New York, NY
Annie Grossman, owner of School For The Dogs, has been helping dogs and their humans live happily together in New York City and beyond since 2011.
She started her career as a journalist, writing about people, lifestyles, and trends. Her interest in dog training was sparked by an article she wrote for The New York Times in 2007, which focused on people who chose dog training as a 'Plan B' career. She was discouraged by the lack of reputable training programs at the time and felt that the dog training industry was 'brimming with charlatans who could be doing more harm than good.'
A few years later, she decided to pursue her passion for dog training and enrolled in the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) Dog Trainer Professional program. She is now a Certified Training Partner (CTP) with KPA and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) with the Certification Council For Professional Dog Trainers.
Annie is also the author of the book, How To Train Your Dog With Love + Science, which is being published by Sourcebooks in September 2024.
Training Philosophy
Annie Grossman and School For The Dogs are committed to using positive-reinforcement training methods in all aspects of their work with dogs. They believe in training dogs with love and science, using humane methods that are effective and enjoyable for both dogs and their owners. They emphasize the importance of understanding canine learning and behavior, and they strive to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all.
Services
School For The Dogs offers a wide range of services, including:
- Private Training: One-on-one sessions with a certified trainer, either in your home, at their East Village school, or virtually. They can help with basic obedience, leash pulling, potty training, separation anxiety, aggression, and specific fears.
- Group Classes: Small group sessions for puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs, covering a variety of topics such as basic obedience, socialization, and urban survival skills.
- Drop-Off Training: Daytime drop-off programs that provide supplemental training, socialization opportunities, enrichment, and exercise. They offer 3 to 5-hour long sessions that include structured socialization, reinforcement of training goals, tailored mental enrichment, and a safe alternative to doggie daycare.
- Training Club: A virtual training program that provides 24/7 access to expert dog trainers, twice-weekly group coaching calls, a library of on-demand courses, and a trainer chat feature.
- Consultations: Free consultations with a certified trainer to help you figure out how dog training can fit into your life and to create a plan that matches your needs and budget.
- Scholarship Program: A fiscally sponsored scholarship program that provides financial assistance to dog owners who need help accessing high-quality professional training.
Certifications
Annie Grossman is a Certified Training Partner (CTP) with the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) with the Certification Council For Professional Dog Trainers.
Specializations
School For The Dogs specializes in positive reinforcement training for dogs of all ages and breeds. They have expertise in a variety of areas, including:
- Basic obedience
- Leash pulling
- Potty training
- Separation anxiety
- Aggression
- Fear and phobias
- Urban survival skills
- Socialization
Training Methods
School For The Dogs uses positive reinforcement training methods, which focus on rewarding desired behaviors and ignoring or redirecting unwanted behaviors. They use a variety of tools and techniques, including:
- Clicker training
- Shaping
- Counterconditioning
- Desensitization
- They also emphasize the importance of understanding canine body language and communication.
Customer Reviews
Barbara R.: 'Your philosophy was—and is— a mind changer and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to start my life with Sebbie with many new behaviors on both our parts!'
Jackie H.: 'Teaching tricks with Anna has helped us build our bond and give Lumi more confidence. It's made training more fun for us both. We loved this class and would do it 1000 times over!'
Bailey S.: 'Anna's patient and empathetic techniques transformed Harry's behavior and helped him feel better about the world. He went from lunging at other dogs on leash to being able to walk calmly by them. I'm forever grateful for the amazing training, support, and guidance we received.'
Olivia X.: 'Our Goldendoodle has just graduated from her kindergarten last week and we are very happy with the experience. The classes provide an opportunity for pawrents to learn training methods, and valuable bonding time with your puppy because the classes are interactive and fun-filled.'
Media Appearances
School For The Dogs has been featured in a variety of media outlets, including:
- The New York Times
- New York Magazine
- Fox5 NY
- Mic
- Bustle
- The Big Bark
- The Farmer's Dog Digest
- Animal Medical Center's Ask The Vet
- New York Post
- Oh Behave with Arden Moore
- The Wall Street Journal
- The Farmer's Dog
- Reader's Digest
- Insider
- The Poodle To Pitbull Pet Business Podcast
- DogCast Radio
- Forge
- Fast Company
- The New Yorker
- AKC.org
- Bravo TV
- Metro
- AMNY
- WNYC
- Media Post
- DNA Info
- The Wall Street Journal
- CNN.com
- Fast Company
- Karen Pryor Academy
- Photojojo
- Gizmodo
- Yahoo Tech
- The Guardian
- Motherboard
- Evening Standard
- Daily Mail UK
- AnimalRadio
- Dogster
- MediaBistro
- Today
- NPR
- Discovery
- Agence France-Presse
- CNET
- Salon
- Fox Business News
- APM's Marketplace
- Lifehacker
- Wall Street Journal
- Epoch Times
- Jezebel
- Outside
- CBS 2 New York
- Gizmodo
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
