School For The Dogs

Had private training classes with Ellen W. from School For the Dogs and she was great. They make very easy to get engaged with your dog in a training situation as well as learn. The instructions and the documentation that go along with your sessions are fantastic. I have not physically been to SFTD but their services are fantastic.

Our Goldendoodle puppy has just graduated from her puppy kindergarten last week and we are very happy with the experience that we have had at the school for the dogs! My puppy loves her teachers and has made friends at the school. the classes not only provides an opportunity for the pawrents to learn training methods but also serves as a valuable bonding time with your puppy because the classes are interactive and fun-​filled. Puppies also get to play with each other during and after the class to help them develop proper socialization skills. The trainers at the school are all very knowledgable and kind! They love each puppy from the heart! Thank you school for the dogs!

I wish Unilocal had a «6 Star» option, because that is how wonderful School for the Dogs truly is. Annie took the time to help me understand my reactive rescue husky mix’s behavior and created an easy to implement program that has made a world of difference for my dog and our household. The space itself if beautiful and clean — there’s even a great backyard area where they have a private dog run, unfortunately a feature that I couldn’t take advantage of, as my dog would probably get into a fight. They are clearly diligent about screening dogs for group play and Annie gave me a lot of great ways to make sure my dog is exercised and stimulated in an our urban environment. She even showed me how to teach my dog to make art on an iPad, which is the best dinner party entertainment ever! I’ve stopped in after work during puppy class to ogle the cuteness. Everyone seemed to be having a great time and learning a lot.

Never have I ever posted a review of anything — not even fried chicken! — but if anyone is deserving of as much good press as they can stand reading, it’s these guys.
Before adopting my dog, I did a ton of research. As a kid I always had a dog around but this was going to be the first dog whose training and well-​being I was completely responsible for and I wanted to get things right. I read scads of books, watched videos, studied different methods. Having been a previous theoretical disciple of Cesar Milan (I know, I know…) imagine my surprise when I realized that there are so many better ways to get things done! Being a gentle and loving soul I was naturally drawn to the teachings of Ian Dunbar, Victoria Stilwell, and Sophia Yin who are all about using the principles of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement to foster a relationship with your dog based on mutual respect rather than fear and anxiety.
Enter SFTD! After researching the many training facilities and trainers in the city, we settled on SFTD. After being in business for only a few years, they had already received stellar reviews AND their philosophy seemed completely in line with what I had decided was right for me and my pooch. To begin we completed an initial consult with Kate which was an amazing experience. She made us feel at home right away and was able to control our squirrelly little puppy from the jump. She listened carefully to our list of current grievances and gave us some wonderful exercises to help us along at home. Oliver was so at ease with Kate that while we sat talking, he passed out on the floor. After our appointment she followed up with an incredibly detailed email outlining what we had covered and additional suggestions.
Shortly thereafter, we enrolled in Puppy Socialization (now called Puppy Kindergarten, I think) to get Oliver socialized and help solidify our training skills. The class was taught by Annie and it was a truly enlightening experience. I went in to the first class thinking my dog would walk out knowing how to sit, stay, come, roll over etc. and I quickly realized that wasn’t the case. Annie structures the classes very well so that she touches on several topics within an hour giving you enough time to get the basic idea before moving on. If I hadn’t gone home and reinforced these techniques my dog would have been on the hot mess express to awful town. Dog trainers don’t train your dog, they teach YOU how to train your dog. Without reinforcing the foundation they give you, your dog will never learn — an important thing to keep in mind during any training experience, I think. During the class the puppies get periodic breaks to play with each other and decompress which was SO important because not only did we learn how to teach Oliver, but we also learned what appropriate play looks like and how to intervene at just the right moment when things start to escalate — that was invaluable.
We don’t live even remotely close to SFTD and since Oliver is now too big to bring on the subway and cabs are so expensive, I have been in serious SFTD withdrawal. They have such a wide array of classes and workshops that would totally be stoking my passion for dog training and reinforcing my relationship with O if I lived closer. We recently enrolled in some private sessions with Annie to work out some kinks and even though we live a solid hour away from the training center, she agreed to come all the way up here so we could complete our sessions in our home. Talk about customer service! The gals at SFTD LOVE what they do, and they do it in a completely gentle, thorough, and profoundly professional way. I find them to be infinitely inspiring and have nothing but respect for the way they conduct their business. Go check ‘em out!

Annie is one of the most honest, sensitive, and caring New Yorkers I’ve come across and I am so glad I came across SFTD. She is extremely passionate about her business and I would recommend her to anyone looking for an amazing dog trainer. It’s so refreshing to know that people like Annie still exist. I’m not even a dog owner, but I go to Doggies and Drinks to hang with the dogs and it’s the highlight of my week.

This place! This place is heaven sent. I bring my dog Herschel up from DC to NYC specifically to attend this school. What an awesome dog training facility. The trainers there (specifically Annie) are so creative and innovative. It’s just not a cookie-​cutter-​one-​size-​fits-​all-​approach: they really can «read» each dog and cater to specific needs even if it is in a class with other pups. It is easy to see how much Annie and the other trainers truly care about the dogs and their well-​being– they understand that helping a dog with obedience makes for a well adjusted and happier life. They are not the usual «just after the money» trainers– they even give a discount for rescued dogs! Using positive reinforcement is healthy for the pup and for the families of the pups. I wish I could give more than 5 stars! There is NOTHING this school can’t teach your dog: selfies using an iPad, basic obedience & tricks, etc. THE. BEST! Thank you, thank you, thank you! PS– I love Herschel’s laser-​background photo! So cute!

Couldn’t be more thankful to these girls from school for the dogs. I rescued a puppy on January, didn’t know what I was signing up for and in a no time found myself crying and trying to handle a super cute, 10 weeks old l puppy with an aggression problems. After googling it I decided to take her on a puppy socialization classes. I went to this place I found on Unilocal and had a bad experience seeing the trainers are being really afraid every time my dog got anywhere near people or played with other dogs more than a few seconds. School for the dogs was the second one on my list and we sign up for puppy classes (and got a discount cause She was a rescue dog!!).
Few weeks after I started to realize my pup is not as aggressive as i thought, she just needed a lil help, train and a lot of time with other dogs. Annie was being great and was always happy to give me tips or a good advice. Few month later, I got a loving, cuddly pup, who still has her issues but don’t we all :)
I would highly recommend this school, they are nice, prices are reasonable but most important they’re all very professionals and I always felt my puppy is in good hands!

If you are willing to do the exercises and follow up training as well as your own homework, then you will be thrilled with the teaching method, modality, and methodology of School for the Dogs. I originally set up private training sessions with Kate because she specializes in Bully breeds and in rescues. I have a 2.5 year old pit bull mix that I rescued two years ago from ASPCA. I have been working with Kate for about six months and my dog is making slow but steady improvements, and I am learning a lot as a dog owner! What I really like is that this a really private training space, where you work one on one with your trainer. There are no other dogs, people, reception staff, etc. So no distractions! Also, Kate sends comprehensive case notes regarding your session and your dog as well as your dog’s improvement. She is so committed and thorough and gets to know each dog personally!
What I have learned so far: I’ve gotten great suggestions on reading materials, toys, and training tools. I have also been working to do hand commands (in conjunction with verbal commands), using treats more consistently to fast track training rsults, and having a zero tolerance policy for bad behavior in dog parks (rough play, neck biting, stealing other dogs’ toys). It has made me a more confident dog owner, and she also really knows dog psychology and how to translate it in a way that is easy to understand for people. I am still learning a lot and will probably do a total of six sessions and then booster sessions once a year or so.
This place is not a one-​stop quick fix, but if you put in the time and effort, you will see lasting results. Kate has helped my dog and I bond and become much closer, while also fostering trust and mutual respect. I am so happy that we found a local, small, women-​owned business that we could support in good faith. Plus, they have a 10% discount for rescues! Really the best training staff and facilities that I could ask for.

I can’t recommend School for the Dogs enough! Kate has been working with our Boston Terrier/​Jack Russell mix Otis since he was 3 months old. She is patient, personable and engaging. The training feels really hands on and their approach has helped our very energetic/​hyper/​anxious dog through a lot of his issues. The best part is that the work we’ve done is incredibly practical, so we find ourselves using a lot of what we learned in our everyday training too.

Growing up my family always had dogs and I felt very comfortable with dog training. But when I began fostering a very smart, anxious and aloof adult dog, I felt out of my depth. In just one consultation with Annie I had him trained to «sit» and «come» and she gave me tools and suggestions that supported him to be much more engaged, happy and less anxious.
Annie’s help was so effective with the foster dog, I immediately turned to her for guidance when I got a 9 week old puppy. Her approach is so different from any other dog training to which I’ve been exposed and repeatedly proves to be not only astoundingly effective but to make dog training feel easy and natural. I’m amazed at how easy training my puppy has been. Housebreaking him has been fast and simple, we built recall from the get-​go, and he’s generally been a well-​behaved and well adjusted puppy, all without using any force.
In addition to providing great tricks and tools, Annie has given me the guidance that has taught me to trust myself and my dog, and to read his subtle cues. I feel like within just a few days, my puppy and I have been in an easy groove in which I understand his needs and know how to optimize and guide him to happy and healthy behaviors.

Though Annie and Kate were very nice, they were ineffective for me. I had originally signed up for 2 weeks and stopped after one. It was the 1^st week with my Puppy and I needed a sitter and not a trainer at that point which in the aftermath is a valuable lesson. I’m glad I had the wherewithall to stop it because letting him go on pee pads and carrying him to go out, as they suggested, would’ve caused bigger issues down the road (he’s 75lbs now). My original post I realized sounded angry when in reality there was just frustration in having spent a ton of money and not getting results and because I am looking for a trainer now, and wish I knew then what I know now. But that is my experience and clearly they have helped a lot of people and dogs along the way.

Walter, my rescue pup, and I had a great time in the Foundations I class. Kate was an excellent instructor and was very hands on.
The homework was great, and easy to follow. It was a great way to try to train my city guy — perfect because of all the other dogs in the class. The final day demonstration was my absolute favorite!
I wish Walter could have learned more, but that is my fault of not keeping up with the exercises.

I have been so happy with my experience with School for the Dogs. Kate has been unbelievably helpful and attentive with me and my puppy, harley!, I was so happy with my 1:1 sessions that I continued with puppy enrichment and day training. After each session I get a detailed email on all that was worked on, goals, tips and support (and texts with videos and cute pictures!). Kate and Libby are so attentive I know that my puppy is in wonderful hands. Kate has taught both my puppy and myself great skills and I am so thankful for all that she and School for the Dogs have done to make having a new puppy an exciting (and manageable) experience.
Harley and I highly recommend School for the Dogs!

The School for the Dogs has been an invaluable resource for me and my family. Annie and Kate have done amazing work with my two anxious terriers in both group classes and private training sessions. They foster a very reassuring and positive environment in both their classroom and in individual sessions and they’re great about taking different environments into account. In addition, they are happy to suggest a wide range of resources for all kinds of random dog needs. In addition, they have worked with my two children to teach them how to train the dogs. They have been super supportive and responsive to any issues that have come up and I have really seen the progress we’ve made. I can’t thank them enough.

I went here after seeing all the great reviews on Unilocal.I figured it would have been a home run, no? We signed up our 14 week old rescued puppy for a 90 minute private class with Annie and thought solidly about doing more but figured we would get our feet wet first.
I was under the impression that a 90 minute session would be about 30 minutes of talking and oue hour of practical training (which is what I was told when I called inquiring about the class). We started at noon but it was an over 50 minute interview leaving minimal time for practical training.
We had already begun training our pup and needed help to find out if we were doing it right. During the interview when Annie was explaining in great detail WHY training is important and the basis of human/​pup relationships, Annie wouldn’t really let me get a word in edgewise.
I was trying to tell her that we have already had 11 years experience with a dog until our old girl Terri passed. We had recently gotten our new pup, but didn’t need a whole history since we had MANY years of practical dog owning experience. After trying to interrupt Annie several times, I gave up and let her talk.
I also felt that during our 50 minute interview there was a lot of up-​selling going on. MANY times she mentioned the other puppy classes and the other services they offered. I explained that the school was a bit far for us so we have to take it slow being that it is the dead of winter. That didn’t stop her from offering private classes etc and every other service they had.
To be honest, this isn’t what I expected. I really had wished she asked «So what do you want to leave here knowing about?» so that at least I could have had the questions I came in with answered.
Another HUGE red flag was raised when I visited the pet store less than A HALF A BLOCK away from them and the pet store had no idea who they were. Really? I felt like that pet store people just didn’t want to say anything negative about them. It would be IMPOSSIBLE for them to know know a dog school existed only feet away from their door.
THEN, I went to the shelter where we adopted our mutt and brought flyers there that Annie had asked me to drop off (which was no problem for me since I live very close to the shelter) and the shelter didn’t put them out. They had heard a few not so positive things about School for the dogs. Not bad things, but not rave reviews either. The shelter is very cautious with who they recommend for training.
So all in all, my review isn’t bad, it’s just not good. I am giving them two stars because Annie really did have a wonderful heart and was very kind to both my dog and myself. I’m giving them a low review because I just don’t feel that this place is appropriate for experienced dog owners who might be going a second time around. I also really hated the up-​selling. That bothered me a lot too.
I had originally given SFTD two stars but after receiving a call from Annie once the review went live and her offering to fix any issues I had, it made me feel better. She is a great trainer and is so passionate about what she can offer families, that she didn’t want to let sleeping dogs lie. Sorry for the pun, I couldn’t resist. :)

Chip and I just finished our first private session at school for the dogs with Annie. She’s great! The facilities are super clean and very puppy friendly. Chip loved all of the interactive toys and learned non-​stop. Can’t wait for puppy class and our next private session!

Annie has been helping me work with Holly, my very reactive rescue dog.
I was not well prepared for the realities of a reactive dog by the rescue group I adopted her from and Annie has been helping me deal with the emotional roller coaster I am on. She not only helps Holly with BAT training but she also helps me when it all seems too tough. It’s clear she genuinely cares about her clients and is always quick to respond to any questions I have regarding Holly.
Before adopting a dog I highly recommend you consult with School for the Dogs to help guide you through the process, or if you are like me and need to understand the mystery of your rescue dog they are there to help!

I spent a lot of time researching dog training programs on Unilocal before stumbling upon School for the Dogs and reading the overwhelmingly positive reviews of Annie and Kate. Since our first private sessions, and later affirmed in group classes (Foundations 1 and I-​Dog), I’ve been thrilled to have found such a great program.
There are certainly many ways people CAN train their dogs, but if your goal is to foster a loving relationship with your pet while giving them the tools to coexist with their human counterparts in a bustling city like NY, then SFTD’s positive reinforcement focus is certainly the way to go. They helped me understand how to incrementally shape the behaviors I was looking to illicit and then to put those behaviors on cue. They’ve taught me how to minimize potential issues through management techniques, and how to slowly turn stressful situations for our dog into positive associations that aren’t as scary anymore.
When we originally adopted our rescue dog Eva, she was having trouble acclimating herself to city living and was quite scared of being outside. Annie has given us the tools to understand what was setting her off and a protocol for conquering her fears and has enjoyed loose leash walking around Manhattan since. Kate’s nutritional advice has improved Eva’s digestive health and taught me how dogs’ nutritional needs differ from our own and what to look for when buying food and treats.
I’ve been very impressed with the level of care and passion both Annie and Kate have for their business and their clients. If you are willing to listen to what they teach, you and your dog won’t be disappointed in the least– HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

In response to the comment below, I’d like to say that a lot of dogs bark and whine when left home alone. And I tried a LOT of the suggestions I was given. The Thundershirt, playing «Through a Dog’s Ears,» a monitoring app, work-​to-​eat toys, and conditioning my dog by going outside for just a few minutes multiple times a day. The bark collar (on level 0 out of 10 mind you) was literally the last resort because I was on the verge of being evicted due to the incessant barking. I take my dog to work with me so he is literally only alone for a couple hours a day, max. I’m sorry, but for trainers to tell me that I basically can’t leave my dog home alone for MONTHS is insane. No one has time for that.
I do feel bad leaving a negative review, so I’ll add a star. But who wouldn’t be upset at being out hundreds of dollars and seeing no results? At the very least, maybe they could have told me right away that 3 sessions wouldn’t do anything for my older dog rather than taking my money.
P. S. My dog does not have anorexia!!! That is crazy. He eats his dog food every day, loves cheese, and stares at my food when I eat. He just doesn’t care enough about food to be motivated to train. Jesus. Anorexia?

We have been satisfied customers of SFTD since August when we rescued Luna our Plott Hound mix. From our first private session, I got the feeling that SFTD was the place to be. Not only do they offer a completely flexible schedule and numerous training options, there is an ease about Annie and Kate that makes you feel confident in their approach and training techniques.
Getting a new puppy as our first pet gave me so much anxiety. I was very concerned about my lack of experience. Annie and Kate made sure that we had all of the right tools to not only train Luna, but also feed, nurture, and love her. They always go the extra mile and send an email to follow up after a session or share Luna’s progress on their Facebook.
Thanks to Kate and Annie, Luna is a very happy, well-​socialized, city dog who responds to both verbal commands and hand gestures.
I highly recommend!