Methodology
What should I choose? Private training or group classes?
Choosing between private lessons and group classes depends on your dog’s needs, and your training goals, schedule, and budget.
Group classes are a great way to build skills in a structured, social environment and can help dogs learn to focus and respond reliably around distractions. Group classes are cost-effective and can be the impetus people need to be consistent with their training. However, group classes may not suit dogs who are reactive, easily overwhelmed, or need specialized attention focused just on them.
Private lessons offer one-on-one attention fully tailored to your dog’s unique behavior and your specific training goals and priorities. Private lessons are perfect for addressing individual challenges or working on advanced skills at your own pace.Private lessons allow for flexible scheduling and focused progress, especially helpful for working on issues like leash reactivity, anxiety, fears and phobias, and aggression. While they are more of an investment, the individualized support can lead to quicker breakthroughs.
In many cases a a combination of private lessons and group classes is advised. If you’re not sure which is right for you we’re happy to help you decide based on your dog’s temperament, history, and training goals.
What type of training do you use?
Our approach is decidedly dog and people friendly. We adhere to an approach to teaching behaviors that builds motivation in your dog to want to play the training game and place an emphasis on helping people learn how to manage their dog’s time so as to prevent problematic behaviors and best set them up for behavior success. Creating a dog that is an enthusiastic student is the easiest and fastest route to helping them achieve success in terms of being a compliant and mannerly member of the family. With this goal in mind, positive, reward based training is the way to go!
Classes
What shots does my puppy need to attend class?
Puppies must be up-to-date on their vaccines for their age. Because early socialization is so critical for a dog’s well being throughout their lifetime, we generally do not recommend waiting to join a puppy class until they have completed a traditional course of shots. You should chat with your veterinarian and do some research on the topic, which should include reading Dr. R.K. Anderson’s excellent letter on this topic.
How do I decide which class is right for my dog?
We offer so many options, at so many convenient locations, that you are sure to find the class that is best in regards to material covered as well as ease of attendance. Please take a look at our group dog training class description page or contact us by email if you have any questions that have not been answered there.
Locations
What neighborhoods do you serve for private lessons?
We offer private lessons at some of our locations in Manhattan also in your home, depending on location. We offer in-home private lessons in Manhattan, some areas of Brooklyn, some areas of New Jersey, some areas of Fairfield County Connecticut, and in Los Angeles, California.
Where are your dog training classes located?
We offer group training classes, special seminars and private lessons in the following locations. We also offer private sessions in your home.
- New York Dog Spa – 32 West 25th Street (between 6th Avenue & Broadway) New York, NY | Map
- Beasty Feast – 327 West 14th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues) | Map
- Muddy Paws – 821 Ninth Avenue (between 54th and 55th Streets) | Map
- New York Dog Spa – 145 West 20th Street (between Sixth and Seventh Avenues) | Map
