6 Top-of-Class Dog Trainers in NYC

You live in the great concrete jungle of New York City. One of your delights is your dog, and you work hard to spend time with him, get him exercise and be there for him. You’re struggling, though, with how to solve a few behavior problems – or you just need to find a way to get your dog some good exercise after so much time in a cramped space – so it’s time to look for dog trainers in New York City.

This list will help. You’ll find trainers throughout the city, and although you might have to check a few before you find one close to your location (subways might not be a great idea if your dog gets anxious in crowds), all will do a great job with your pooch. Read on for more information.

Top Dog Trainers in New York City

1. School For The Dogs

• Website:http://www.schoolforthedogs.com

• Address: 155 E 2nd St, Manhattan, NY 10009

• Phone number: (212) 353-3647

Located between Avenue B and Avenue A in the East Village, School for the Dogs has been featured on the front page of the Wall St. Journal and on NPR. They offer private training sessions as well as smaller, personalized group classes for dogs and owners in New York City.

School for the Dogs was founded by Annie and Kate, both Certified Professional Dog Trainers. They provide smart and humane dog training with creative rewards-based training methods. They want to improve your dog’s behavior while also improving your relationship with your dog.

A good place to exercise your dog can be difficult to find in New York, so a private dog run at School for the Dogs provides an enjoyable space for off-leash playtime. This helps your dog get comfortable socializing, develop friendships with other dogs and get much-needed exercise.

2. Calm Energy Dog Training

• Website:http://calmenergydogtraining.com

• Address: 172 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

• Phone number: (646) 942-1979

Calm Energy Training in Brooklyn helps dogs in NYC learn to be calm, obedient and social in a challenging city environment. Services include private training in your home, on a leashed walk or at a dog park. Semi-private workshops and basic obedience classes are also available.

Owner Anthony Newman was named New York Magazine’s Best Dog Trainer in their “Best of New York 2013” edition. A Certified Pet Dog Trainer and Canine Behavior Therapist who is also a university professor with a Ph.D., Newman has been featured in multiple media outlets.

His goal is to encourage a joyous and peaceful relationship between owners and their canine companions. Newman’s own retired greyhounds have been certified as therapy dogs and have helped rehabilitate cancer patients and teach kids to interact peacefully with dogs.

3. Empire of the Dog

• Website:http://www.empireofthedog.com/nyc

• Address: 415 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

• Phone number: (917) 723-5233

Empire of the Dog has a mission: to strengthen the human-animal bond through education and training. To do so, they use humanity, compassion and positive reinforcement techniques based on scientific learning theory.

Dog training classes in NYC include Puppy Kindergarten, Basic Obedience and more. Specialized classes include Street Smarts for Dogs and Urban Agility, both of which help dogs navigate a crowded city. A Frisbee catching seminar is also popular at Empire of the Dog.

Founder and Head Trainer Denise Herman is a valedictorian graduate of the Academy for Dog Trainers, considered the Harvard of dog schools. She has produced several dog training videos, has written three ebooks and been featured in books and magazines for her work as a dog trainer in NYC.

4. Good to the Bone

• Website:http://www.goodtothebonenyc.com/

• Address: 29th St and 23rd Ave, Astoria, NY 11105

• Phone number: (516) 967-8177

Good to the Bone offers dog training and behavior consulting by using humane, rewards-based training methods to build a relationship of trust and respect between you and your dog. They want to teach owners how to communicate without using fear and intimidation.

Serving Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn, Good to the Bone offers several training options. The Perfect Pup in Five Weeks package gives your new puppy a well-rounded education and gives you tools to raise a well-mannered dog.

Other options include private lessons and group training classes. Several good training tips are also featured on Good to the Bone’s website. Trainer Wendy DeSarno has been featured on The Huffington Post for her work.

5. Star Paws

• Website:http://www.schoolforthedogs.com

• Address: 76 W 85th St, New York, NY 10024

• Phone number: (917) 438-0980

Located on the Upper West Side, Star Paws operates as a small, elite “dog daycare training behavioral management center.” They specialize in all areas of puppy development and behavior modification for mild to severe dog issues.

Star Paws believes that dog trainers in NYC should be all about the dog, so they provide only positive-reinforcement training done with dignity and respect. Training options include phone consultation, one-on-one personal training and private training sessions.

Other classes and lectures focus on one specific issue, such as walking on a leash, housebreaking, socialization and much more. Every dog and owner are different, so Star Paws will develop the best program to fit your needs.

6. Andrea Arden Dog Training

• Website:http://www.andreaarden.com

• Address: 415 E 91st St, New York, NY 10128

• Phone number: (212) 414-9597

Andrea Arden Dog Training has been named the Best Dog Trainers in NYC by New York Magazine, W, Time Out and Quest magazines, the Daily News and more. With a wide variety of private lessons, group classes and special seminars, they cover all training and behavior issues.

The trainers at Andrea Arden have more than 60 years of experience combined. They like to solve problems, prevent new problems and reward owners’ efforts with the joy of a positive approach to working with their dogs.

Located on the Upper East Side, Andrea Arden Dog Training will help you better understand how your dog learns and give you a mastery of training skills so your dog will respond reliably to you and not just to an instructor.