About Hudson Valley Hounds

Meet Tessa Romita

Tessa Romita, owner of Hudson Valley Hounds, is a deeply experienced professional dog trainer and animal behavior consultant. With 15 years in the field, Tessa has helped countless dogs and their owners build meaningful, lasting relationships rooted in trust, love, and respect.

Philosophy

Tessa’s passion for dog training comes from her desire to improve every dog’s quality of life—and, in turn, the lives of the people who share their homes. She works closely with owners to teach practical skills and foster behaviors that help dogs thrive both at home and in society. Many people feel unsure about their dogs’ behaviors or how to change them; Tessa guides owners to understand, communicate, and work with their dogs in ways that feel rewarding and promote a joyful bond. Instead of limiting a dog’s freedom, her method gives dogs more choice, confidence, and engagement, which leads to stronger, happier connections and smoother day-to-day interactions.

Training Approach

Tessa is committed to the LIMA framework—“least intrusive, minimally aversive”—which guides her philosophy of training. She primarily uses positive reinforcement, a science-based approach that encourages learning and responsiveness without harsh tactics. Tessa is aware that positive reinforcement can be misunderstood; it’s not about indiscriminately giving treats or relying on fanciful methods. Rather, it means adding something meaningful to the training process, allowing for clear, effective communication between owner and dog. Every dog naturally seeks ways to meet its needs, and positive reinforcement taps into this instinct, helping dogs understand expectations and develop new skills. When this approach is used, owners and dogs experience that “lightbulb moment” together, marking the beginning of a fulfilling training journey.

Professional Certifications

• Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) 
• Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
• Control Unleashed Certified Instructor (CCUI)
• Accredited Dog Trainer (ADT) through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
• Diploma with excellence in Canine Behavior Science and Technology (CBST) from the Companion Animal Sciences Institute (CASI)
• Susan Friedman’s Living and Learning with Animals (LLA) course, Terry Ryan’s Chicken Camp, graduate-level courses in behavior