What makes us different
Training is what we do.
In the same way that you wouldn’t go to a doctor that was a full time chef who did surgery on the side for extra cash, we believe you shouldn’t trust your dogs development and training to anyone who treats training as an “add on” to a larger business. At Heavenly Hounds our passion and purpose is to provide excellent services that will help you to train your dog effectively using positive methods that will improve your relationship and be fun for everyone involved. Our goal is for your dog to develop good habits, strong self esteem, and grow into a confident, well mannered dog both at home and in public.
We are experienced.
All of our trainers carry years of experience and have attended seminars, conferences and training camps – many are even pursuing or already have national certifications for training! We are always trying to better ourselves by constantly engaging in continuing education so we can stay on top of our game and provide you with the very best service, backed by the newest scientific behavior research.
Personalized Training Approach. We do not carry a “one-size-fits-all” mentality. Even in our group classes, our instructors will find ways to make learning easier for both you and your dog. Every dog and family are different and we strive to make a training program that is right for YOU.
Large Training Space.
Unlike some facilities that cram you into a small box with several other dogs and their people, our facility allows for you to work next to and near other dogs without feeling like you are on top of them. Our facility gives us the opportunity to spread out when we need to but is not so big that your dog won’t learn how to work in a distracting environment with other dogs nearby.
We teach your whole family. We believe in teaching YOU how to teach your dog. After all, when you are at home, our trainers won’t be there with you if something comes up. Kids are welcome to join in and switch off with the adult handlers so that everyone gets a chance to see how it is all done.
Training is FUN and EFFECTIVE.
Our training methods keep your dog excited about training and make it fun for both you and your dog. You will find that when a dog enjoys training, you both will reap the benefits of it both from the training itself and the bond it creates between you.
Our Trainers

Stephanie and her Portugese Water Dogs, Daisy and CJ, the much beloved dogs who started it all but are, sadly, no longer with us. Lost but not forgotten.
Stephanie Kowalewski
M.Div., CPDT-KA
Owner/Director of Training and Behavior
Stephanie has been professionally training dogs for over 15 years. Upon earning her Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, Stephanie felt that her true “calling” was working professionally with dogs and made her passion into her profession. She trained under some of the top trainers in New Jersey, and was an instructor at the nationally recognized St. Hubert’s Dog Training School in Madison, NJ. Stephanie is also certified AKC CGC Evaluator.
She believes that positive training strengthens the bond between dogs and their humans, and that is the only true way to achieve behavior modification. She regularly attends training and behavior seminars in order to increase her knowledge and skill set. Believing strongly in networking, Stephanie is in constant communication with other trainers in order to share thoughts, ideas and methodologies.
She currently resides in Lawrenceville, New Jersey with her husband, two children and their rescue pups Bug and Hiccup, and German Short-haired Pointer Archie.

Jess and Zero
Jess Verderame
CPDT-KA
Jess has been training dogs for nearly seven years. Before becoming a dog trainer, she earned her BA in Psychology and her Elementary Education Certificate from Rutger’s University. Jess worked in early childhood education as a teacher for six years and eventually became the school’s director for four additional years.

Sheryl and Chandler
Sheryl Marszalek, CPDT-KA
CPDT-KA
Sheryl has been surrounded by pets of all kinds most of her life. She graduated from The College of New Jersey (TSC) and has owned and operated a graphic design business for the last 18 years. After getting her puppy Phoebe in 2014, Sheryl signed up for training classes at Heavenly Hounds and caught the training bug.

Melinda with Edison and Franklin
Melinda Berger
CPDT-KA, CDBC, VSPDT
Melinda is a long- time practitioner of force-free, positive reinforcement dog training with 20 years professional experience. She is a Nationally Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

Donna and Luke
Donna Greco
CPDT-KA
Donna started her dog training career the moment she brought her German Shepherd, Luke, home. She just didn’t know it yet. After attending puppy class at Heavenly Hounds, she knew she had her work cut our for her with her spirited new dog and she set out to learn as much as she could about dog training and behavior.

Shannon with Fenton
Shannon Kenny
KPA
Shannon has been around animals her whole life from hedgehogs to horses to (of course) dogs!
Before becoming a dog trainer, Shannon graduated from Rutgers University in 2020 with a degree in Information Technology. While there, she worked as a Mounted Patrol Officer for the police department and had the opportunity to train and ride their 3 horses.
In 2021, Shannon earned her KPA-CTP certification as well as her Fear Free Animal Trainer certification. She is currently studying for her CPDT-KA. She believes that positive, force-free training is essential for a happy and healthy human/dog companionship.
When she isn’t training, she can be found going out on adventures with her newly adopted Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Elodie, or crocheting!
Junior Trainers and Assistants

Jocelyn Papageorge
Assistant Trainer
Jocelyn has enjoyed working with dogs her whole life, working hands on with many different breeds for the last 7 years. Jocelyn has a strong interest in learning more about the psychology behind dog behavior; interpreting body language; and the intricate relationship between ownerand dog. She is passionate about educating ownwers on how best to communicate to their pets in a mutually enjoyable way to harness a bond between dog and human. Her special interests in dog training are basic household pet manners and working dogs (therapy, service, and sport dogs). Her rescue dog, Iris, is a Canine Good Citizen and plan to continue more advanced training in obedience and agility.