The Best Dog Trainers in Brooklyn, NY of 2023

Welcome to the Brooklyn, NY Sniffspot top dog trainer list for 2023. This is a list of the top dog trainers in Brooklyn based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public. Over 55,000 votes were used in compiling this list. We have only included the top trainers with sufficient votes and the trainers are ordered in terms of the number of votes received. Trainers that tied are ranked in reverse alphabetical order based on first name. All dog trainers on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. This list is a subset of the broader Top Trainers in New York list. To learn more about our dog trainer contest, feel free to view the dog trainer contest post.

Dog training is one of the most important activities someone can do with their dog. Many come to dog training through a specific issue they want addressed, anything from barking to separation anxiety. Some have adopted dogs from animal shelters with an abusive experience and some just have happy puppies looking for everyday life skills. Trainers can help with all kinds of specific skills and issues, from leash manners to territorial aggression to anxiety around skateboards to common puppy challenges. However, what many discover is that working with a trainer is actually a way for a pet owner to deepen their relationship with their dog. The enhanced communication skills that result can increase quality of life, be a rewarding experience, be a social experience and lead to more harmonious relationships. Knowing that one’s dog is having a happier life can dramatically improve peace of mind. As the saying goes: happy dog, happy life. And it extends further than just the dog, to the pet owners. Owner empowerment can actually improve the relationship between owners. And finding the right trainer can make all the difference in the experience.

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, which is the largest network of private dog parks for rent in the world. Each of the thousands of Sniffspot dog parks are hosted by locals on private land with all private bookings to maximize safety for guests and their dogs. Sniffspot offers various types of dog parks, including fenced, water parks, indoor dog parks, dog beaches and more. Sniffspot has worked closely with dog trainers to create safe spaces for dogs and our top trainer lists are a natural extension of that relationship. You can browse Sniffspot's local dog parks here.

The Best Brooklyn, NY Dog Trainers in 2023

Stephanie Ip

Born and raised in Staten Island, Stephanie has always had a passion with animals. After being inspired by her fearful pit bull-mix rescue, Stephanie decided to start her dog training career while simultaneously receiving an education in Psychology and Animal Behavior at Hunter College. She now lives in and services Manhattan as well as the surrounding boroughs, and specializes in puppy training and urban training.

Certifications: CPDT-KA

Services include:

• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Most of my training consists of in-home personal sessions and range from obedience training, urban socialization and reactivity training, and puppy training, and I train for 20-25 hours a week. I also lead a group class once a week for puppies and guardians to learn basic cues and to learn safe socialization and play.

Behavioral issue focus: Urban dog socialization, comfortability, and reactivity

Training methods: I am a force-free, consent-based, positive reinforcement trainer meaning I set each dog up for success as much as possible so they can be comfortable, happy, and engaged

Why I became a dog trainer: I adopted a fearful mixed pit-bull type dog in 2015 and I wanted to learn more to best help him. We enrolled in PetSmart training classes where I became close to our trainer and she wanted me to work with her. I also decided to pursue a bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in Animal Behavior. Upon graduation, I have since been a full-time dog trainer and found the passion to educate and inspire others to do best by their dogs

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: I get to educate and inspire many people to form solid and healthy relationships with their dogs!

My #1 dog training tip: Reward the good moments! Oftentimes we get wrapped up when our dog is "bad" and are reactive to their behavior, but if we focus and reward when they are "good", we prevent the rehearsal of undesired behaviors while teaching them what we like, plus we have a more positive and happy mindset change and both dog and human are happier!

Service areas: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island City

Website: https://www.dogtraining.nyc/

Ettel Edshteyn

I've been training for over a decade, specializing in fearful and aggressive dogs in NYC most of that time. I've worked with DOH cases, testified as an expert witness in a NYCHA case, work with NYCACC's Community Pets Program to offer free training to underserved communities, worked on Rikers Island with their Rikers Rovers program, work closely with veterinary behaviorists on complicated behavioral and medical cases, and do therapy work with my certified therapy dog.

I often say I came to dog training for the dogs and stayed for the people.

Certifications:

Karen Pryor Academy - CTP
Fear Free Certified Professional

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: I specialize in working with fearful and aggressive dogs and their people. Training can be in person in your neighborhood and home, or virtually. I also work with all pet dog behaviors, including puppy training, obedience training, manners, etc.

Behavioral issue focus: Leash reactivity is the most common concern I'm called about, to both people and dogs. Second is getting comfortable with new people. Fear of being outside the apartment, guarding high value resources, leash manners, barking at home, being handled, getting comfortable with children/new babies are also very common.

Training methods: I focus on motivating dogs and their owners. I don't use or recommend corrective collars, and instead work on setting everyone up to get things right and supporting good choices. Dog training is often much more than just behavior, and I take time to see if there might be a need to bring in other specialists, especially regarding medical concerns. I don't use cookie cutter programs and everything we work on is tailored to each client and their individual needs and preferences.

Why I became a dog trainer: My heart and soul dog, Charlie (a black Poodle), had significant separation anxiety. I was in graduate school studying English Literature at the time. I spent most of my time working with my dog on his behavior and learning about dog behavior while working at a boarding kennel, and later starting a dog walking business. Eventually I decided I wanted to pursue dog training instead of academia and left graduate school for dog training school!

My favorite part of being a dog trainer: Supporting owners and helping them feel like there's hope.

My #1 dog training tip: Reward the heck out of what you want to see more of your dog doing on a daily basis.

Service areas: Queens
Brooklyn
Astoria
Long Island City
Williamsburg
Greenpoint

Website: https://www.poodlestopitbulls.com

Kizz Robinson

I love living in Brooklyn because there's nowhere else like it. Dogs don't always love the same sights, sounds, and surprises that I do. I have extensive experience helping dogs feel safer in a place that serves up a lot of surprising and sometimes worrisome experiences to our dogs.

As a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant, I focus on discovering the causes of behavior and working to change our dogs' associations with the things that trigger their reactions. This is how we change behavior for the long haul.

I've got your back so that you can concentrate on training and enjoying your dog. I support you through the changes you will need to make to reach your training goals by providing detailed homework emails after our sessions and email support between sessions.

Certifications: CPDT-KA, CDBC title by the IAABC

Services include:

• Puppy training

Website: https://2bdogtraining.com/

Viviane Arzoumanian

Vivane has been training dogs and conducting behavior consultations since 2005. She is her clients' guide in all things having to do with dogs, whether they are animal professionals or family guardians. Viviane is a networker and values collaborating with other animal professionals in order to best serve her clients and colleagues. If she doesn't have a resource someone needs, she will use her ever expanding
network to find it for them.

Coaching humans has always been Viviane's passion. In recent years she has increased her focus on the human side of dog training and behavior. If the human's don't change their behavior then dogs can't either.

Viviane offers coaching and guidance in an atmosphere of compassion and
safety. Her clients include both pet guardians and a range of dog
professionals needing resources or a sounding board for finding new or
tried and true ideas for puzzling out difficult cases. She is available for
a full range of conversations including case review, referrals to other
professionals, and discussion of quality of life for humans and canines
living together. This includes consideration of humane euthanasia due to
age, illness or behavioral concerns.

Viviane sees dogs and their families for the full range of needs from
puppyhood to old age on a case by case basis.

She has been educated by well respected professionals in her field and by
thousands of clients and their dogs, and she learns something new every day!

Certifications:

Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, CPDT-KA, Certified Behavior Adjustment
Training Instructor, Pat Miller Certified Trainer - 2, Licensed Family Dog
Mediator in Behavior and Training

Services include:

- Aggressive dog training
- In home training
- Reactive dog training
- Off leash training
- Puppy training
- Free Ask The Trainer Zoom session - offered weekly

More info about service provided: Virtual group classes for puppies and
adolescent dogs, scent work classes, private training for the full range of
dog issues including separation anxiety and reactivity, babies and dogs
living together and counseling for difficult decisions.

Behavioral issue focus: Fear, sound sensitivity, separation anxiety, babies
and dogs, aggression toward people and dogs.

Training methods: All training is based on force free, positive
reinforcement principles, understanding what motivates the dog, and the
interplay between genetics and environment in solving behavior problems.
Viviane works with clients virtually and in person. She offers behavior
consultations, comprehensive training plans, and hands-on work with dogs.

Why she became a dog trainer: Viviane's first dog as an adult needed some
special training help and she got hooked on training. She then studied with
many well respected trainers to gain the knowledge and skills she needed to
serve her clients.

Favorite part of being a dog trainer: Helping improve the relationship
between humans and their canine companions.

#1 dog training tip: Dogs are learning every second of the day. Training
and relationship building should be incorporated into all the activities of
daily life, and it's so much easier than it sounds!

Service areas: We offer virtual services in order to serve the entire
United States and beyond.

Website: https://pumpkinpups.com

Alison Buehler

Alison loves working closely with private clients around Brooklyn and teaching group classes in Basic Manners and Puppy Essentials with her colleagues through PumpkinPups Dog Training. She holds two certifications showing both broad and deep knowledge on the most current techniques in training and is committed to using the most ethical force-free means to train. The CSAT certification is a specialty designation that comes through the world's most recognized expert in separation training, Malena DeMartini, and is held by only a couple of hundred trainers in the world. Additionally, she is an online Faculty Advisor for Victoria Stilwell Academy, helping new trainers learn all about science-based training and an approved Evaluator for the Canine Good Citizen Title through AKC.

Certifications:  CSAT, CPDT-KA

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Deaf dog training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Separation Anxiety, Aggression and reactivity, puppies and basic manners.

Behavioral issue focus: My primary focus is on helping dogs to feel safe when left alone. My techniques are through evidence based training and positive reinforcement.

My #1 dog training tip: You can move mountains with kindness and patience.

Service areas: Brooklyn and lower Manhattan, NY

Website: https://dharmadognyc.com

Kate Senisi

For over a decade, Kate's specialty has been working with urban behavior challenges including anxiety and aggression. Always taking an integrative approach, she loves to problem solve and create plans that are easy for guardians to implement and yield results.

Certifications: CPDT-KA

Services include:

• Aggressive dog training
• In home training
• Deaf dog training
• Reactive dog training
• Off leash training
• Puppy training

More info about service provided: Since 2011, School For The Dogs has been helping owners and their dogs thrive in New York City. Using humane, reinforcement-based training methods, our Certified Trainers will help you change your dog's behavior, cultivate leadership and improve your relationship. Train your dog with us in New York City at our East Village school, in your home, or virtually.

Behavioral issue focus: Separation Anxiety, Leash Pulling, Leash Reactivity, Aggression, Nipping, Jumping, Leash Walking, Anxiety, House-Training, Puppy Socialization, Resource Guarding, Basic Manners, Possessiveness, CGC Preparation, Tricks Training, Relaxation Techniques and more!

Training methods:

What kind of dog training do you do?
We like to simply call it 'good' dog training! It is 'good' because it works, 'good' in that it's kind, and also 'good' in that both people and dogs tend to enjoy it.

We strive to make training accessible to everyone, to give our clients easy-to-implement training protocols, and to solve behavioral problems with the least invasive, most humane and effective methods possible.

There are lots of other labels that can be applied to the kind of training we practice, among them: reward-based training, progressive reinforcement training, clicker training, and science-based training. It is perhaps most frequently referred to as Positive Reinforcement training. This label can be a little problematic for two reason. First, positive reinforcement is only one of many tools we have in our toolbox, and secondly, it is easy to misinterpret the 'positive' in this name as having something to do with smiley face emojis. The 'positive' in this context just refers to addition. It has nothing to do with being friendly and nice - two qualities that are not-essential to being a 'good' dog trainer. However, we do happen to be both friendly and nice!

Why I became a dog trainer: To help people communicate more effectively with their pet dogs!

Service areas: NYC and surrounding areas

Website: https://www.schoolforthedogs.com/

Sniffspot Brooklyn Top Trainer Frequently Asked Questions

How are Brooklyn dog trainers selected for this list?

These are the top dog trainers in Brooklyn as selected by broad voting from the Sniffspot community and the general public. These trainers are expert dog trainers, who received votes from their delighted customers, due to their excellent dedication to customer service, excellent results and general care they exhibit for their clients. Many have worked with thousands of dogs and are highly experienced trainers.

How can I get in touch with dog trainers?

Each of the trainer profiles contains a link to their website. You can click through to their website where you can find more contact information.

Are these Brooklyn dog trainers certified professionals?

Dog training is not regulated at the federal or state level, so there is no standard dog training certification and professional trainers are not required to be certified. However, certifications are important to show that a professional dog trainer has a standard of expertise to help train your dog. Each trainer’s certifications are listed on their profile.

What are the top certifications for Dog Trainers in Brooklyn?

Some of the top certifications in the dog training industry are CPDT- KA, IAABC, Karen Pryor Academy - KPA certification, Jean Donaldson's Academy - CTC certification and Fear Free Certification. You can review the dog trainer certifications for each specific dog trainer on their profile on this page.

What methods are used in the dog training sessions?

There are many methods for teaching dogs and a lot of disagreement about the correct training approach. All of the Brooklyn trainers included on this list use positive reinforcement training only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. This includes not using any specifically aversive approach to training or training aid, such as a prong or electronic dog training collar (also called remote dog training collar or shock collars). As for specific training programs and specialties, such as day training / doggie daycare or obedience training, you can see more information in each trainer’s profile.

Are dog training lessons in a training facility or are virtual options available?

Some dog trainers operate exclusively from a training facility, some do house calls and some offer video calls or other virtual options. There are pros and cons to each option and the most efficient behavioral training option depends on specific circumstances, for instance, what hours work best for you. A training center or training ranch can be a good option if your training plan requires facilities, training equipment or dedicated space. We recommend reaching out to the specific trainer you are interested in or browsing their website for more information.

Are dog training lessons private or in a group setting?

Every different circumstance of dog and owners may require a different setting, whether it’s housebreaking issues, anxiety issues, lack of proper socialization, food aggression or just bad habits. Each trainer has different offerings as far as whether they can offer clients a private training session or a group class. Trainers provide information about their private class and group class offerings in their profiles and you can browse their website for more information as well. It may make sense for your specific circumstance to reach out to the trainer to ask if they recommend group or private dog training classes. Some trainers also have a team of specialists that can provide even higher levels of service, or provide specialized sessions, such as pack walks.

How much does dog training in Brooklyn cost?

Brooklyn dog trainers have a wide range of costs for different services and phases of training. For instance behavioral modification that involves boarding is often more expensive than day training, and private lessons are generally more expensive than group lessons. Prices can also vary depending on specific behavioral issues. Lastly, some trainers have more overhead than others, We recommend first picking a trainer that provides the services that you are looking for, then reaching out to them to get up to date pricing.

Is training a dog good for the dog?

Yes! Training has many benefits for dogs. Whether with basic training skills or complex training techniques, going through behavior training with your dog can improve the bond that you share with them. Also, training can do a lot to improve the level of confidence enabling of a dog (and it can also help with building customer confidence!). Rather than being about exerting maximum control over them, it gives them more certainty that they understand how the world around them works. For instance, crate training can help a dog feel safe and at home in a crate vs fearful and uncertain. Dog training can teach important skills, such as leash control, potty training or a general level of obedience skills. And lastly, it’s just fun for the dog to learn life skills and for their family. Training can be very stimulating and enriching for a dog and serve them throughout their entire healthy life!

Can an aggressive dog be trained?

Yes! Any dog behavior can be worked on through training and coaching. Aggression in dogs is a serious issue, but it is also a term that is used very broadly. Many dogs that are thought to be aggressive are actually reactive, which is a different behavior altogether. A trainer can help you interpret signs of aggression, such as excessive barking, fear aggression and leash aggression, and type of aggression. If you believe you have a dog with aggressive behaviors, we recommend reaching out to one of your local top trainers to get their diagnosis and advice.

I am a Brooklyn dog trainer. How can I get listed here?

As long as you have a training facility or do in person training in Brooklyn you can be considered for this list. We update this list once per year, normally starting in January. Make sure to keep an eye on our social media and sign up for email updates with Sniffspot in order to be in the loop on the next round of nominations.

How much do dog trainers make in Brooklyn?

Dog trainer earnings vary widely depending on many factors, such as whether a dog trainer is an employee or owns their own full-service professional dog training business. According to ZipRecruiter, the average dog trainer salary in New York was $36,025 per year and $17.32 per hour. It is impossible to say how much a dog trainer can earn with a full-service professional dog training company, because the size and profitability of companies can vary widely.

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See The Best Dog Trainers In Other New York Cities

Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list

Albany, NY
Buffalo, NY
Long Island, NY
New York, NY
Poughkeepsie, NY
Rochester, NY
Syracuse, NY

See The Best Dog Trainers In Other States Near New York

Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list

Massachusetts
New Jersey
Pennsylvania

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