Instinct Dog Behavior & Training, New Jersey and Philadelphia

I'm the owner of a reactive Labrador Retriever named Huxley. He's 4 years old, and after working with 7 different trainers it was suggested that we contact Instinct Dog Behavior & Training. We were matched with Trainer Megan Byrne. Megan was professional, excellent in her understanding of my needs, and was able to share such valuable insight into my leash handling of Huxley in different environments. We worked together to achieve what Huxley needed to lessen his reaction and stimuli. Megan taught me "dog body language", which is so necessary when walking on a leash. Game changer. I no longer fear walking Huxley because of his reaction - I now have "tools" to stop and change things before they get out of hand. Megan was so patient with me. I love that we were able to achieve changed behaviors without forcing Huxley to deal with prong collars or vibration/shock collars. Huxley enjoys his walk, and I love walking him. Thank you, Megan!!!!!!

I usually never write reviews but truly felt the need to express my profound disappointment with the “service” I received from this facility regarding the training camp and boarding for my golden retriever puppy, Summit. I found your establishment online and was initially impressed by the numerous positive reviews. This led me to believe that I was making the right choice for my dog’s training and well-being. However, my experience has been far from satisfactory. I reached out well in advance to inquire about boarding Summit for a week while my boyfriend and I went on vacation. During this call, I was assured that there would be a spot available for her. Following this, I went through the initial consultation, which I thought went wonderfully. However, that same day, just four days before our scheduled departure, I received the shocking news that Summit was not actually booked. I was told that this facility was fully booked and could not accommodate her. The person I spoke to on the phone initially did not follow the usual booking procedures, and thus, the appointment I thought was confirmed was never approved. As you can imagine, this was incredibly frustrating and stressful. After numerous calls and messages to various staff members, I was finally informed that the owner would reach out to me to "do us a favor" and arrange for an additional trainer to accommodate Summit on the agreed date. I was told I’d be contacted first thing in the morning the following day, however I got nothing. So, against my better judgement, I reached out again just to be told that there is no record of anyone saying they would squeeze our dog in and that the owner wasn’t even in that day. There has been a complete lack of communication from this facility. Not a single apology, no explanation, and certainly no follow-up. I was left feeling abandoned just days before my vacation, without any solution, and with no place for my dog to go. I would never recommend this place to anyone based on this experience. It is clear that there are serious gaps in their booking and communication processes that need to be addressed immediately. I hope that no other pet owner has to experience the same level of disappointment that I have encountered.

Very disappointed, so upset, and would not recommend for reactive dogs!! I had a very reactive and protective German Shepherd dog (Moshi) and Instinct (Englewood NJ) seemed to be very promising with backgrounds from Dog Behavioral Consultants and Vets; however, their actions proved to be different from what they promote. We had the initial kickoff consultation which went very well and I was super excited as Instinct seemed to be very hands on and caring for the animal and also the trainer. They provided an interactive all-in-one place using a Trello Storyboard catered specifically to your needs, with references, resources, lessons, and easy communication and booking tools. Also after using their services, it opens up more services to you such as Day Care or Boarding which would’ve been great. Initial steps started off great and the Camp and Coaching Service was recommended for me and my dog (which is basically a Board and Train). However, before the dog can begin Camp, Instinct requires them to have a trial run (which is an additional cost!). This is where I was hesitant and expressed my concerns because my dog is reactive and wary of new people – which was all discussed during the consultation. This trial lasts for 4 hours where they put the dog into a personal section like a cage or kennel and then see if the dog will settle, take treats, doesn’t vomit or pee, and if the handlers can take the dog in and out without issues. So with this statement, they have already set my dog up for failure. She is sweet when she is able to get to know you but in this forced scenario where she is unfamiliar and trapped with the environment and people, she is going to react defensively and will come off as aggressive – which is why I wanted to get more training and help! (As a note, she has been to boarding in a similar environment and so she is able and good; however, this was a new place with new people and how they went about it did not help her acclimate to them. And I had voiced this concern but they proceeded anyways). Not even two hours into the trial run, I receive a call that the trial is unsuccessful (Shocker. She was unable to settle down where the handler could take her out) so I can come to pick her up early. Since we still had 2 hours left of the trial, I asked if we could use a bigger room where I am also there and try to work with the handler, ask questions, and slowly introduce my dog and get some play in so that my dog opens up. We were able to go outside and have some play time and my dog was still hesitant but getting more comfortable around the handler from a distance. It was too hot this day so we were only able to play for about 10 minutes. At this time, I asked what recommendations or future steps we could take, since Moshi is now not eligible for the Camp. The first recommendation was that we could keep trying these trial runs/ happy hour meets where the dog can play and get to know the handlers – but this would be an additional cost each time. Then the next recommendation the handler suggested was maybe the dog needs medication, with the disclaimer that she is not a veterinarian so to refer to one on this topic. There is nothing wrong with medication, if the dog truly needs it, but wouldn’t you refer to one of your behavioral consultants or vets or other training programs and services first, as that is what they preach in their handling of the training? Theoretically they have a good foundation and principles but seems like they are only capable or willing to work with “easier” dogs that do not have reactivity or aggression. I was so upset that I had put my dog in that situation. Thankfully, I was able to secure a Day School Program with SUPREME K9 DOG TRAINING AND ADVOCACY in Union City NJ, and would definitely recommend them for any of your training services and needs ! We were able to tackle all of my concerns and Moshi is much better now, and they had no issues in working with her and understanding her in her reactivity. Definitely NOT recommending Instinct.