" When dogs speak, we listen. "
Rob Hallberg, CPDT-KA
Dog Training NYC
Puppy Training
We include all the essentials to raining a puppy in New York City with our puppy services. We help acclimate your pup to the sounds, sights and smells of the city. We help design a winning plan that reflects the realities of your lifestyle and where you live.
Leash Training
We want to help you enjoy your strolls around the city. Instead of fighting with your dog on the leash we hope to reframe things. Sometimes this means slowing down or giving more leash. There's always a solution.
Behavior Modification
We can help whether you're dealing with obsessive barking and destruction or something else. We put in the time and have the patience to find the right solution for you and your dog.
Trick Training
It's so much fun for you and dogs to include trick training. Instead of the same old process we can add jumps, spins and so much more. NYC dogs love to turn the City into their personal playground and so do we.
Why hire us?
One size does not fit all, and this is especially true of dog training. Every animal is an individual with unique wants and needs, and we are here to listen to what they have to say. Rob’s experience with training multiple species and years spent practicing how to listen to animals ensures a fulfilling and loving training experience.
Our Philosophy
We believe dog training is about building a loving relationship between humans and dogs. Dog training should be about encouraging and teaching dogs how to make good choices. We take into account a dog’s individual wants and needs. They have their own thoughts and feelings, and a trainer should be considerate and conscious of that fact!
One size does not fit all, and this is especially true of dog training. Every animal is an individual with unique wants and needs, and we are here to listen to what they have to say. Rob’s experience with training multiple species and years spent practicing how to listen to animals ensures a fulfilling and loving training experience.
Our story
Meet Rob
Dog Trainer, CPDT-KA
I have been working with animals in the city since 2015, first as a dog walker, and then as an animal trainer. Having completed a multi-year apprenticeship which included a stint as an animal wrangler for goats and chickens on Broadway’s Once On This Island, I received my CTDI and CPDT-KA training certifications, and am working on continuing education with a goal of advanced certifications in the future and an ever increasing knowledge of behavior and training.
My animal experience spans multiple species including the aforementioned goats and chickens, cats, rabbits, and of course, dogs! With dogs, aside from the standard manners and puppy training, I focus on fear and anxiety issues, as well as hyperarousal and overexcitement. My main goals with training any animal are to make sure that their individual needs are met to a high standard, that we are working below their stress threshold, and to make sure that we are focusing on replacing unwanted behaviors with better behaviors.
5/5
Google Reviews
Mia T
2024-01-22
When our 12 pounder, Crosby, suffered a life threatening attack by a 50 pound dog (in the vet's waiting room no less) his physical wounds healed quickly, yet his emotional wounds lingered and we called Rob. Crosby was in fight or flight mode, growling at every large breed he saw from either a block away or across the street and we feared for his safety on the NYC streets. Turning to Rob helped greatly! Over the phone, he really listened, as he was told of Crosby's fearless history and I didn't hesitate to make an appointment. When we met, Crosby took to Rob immediately as Rob spent the first part of the session getting to know him at home, teaching us training techniques, games, he called them to begin to re-condition him. Then we brought what we learned out to the street. Cros loved it and Rob! Since that time, with Rob's techniques, he's back to being our chill, fun-lovin' little guy...he's regained his confidence and just trots by those big dogs like everything is just fine. Rob is a kind human and will definitely remain our go-to person--he not only listens to dogs, but concerned owners too!
Sanford Marcus
2023-11-08
I'm a first-time dog owner and Rob's knowledge and skill (and patience!) has been invaluable to raising a happy, healthy dog. His training is very intentional -- and yes, he's not only helping to train our dog (who loves Rob), but he's also training ME. I just don't know what we'd do without him!
Anya Ahuja
2023-11-07
Rob has single-handedly changed Moose (my golden retriever) and my lives! Rob began puppy and leash training with Moose when he was about 5 months old. At the time, we lived in Tribeca and Moose was so overwhelmed - we would not have been able to keep Moose in NYC without Rob's kindness, help, and training. Over a year later and now living uptown, we still work with Rob multiple times a week because he is so effective and helpful. He is extremely talented, kind and communicative. He is a true lover of our furry friends. Thanks to Rob, Moose does not even flinch when he hears a siren and even spits out tin foil or other city trash. The photo attached is Moose with Rob - enough said!
Jamie Hoffmeyer
2023-07-13
Rob is hands down, the most incredible dog trainer we have ever had the pleasure of working with! We adopted our fur baby in September 2022 and right away we knew, from what little was known about his background, he was going to need a very special trainer. We chose Rob initially because we wanted a trainer that used positive reinforcement methods and fear free corrections. Boy, did we choose correctly when we picked Rob! He is truly a miracle worker and absolute blessing for us and our pup, Rhett. Our baby came to us with so much anxiety, body boundaries/sensitivity, multiple fear based behaviors, leash reactivity, separation intolerance, poor leash walking, zero recall, and was easily triggered into over threshold behaviors (constant barking, growling, jumping and nipping, chewing, etc.) that were challenging and created huge barriers to building trust. Rob recognized all of Rhett’s challenges, yet quickly turned to his strengths to build up his confidence, trust, and understanding of safety with his pack. He gave us incredibly useful tools, tricks, games, adaptations, and compensatory strategies to help Rhett build trust with us and enjoy his life! Rhett is now able to walk extremely well on lead, does not react to other dogs on leash, is able to go with us into businesses without becoming fearful and barking, no longer demonstrates jumping-nipping behaviors when overstimulated (he now seeks out toys or we play games Rob taught us with him when we recognize a situation that might cause these behaviors in order to stop them before they start), he has improved recall in public spaces (dog park), decreased anxiety (he was fearful of so many things in the city-no longer), has manageable body boundaries that now allow us to clean his ears-trim his nails-bathe him-groom him-remove ticks-treat wounds, now seeks cuddles and love from his humans, and is beginning to be able to stay home alone without barking and/or destructive behaviors. These things have only been possible with Rob’s incredible style of meeting his clients where they are at, understanding the dog he’s working with, and creating “just right” challenges that promote success and bonding with even the most difficult clients. Rob has helped our boy learn how to be a dog and enjoy his life to the fullest with his forever pack. Rob’s knowledge is extensive and the interventions he suggests/teaches are life savers! We TRULY could not recommend Rob more!
Elana Lyn Gross
2022-12-09
I worked with Rob to see if my foster dog could adjust to life in NYC since she would get scared when dogs got close to her — something that is almost unavoidable in NYC. Rob assessed her, helped me learn strategies for walking her, and now she enjoys passing by other dogs because she knows she’ll get a treat. I loved her but wasn’t sure if NYC was right for her, but after a few sessions realized she could be a happy New Yorker. I ended up adopting Rosie and Rob was a huge part in helping her find her forever home. We also worked on distraction, walking techniques, relaxation, fetch, being less mouthy, and other training techniques. Rob is kind, responsive, and it’s clear he really cares about his human and pet clients. I couldn’t recommend him more!
Antonella B.
2022-11-08
Rob is the best dog trainer in the city! His methods work every time. He truly loves what he does and wants the very best for my dog. He helped us get our dog travel-ready. He also helped our dog get acclimated to NYC. It is as though Rob is a member of the family. Thank you Rob for making our lives better!
Erik Johnson
2022-08-23
Rob has done wonders training us to train our dog. He’s so knowledgeable and patient. He explains things so well that we feel like we know how our dog thinks. Our dog does fun tricks and knows good commands thanks to Rob. I recommend him very highly!
George Gore
2021-11-16
I really enjoyed working with Rob! I booked four sessions with him and could not be happier with the results. He took a laundry list of behavioral issues I had with my dog, and worked through them with me in such a short amount of time. Rob really understands how dogs operate and has enabled me to communicate with my pet so much better. He always provided a great lesson recap, and was always available to provide resources when I need them. Thank you, Rob!
Peter Risafi
2021-11-14
My dog Woody and I have been working with Rob for the last 2 months. The difference is incredible. We're both enjoying our walks now which, before training, had been very stressful. The games that Rob has shown us are super fun and have made Woody much more focused. This has been a great experience and has made me much more confident as a dog owner and Woody much more happy with the time we spend together.
Zach Halper
2021-08-11
Working with Rob has been a lifesaver for us with our new puppy! He is extremely friendly, reliable and knowledgeable about his craft. In just a few weeks our puppy was fully potty trained and over time learned proper leash walking skills and a number of tricks to keep her stimulated and engaged. We appreciate the positive reinforcement style of training and our puppy is so excited everytime Rob visits. He's also been great at helping us bond our pup with the smaller animals in our household. We highly recommend Chelsea Walk and Train for professional training and to get you and your pup on the right track!
Rob's Personal History Working With Animals
What is Your Personal History With Animals?
From my earliest memories, I wanted to work with animals. I would watch my VHS copies of various National Geographic nature documentaries on repeat almost every day, and I wanted nothing more than to be a marine biologist. I was constantly begging my parents to take me to the aquarium, and to buy me books about various animals. I had pets, too! I grew up with two cats, dozens of fish, hermit crabs, snails, and a lovely little dog named Winston.
I did follow my initial dream of being a biologist. I earned a degree in biology from Wesleyan University, and I worked in various ecology labs at Yale University working with Galapagos tortoise blood, as well as working with vector-borne illness control in mosquitoes and tsetse flies. So I was still working with animals, albeit not in the way I had dreamed.
Now, as an animal trainer, I am finding my scientific interests and animal interests fulfilled, all in one! I have gotten to work with so many species, including dogs, cats, chickens, goats, and rabbits. I currently just have one pet, as 12 year old shih tzu named Scrappy, but my day to day life is filled with many furry friends, fun, and animal behavior. A dream come true!
We are first-time dog owners. Ever since we rescued our puppy a few years back, we've turned to Rob for his invaluable support and compassionate expertise. He helped us navigate our dog's anxiety (who knew white noise would get him to stop barking at the door??) as well as teach him some truly impressive tricks with practical instruction and thoughtful, personalized guidance. Cannot recommend enough. Our dog loves him.
Simon LR
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Service Areas
Dog training services are available in most areas of Manhattan, as well as select areas of Brooklyn and Queens.
Send us an inquiry to see if we are able to service your area.
Manhattan Dog Training
Rates
All dog training services begin with a ninety-minute consultation ($200)
All prices are subject to NY sales tax.
Initial Consultation
Initial consultations are important for getting to know you and your pup! A detailed training plan will be formulated and sent to you after the session.
A la carte Training Sessions:
A perfect option for new puppies, new dog parents, and for those who want to start out their training with a strong foundation! We will work with your pup four days a week and with both you and your pup one day a week, usually towards the end of a week. We will provide detailed training notes, videos, and continued support through email and phone. For consistency and to help your dog retain what they have learned and continue to grow, we can recommend one of our specially trained Walk and Train walkers to ensure that your pup is getting continual, high-quality care under the guidance of our dog trainers.
Trick Training and Trick Dog Certification Sessions
Tricks may seem silly to some people, but tricks and trick training are some of the best ways to prime your dog for learning more complex behaviors. They’re also great for building your relationship with your dog.
Rob is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI), and if you are interested in getting your dog certified as an official Trick Dog, getting yourself certified as a CTDI, or just want your dog to know a boatload of tricks, he can help! Rob will work with you in every session and teach you how to build a fun and happy relationship with your pup. He can also work solo with your pup and teach them a large repertoire of tricks!
Walk and Train Prices
Walk and Train Sessions
Walk and Train is the preferred option for those who want regular, high-quality training and walking for the foreseeable future. It’s very helpful for dogs with fear, anxiety, and stress issues that need a careful and caring walker, and for keeping up, adding, and improving skills!
Sleepover Prices
Sleepovers
$
120
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Per day
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Includes morning & evening walks
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Daytime walks are charged separately
Full service list:
-Potty training
- Creating and maintaining a schedule and working with humans
- Proper reinforcement schedule for success
-Hyperarousal and overexcitement
- Working with relaxation protocol
- Staying under threshold
- Acclimating to exciting stimuli
-Attention Building and Recall
- Basic attention building all the way up to more complex heeling
- Recall
-Leash Handling
- Loose leash walking
- Proper two handed leash technique
-Working with anxieties and fear
- Proper attitude when dealing with fear and anxiety
- Staying under threshold
- Working with a dog’s boundaries
- Reading canine body language in stressful situations
- Avoiding stressful interactions and scenarios
- Management plans to avoid incidents
-Desensitization and Acclimatization
- Noise
- Human and animal
- Equipment and clothing
- Body handling and manipulating
-Trick Training
- Rob is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) and has experience with teaching dozens of tricks
- Certifying client’s dogs as Trick Dogs
- Working with clients if they wish to become CTDIs
- Create fun and stimulating bonds with your dog
- Priming a dog for advanced behaviors and quicker learning for any sort of training
Our Systems & Processes
- We take a detailed background and history of your dog during intake
- First, we check that there are no health issues that might be causing behavioral or training problems.
- Next, we ensure that the dog’s individual needs in day to day life are met. No training can occur if a dog’s needs aren’t properly met
- We then implement a training plan based on LIMA (least intrusive, minimally aversive) and positive reinforcement-based training philosophies
- Training plans are tailored to the individual dog and their humans, and support is offered in between sessions by email and phone as needed
Dog Training Business
Want to see how we work? Check out: Our Leash Program
Here at Dog Training NYC, we follow a core philosophy with two main points:
- We believe that dogs are friends, and they should be treated as such! They are our companions, not our servants, and our relationship with them should be one of mutual respect. However, dogs are not humans. They are dogs, and they are born only knowing only how to act like dogs. Our respectful relationship needs to focus on teaching them in a positive way how to live with humans.
- We believe that good training is largely based on offering choice to our dogs. Dogs are individuals with unique feelings, wants, and needs, and one size does not fit all. Learning how to listen to what our dogs are telling us and offering them safe, positive choices enables them to figure out for themselves what their best options are.
Keeping these philosophies in mind, we will now talk about proper leash handling!
Before we start with techniques, we would like to make a few quick notes about human stress levels, as well as equipment. Dogs are great at reading body language, and if you are stressed, your dog will definitely feel that and get stressed out too. People who are stressed often keep the leash tight or yank on it, which is not very conducive to helping a pup stay relaxed and learn. Try to take some deep breaths, and keep the leash as loose as you can while still staying safe!
Regarding equipment, we prefer a front or back (or both) clipping harness, and a six-foot leash. Maybe a muzzle if you’re working with a dog that has a bite history. That’s about it! Equipment meant to restrict or inflict discomfort/pain is also not very conducive to relaxing and learning.
Techniques:
Holding a Leash
Wrapping the leash loop around your right wrist, place your left hand halfway in the middle of the leash. Keep the space between your two hands loose, and keep the space from your hand to the harness loose. Your right hand is your anchor hand. Your left hand should be loose enough to let some leash slide.
The Slow Stop
When the pulling begins, let a foot or so of leash slide through your left hand, with only a slight “warning” pressure. While the leash is sliding, slow down your steps until you come to a complete stop. If done correctly, you and your dog will come to a complete stop without any leash yanking or jarring sensations.
The Fake Pull
If a dog is fixated on something, we can get their attention gently and without yanking on them by sliding the leash through our two hands, one over the other, like you’re pulling in a rope. Instead of actually pulling, you just let the leash slide, which creates a small, attention-grabbing sensation for the dog. When they look back at you, you can give a big, “Yes!” and encourage them to walk away with you.
The Basic Heel
Perhaps the easiest way to encourage a good heel is to reward your dog when they are walking properly. Take some treats with you, and whenever you notice your dog walking where you would like them to (ideally, right next to your ankle), give a, “Yes!” and give them a yummy treat!
Why Do Dogs Pull?
The answer is, for any reason, really. They might be excited, happy, scared, uncomfortable, nervous, angry, hungry, or any other emotion. However, they never do it for the purpose of annoying their walker, which some seem to think!
Dog Training Service
What Do We Do If Dogs Pull?
First, you should be reinforcing your heel as much as possible. If they’re rewarded for heeling, they’re less likely to pull. Second, utilize your slow stop if they do pull ahead. When you are in a complete stop, wait for both the leash to slacken, and for the dog to turn their head towards you. When this happens, try walking again. Repeat as often as necessary. Sometimes it might be every two feet down the whole block. That’s okay.
If she is distracted, you can use the fake pull to try and gently redirect her attention.
Sometimes, it’s good to know when to let a dog pull. If they are very nervous, scared, or way too excited to contain themselves, you won’t really get anywhere. If they are small, you can pick them up. If they are big, calmly deal with the pulling until you’re in a place where they can calm down.
Safety Concerns
When is the only correct time to yank the leash? If a dog is in direct danger, like running into the street, about to get into a fight, about the be stepped on, etc…
Otherwise, it is okay to smoothly but firmly pull a dog away from something that seems to be dangerous or might trigger them. Examples include seeing a trigger approaching around a corner and pulling them away because you both need to escape. It’s better to deal with the stress of a bit of pulling than the stress of a triggering event!
A few points to discuss for safety:
Two Hands Is Better Than One
While leashes can be safely one-handed by experienced handlers, you will ALWAYS have better control with two hands. Save the one handing for open fields, big quiet spaces, and other very safe areas. Two-handing is the way to go in the city!
Corners and Blind Spots
Most accidents happen when the walker isn’t paying attention to their surroundings. Leave the phone in your pocket, and keep an eye out for triggers! Check: building corners, hallways, elevators, street-side doors, intersections, and any spot where you can’t immediately see what is coming.
Dog Fights
You should NEVER stick your hands into a dog fight, it’s a great way to get bitten or otherwise redirect the aggression to you. Instead, if you need to break up a dog fight, you can: pull them away if they’re both on leash, put jackets or blankets over them, spray them with water, or use a citronella spray in their faces.
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