Meet our expert trainers, Alex and Izzy, who bring passion, patience, and proven techniques to every session. With years of hands-on experience, they are dedicated to helping both pets and owners build strong, lasting bonds through effective training methods tailored to each dog’s unique needs.
Hi, I’m Alex — balanced dog training advocate serving Hudson County, New Jersey, and surrounding areas. My mission is simple: to help dogs and their families build trust, confidence, and a partnership that lasts a lifetime — whether you have a beloved family pet or a driven working-line companion.
Balanced Dog Trainer | Working Line GSD Breeder | IGP Competitor | Dog Lover for Life
My journey with dogs started back in 1989, when I rescued a half-Collie, half-German Shepherd puppy named Lassker from the Jersey City Animal Shelter. He was half Shepherd and half Collie, but he was all heart. At the time, my family didn’t even allow dogs in the house — but after a serious car accident left me needing to walk again and rebuild my spirits, my Mom said yes.
Lassker became my constant shadow — always by my side. One night, after returning home late from a Broadway show with my parents, I didn’t change clothes from the 3 piece suit and dress shoes I was wearing, and as we were back in Jersey City, I took him from our apartment in Downtown Jersey City, which was very different back then, and I took him out for his usual walk. Three men followed me, and when one put a knife to my throat, Lassker’s protective instincts came to life. He defended me fearlessly, and that moment changed my life. It was a 3 on one attack and if it wasn’t for him, I would be here to write this story and share it with you. I rescued him — and he saved me right back.
Since then, dogs have been my life’s passion.
Over the last 20+ years, I’ve shared my home with amazing dogs — from rescues like Roxie to imported working-line German Shepherds like Bourne von Wolsfriede, my foundation male. I’ve competed in Schutzhund (now IGP) since 2001, earning titles, CGCs, and countless lessons in what it takes to bring out the best in these remarkable dogs.Hyperlilnk to Training Philosophy Page goes here.
I believe that whether you’re raising a loyal family companion or working toward advanced obedience and protection sport titles, every dog deserves:
My training style blends positive reinforcement with balanced methods. I always start with science-based, reward-driven learning. When the situation calls for it — and once your dog truly understands what’s expected — I’ll incorporate fair, minimal corrections to create clarity and reliability.
Through my training programs, I help families and handlers:
I also continue to research canine genetics, breed health, nutrition, conditioning, and imprinting — because I believe every great dog starts with a good plan and a handler who wants to learn.
My goal is to help you become the most important person in the world to your dog — and to help your dog reach their fullest potential, whether they’re your family’s best friend or your next trial champion.
Every dog is unique. Their training should be, too.
If you’re ready to build a better bond with your dog — I’d love to help.
Northern New Jersey
(Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken, Paterson, Elizabeth, Montclair, Clifton, Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Ridgewood, Englewood, Tenafly, Westfield, Morristown, and more)
If you’ve ever stepped into Izzy’s home in Cherry Hill, the first thing you’ll notice is the wall of trophies — dozens upon dozens, stretching back to the early 1990s. Each one tells the story of a lifetime devoted to training German Shepherds and guiding them to excellence.
Izzy has been training dogs since 1972 — over five decades of hands-on experience. At 75, he still works his own dogs five times a day, showing the kind of dedication and consistency that few can match. His career spans countless obedience and Schutzhund competitions, where his dogs have earned Best-in-Trial titles time and again.
While Alex serves North Jersey (Hudson, Essex, Bergen, and Middlesex Counties), Izzy covers South Jersey and parts of Philadelphia. Together, they ensure families throughout the state have access to trustworthy, effective dog training.
With Izzy, your dog receives:
Whether your goal is a well-mannered family companion or laying foundations for advanced obedience and tracking, Izzy brings unmatched experience and dedication to every dog he works with.
For a glimpse into Izzy’s legacy, scroll below to view a photo or watch the video tour of his trophy wall — a testament to decades of skill, consistency, and love for the craft of training.
Southern New Jersey
(Camden, Atlantic City, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Cherry Hill, Deptford, Gloucester Township, Marlton, Voorhees, Cape May, Ocean City, Wildwood, Somers Point, Avalon, and more)