowakowski

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