Instinct Dog Behavior & Training NYC

info@instinctdogtraining.com; 646-737-2299; 646-315-4897

Instinct Dog Training NYC provides professional dog training services in New York City. We offer private dog obedience training and dog behavior modification training in the following areas of New York City: all areas of Manhattan, including Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Midtown East & West, Murray Hill, Chelsea, East Village, Lower East Side, West Village, Greenwich Village, Soho, Little Italy, Chinatown, Tribeca, Financial District/Downton; certain areas of Brooklyn, including Carroll Gardens and Williamsburg; Astoria, Queens, and certain areas of the Bronx.

Behavior & Training | Puppy Development | Alumni Classes | Helper Dogs | About Us

Certified Professional Trainers

Veterinarian Recommended

Free Lifetime Group Classes

Kim & Darryl, owners of Molly:

Before Sarah & Brian, our sheltie-mix Molly was, by no exaggeration, a menace to our neighborhood. Every walk with her was a nightmare- she would pull us, lunge at birds & cars, and worst of all, lunge and bark aggressively at every dog we passed. On walks, dog owners would try to cross the street at the sight of her. Others noted they could recognize her barking from 10 stories up in their apartment! Beyond that, there were many situations that bordered on dangerous, and we feared that we or our puppy would end up hurt or worse. We had tried other training methods, but there are only so many treats you can pump into a 15 lb puppy! We decided it was time to get serious with the training or Molly would not be able to live in this city permanently.

Based on Yelp reviews, we gave Sarah & Brian a call. We set up a consult meeting and met Sammy, a formerly aggressive dog, who is now one of their helper dogs. Sarah & Brian really didn't need to say anything during our meeting, because watching Sammy's behavior was all we needed to be convinced these were the trainers for us.

Sarah did an intensive 2 week in-home training program with Molly. We then joined them in several lessons to learn all of the handling. The results have blown us away. Even more telling, people in our neighborhood who we have never formally met before now come up to us and comment on what an amazing transformation she's had and how well behaved she is!

We now participate in their free Saturday morning classes and their advanced training classes, hoping that someday Molly will compete in some AKC rally competitions. We love our dog so much. But now we love walking her, challenging her with the advanced training and agility, and watching how proud she is of herself when she makes good decisions in tough city situations.

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Renee, owner of Ty:

Sarah and Brian are -- in the true sense of the word -- lifesavers. They have been instrumental in giving my foster dog a chance to have a successful life, and have done more for him than possibly anyone ever has.

A no-kill, municipal shelter that I volunteer with begged me to foster a Akita/Poodle/Chow Chow/Pit who'd been there a year, because he was so full of barking, jumping, pulling adolescent energy that the staff and volunteers couldn't handle him, the trainer couldn't affect him, and potential adopters were turned off to him.

When I brought him home, he calmed down immensely and his true personality (clever, loves learning, silly, cuddly) and some behavioral challenges (leash pulling, prey drive w squirrels and small dogs, weary with strangers) surfaced.

I called just about every trainer in the city, and couldn't find many who had proven experience with aggression and a holistic philosophy. When I spoke with Instinct, however, it was obvious we were on the same page and they had a higher level of inquisition that others.

After one lesson and some practice on my end, no more leash pulling, little dog lunging, or squirrel acrobatics. Within 5 weeks, Sarah & Brian helped my foster conquer obedience to the level of passing the AKC Good Citizen test!

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Alan, owner of Sergeant:

I don't think I can put the level of satisfaction and thankfulness I have for Brian (and Sarah) into words but I will try my best. (Sorry for the long review)

A short back story- My wife and I adopted our 4 year old Chihuahua mix, Sergeant, when he was a puppy. Around age 1 he began demonstrating signs of aggression toward strangers and dogs he didn't know (barking and lunging). We were able to tolerate this behavior and manage it to a small extent. But over the course of the last 3 years his behaviors became more severe (snapping and even biting).

We referred to two different "Fly by night" trainers that should not have been allowed to call themselves trainers. They were scared of Sergeant, they had no authority, implemented training interventions that, in some cases, caused our dog to become even more aggressive and did us no good. We were defeated.

After we had our baby in 2010 Sergeant got worse and became aggressive toward our daughter. We were at our end. We came to the point where we needed to either find a good trainer or give our little Sergeant up for adoption and re-homing. So we decided to try training again as one last resort.

While searching for a trainer online I ran across Instinct Dog Training. I watched the demo video showing Brian and his work with his rehabilitated rat terrier, Sammy. While watching what Brian had accomplished with Sammy I began to cry. I asked myself "Could my Sergeant really be that good?" I needed to find out so we met with Brian for a consult and ended up booking him as our trainer that very day!

We determined that the 2 week intensive training program was going to work best for Sergeant. So Brian began working with him for a few hours every day (M-F) for two weeks. Brian used this time to build a relationship with Sergeant and to train him in daily obedience (Proper sits, downs, stays, heals and more). Following the two weeks we had follow up sessions where Brian transferred the training commands to my wife and I.

It has been 17 weeks since we started work with Brian and Sergeant is a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT DOG!

Immediately following the two weeks with Brian, Sergeant was able to sit, lay down, heal and stay on command. All of these commands were taught with an implied stay, so he wouldn't move until we released him. He was also significantly less reactive/aggressive to other dogs and people. This foundation of obedience was the corner stone of training and everything else has followed it.

The most important things we wanted to address in Sergeant's training was his fear, anxiety and aggression. He was miserable and overwhelmed by anxiety. We wanted little more than for him to be comfortable and confident. Brian was able to empower us and Sergeant to attain both of these things.

Brian (and Sarah) are competent, educated, confident, ethical and capable trainers. They understand what it takes to train your dog. That it's not simply about commanding obedience, it's about developing a relationship and line of communication with your dog.

Brian (and Sarah) provided us with the tools and maps to get to where we wanted to go with Sergeant and have supported us the entire way. But it has been up to us to utilize what they provided us with. We maintain his training DAILY on walks and also participate in weekly group training at the new Instinct Dog Training Studio.

One thing you need to consider before committing to training with Instinct: Don't ask yourself how trainable your dog is, ask how willing YOU are to be empowered to train and to maintain training.

We love you Brian and Sarah, You have truly changed our lives.

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Jeffrey, owner of Valentine:

A year ago we adopted a pit/mastiff mix named Valentine from the 110th street shelter. He was at the time about 18months ago, 75lbs, gray/blue and a stunningly handsome beast. He was either abandoned or just escaped as there was no history on him at the shelter. Though he was and is good natured, not aggressive he had little training and very little street understanding: ie- other dogs, runners, children etc all of which we found out quickly he was very interested in- in a good way but one misunderstanding and I'm the a- hole with the Pitbull right? Having had other large dogs I knew that with a pit/mix we had to be the best citizens in on block.

We found Sarah and Brian via their website, found it to be utterly professional and when we contacted them they were quick to return phone calls and emails. Sarah arrived promptly for the evaluation of Valentine on the date we set and from the moment she walked into our apartment I knew she was the right choice. She is professional, a gifted and compassionate trainer, has a great manner with owners, and within minutes had taken the measure of Valentine. We opted for 5-6 weekly home lessons and after the first training session Valentine went from yanking my shoulder of its socket to being right by our sides and attentive to our commands. As the sessions progressed be became a model dog and we were invited to attend the alumni sessions in the park. On his first try he passed his AKC Good Citizens test. Sarah not only got Valentine buttoned up but she taught us a great many lessons and we will continue to work with her and Brian as needed. I have recommended them to a number of new dog owners in my area with equally stellar results.

Their methods are practical, logical and easy to put in to daily practice. I would not hesitate to recommend them.

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Abby, owner of Bronte:

I rescued an abused 5 lb. silky terrior mix named Bronte. She was promptly named killer by my doorman. I tried everything i knew but was reduced to walking her at midnight when no people or dogs were around. To say that she had aggression issues was an understatement. I was reduced to tears every time I took her out. I tried everything and read every book.There was no amount of "dog whispering" that worked. The whole reason I rescued an abused dog was to help save her life. No one wanted her and she was going to be put down.

Brian and Sarah at Instinct gave me the tools to do just that. They teach the owner how to deal with any kind of dog and situation. It's not just about manners or treats. They teach you how to have a real relationship with your pet.

The first day I took Bronte to a dog park after months in training I cried. This time it was out of sheer joy. Bronte loves to socialize now. She has a way to go, but I am absolutely positive that Instinct Dog Training saved her life.

They are well worth the time and investment. They will give you years of happiness and joy with your pet!

Taken from Yelp

Tiffany, owner of Dexter:

Brian and Sarah are the most amazing dog trainers I've ever met.

We adopted Dexter (pit/boxer mix) from Animal Care and Control in the summer of 2010. When he came home he was timid at first, but as he warmed up and came out of his shell we quickly realized he had no training, no manners and no self control! He doesn't have a mean bone in his body, but he had a problem with mouthing, jumping, pulling on the leash and just generally playing too rough. We decided to hire a dog trainer, which was the best decision we ever made. Dexter went through 2 weeks of intensive formal obedience training with Brian from Instinct Dog Training which we have kept up with over the past year. Earlier this year Dexter passed his Canine Good Citizen Test with flying colors. Then, on Sunday October 2nd, 2011 Dexter and I competed in our first AKC Rally Obedience (Novice A) competition and went up against 12 other teams and won 1st Place with a score of 99 out of 100!!!

Training a dog like Dexter takes a lot of work and patience but Brian and Sarah made it so much easier, and dare I say... FUN! They got us to a point that I not only wanted to train him everyday, I actually enjoyed it.

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Terri, owner of Maize:

My husband and I rescued a female pit named Maize since we had never had this type of dog and the whole stigma that goes along with them we looked into a training program We found Brian and Sara and attended their workshop(Ask Me About My Pitbull) which was very enlightening.We hired Brian who came to our home and helped us to learn how to make our Maize the best friend and companion that she could possibly be Their training is so wonderful and the dog just responds so well to it,we highly recomend them and we cannot speak any higher about their abilities.Thank you Brian ...maize says HI

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Heidi, owner of LuLu:

Sarah and Brian are the best! Our lab mix was very anxious with other dogs and barked at most dogs she encountered on our walks in the village. Sarah, Brian and Buster changed her life and ours. We worked with them before we moved to LA (we would be thrilled to export them out here :) Our dog can hike and play with other dogs thanks to their work, including Buster's - her first canine friend. We cannot say enough about Sarah and Brian. Make the call - it will change your dog's life - and yours.

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Alex, owner of Linda:

I did a lot of research about dog trainers in the area (I live in Williamsburg, Brooklyn) and even spoke to several, but Brian and Sarah were by far the best. I've reccomended them to lots of friends and would encourage you to hire them. I adopted a dog-aggressive dog from the shelter and was scared that an unwanted encounter on the street with the many dogs who people let run up to her without asking would end badly. With this training, my dog learned how to give herself time outs when she was feeling worked up and now knows that she can look, but she's not allowed to be aggressive. We can now arrange walks with other dogs and she no longer lunges at other dogs, instead she barely notices! They even give free Saturday classes in Central Park (though I haven't been able to attend because of work and school). By far the best value for the money and I would hire them again in an instant!

Taken from Yelp

Jessica, owner of Fonzie:

Wonderful dog trainers! Our rescue pit bull Fonzie was a total nightmare to walk. He pulled us down the street, lunging at other dogs and joggers and made us dread taking him outside. We tried obedience classes and read several books but nothing worked until we found Sarah and Brian.

We opted for a 2-week program where Sarah came to our apartment everyday and worked with Fonzie for 2 weeks. After this we learned how to use the obedience she taught him. We saw immediate results after the training and he is now a dream to walk! Fonzie is relaxed and happy on his walks and walks easily past dogs without pulling. The training is very positive so we never have to yell or get upset with Fonzie and he is happy to obey.

You will not regret the investment in Instinct training!

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Liz, owner of Molly:

Instinct Training is fantastic! I have a puppy who is a sweet dog, but at 7 months she still had all of the super annoying puppy habits (biting, jumping, barking ALL the time) - and we really didn't enjoy being around her, and were worried it was get worse if we didn't stop it then. I worked with Sarah who is terrific, very professional and knowledgable - and Molly is a changed dog. She doesn't bark at night anymore, actually listens when I say 'no', doesn't pull on the leash, no jumping, biting, etc. I cannot wait to see her every day now and she also seems much happier and controlled now. Highly recommend.

Taken from Yelp

Eleanor, owner of Gemma, a rescue dog whose unpredictable behavior and reactivity towards other dogs had put Eleanor at risk of losing her home:

Dear Brian & Sarah:

Thanks to you and the training Gemma and I have recently undergone, my coop board has decided not to pursue their case to terminate my proprietary lease…And I am getter better each day…Today, someone got off the elevator with two dachshunds and despite the little guys barking at us, Gemma remained waiting in her down position. The owner of the dachshunds smiled at me with a thank you as they passed by. I look forward to attending Alumni classes in Central Park!

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