Instinct Dog Behavior & Training

I have a very shy dog who gets overwhelmed easily isn’t successful in a traditional doggy daycare setting for boarding. I used Instinct Training for training (loved my trainer there) and was so happy to find out they also do boarding. They provide the dogs individual or small group play time depending on temperament. They even have a small yard for the dogs to relax in (a rarity for Manhattan). During down time, they give the dogs brain puzzles with treats. Caiden is so well cared for there, and my scared boy even bonded with the staff. I highly recommend Instinct for boarding and training.

Instinct has amazing, caring staff. I have nothing but praise for the work they do with dogs. My pup came to NYC from LA where she lived in a quiet neighborhood. In NYC going for walks was painful, she'd freeze and shake because there was just too much going on. After a 3-4 week program with Instinct in east Harlem, she was a different pup. She was ready to take on the streets with a strut. My pup is a nervous wreck however, so even with the amazing work the team did, there was still work to be done. I was offered tools and resources which helped me continue with my pup's training. Today, my pup could careless about the noise or the lights. People will always be scary but she looks to be to make sure all is well. And the best part of all, she is now comfortable meeting other dogs without freaking out. Instinct helped my pup shake a lot of her fear and they helped me better understand her so that I could best help her heal.

I can't say enough good things about Instinct and the trainer I worked with, Brian! In short, he changed my life and my relationship to my dog, Ginger. Frankly, my first thought was, "Is it going to worth the money?." Answer is it was the best money I ever spent. The main thing to know is that at Instinct it is not a one-off appointment. They provide you with training and support well past your initial session (for no extra charge). I've had dogs all my life but when Ginger started to refuse to be leashed up to go out and did not fit the profile of a dog afraid of the outdoors, I knew there was something else going on. On the Trello website they provide for you after your appointment, I posted each day with an update on Ginger's progress or lack there of. Brian responded promptly each day with thoughtful questions, insights and recommendations. He walked me through various possible issues and potential solutions until we got it right. With Brian's patience, expertise and generosity of time, we were able to determine the issue behind Ginger's reluctance to being leashed, and we have been able to resume our lengthy, wonderful walks in Central Park.