New York, NY
Instinct Dog Behavior & Training
History
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 through Nature-Driven Nurture™.
Training Philosophy
Nature-Driven Nurture™ is our revolutionary dog parenting method that creates lasting change where other dog training frameworks fall short. It can be applied to all breeds, ages, and behavior issues to create positive, life-changing outcomes for humans and their dogs. We help dog families across the country do it successfully, everyday.
Services
Our certified, veterinarian-recommended trainers and behavior consultants help you achieve your training & behavior goals with kind, practical, fully-customized programs designed around your dog's unique Nature. So you and your dog can live a happier life together.
Training & Behavior Therapy
We work together to uncover the utterly unique combination of biological factors, individual traits, and life experiences that make your dog one-of-a-kind. Then, we help you implement a fully customized training or behavior therapy plan that works with your dog's Nature.
- Private Coaching
(Private Lessons)
We use collaborative coaching to help you make efficient progress toward your goals while prioritizing your dog's behavioral health. - Camp + Coaching
(Board & Train)
We use a combination of positive reinforcement board & train camp and collaborative coaching sessions to create lasting behavior change together. - Puppy Camp + Coaching
(Puppy Board & Train)
An extraordinary puppy training experience, especially designed for puppies ages 9-20 weeks! Pups live with & learn from a professional puppy raiser. - Home School + Coaching
(Day Training)
We visit your home to work with your dog multiple times per week, then provide collaborative, private coaching sessions with you to bring you up to speed. - Group Learning
(Classes & Webinars)
We offer a carefully curated selection of group learning opportunities, including puppy development classes, alumni-only classes, and webinars & workshops focused on canine behavioral health.
We are committed to your long-term success. All Instinct programs include lifetime free and low-cost alumni group classes, bi-weekly Zoom support sessions with Instinct's founders, a client-only Facebook group, and more. So you & your dog receive support and coaching long after your initial program ends.
Behavioral Health Support Services
We offer daycare and boarding services designed to enhance your dog's wellbeing through activity and enrichment.
- Daycare for Behavioral Health
Enhance your dog's behavioral health through specialized daycare that includes enrichment, problem-solving, companionship, and play. - Boarding for Behavioral Health
We use canine behavioral health science to provide a boarding experience that prioritizes the wellbeing of dogs in our care.
Certifications
Instinct trainers and behavior consultants may hold any of these approved certifications.
If a trainer has the requisite experience and knowledge, they may be hired as an Instinct Trainer or Behavior Consultant while working toward their certifications. Certification must be obtained within 1 year of the trainer's hire date.
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (www.ccpdt.org):
Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge-Assessed (CPDT-KA)
Certified Behavior Consultant, Canine (CBCC) - International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (www.iaabc.org):
Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (ACDBC)
Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC)
Accredited Dog Trainer (ADT)
Specializations
- Puppy development and socialization classes, designed especially for puppies ages 9-20 weeks
- Alumni-only classes, designed to support your ongoing progress after you complete an initial program
- Issue- and goal-specific webinars, workshops, and classes
Training Methods
Nature-Driven Nurture™
Customer Reviews
“Instinct completely changed my lifestyle with my dog! I am extremely thankful for the dedication, warmth, and success of the staff at Instinct. I couldn’t recommend them enough.”
Pedro R.
“I highly recommend Instinct. They are true professionals that care deeply about your dog’s wellbeing.”
Elizabeth R.
“I am an adoption counselor and a trainer at a shelter. I am so thrilled to be able to direct adopters and others to your site. The information is such high quality and is a gift to dogs and their people. I cannot thank you enough for making this much needed resource available in the way that you have!”
Cathy B.
“Instinct completely changed my relationship with my dog (for the better). The stress I experienced before during walks and when meeting new people is gone, and I can spend more time now enjoying my time with Benny. I would recommend Instinct to anyone seeking positive reinforcement training for their dog.”
Andrew H.
“As a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, one of the things I see commonly in my practice is family dogs biting, or almost biting, the kids in the home. Thankfully, most dog-to-kid bites are extremely preventable once families are empowered with some basic dog-and-kid safety principles, smart management techniques, and positive relationship-building activities. And that’s great news, because as a mom and dog owner, I know how special those dog-and-kid relationships can be when everyone feels safe and supported.”
Dr. Emily Levine, DACVB
Owner, Animal Behavior Clinic of NJ
“My whole family is so grateful to Instinct – Momo the dog included! We have been boarding our dear, crazy dog intermittently over the last two months while my husband recovers from an emergency surgery. The kindness and breadth of dog knowledge that all the Instinct specialists possess has been so reassuring during this very hectic time. Mom now insists on walking by the Instinct fence on all her walks because she love this place so much.”
Carolyn W.
“Instinct completely changed my lifestyle with my dog! I am extremely thankful for the dedication, warmth, and success of the staff at Instinct. I couldn’t recommend them enough.”
Pedro R.
“A great alternative to the traditional dog training methods. The staff is so engaged and committed to you and your dog’s success. It’s remarkable.
Sanjeev P.
Media Appearances
Instinct 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.
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.
