Shelly Leibowitz, founder of the Greenleaf Pet Resort, is a renowned Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviorist. His love for dogs began when he was a child, but growing up in the city made it challenging for him to have a best bud of his own. So instead, he started walking neighborhood dogs and working summers in dog kennels, where he got to love other people’s dogs as if they were his own. He befriended each dog, catering to all their needs and desires. These early experiences fostered a deep, unspoken bond with canines and ignited his passion for dog training.
Training was his bailiwick, and his goal was to develop this skill to become an expert in the field. Recognizing his innate talent, Shelly’s mentors encouraged him to hone his skills. He immersed himself in learning, attending seminars, and studying under esteemed trainers in the US and Europe. Over time, Shelly developed a comprehensive understanding of dog behaviors and training techniques. His expertise now spans from training companion dogs of all breeds to addressing a wide range of behavioral issues. His skills also extend to specialized training for law enforcement, contraband, explosives, the dog sport of Schutzhund, and Bat Dogs for professional baseball teams.
Shelly’s contributions to law enforcement are particularly noteworthy. He was the first professional dog trainer in New Jersey to assist in narcotic searches within schools and businesses. Today, he has become an expert ‘go-to” for canine consulting and supplying the perfect working canines for the NJ State Police, Port Authority of NY & NJ, and local state and out-of-state Police Departments. Among his many achievements, one stands out: a trained police canine under his guidance was the first to detect hidden computer memory sticks stashed by sexual offenders, leading to multiple successful arrests.
In addition to his law enforcement work, Shelly founded and led the Garden State Schutzhund Club. Schutzhund, a demanding sport requiring proficiency in tracking, obedience, and protection, saw Shelly and his dog Zion earn a place on the United States World Schutzhund Team. He also serves as the official dog trainer for the Trenton Thunder Baseball Team, training three generations of Golden Retrievers—Derby, Rookie, and Dash—as well as Casey, the star Bat-Retrieving dog for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats minor league baseball team. Shelly also provides certification for Canine Good Citizen dogs and service dogs through the AKC.
Shelly’s passion for teaching extends beyond dogs to their owners. As the Professor of Dog Training at Greenleaf, he mentors aspiring trainers, sharing his extensive knowledge and experience. Under his guidance, Greenleaf’s professional dog training team has flourished, training countless companion dogs and receiving outstanding accolades from our clients.
At Greenleaf Pet Resort, the focus is on your dog’s holistic well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health. Central to this approach is the training philosophy that Shelly, along with his wonderful team, has created around “earning control and respect through kindness.” This approach focuses on building a solid foundation in obedience, using affection, patience, praise, and rewards to bring out the best in each dog.
Greenleaf’s commitment to holistic well-being ensures that dogs enjoy spacious play areas and suites, personalized attention, and a hawk eye for maintaining their optimal health. Mental stimulation is provided through engaging activities and enrichment programs, while emotional well-being is nurtured through positive reinforcement and a safe, stress-free environment.
The training program at Greenleaf is divided into two phases: personalized sessions with trainers and active participation from owners. This comprehensive approach ensures that owners can effectively obtain their dog’s respect and control, fostering successful integration into their family dynamics.
This individualized training regimen, tailored to each dog’s personality and needs, has positioned Greenleaf Pet Resort as a leader in dog training. The resort’s success is evident in the numerous positive testimonials from clients and the privilege of training multiple generations of family dogs. Shelly’s dedication and innovative training methods have made Greenleaf a beacon for dog owners seeking the best for their pets.
There is nothing more gratifying than seeing a dog who enters our facility unsure of their role and leaves happier and successfully understanding their dog-to-human relationship. We love it when our training dogs return to Greenleaf for lessons, boarding, grooming, and other service, excited to see us. It validates our motto: Dogs Love Us Because We Love Dogs!