CSAT dog trainers

Explore businesses stating CSAT qualifications and ask which trainer holds the designation. Choose your location to find a trainer near you.

CSAT qualifications: what to look for

Browse matching businesses

In dog training, CSAT stands for Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer and refers to the specialized program developed by Malena DeMartini. It identifies focused education in helping dogs who struggle with being left alone. Ask whether the trainer holds this particular qualification rather than assuming the initials refer to any general anxiety course.

A CSAT consultation should help you understand the proposed assessment, the household commitment and the support available as the plan develops. It does not remove the need to discuss your dog’s individual circumstances or coordinate veterinary care when relevant.

Questions to ask before booking

  • Who will lead our appointments and which credential do they hold?
  • Can you explain how your experience relates to our training needs?
Explore the guide6 sections

Understand the specialist focus

Malena DeMartini’s program focuses on separation anxiety work and supports remote training services. This is a narrower subject area than general puppy classes or manners training. A trainer may hold CSAT alongside other qualifications, each describing a different part of their professional preparation.

Ask how much of the trainer’s current work concerns separation-related difficulties and how they decide whether a dog fits the service. Barking or damage during an absence can have different contexts, so provide a careful description rather than arriving with a conclusion based only on the symptom.

Discuss the assessment and technology

Ask what information the trainer needs about your routine, previous absences and existing observations. If video is requested, find out how to provide it and what the trainer needs to see. Do not create a distressing absence solely to collect a dramatic recording.

For remote coaching, confirm the devices, camera view and internet access needed. Ask whether sessions happen live, through reviewed recordings or both. Make sure the format is workable for the people who will carry out the plan.

Understand the household commitment

Discuss work schedules, essential trips and the help available from other caregivers. Ask how those practical constraints affect the proposed program before agreeing to it. A plan needs to account for your daily life, not simply list exercises without considering when they can happen.

Find out how instructions are updated and how you share observations. Ask what you should do when a practice session differs from expectations or your routine changes. Clear communication is especially useful when the trainer needs to adjust the work from one review to the next.

Verify the professional and collaboration

Check the trainer’s claimed qualification through the program’s official resources and ask about their current service. Confirm the contact frequency, responsibilities and follow-up arrangements directly; separate providers may structure their work differently.

CSAT is not a veterinary qualification. Ask how the trainer coordinates with your veterinarian if veterinary input is appropriate. You should understand which questions belong with each professional and how information is shared so the household receives a consistent plan.

Understand a separation anxiety training plan

For a dog with separation anxiety, ask how the professional organizes assessment, observation and changes to the training plan. The important comparison is the support you receive as a household: which information you record, how often the CSAT reviews it and how the next instructions are chosen.

Separation anxiety training is a specialized service. Ask how the trainer distinguishes it from general obedience or crate training and why the proposed format fits your dog. A comfortable crate routine and comfortable time home alone are different goals, so explain the actual difficulty before choosing a program.

If your dog struggles when you leave the house, tell the trainer about the ordinary pattern of absences and the practical support you have. Ask how the plan can help your dog within those circumstances and which questions should also be discussed with your veterinarian. Do not expect the qualification alone to determine one universal schedule.

Compare online separation anxiety training and in-person help

Online training can let a certified separation anxiety trainer review the home setting where the difficulty occurs. Ask whether the service includes live observation, recordings, written instructions or a combination. Confirm the camera arrangements and how you receive feedback before enrollment.

If another dog trainer or behavior consultant already works with your household, ask how they will coordinate with the CSAT. Different professionals may address different goals, and the owner needs to understand who is responsible for the separation anxiety training plan.

Compare the initial assessment and ongoing communication when choosing between providers. A short introductory conversation, a full behavior review and continuing individualized support are different services even when each is offered by a professional with the same specialist qualification.

9 businesses

Noble Beast Dog Training

Denver, Colorado

4.7/5· 828 Google reviews

Noble Beast Dog Training is Denver's relationship-first dog training company and one of Denver's 110 Legacy Businesses , the only dog training company on that list.…Read in fullShow less

Noble Beast Dog Training is Denver's relationship-first dog training company and one of Denver's 110 Legacy Businesses , the only dog training company on that list. For 18 years we have helped thousands of Denver families meet training goals and live harmoniously with their dogs through positive relationship focused and humane, science-backed methods. No e-collars, prong collars, or choke chains , ever. We specialize in dog/dog socialization via our Camp B.A.R.K. & Playful Pup programs, reactivity and aggression via our Prickly Pooch courses, beginner thru advanced obedience via private in-home, group, and virtual services, and separation anxiety support. Find out why Denver dog owners have trusted Noble Beast for 18 years.

  • Behavior consultation
  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • House training

Yuruani Olguin Dog Training

New York, New York

4.8/5· 86 Google reviews

Yuruani Olguin is the founder of Yuruani Olguin Dog Training, Inc. She has worked extensively with clients throughout New York City, helping build relationships based…Read in fullShow less

Yuruani Olguin is the founder of Yuruani Olguin Dog Training, Inc. She has worked extensively with clients throughout New York City, helping build relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. Yuruani is CPDT-KA certified and her training is based on force-free techniques, taking into account all aspects of each individual dog’s situation, including breed, background, temperament and, very importantly, household environment. Yuruani is also a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT). She specializes in working with clients whose dogs suffer from separation anxiety through a humane systematic desensitization protocol. Her goal is to help dogs and their humans live a happy and healthy life together.

  • Behavior consultation
  • House training
  • Leash training · customer-reported

Mike Preis Dog Training

Brooklyn, New York

5/5· 45 Google reviews

CPDT-KA Certified Positive Reinforcement Force Free Dog Training. Certified Separation Anxiety (CSAT) dog trainer. Puppy training, basic manners, behavior…Read in fullShow less

CPDT-KA Certified Positive Reinforcement Force Free Dog Training. Certified Separation Anxiety (CSAT) dog trainer. Puppy training, basic manners, behavior modification, fear and anxiety, Separation Anxiety.

  • Behavior consultation
  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • Crate training

The Educated Dog

New York, New York

5/5· 45 Google reviews

Private, science-based dog training and behavior consultations in Manhattan for puppies and adult dogs. Help with leash pulling, barking, reactivity, fear, newly…Read in fullShow less

Private, science-based dog training and behavior consultations in Manhattan for puppies and adult dogs. Help with leash pulling, barking, reactivity, fear, newly adopted dogs, puppy training, and separation anxiety. Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA) and Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT). In-home training throughout most of Manhattan, with remote separation anxiety training available nationwide. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation today.

  • Behavior consultation
  • House training
  • Leash training

Yuruani Olguin Dog Training

New York, New York

5/5· 42 Google reviews

Yuruani Olguin is the founder of Yuruani Olguin Dog Training, Inc. She has worked extensively with clients throughout New York City, helping build relationships based…Read in fullShow less

Yuruani Olguin is the founder of Yuruani Olguin Dog Training, Inc. She has worked extensively with clients throughout New York City, helping build relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. Yuruani is CPDT-KA certified and her training is based on force-free techniques, taking into account all aspects of each individual dog’s situation, including breed, background, temperament and, very importantly, household environment. Yuruani is also a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT). She specializes in working with clients whose dogs suffer from separation anxiety through a humane systematic desensitization protocol. Her goal is to help dogs and their humans live a happy and healthy life together.

  • Behavior consultation
  • Leash training · customer-reported
  • Obedience training

In Relation With Dogs - Behavior and Training Solutions

Lincoln, Nebraska

4.3/5· 30 Google reviews

Specializing in the rehabilitation of Aggression, Anxiety, Fear, Separation Anxiety, and other behavior concerns. Puppy Einstein-Right Start Training Prigrams. Linda…Read in fullShow less

Specializing in the rehabilitation of Aggression, Anxiety, Fear, Separation Anxiety, and other behavior concerns. Puppy Einstein-Right Start Training Prigrams. Linda J. Brodzik CSAT FDM Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer L.E.G.S. Family Dog Mediator Certificate: Master Aggression Rehabilitation Certificate: LLA - Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate: The Neurology of Stress in Dogs Certificate: Puppy Einstein - Right Start Instructor Why choose us? Because your dog's education can only be as good as that of the trainer you choose. With close to 40 years of experience and continuing education in the ever expanding science of dog behavior, learning and training, we can bring a positive change to your dog's behavior.

  • Obedience training
  • Socialization
  • Aggression training

Jackie the Dog Trainer / SouthPaw Pet Care & Training

Akron, Ohio

5/5· 29 Google reviews

*Positive Training / Rewarding Results* Professionally certified dog trainer and pet care experts. Life can be hard--owning a pet shouldn't be! Let us help you create…Read in fullShow less

*Positive Training / Rewarding Results* Professionally certified dog trainer and pet care experts. Life can be hard--owning a pet shouldn't be! Let us help you create a harmonious haven for you and your pet. I'm a Karen Pryor Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP #69770), a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) and a Fear Free Certified Professional (Trainer) in Akron, OH. As a positive reinforcement trainer, I specializing in: puppy manners, behavior modification, and separation anxiety. Virtual/remote training available world-wide; in-person training in Akron, Bath, Richfield, Fairlawn, Highland Square, Hudson, Wadsworth, Brecksville.

  • Behavior consultation
  • Crate training
  • House training

Dharma Dog NYC

Brooklyn, New York

5/5· 19 Google reviews

Alison Buehler, CPDT-KA and Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT), offers customized training plans for separation anxiety, puppy foundations, basic skills and…Read in fullShow less

Alison Buehler, CPDT-KA and Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT), offers customized training plans for separation anxiety, puppy foundations, basic skills and reactivity in central Brooklyn and lower Manhattan. Her separation anxiety training is virtual and worldwide. "We have deep relationships with our dogs and they deserve our full consideration when we are looking to help resolve behaviors that are problematic for us. By looking at the full picture, we can create a compassionate and proactive plan for living well together."

  • Behavior consultation
  • Canine Good Citizen preparation
  • Crate training

The Hound Haven

Santa Clara, California

5/5· 3 Google reviews

Hound Haven owner Peggy McCarty is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. She earned a Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC) from the San Francisco SPCA Academy…Read in fullShow less

Hound Haven owner Peggy McCarty is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. She earned a Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC) from the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers. Graduating from the Academy (considered the "Harvard for dog trainers") under the instruction of Jean Donaldson. She also studied with Malena DeMartini, an expert in the field of Separation Anxiety. Peggy completed the intensive program to become a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT). Peggy also attended the Karen Pryor Academy. Through KPA she furthered her skills working not only with dogs but other species. The emphasis on using clickers (marker training) is an integral piece of KPA.

  • House training
  • Leash training
  • Obedience training

Frequently asked questions

More detail to help you choose and prepare.

Can a CSAT work with us remotely?

Remote support is a feature of the Malena DeMartini approach and services, but confirm the format offered by the individual trainer. Ask about live appointments, video review, technology and communication between sessions.

Does CSAT guarantee that my dog can be left alone by a certain date?

No credential establishes an individual timeline. Ask the trainer how they assess your dog, review observations and discuss progress, as well as what practical arrangements you may need while working on the concern.

Is CSAT the same as a veterinary behaviorist?

No. CSAT identifies specialist training in separation anxiety work. A veterinary behaviorist has veterinary qualifications and specialist certification. Ask how the trainer works with veterinary professionals when appropriate.

Further reading: Malena DeMartini, Malena DeMartini separation anxiety trainer program

More ways to find a trainer