We’re not your average dog training company. Founded on the principle that dogs are family, our teams use Nature-Driven Nurture™ – a powerful combination of canine behavioral health science and collaborative coaching strategies – to help humans and dogs live happier lives together.
Canine behavioral health is prioritized and fully integrated into all Instinct programs. This means we design programs that look beyond typical “dog training” solutions to consider all factors that play a role in our dogs’ behavior and wellbeing, from ethology and genetics, to emotions, environment, relationships, health, and learning history. When we prioritize our dogs’ behavioral health needs as a species, breed/mix and individual, we help them become happier, more fulfilled, and more responsive companions.
We use behavioral science to create lasting, positive change at both ends of the leash. This means utilizing a positive, goal-based coaching framework that is responsive, collaborative, and FUN. We help you stay motivated and on-track via frequent, between-session communication with your coach; we provide just-in-time supplemental educational content, so you don’t get bogged down in information overload; and, we use a team-based approach to problem solving if things aren’t progressing as planned.
The majority of our clients see significant improvements in their dogs’ behavior just from implementing a solid behavioral health support plan – before we even get started on skills training and behavior therapy exercises!
Instinct was founded in 2009 in New York City as a small, home-based dog training company with big dreams. Today, we are a national team of dog professionals working together to build a Kinder World for Dogs and Humans.
Instinct’s leadership team is comprised of certified behavior consultants, board-certified veterinary behaviorists, canine scientists, and business and technology specialists.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Instinct facilities are designed by canine scientists to protect and enhance the behavioral health of dogs in our care, and to provide inclusive, comfortable learning spaces for humans and dogs.
Explore Our Facilities
Instinct requires all coaches to obtain industry-leading certifications and adhere to strict national standards related to methodology and client care.
Learn About Our Coaching TeamsInstinct and its team members are regularly featured as trusted experts in national and local print, radio, television, and online media, including The New York Times, The Daily News, NBC Nightly News, Inside Edition, NBC4 New York, NPR, Sirius XM STARS radio, and many more.
Instinct has big plans! We love helping dogs and their humans live happier lives together, and we are working hard to do so in a BIG way: we have new, locally owned Instinct facilities opening all across the country. We are also working on some exciting new canine behavioral health resources for humans and dogs around the world.
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