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‘19 Certificate of Excellence, 2019

About

Since 2011, School For The Dogs has been about helping owners and their dogs thrive in New York City. Using humane training methods, School For The Dogs will help you change your dog’s behavior, cultivate leadership and improve your relationship.

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5/5

90 customer reviews

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24 October 2019

Puppy playgroup was great for our pup Yogi and us!

Reviewed on Google Maps

3 October 2019

I never really write reviews, but I feel so strongly about School for the Dogs that I wanted to share my experience. I cannot say enough good things about School for the Dogs. When I got my puppy I had no idea what I was doing. I was SO lucky to find School for the Dogs, who have been so instrumental in training and socializing my puppy Bowie. I have had private training and he just started kindergarten. He has also been to several puppy playtimes, where I saw my puppy go from extremely shy and timid to confident and great at playing with other dogs. When he realizes we are outside the storefront he gets so excited and pulls me inside. The staff and trainers are so knowledgeable (special shout out to Nicole and Erin!) Annie has been so helpful and welcoming as well. Not only is School of the Dogs setting a great foundation for Bowie and helping him grow into a well behaved pup, there is a really supportive and fun dog parent community I have been introduced to. I cannot wait to keep bringing my pup to School for the Dogs! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

30 August 2019

I can't speak highly enough of School For the Dogs - from puppy playtime to puppy kindergarten, Day school to private training, we've done it all and our 22 week old pup is literally in the best hands. He's learning so much, is often complimented on the street for being so well behaved and the level of attention, customer care and straight up love and warmth from the staff is above and beyond. I'm so thankful to have this amazing resource and a group of talented and wonderful people to help us raise our new family member! A special special shout out to Erin, AJ, Gem and Maddie for being, well, the best! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

28 August 2019

This is a wonderful place to bring your dog for puppy kindergarten, training, or just playtime! My dog Tilly Tatum and I had a great experience here, and I continue to be grateful to Annie and everyone at SFTD for their expert guidance, welcoming atmosphere, and patience with dogs and their humans, even now that I've left NYC. Tilly is a well trained and calm city dog, and I have to credit SFTD. Thank you!! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

8 May 2019

We had an incredible and fulfilling experience taking our recently adopted dog to prep school at School for the Dogs!  Our teacher Allisonjoy had a great deal of experience and credentials in her field.  We got weekly emails with detailed assignments including example videos and dog training inspo.  Each class built on the last in a very effective way.  When we finished the courses we left with a well behaved dog and the skills to continue on in our own home.Can't say enough good things about this place and our teacher Allisonjoy!! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

8 May 2019

I love School For The Dogs!!! I highly recommend this place. We took our recently adopted dog for their prep class and worked with Allisonjoy. She was such a ray of sunshine and truly has a vast knowledge of animal behavior and training. Our dog (Nelly) loves going to school and learning all the things. We really enjoyed that she was thorough with the lessons, emails PDFs and videos for homework about what we just learned in class and giving us knowledge with not only how to train your dog/ yourself, but with SCIENCE! This school teaches positive reenforcement and helps creates a better bond with your dog. Thank you Allisonjoy for everything! We loved the class so much, we are taking Nelly to another class: Tricks 1! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

7 May 2019

I can't say enough good things about School for the Dogs! My dog Milo has been going there since he was a puppy and I couldn't imagine our lives without it. Having a dog in New York City is tough and confusing at times. School for the Dogs is your safe haven in the East Village, they know exactly how to help you navigate city dog ownership.It goes without saying that all of School for the Dogs' trainers are very talented and knowledgeable. More importantly, they truly care about each dog's needs and are there to help them reach their maximum potential. We really love working with Allisonjoy in her small group classes. It's amazing to see how attuned she is to each one of the dogs in the class. She is an incredibly gifted teacher, we really are so lucky to have met her. Thanks to her I learned to listen to and communicate with my dog, which has allowed Milo and I to develop very special bond.School for the Dogs feels like family now and we recommend them to everyone! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

4 May 2019

This place is amazing. I admit I was skeptical at first about the membership fee for certain services, but I'm so glad we paid it. We've worked with a lot of different trainers and tried out a lot of different socialization classes in the city including many well-known and well-reviewed companies and can say with confidence this place is heads and shoulders above the rest. In addition to being highly knowledgeable, I also like that a lot of the trainers we've worked with here seem to have the right balance of being highly invested in their work without being too intense. There's also a great community of dog owners and other dogs that all come to SFTD. Their podcast is also great if you want to get a sense for the school! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

28 April 2019

We enrolled our puppy mini aussie in puppy kindergarten here and could not be happier with their training! Anna is a great trainer, so good with our pup and makes training easy and fun! The other staff are always very helpful when we have questions about what to buy, how to solve certain behavior questions, etc. They clearly all have a passion for dogs and know what they’re talking about. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 April 2019

I started taking my puppy there when she was 8 weeks old for puppy playtime. I attended puppy playtimes at other places and always felt they were too crowded and I was worried about how anxious my puppy was in them. School For The Dogs kept it small and the most dogs I ever saw was 5 in one playgroup. We first did Puppy kindergarten and it provided a starting point of fundamentals. It isn't a set time every week, but if you plan ahead they have a bunch of times available. It was easy to sign up on their app / website. I had no problem getting into the class times that I wanted. The classes were small (most were groups of 4) and mixed basic training (sit, touch, etc) with some playtime. We graduated from puppy kindergarten and immediately signed up for the prep school program. AllisonJoy is phenomenal and knows exactly what she's doing. She stayed late numerous times to answer questions, adjust and fit harnesses, and go over anything extra you wanted to know! Prep was a small group of four dogs and it allowed for Allisonjoy to get to know all of the dogs individually and assess any special needs they may have. All four dogs in our group made impressive steps in their training throughout the process. Once we graduated from Prep, we joined the School Yard membership program. School Yard has been great and Karishma is wonderful. I initially thought it would be like going to a dog park, but it's a great environment for play and training. They are always offering training tips and making sure your dog remembers / stays on top of their training. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

19 March 2019

My 2 year old rescue started getting more and more leash reactive so I took him to sidewalk psychos level 1 after doing an initial private assessment and training with Anna. The class really built on the things Anna was teaching me and most importantly reinforced MY training! I got over my resistance to the clicker (which I had never used), got over the idea that I shouldn't give my dog treats when he just reacted to a dog and started doing what they say. CONSISTENTLY. The class really reinforced how I work with my dog and guess what: HE DOESN'T EVEN BARK AT SKATEBOARDS ANYMORE. WHAT!!! HOW COOL. His reactivity to other dogs in down probably 50 percent and improving. He is less likely to be 'above threshold' and therefore will respond to me when he starts reacting as opposed to being out of his mind. He also is looking at me more when he sees things that make him nervous instead of responding to it. I'm getting the hang of it and so is he and IT'S WORKING. I kinda can't believe it. If you have a leash reactive/leash 'aggressive' dog, take this class. Don't give it up. There is help! Don't resist! Do whatever they say! haa. :) More...

Reviewed on Yelp

8 March 2019

I usually review restaurants, but this place is such a big and important part of my life (and my dog's life, of course) that I feel I need to share my experience with others, even if it means that getting booked for classes becomes harder after all the readers sign up. School for the Dogs is a beautiful place for dogs and I'm not referring to the physical space, but rather to what it stands for and what they do for dogs and their owners. In addition to teaching my dog how to stay focused and be the best version of herself that she can be, they also teach me how to love her the right way, how to nurture her, understand her growth process and educate her. All this by also teaching me how to kick out the bad habit such as barking and biting that puppies usually do to call for attention. The instructors are so knowledgeable and understanding! At this point I think I've met them all and can say that they have different styles, but are all equally amazing.SFTD is really a safe place for dogs and parents alike and I'm happy we live nearby and can utilize their services frequently. Thanks for everything! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

5 March 2019

I had my first training session at School for Dogs with my new puppy and my 4-year-old dog - both rescues. Our trainer was Anna Ostroff and she was AMAZING. She was thorough and informative and equipped both myself and my pups with techniques that will benefit all of us for a lifetime. I never had a puppy before, so I was very overwhelmed and stressed and although I read a training book, it was not the same as physically walking through the steps with Anna. Additionally, she explained the thought process behind the training techniques. Anna taught me something extremely valuable, my active puppy does not only need physical exercise, but mental stimulation will benefit him just the same.  And to make SFTD stand out above others, they also have a scholarship program, The Disco Murphy Fund, schoolforthedogs.com/dis…which allows guardians of rescue/shelter dogs to apply for financial assistance. This is an amazing option if you qualify because in order to enjoy a dog they must be trained properly but training can be costly and it's a big investment in both time and money. The scholarship can alleviate some of the financial burden and therefore allow a guardian to fully enjoy the happiness and gratification that comes along with a well-behaved dog. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

5 January 2019

I was recommended to SFTD by a vet, and bringing Charlie there was the best thing we could have done for him (and for us)! Allisonjoy is a dog whisperer and not only helped us train Charlie, but provided us with the skills we need to continue training him on our own. The way she explains and demonstrates tactics made it easy for anyone to adopt. We live in a neighborhood where we constantly see the same people and pups, and about half way through prep school, we were getting so many compliments on the improvements of Charlie's behavior (he was never a bad dog, just an excited puppy!), without even telling anyone he was in training. We all (including Charlie) had a great and productive time in each class, and highly recommend it! We have yet to utilize the School Yard, we always saw happy dogs and owners walking out of there -- it seems like a great resource, one we will likely look into in the near future. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

29 December 2018

Really great training facility, trainers and play time for dogs. This place is great for humans who are very committed to and serious about training with their dogs.

Reviewed on Google Maps

29 November 2018

Wholeheartedly recommend to any dog owner in the area. We joined the SFTD community shortly after we got our rescue puppy and they've been invaluable in helping us get through it all. Whilst dog training is the main draw, SFTD offers a lot more. It's a business geared around helping local dogs have happy and settled owners. :) Their services include:- Dog training- Group classes- Dog sitting- Dog merchandise- Daily play groups ("school yard")Of all their services, we use School Yard the most - it's a safe and enriching way for your dog to get their daily exercise.Staff are fantastic and deeply experienced, many having backgrounds in behavioral psychology and training other types of animals (dolphins, etc). We count many of them as very good friends.Don't think about it, contact them already! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

17 November 2018

Wholeheartedly recommend to any dog owner in the area. We joined the SFTD community shortly after we got our rescue puppy and they've been invaluable in helping us get through it all. Whilst dog training is the main draw, SFTD offers a lot more. It's a business geared around helping local dogs have happy and settled owners. :) Their services include:- Dog training- Group classes- Dog sitting- Dog merchandise- Daily play groups ("school yard")Of all their services, we use School Yard the most - it's a safe and enriching way for your dog to get their daily exercise.Staff are fantastic and deeply experienced, many having backgrounds in behavioral psychology and training other types of animals (dolphins, etc). We count many of them as very good friends.Don't think about it, contact them already! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

4 November 2018

Our dog Kylie has been training there since she was 2 months old (now 15 months old) and boy are we thankful!  Before attending SFTD, Kylie had an issue with nipping and latching onto dogs when playing.  After a few weeks with the SFTD trainers, Kylie became the most friendly and popular dog in her playgroups, let alone the best behaved.  We looked in depth at all the dog schools and trainers in the city and SFTD's are far and away the most skillful, attentive and friendly.  We expect Kylie to continue attend their programs indefinitely!  Thank you Annie, Kate, Anna, Allisonjoy, Gini and everyone else! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

14 October 2018

I love School For the Dogs! I started going to STFD for their puppy play time- quickly enrolled in their Prep School program and now have a yearly membership to their School Yard. I feel like coming here has been a great investment into my pup's happiness and health. Trainers here are so incredibly kind and go above and beyond to help their human and canine clients. They are an endless wealth of knowledge that puts my dog mom mind at ease. I live in Queens but feel like it's worth the travel to give my pup the best education NYC has to offer. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

28 May 2018

My dog Mu and I are lucky to live six blocks away. If we didn't, proximity to School For The Dogs would be, no exaggeration, reason to move. We go almost every day for School Yard, their trainer-supervised dog park where the dogs' interactions are seen as teaching moments and the humans pay attention and care. Some days we do Day School, though I work from home and don't need daycare, because I know every minute with SFTD trainers is quality time for Mu--and support for me as I learn to solve dog problems, teach new behaviors, understand dog language, and generally be a better dog person. Mu is shy, but he LOVES going to School!The super-positive training ethos, helpful, welcoming community, down-to-earth vibe, and sense of humor about it all are so much more than I'd hoped for when I first Googled "dog trainers." Lord knows the East Village didn't need another restaurant or bar, it needed School For The Dogs. I wish every neighborhood had one.ps--The store, along with the staff's expert advice on (and good taste in) gear, is worth checking out, too. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

28 May 2018

I recommend Annie and her staff highly enough! Annie made a house visit to advise us on the best way to help our 9-week old Basenji puppy adjust to his new home. After 3 sleepless nights of crying and accidents, Annie provided invaluable tips and advice which made a world of difference immediately. After making a few small, but important changes, our puppy slept through the entire night without a whimper. It was an amazing transformation! Our puppy is now well adjusted and happy in his new home. Thanks, Annie!!! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

23 April 2018

My six month old puppy just graduated from PREP SCHOOL with Allisonjoy, and I wanted to add on my highest recommendation because this course is a real game changer. Before Prep School, lets just say walking my pup wasn't exactly what I had imagined before getting a dog. Fast forward two months, and I find myself occasionally looking down to make sure my dog is still there because he's such a good loose leash walker. Allisonjoy is a master of working with dogs and humans on the essentials to create a solid foundation for a happy dog in the City (leash training, distractions, leave it, wait etc.)  She really cares about the happiness of your dog, and is always offering advice and extra guidance in and out of class.Word to the wise: be ready to do your homework (yes, you human)! Allisonjoy will go above and beyond to equip you with the right tools; invest at least several hours a week to put those tools into practice and really see results. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

9 April 2018

Loving our dog means giving him the best start in life, and there is no better partner to deliver that than School For The Dogs.  During our recent 6 week Prep School adventure, our precious beast's growth in intelligence, patience and attention is staggering.  We're so proud of our Bowie and what he's achieved in such a short time.    I encourage anyone looking to improve their relationship with their animal to take advantage of the exceptional work SFTD does.  Also, if you're fortunate enough to work with Allisonjoy, you'll get to see a passion for animals that is rare and very contagious! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

6 April 2018

SFTD was all I ever knew in terms of dog training and I still definitely think the offerings for puppy kindergarten, puppy playtime, prep school, and the sidewalk psycho's classes are amazing and recommend them to everyone.  Plus as members they are starting to host some pretty fun events to hang out with your dog in fun events that are not training specific.I think it's great that they've grown with their membership base, it proves that they have a good thing going.  However it's been tougher and tougher to sign up for things I used to bring my pup to, primarily day school and school yard, the two main services that keep me as a member at SFTD.I am thankful that SFTD worked with me to provide an alternative for being unable to bring my pup to day school during the week, and I love working with Anamarie who is a phenomenal trainer.  However a year ago, I used to be able to sign up for school yard a week in advance, but now I have to book it a month in advance to even get a change to go.  That makes it tough for someone like me whose schedule is in flux, where I end up with a periodic free weekend in which I would love to bring my dog (she loves it there) to play and have fun.  A few times I tried, not only is the yard full, but the waitlist is full too!  Coming the week is tough for me and I know they're making extra slots to accommodate the increase in demand, and have limitations in what they can and cannot do in terms of yard times, however I hope they can add an extra slot on the weekend or perhaps look into a rotation to allow dogs that want to drop in, an opportunity to do so.  I have since learned my ways and mass blocked slots in yard so I have a spot incase I have a weekend free, but hopefully they can get a bigger place or change the way they do bookings to make it equal for all dogs to take advantage of something that is so great. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

31 March 2018

We started taking our dog to SFTD the day she arrived to NYC because we wanted a safe place for her to socialize before she finished all her vaccinations. Little we knew that we would end up coming practically every single day to Puppy Playtime!We went through Puppy K program which was a great start to our training efforts, and now do Day School which is an incredible 4-hour long drop-off training session/play time! The staff are super friendly and knowledgeable, and their store offers a great selection of dog food, treats, toys, clothing, and other supplies (with a discount for members). My dog drags me to the place whenever we are in a two-block radius, and totally adores her teachers! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

1 February 2018

After months of one on one personal lesson's we have not only grown to love all that School for the dogs has done for us and our family we have also grown closer to our two pups. The behavioral changes are so impressive and I couldn't be more pleased. I highly, highly recommend Annie and Anna for all your dog training needs. If you are having an issue, and are consistent and committed to correcting the behavior with positive reinforcement these ladies will teach you everything there is to know. I've learned so much about dogs, and to be honest even how I interact with the people in my life. I truly love this school and it has been a major blessing. We are excited to begin day school in a couple weeks! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

19 January 2018

So happy a neighbor recommended the School for the Dogs. I have a mini aussie who is super energetic, doesn't know when to calm down and was just not ready to play at the dog park. I brought her to her first puppy playtime with Karishma and saw an improvement in her behavior immediately. Before puppy playtime, my aussie would not be able to sit still with other dogs around her, but slowly she has managed to calm down and relax in the presence of other dogs. I've only attended puppy playtimes with Karishma who is a wonderful trainer, very friendly, loving with all pets, and insightful. She goes beyond her responsibilities supervising play and always has helpful suggestions for exercises you can do at home to help your pup succeed. I have yet to interact with other trainers, but I am sure all other staff members are just as wonderful. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

16 January 2018

these people are dog geniuses.they helped us clicker-train our dog, it was easy and delightful and has resulted in a lovely 1. 5 yr old who is gentle and well-trained. their schoolyard sessions are great, especially during the winter when dog-parks are sparsely attended and cold. they also have trainers present during schoolyard (and puppy playtime) keeping dogs from getting too excited and teaching them how to play well More...

Reviewed on Yelp

16 January 2018

Life changing place for our super-energetic puppy and us, first time owners. Before starting puppy play time at School for the Dogs, our puppy had many self-control problems. She had too much energy. She needed socialization in a controlled environment, and play to her full potential. From the first day of starting the School's puppy play times, our puppy has changed for the better. Karishma was our first puppy play time trainer, and she was extremely helpful in orienting us and our puppy to a very well structured and professionally supervised puppy play time. Karishma runs the puppy play time with extreme care to each puppy, and she creates a welcoming environment for every type of puppy of all sizes and energy levels. With her supervision, our boxer-mix puppy had the chance to socialize and play with small and large puppies as well as friendly and timid ones. She narrates the play as it happens, and she teaches clues about how the play is going, when the dogs need a break, etc. At these play times, the puppy socializes while the owners get information which will be useful for a lifetime. I mostly focused on Karishma's playtimes because she is the one who holds the most number of puppy play times but the same goes for each staff member in this wonderful institution. We are so thankful for getting such a great environment for our puppy in East Village. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

9 January 2018

I know Annie calls this the "School for the Dogs," but she could have easily gone with the "School for Dog Owners."  I thought I knew a lot about dogs. ..I grew up with two dogs and have been around them for much of my life.  In our very first session with Annie, I realized how little I knew.  Her lessons have given me the confidence I needed to raise my puppy, and my little dog LOVES Annie.  School for the Dogs has become his second home.Annie's helped me with private lessons and we've also attended the puppy classes at her studio.  Whether in a class setting or in a public forum, she is truly the best. Love their shop too...the best dog toys and gifts around! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

5 January 2018

My dog Mu and I are lucky to live six blocks away. If we didn't, proximity to School For The Dogs would be, no exaggeration, reason to move. We go almost every day for School Yard, their trainer-supervised dog park where the dogs' interactions are seen as teaching moments and the humans pay attention and care. Some days we do Day School, though I work from home and don't need daycare, because I know every minute with SFTD trainers is quality time for Mu--and support for me as I learn to solve dog problems, teach new behaviors, understand dog language, and generally be a better dog person. Mu is shy, but he LOVES going to School!The super-positive training ethos, helpful, welcoming community, down-to-earth vibe, and sense of humor about it all are so much more than I'd hoped for when I first Googled "dog trainers." Lord knows the East Village didn't need another restaurant or bar, it needed School For The Dogs. I wish every neighborhood had one.ps--The store, along with the staff's expert advice on (and good taste in) gear, is worth checking out, too. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

1 December 2017

Annie and the rest of the trainers we met at SFTD are awesome. My wife and I are first time dog parents and wanted to provide the best support for our puppy as soon as we brought him home. The puppy kindergarten and playtime did wonders not only for our dog Webster, but more importantly, Annie was able to train us how to work with him effectively. Webster is super clingy with a touch of separation anxiety, and even after we finished kindergarten, Annie has been super supportive with advice for us, which is finally starting to pay off!We're proud dog parents when people are shocked to find out that our well-behaved pup is only 5 months old! We would definitely recommend SFTD and will be back for other classes in the future! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

14 October 2017

School for the Dogs is truly special.  When my husband and I adopted our dog Dax about a year ago, he was terrified to walk a city block, highly reactive with certain types of dogs, and anxious whenever we left our apartment.  Through a combination of training, day school, and SFTD's trainer supervised dog run (only one I've found in the city), I have watched Dax transform into a confident and social pup.  Their positive and creative approach has solved a lot of problems and there is no question we have a happier, healthier dog who sprints for the door at SFTD because he is so excited to be there.  Across the board, their staff is amazing but in particular we would not be anywhere without the work Kate and Anamarie have done with our dog.  I cannot recommend SFTD strongly enough.  It's a holistic approach, whether you need to correct serious behavioral issues or just want enrichment for your dog. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

9 October 2017

Our rescue shiba inu Totto came with some people and doggy fears. Kate and her team went above and beyond in helping him become a more confident doggy! Totto really didn't like people trying to touch his head and would give a quick snapping bite and he was so hit or miss with dogs we were scared of letting him meet them in case he reacted poorly. We did two rounds of sidewalk psychos level 2 with Kate and you could really see the improvement he had! In round one it was really laying down the foundations and making sure we could slowly get him comfortable being around so many dogs. By the time we did this class again Totto was an absolute champ. He was so well behaved Kate would occasionally use him as the helper dog to show everyone what we needed to do. Other than Tottos anxiety level dropping significantly in the classes the best thing we learned was how to read his signals. Kate was able to explain and show us when he was stressed and anxious. That way we all knew how far to push him in class and when to give him a break.At this point Totto still has some fears but they're definitely getting better. He now has a few doggy friends and we know exactly what kind dogs to avoid (big ones) from Kate's trainings. With people We're now able to introduce him to strangers and after a few minutes of them not petting him he feels safe enough to approach and give them the go ahead to pet his back. We've made so many strides from where we started and cannot say enough good things about Kate and her team. Give them a chance and they'll definitely be able to help your pooch like they helped ours. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

29 September 2017

This review is for the Sidewalk Psychos course.We're going on two years since we adopted our Yorkie Mix.  We knew nothing about his past, except that he was an owner surrender.  A few days after adopting him, he became more comfortable of his new environment and around us.  However, we soon learned our dog was dog reactive.  His dog reactivity was extremely bad.  Even seeing another dog far across the street would send our dog into total chaos.  He'd go from one to a thousand, and if our ankles got in the way, he'd take it out on us.  The issue was very stressful.  You feel completely helpless trying to calm your dog from lunging and barking at the other dogs, while trying to avoid the stares and rude comments from strangers.We spent a lot of time researching for a trainer in NYC that met our needs.  School For The Dogs appealed to us.  We read the description of Sidewalk Psychos and it was exactly what we needed:1. Positive reinforcement training (No shock collars or other similar punishments methods.)2. Training focusing on dog reactivity/aggression (Kate's specialty is reactivity.)3. Weekend availability (Keep in mind, as much as you really want to, you might not start training right away.  We decided on SFTD in Jan 2016 but didn't start until March 2016 since the weekday session didn't fit our schedule.)   Kate, Chelsea, and the Sidewalk Psychos classes changed everything!!!  The first class is a sit-down class.  You share your situation, discuss the curriculum, and prepare for the first day with other dogs in class.  Everyone in the class is working towards a similar goal.  There's a nice supportive "we're all in this together" vibe.  In the classes that follow, you start with the basics and progress your way up with 2-4 other reactive dogs -- from just being able to relax in a room with dogs, to slowly learning how to look at other dogs while remaining calm.  In addition, these classes allows you to practice with your dog on how to behave when other dogs are reactive.  They'll help teach your dog to associate other dogs with tasty treats and happy thoughts.  We learned the key steps needed to start the reactive rehabilitation process:  reading our dog's body language, keeping our dog's focus on us, and learning how to quickly escape bad situations (which in NYC are everywhere).  After the completion of Sidewalk Psychos level 1, our dog continued on to level 2.  Level 2 included tons of practice doing passbys and group walks.  To date, we have taken two sessions of level 2 which is 10 classes. I'm beyond happy to report that since our first class, our dog has vastly improved.  We're currently passing 8 out of 10 dogs on the same sidewalk with no issues.  The other 2 out of 10 we choose not to pass by assessing the situation with the knowledge we gained from SFTD.  School For The Dogs has not only made our dog happier and less fearful, they've also given us peace of mind.  If you understand it's a long process and you're ready to put in the work, School For The Dogs is the place for you. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

28 September 2017

My dog Violet and I have been loyal and happy clients for more than fours years - since her first days in puppy kindergarten through our attendance in additional advanced training classes, one off tricks classes and our regular visits to the School Yard. Annie and Kate are just the best - they gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to train a new puppy and to address issues as they pooped up over the last few years. We are moving next month and devastated not to be able to remain active members of this very special community.  And it goes without saying - Annie is my pup's favorite person (above me!) More...

Reviewed on Yelp

28 May 2017

Excellent instructors passionate about dogs. .

Reviewed on Google Maps

28 May 2017

School For The Dogs is the BEST thing that can happen to a new dog owner in NYC. My husband and I got our puppy last summer and enrolled in Puppy Kindergarten. We were so impressed with the school, all of the trainers (and the friendly members!) that we bought a handful of private sessions and several other services. The trainers are incredibly talented and smart - the real deal. I would recommend SFTD 100%! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

28 May 2017

Love this place. Their trainers are amazing. I finally understand what's going on with my dog, and have been able to make changes and make him less scared / reduce barking / and teach him stuff! ! Nice variety of classes too.Highly recommend them. Barbara More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

18 April 2017

I wish I could give School for the Dogs 500 Stars!!! School for the Dogs is GREAT!!My dog has been training with Kate for 30 days, and it's like I have a new dog! My pup came from a neglected/abused background, and was shaking, crying and panting her first couple days in NYC, refusing to go outside or go near anyone. After training with Kate for the past month, my pup can go on long walks, is friendly!!!!!, and is super playful. She's learned how to sit, heal and be more confident (since she is an insecure timid dog). Kate has worked with me to continue the training on my own time sending me incredibly detailed notes after each training session and making plenty of referrals and suggestions for training tools that my dog has benefited from. School for the Dogs also offers plenty of classes for all types of dogs (mine will be in misfits ) and they have all sorts of speciality classes! If you're looking for amazing Dog Trainers, look no further! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

1 February 2017

Love this place. They have taught me how to communicate with my dog, understand what he's going through, and helped me help him calm down, reduce his barking, and not be scared. He's also learned some good behavior. Highly recommendThis school for your dogs if you want to bond with your dog, reduce unwanted behaviors and learn. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

19 January 2017

Super fun place. Staff is expanding as are the offerings. Such great puppy classes!

Reviewed on Google Maps

9 September 2016

School for the Dogs is wonderful. I cannot say enough about the incredible staff and knowledge of the trainers. Our rescue dog Ginger has been attending class, day school and training for over 6 months. Not only does the team here care completely for the dog and human clients alike, but the quality of work they do with the animals and positive environment they set up is unlike any I have seen through other training options. Once you are a member you are part of a community of such genuine dog owners and trainers. They care about our pup as if she were part of their family and go above and beyond to help her feel comfortable and confident. She has many fears in New York City, but not school! She is at her happiest when she is there. She loves the entire staff, as do we. I am incredibly active in animal rescue and I very much believe that positive reinforcement (the method used at school for the dogs) is the way to go for all pups, especially those with fear or anxiety as I often see in the animals I work with through rescue. I would recommend School for the Dogs to any dog owner and I am grateful that our pup Ginger (and us as the owners) are a part of this community! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

11 June 2016

School for the Dogs is a game changer! Annie met with us for the initial consultation and was clear and patient in explaining a positive reinforcement approach. Our 4-month old Scottish Terrier attended puppy kindergarten, day school and at-home training. To say he is transformed from the experience is an understatement. He comes on command, sits and loves being in his crate. What I didn't expect was how much us humans would be transformed as well. We are now more happy, confident and relaxed dog owners. Even after moving uptown, we'll continue attending School for the Dogs because of the results we've seen and the loving and dedicated approach of Annie, Annamarie and Chelsea. Thank you, School for the Dogs! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

2 June 2016

This is a long overdue review. When trying to find a trainer for our then 6 year old mini pinscher who had started getting crazy the moment I got pregnant I looked for somebody who uses positive reinforcement. By then my son was 15 month and our dog was non stop barking, being extremely anxious and hyper inside and out of the apartment. She was unbearable and even considered giving her up as she seemed so miserable since our new family member arrived.It was easy and quick to schedule something with Annie. At the initial consulting sessions she provided tons of information, recommend incredibly helpful tools and started tailoring a program that not only worked for Jeanny but also us. She then did some in-house training sessions. Even my extremely reserved son liked her lots which speak for her amazing energy. She followed up with extensive phone support and emails. This was 2.5 years ago and I could not be more grateful for Annie's help. Thanks to her we got to enjoy each other again and she even became my sons best friend. He rather goes for walk or the dog park with her then to the playground.I could not recommend her more. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

28 May 2016

Cute place. My cousin takes her little guy everyday. Helpful staff.

Reviewed on Google Maps

22 April 2016

SFTD is awesome...My wife and I have fostered several dogs and Annie and team has gone above and beyond in helping us offering the use of the space for play, training, and potential adopter meet up sessions. We also got the 10 pack of training and walks for one of our foster. Anamarie and Chelsea worked really hard to help us managing impulse for our last foster. After several sessions we saw a drastic difference in her behavior. Anamarie and Chelsea are both extremely dedicated and articulate about training and follow up. They also took a lot of time to show us the best techniques for dealing with our foster. I highly recommend SFTD and specifically Anamarie and Chelsea for training. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

24 March 2016

My dog Ronan (a hyper terrier who lives his life on overdrive) has been working with Kate for a couple months now and I honestly cannot believe the change in his behavior. We started seeing Kate for aggression issues that developed out of the blue. It was impossible for me to take Ronan outside without him growling at another dog, especially if the dog was wandering around without a leash on (which I feel is happening more and more these days in the city), and I honestly had no hope that things would get better. It was incredibly stressful. I was skeptical that we could get it under control, but we developed a plan and I kid you not he was back to normal in a couple weeks. Even though we got rid of the aggression issue, we are still training with Kate, and his behavior has only changed for the better. He is so calm now. He used to pace and whine, like he couldn't turn his brain off, but now he will sit and lie down without any prompting. He just seems so much more relaxed. Also, when I walk him, he's more interested in me than in what is going on around him. This is so important in NYC when anything can happen at a moment's notice. Kate is a miracle worker. She is patient and able to make the humans good trainers which is just as important as training the dogs. She explains the exercises and works with you to make sure you are doing it right while keeping it fun! I highly recommend her for aggression issues as well as regular training. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

16 January 2016

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. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

5 October 2015

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!! More...

Reviewed on Yelp