Dog Training, Done Right at The Dog Wizard Upstate

Krissy Spero has been working professionally with dogs since 2016, beginning with a walking, daycare, and boarding service before eventually opening her own training business in 2018. What she truly appreciates about being part of The Dog Wizard family is the incredible support system it provides. Each trainer in the organization cares deeply about the well-being and success of both owners and their dogs, united by a common vision: to enhance the lives of canine families through education and communication.

Krissy's personal passion is rooted in early puppy development. By observing temperaments and understanding how formative experiences shape adult behavior, she can help prevent serious behavior issues before they start. While much of her earlier work focused on addressing reactivity, leash manners, and aggression, she has since delved into puppy rearing and temperament testing, knowing that a solid foundation leads to confident, well-adjusted adult dogs.

She also believes strongly in the continued education of her staff. Krissy and her team regularly attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay updated on the latest training methods, ensuring they deliver the highest level of service to clients. As members of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), her team remains connected to a network of industry leaders and cutting-edge resources.

Outside of formal training sessions and collaborating with her team, Krissy can often be found exploring new hiking trails, camping under the stars, or relaxing at the beach with her own dogs off-leash. There is something truly magical in watching them explore the world freely, safely, and joyfully. As a CGC (Canine Good Citizen) and STAR Puppy evaluator, as well as an experienced puppy temperament tester, she takes pride in guiding clients as they prepare their dogs for these important certifications. Her team is also equipped to assist with therapy dog evaluations, empowering owners and their pets to give back to the community in a meaningful way.

Ultimately, her goal is to provide every owner with the knowledge and tools needed to build a strong, trusting bond with their four-legged family members''one that endures for a lifetime.

Meg McGarrigle has been working professionally with dogs since 2001 in a variety of roles. Meg gained experience and knowledge through her years in the veterinary medicine field, animal control, boarding kennels, and as a therapy dog handler. Her experience in dog training began at the age of 11 when she got her first dog of her "own" (i.e., not the family dog). He was an English Cocker Spaniel named "Bandit?. She learned much from training him through trial and error, but her biggest lesson from Bandit was how essential the relationship is to connection and understanding. He also sparked Meg's love for working obedience and agility. Bandit could impress even the Border Collie people!

As an adult, Meg's focus has gravitated toward the animal-assisted therapies field (even though she still loves the canine sports) as a result of her firsthand experience benefiting from the therapeutic effect that both the dogs and horses have had in her life. She has worked with a wide range of people from all different backgrounds in the animal-assisted learningtherapy field and seen the profound healing and growth impacts animals share with people. She believes the type of connection and relationships animals provide are invaluable to a human's well-being.

In 2024, Meg started her own business, "Goldens & Giddyup," with a focus on helping animals in the community achieve optimal wellness. Optimal wellness is not just physical but a dynamic balance of physical, mental, and emotional health. This same philosophy is one she carries into her work as a Dog Wizard trainer.

Aside from her passion for dog training, Meg loves spending time with her animals, exploring the great outdoors, riding, art, photography, music, and creating wellness opportunities through animal-assisted services.

Sara is a dedicated first-time dog trainer with a solid background in veterinary medicine, making her uniquely equipped to understand both the emotional and physical needs of dogs. Her lifelong passion for animals, especially dogs, fuels her enthusiasm for her new role as a trainer. Outgoing and ready for any challenge, Sara enjoys the rewarding experience of working with a diverse range of dogs and their owners. Her blend of knowledge and passion ensures she provides effective and compassionate training for every dog she works with.

Savannah is one of our dedicated administrative team members at The Dog Wizard. With a background in animal health and a Bachelor's degree from Asbury University, Savannah brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for pets to her role. She has always had a deep love for animals, which is reflected in both her professional life and personal experiences.

Savannah and her husband are the proud owners of two dogs, Tink and Luna. Tink, in particular, has benefitted from our training program, showcasing the transformative power of The Dog Wizard's methods. As a mother to one son and a supportive wife, Savannah understands the importance of strong, healthy relationships with pets and family alike.

Brandie has been a dedicated member of The Dog Wizard team for two years, where she brings her passion for helping dogs and their owners create lasting bonds. With a heart full of compassion for stray animals, she is committed to improving the lives of dogs and ensuring they have a loving and well-balanced future. Her work is fueled by a deep desire to support owners in achieving the best relationship with their furry companions. Whether working with rescue dogs or long-time pets, Brandie's goal is to help every dog and owner live their best life together.