About Sharon Mear
Sharon Mear is a Certified Canine and Feline Trainer and Behavior Counselor who has worked professionally with cats and dogs since 2001. Her Manhattan-based practice is Sharon Mear’s Training Cats and Dogs.
Revered by a long list of four-legged clients and their appreciative parents and caretakers, Sharon is recommended by leading veterinarians, animal care professionals, and organizations throughout NYC. She is a committed animal rights advocate who leads by example and believes everyone can make a difference in the world.
Sharon lives in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood with Nolie and Luka, 18-year-old sister cats adopted just before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sharon is also the stand-in-mom for Lollie — a gorgeous polydactyl, long-haired domestic cat endearingly known as Lollyplotz — and an ever-growing list of other loving dogs and cats around town.
Myka
Wallace
Photos by Susan Rosenberg Jones
Accreditation and Professional Affiliations
American Kennel Club
Animal Behavior Center of New York
Association of Companion Animal Behavior Counselors
The Association of Professional Dog Trainers
LeRoy Street Dog Run Board of Directors
Testimonials
What Sharon’s Clients Are Saying
Rudy
“I have had the pleasure of working with Sharon Mear for the past 7 years. She is an exceptional animal behaviorist and trainer as well as a compassionate and patient individual.
Sharon has enabled me to better serve my clients by helping address behavioral problems and training concerns that I am not equipped to deal with at a veterinary hospital.
I not only recommend Sharon to all of my clients, but she has been an amazing help to me with some behavioral issues I have had over the years with my beloved dog Rudy.”
Mary Xanthos, DVM
Reade Street Animal Hospital Tribeca, NYC
Rosy
“Sharon helped get our relationship with our new puppy Rosie off to a great start! She came to our home and in no time showed us that with the right training (mostly training us, rather than the dog) it really is possible to “get through” to your dog and make your intentions understood.
Rosie went on to become a registered hospital therapy dog after the completion of Sharon’s training, and she passed the tests easily and has brought happiness into the lives of hundreds including ourselves.”
Deni Bonet, Andrew Holmes-Higgin
West Village
Lucy & Miles
“Sharon’s training methods are so effective and she’s a pleasure to work with. Not only have we succeeded in positively affecting our dogs’ behaviors for the long term, but Lucy and Miles are well-mannered, happy little dogs! Thanks a million, Sharon!”
Sofia & David Sanborn
Upper West Side
Kooper
“Sharon is one of those people whom animals immediately trust and respond to. I’ve known her for years and on more than one occasion she’s helped me understand and resolve issues that my cats were having.
I’ve seen her help unruly dogs, anxious, fearful pups and upset owners. She patiently coaches people with down-to-earth suggestions and methods that work, based in positive techniques. The animals always improve – and they love her. She’s my most valued, go-to resource for animal issues.”
Elizabeth Rodman
Upper West Side
Bruiser (+ Unidentified Girlfriend)
“Sharon was recommended to us. Our once-too-stubborn Bulldog, Bruiser, quickly took to her methods and developed into one of the best-behaved Bulldogs in NYC! Thank you Sharon for giving Bruiser and us the tools that have allowed him to be the fabulous dog he is. His table manners are second to none!”
Jair & Angela Cuce
Owners, Cool Blue Dog, Flatiron
Nina Simone
“One night, many years ago, I happened upon Sharon while she was teaching a reluctant client how to remain calm with his large puppy. I immediately recognized a very good trainer – calmly focused and directed to the human’s and dog’s relationship.
Now, with Nina Simone, my new, highly active and demanding, intelligent pup, I am especially grateful for Sharon’s expertise. We’re both in awe of her!”
Faye
Chelsea
Ludwig & Franz
We contacted Sharon to help us with our two Scottish Fold kittens. We are first-time pet owners, and though we did a good deal of research before we brought them home, we still couldn’t understand why one of our cats was acting so angrily, and had numerous questions about veterinarians, feeding, grooming, playing, and other kitten needs.
We really wanted the best for our kittens. Sharon was wonderful with them, answered all of our questions, led us to sources for toys and feeding. She even sent us emails later with more helpful links. Sharon Mear is kind, professional and very knowledgeable. We recommend her highly!
Lisa & John
Upper West Side
Patch
“I don’t know what I would have done without Sharon. When I adopted Patch, almost seven years ago, he was a one-year-old who didn’t even know how to play. She taught me how to train him and has become a real friend to both of us.
She voluntarily takes him out for play dates and Patch is crazy in love with her, as anyone who sees them together can describe.
Patch has since moved in with Sharon because at this stage of my life it is better for both of us that Patch gets what he needs, and Sharon’s lifestyle is better equipped to handle this. I still take him out for one of his daily walks.”
Photo Credit by Deni Tillman
Matt Grottano
Chelsea