Our Mission
At Canine Kindergarten, Inc., we want owners and their dogs to enjoy the best possible relationship. Through positive reinforcement of good behaviors, proper socialization with other dogs and people, and the right amount of play and exercise, we can improve the quality of these relationships. We love dogs and know we can make a difference.

Elissa Cohen, co-owner, gained expertise and knowledge of canine behavior and training through her partnership with Tim Thimsen, owner of Paws & Effect. Elissa has over 15 years expertise in corporate management and independent consulting. Formerly, she was a Vice President of a premier financial institution where she held numerous management positions and earned the reputation for excellent leadership and outstanding customer service. Elissa has resided in the Town of Cortlandt for over nineteen years with her husband and Welsh Springer Spaniel, Annie Red.

Lisa Smith, co-owner, is a registered pet therapy volunteer. She has two licensed pet therapy dogs that she brings to work with local Seniors and Autistic children throughout Westchester County.  Lisa has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and over ten years experience as General Manager of one of the largest group medical practices in Westchester.  Lisa was born in Sleepy Hollow and now resides in Ossining, NY with her husband, two daughters, two Boxer rescues, Ginger and Oscar, and her English Bulldog, Lola.

Holly Santana, Director of Training, is a professional dog trainer certified by the Animal Behavior College. She has been teaching private and group obedience training for over five years. Holly uses the most up to date positive reinforcement training methods; her passion for training keeps her current on new developments in the industry. Holly is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) the largest accrediting organization for trainers, as well as an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator. Holly and her husband, Caleb, share their Croton on Hudson home with Indiana, a hound/retriever mix, and Monet their 13 year old cat.

Tim Thimsen is both a Certified Pet Dog Trainer and Certified Canine Behavior Counselor. As the owner and operator of Paws & Effect, Tim has been providing private dog training and behavior counseling to dogs and their owners in the Westchester and Putnam areas for over nine years.

We are professional members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and the American Boarding Kennel Association (ABKA). We actively participate in canine seminars that keep us current with the most modern and effective training methods and behavior theories.