August 14, 2026
The Fulcrum Between What You Want and What Your Dog Wants
On secondary reinforcers, a frivolous lawsuit, learned helplessness, AI, and the late Alexandra Kurland.
Blog
Reward-based training tips, behavior science, and stories about life with dogs.
-
-
August 7, 2026
I Used to Think Cesar Millan Made Sense, Too
Two decades ago, I made a mistake while reporting on dog training for The New York Times. Andrew Huberman's interview with The Dog Whisperer reminded me how easy it is to mistake charisma for science.
-
July 27, 2026
Alexandra Kurland 1961-2026
Remembering a pioneering trainer who showed the horse world how to train without punishment and coercion.
-
July 24, 2026
Ask Annie: What Are the Biggest Mistakes We Make When Trying To Communicate With Dogs?
On overuse of words, Treat Land and expecting too much too soon
-
June 12, 2026
I Used AI to Create Operant Conditioning Characters
And then I asked ChatGPT what Positive Reinforcement has to do with its own training.
-
June 5, 2026
National Doughnut Day: It Was the Doughnuts
I thought I was helping an old woman. Then I discovered that my behavior served another function.
-
May 25, 2026
Dog Person: Douglas Widick and Skye, Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
The comedian behind “Big Man, Tiny Dog” on his new dog-themed show, wolves, fostering, anthropomorphism, and his completely perfect Scottish Terrier, Skye
-
May 19, 2026
Stupid Pet Tricks, Smart Training
How The Late Show with David Letterman accidentally taught a generation about behavior science
-
May 15, 2026
If You Have a Smartphone… Woof
The science that trains dogs is also keeping humans scrolling
-
May 10, 2026
The (Difficult) Math of Becoming a Mom
This is for anyone who feels impossibly far away from the life they want
-
May 8, 2026
Ask Annie: How Can I Stop My Dog From Counter Surfing When They're Alone In The Kitchen
The case for training humans before training dogs
-
May 1, 2026
Why That Dog Guards His Toy—and Jia Tolentino Steals From Whole Foods
Scarcity, trauma, and the (weirdly) thin line between survival instinct and entitlement
-
April 23, 2026
The Myth of Just "Ignoring" Unwanted Behavior
Because you aren't the only factor in your dog's training...
-
April 22, 2026
Dogs Do What Works
Humans do, too. But what works isn’t always a good idea. Understanding behavior can help us make better choices—for ourselves and our dogs.
-
April 15, 2026
Talk To The Animals?
Why our obsession with translating dogs says more about us than them
-
April 10, 2026
Ask Annie: Should I Teach My Puppy "Sit"?
Start with “come” and “drop it”—not "sit." Here’s why.
-
April 3, 2026
4.5 Million Views, Zero Dollars, and One Very Bad Idea About Dogs
What a viral video reveals about how people think about behavior
-
March 27, 2026
Dog Person: Andrew Garn and Possum
On having a Jesus dog, falling in love with pigeons, and accidentally building a dog run in NYC
-
March 20, 2026
Your Dog Doesn’t Want to Meet Every Dog
What people get wrong about on-leash “socialization.”
-
September 26, 2024
How To Train Your Dog With Love + Science: Now in stores!
"How to Train Your Dog With Love + Science"— a new book by School For The Dogs' owner, Annie Grossman, is must-read for city dog owners. Buy now and get a free clicker and sticker.
-
July 11, 2024
8 Tips To Keep Your Dog Safe At The Dog Park
Dog parks can be fun but they can also be intimidating for a dog, and possibly dangerous. Here are some tips on becoming the best-educated dog-park goer possible.
-
November 5, 2023
A Foolproof Guide To Keeping Your Dog From Jumping on Holiday Guests
Make holiday gatherings stress-free with our guide to training your dog to stay calm when guests arrive. The 4 essential products you need and how to use them.
-
October 17, 2023
How to walk a dog in a big city: 4 tips for better leash walking in the city
Chicken bones, crowds and other dogs make city walks tricky. Four tips for better leash walking in New York City or any urban neighborhood.
-
July 24, 2023
Reliable Recalls: Teach Your Dog to Come Back Every Time
Teach your dog to come when called, every time. The five rules for training and keeping a rock-solid recall.
-
February 6, 2023
7 tips to keeping dogs safe on city streets
We recently lost a puppy student in a horrible accident on a city street. In Alex's honor, here are some tips on keeping dogs safe in busy urban settings.
-
August 1, 2022
Puppies love snuffle mats! The work-to-eat toys our dog trainers recommend
What's a snuffle mat? Why puppies love work-to-eat toys, how they help dogs settle down, and the ones our trainers recommend.
-
July 5, 2022
How to tell what methods dog trainers use (and why looking at websites may not be helpful)
Even if you have strong ideas about the kind of trainer you're looking for, you have your work cut out for you. Unfortunately, as my research illustrates, there are few buzzwords that will inform owners on methodology. There are also no rules or legislation overseeing dog training, and few meaningful certifications governing how they practice, let alone what they serve up on their websites.
-
January 13, 2022
8 Tips To Keep Your Dog Safe At The Dog Park
Discover essential tips for safe and enjoyable dog park visits. Learn how to manage play, understand canine body language, and ensure a positive experience.
-
October 25, 2021
The case for private dog runs: Happier dogs and fewer crazy people
Why a small, supervised, members-only dog run makes for happier dogs and calmer owners than a typical crowded public dog park.
-
October 22, 2020
Does Your Dog Have Anxiety?
Anxiety in dogs is much like anxiety in humans – it can be related directly to certain stimuli or it can present as generalized anxiety.
-
October 1, 2020
5 Key Concepts for Puppies
Socialization, self control, focus, play and leadership: the five concepts that help a puppy grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.
-
September 27, 2020
Flying with your dog? Here are some quick tips!
Planning to fly with your dog? A quick guide to airline rules, plane tickets for dogs, and how to help your dog stay comfortable in the cabin.
-
August 24, 2020
These 5 US-Based Small Businesses Make Dog Products We Love
We love selling dog toys and gear from small businesses like West Paw, Found My Animal, and Ruffwear -- places that prioritize pet happiness and environmental responsibility. Read on to learn more about some of our favorite companies in this space, and learn about their unique contributions to dog welfare and sustainability.
-
June 20, 2019
This just in: New York is 4th worst state for pets!
New York was ranked one of the worst states for pet owners. Is that fair? A look at what the city gets right and wrong for dogs.
-
March 5, 2019
Meet our trainer Anna Ostroff
Anna Ostroff went from client to apprentice to one of our top trainers. How a 90-pound foster dog started her journey into positive reinforcement.
-
January 30, 2019
What Should I Feed my Dog?
Learn why feeding dogs human food makes sense based on evolutionary history and get tips on cooking for dogs and balancing homemade meals. Plus: Explore commercial options and the pros/cons of dry food vs fresh alternatives.
-
January 24, 2019
Introducing The School For The Dogs Scholarship Fund
Good training can keep dogs out of shelters. Introducing the School For The Dogs Scholarship Fund, making training affordable for more families.
-
January 4, 2019
How to deal with a dog who can't handle skateboarders
Does your dog bark and lunge at skateboards? Annie explains how to change your dog's reaction with counterconditioning and smart management.
-
October 15, 2018
7 things to consider before letting two dogs greet on leash
City sidewalks aren't ideal for dog introductions. Seven things to think about before you let your dog say hello to another dog on leash.
-
September 24, 2018
What vending machines can teach us about training "come" and "drop it"
What vending machines can teach us about training "come" and "drop it": using classical conditioning to build behaviors your dog loves.
-
August 20, 2018
Being the "Baby In The Box": BF Skinner's daughter dispels the myths
Deborah Buzan, daughter of BF Skinner, discusses her upbringing in what people thought was a "Skinner Box" and her fathers work at home with his own dog.
-
August 8, 2018
The Dog Training Triad Part 3: Timing
Part 3 of the Dog Training Triad: why timing matters so much in dog training, and how to mark and reward at the right moment.
-
August 2, 2018
Happy Birthday, Pooper Scooper Law!
Forty years ago, New York became the first US city to make dog owners pick up after their dogs. The surprising history of the Pooper Scooper law.
-
July 25, 2018
The Dog Training Triad Part 2: Rewards
Part 2 of the Dog Training Triad: the difference between rewards and reinforcers, and how to choose the right rewards for your dog.
-
July 18, 2018
8 things you didn't know about the Kong
Here are some little-known facts about the most famous "work to eat" toy of the last four decades: The Kong
-
July 14, 2018
The Dog Training Triad Part 1: Management
Discover the Dog Training Triad: Management, Timing, and Rewards. Learn how to use management to prevent unwanted behaviors and create a positive training environment.
-
July 9, 2018
11 questions to ask a potential dog walker
Dog walking is unregulated, and a lot can go wrong on city streets. Here are the questions to ask before you hand over your keys, and the answers to look for.
-
July 3, 2018
8 ways to keep your dog safe on the Fourth of July
More dogs go missing on the Fourth of July than any other day. Eight ways to keep your dog safe and calm through the fireworks.
-
July 2, 2018
4 tips for getting the best photos of your dogs, from Milla Chappell
Capture stunning dog photos with tips from photographer Milla Chappell! Learn how to create natural, stress-free shots.
-
June 25, 2018
How to stop a dog from jumping before he starts
Discover effective dog training tips to curb jumpiness and explore top products to keep your furry friend engaged and well-behaved.
-
June 14, 2018
A primer on the dog flu outbreak in NYC
What NYC dog owners need to know about the H3N8 and H3N2 dog flu strains: symptoms, how it spreads, vaccines, and when to call the vet.
-
May 25, 2018
Who was Ivan Pavlov?
Classical conditioning sounds complicated, but it isn't. Who Ivan Pavlov was, and how his drooling dogs explain the way your dog learns.
-
April 30, 2018
8 tips for training the perfect office dog
Want your dog to be a model cubicle companion? Eight tips for training a happy, relaxed office dog, with insights from BarkBox cofounder Carly Strife.
-
April 22, 2018
Other NYC friendly spots...
Dog-friendly stores, bars and galleries in New York City where your well-behaved pup is welcome to tag along.
-
March 17, 2018
10 steps to house training a dog without stress
A modern guide to house training a puppy or new dog: ten simple steps, smart management tools and a little attention, no punishment needed.
-
March 10, 2018
What is "Good" Dog Training?
Science-based, reward-based, force-free, clicker training: what all these labels mean, and why we just call it "good" dog training.
-
February 28, 2018
5 steps to teaching your dog to pee on cue
Teach your dog to pee on cue in five steps. Perfect for rainy days, early mornings and busy schedules.
-
January 16, 2018
20 places to warm up with your dog in NYC this winter
Twenty cozy NYC spots where you can warm up with a hot drink and your dog this winter, plus why good training means more places welcome your pup.
-
May 22, 2017
Ask a Veterinarian: Essential Pet Dog Tips for Summer, June 6th
Heat, haircuts and ticks: two veterinarians share essential tips for keeping your dog safe during a New York City summer.
-
February 28, 2017
Ask a Dog Trainer: What do I do if my dog won't go outside in bad weather?
Guidance on using wee-wee pads temporarily and increasing outdoor exposure in manageable doses. Plus: Tips on how to discourage coprophagia (aka poop eating!) and the scientific explanation behind this behavior.
-
February 16, 2017
Rin Tin Tin and the fate of the 20th century dog actor
A review of Susan Orlean's Rin Tin Tin, the story of a WWI orphan puppy who became one of the most famous dog actors of the 20th century.
-
February 15, 2017
Spot the stress displayed by the Elkhound who didn't win Westminster
A German Shepherd won Westminster, but an Elkhound stole the show by showing every sign that he didn't want to be there. Learn to spot dog stress.
-
January 27, 2017
Classical Conditioning: Teach someone how to hate Beethoven, cowboy boots and their ex
Discover how classical conditioning can transform your dog training approach. Learn to use associations effectively for better behavior and stronger bonds.
-
January 23, 2017
Student of the Month: Lucy!
Lucy the terrier picked her owner at the shelter. Our Student of the Month interview on rescue, training and a dog who changed everything.
-
January 19, 2017
Fox 5 comes to SFTD to investigate whether or not puppies like baby talk
Do puppies really prefer baby talk? Fox 5 visited School For The Dogs to find out why a high-pitched voice helps puppies pay attention.
-
December 22, 2016
Dog Trainer Certifications: What do all the letters mean?
CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, CAAB and more: a guide to the certifications you'll see after dog trainers' names, and what each one actually means.
-
November 7, 2016
November's Student of the Month: Lulu!
Meet Lulu, our November Student of the Month: why her family chose to rescue, and how training helped them build a great life together.
-
October 24, 2016
Recreating OK Go's White Knuckles video: a 10 step challenge!
Can we train the dog behaviors from OK Go's famous White Knuckles video? Follow our ten-step training challenge.
-
October 17, 2016
Humane Halloween 2016: A cone for every season
Dog costumes can be stressful. How to spot signs of stress in your dog, plus a gentler alternative for Halloween: a decorated cone.
-
September 6, 2016
What keeps Nelson from biting? A muzzle, a loving owner, and a repertoire of cute tricks
How medication, muzzle training enrichment activities and one very patient human have made it possible for Nelson, a Welsh Terrier with behavioral problems, to live a happy life in NYC.
-
August 17, 2016
Beyond wee-wee pads: 4 easy indoor pottying options for city dogs
Sometimes a dog needs to go indoors. Four easy indoor potty options for city dogs that work better than plain wee-wee pads.
-
July 27, 2016
Walking your dog while catching Pokemon? No Go.
Walking your dog while playing Pokemon Go? Why staring at your phone on a dog walk is a bad idea, for you and your dog.
-
May 25, 2016
Georgia Elrod brings James Thurber's art to SFTD's walls
Explore dog-themed art at School For The Dogs in NYC, featuring Georgia Elrod's works inspired by James Thurber's iconic canine drawings.
-
January 4, 2016
Intro to Counterconditioning
From Pavlov's drooling dogs to the clicker: how counterconditioning works, and how to use it to change the way your dog feels about scary things.
-
December 19, 2015
Featured Members: Ellen and Lucy!
Ellen adopted Lucy, a scruffy terrier, without ever planning to get a dog. Meet one of our favorite client pairs and see how Lucy helps Ellen every day.
-
October 21, 2015
DogStar Life's TailTalk and our talented dog actors
Two Cornell Tech grads invented a device that reads a dog's emotions through its tail, and asked us to cast their canine stars.
-
August 27, 2015
Teaching your dog to love "Leave it"
Chicken bones, pizza crusts: NYC sidewalks are full of temptations. A step-by-step video guide to teaching your dog to love "leave it."
-
May 22, 2015
7 ways to deal with puppy bites
Puppy biting is normal, but a dog needs to learn what is and isn't an appropriate way to use his mouth.
-
May 21, 2015
Hey, we're featured on CNN!
CNN's Passion To Portfolio column featured how Annie went from journalist to dog trainer, and how School For The Dogs got its start.
-
May 14, 2015
Happy 1st Birthday, School For The Dogs 2.0!
From a Gramercy living room to an East Village storefront: celebrating one year of School For The Dogs at 155 East 2nd Street.
-
April 29, 2015
5 Superpowers That You Didn’t Know Dogs Have
Discover the extraordinary abilities of dogs, from predicting weather to superpowered senses. Learn how these skills make them remarkable companions.
-
February 23, 2015
March 21: The Pet Tutor's NYC debut at School For The Dogs
Introducing the Pet Tutor, a remote controlled feeder that is going to revolutionize the way city dogs spend their days.
-
November 27, 2014
The busiest day at the veterinary ER: Black Friday
Dogs and humans ate the same food for thousands of years, so it's fine if they can go to town our holiday leftovers, right? Well, it depends...
-
October 2, 2014
Dr. Sophia Yin's incredible legacy in the world of force-free animal training and beyond
One of the most influential veterinarians of a generation devoted her life to helping pets and people, but ended it with a tragic blow to her own beloved dog.
-
September 16, 2014
Karen Pryor Academy's "Dog Trainer of the Month!"
I was honored to have been named the Karen Pryor Academy's dog trainer of the month this month. To read the full article, head over to ClickerTraining.com
-
August 14, 2014
New Location in the East Village!
We are excited to announce the opening of our new training center, located at 155 E. 2nd Street at Avenue A.
-
August 5, 2014
Man bytes dog? The case of one dog's stolen iPad
The New York Post featured my dog iPad classes this weekend, on the same day that our iPad was unwittingly rehomed.
-
May 16, 2014
iDog classes this weekend at Tekserve!
Come teach your dog to use a touchscreen device this weekend in Chelsea
-
May 3, 2014
The secret every dog trainer knows about how to win at Rock Paper Scissors
A BBC story reveals the secret to winning at rock-paper-scissors. The answer is something that we dog trainers tell our human clients all the time.
-
March 28, 2014
Goodbye to our Third Avenue dog training studio
We lost our studio in a fire three months ago. This is what a charred dog training business looks like.
-
March 26, 2014
School For The Dogs studies abroad: Teaching dogs to use iPads in London
The elite London dog training center City Dog invited us over last week to show dog owners how to train their dogs using touchscreen devices.
-
March 25, 2014
Our favorite bait bags are from Give A Dog A Home
Treat pouches are, generally speaking, not super sexy. But Mimi Reid of Etsy shop Give A Dog A Home has found a way to meld form and function.
-
March 21, 2014
Help us move into our new East Village training studio!
We lost our dog training studio in a fire two months ago and are now looking for help in opening up a storefront location devoted to the best in canine education!
-
March 2, 2014
Irene Pepperberg's "Alex & Me": A Unique Interspecies Love Story
Explore the fascinating world of animal intelligence with insights from Irene Pepperberg's work on birds and dogs, revealing unexpected cognitive abilities.
-
March 1, 2014
7 stylish ways to deal with carrying dog poop
We've uncovered some creative solutions for dealing with dog waste when walking, from hands-free holders to the PoopPac purse. Plus a look at NYC's "pooper scooper" law history.
-
-
February 7, 2014
A new method to neuter your dog without removing his balls
Zeutering, or zinc neutering, is a non-surgical neutering procedure that could help solve the pet population problem.
-
February 6, 2014
5 ways to make your dog's walks more fun
In addition to providing exercise and a chance to pee and poop, walks are full of opportunities for your dog to learn about the world and develop good behaviors.
-
December 17, 2013
3 apps dogs can use to make art
Checkout our school principal, Amos, as he demos three apps that dogs can use to make digital masterpieces.
-
November 22, 2013
Dogs take selfies, too
Our iDog classes teach dogs to take photos. Their favorite subject? Themselves.
-
November 10, 2013
Want to raise a kid? Practice on a pooch
Dog trainers practice their skills by training chickens. Might parents be wise to practice their parenting skills on ultra-loving non-verbal creatures who will never grow up to shoot up strangers in public places?
-
October 17, 2013
5 steps to teaching your dog to potty on command
Teach your dog to potty on command with our easy guide. Discover tips for consistent cues and rewarding success. Perfect for early morning walks!
-
September 23, 2013
This new app will make your dog steal your iPad
App For Dog, which was developed based on the work we've been doing teaching dogs to manipulate iPads with their noses, will turn your dog into an artist.
-
August 12, 2013
iPad lessons for dogs in NYC
In our "iDog" clinics, dogs learn to activate touchscreens with their noses. Whether or not the skill could eventually prove useful, the training is a whole lot of fun.
-
June 11, 2013
Case study: Skype training with Maria, Apple and Delilah
Training over video phone, we were able to assist our client Maria in helping her dog, Apple, get used to city living.
-
June 4, 2013
Why your dog might actually benefit from a pair of sunglasses
Doggles are made specifically for the canine-set. Sure, they're cute, but they also have several surprising uses.
-
May 15, 2013
Positive Reinforcement vs Positive Thinking (and why Pollyanna would've sucked at dog training)
Do you really need to maintain a cheery outlook all the time in order to train your dog using "positive reinforcement"? Cynics, read on.
-
March 1, 2013
Dog training lessons learned from watching Girls
When we are getting just little bits of rewards only very occasionally, we can often end up putting up with crappy relationships for a very long time. It's a dog training principle at work. Here is how to train your boyfriend like the dog he is.
-
January 28, 2013
Would you put a shock collar on a human you love?
Many people put shock collars on their dogs. But would you put one on your child? Some would.
-
January 10, 2013
Do you know what a "bully stick" is?
Bully sticks are excellent chew toys for dogs. But what are they made of? Well, if you must know, they are made of cow penises.
-
December 17, 2012
What New Zealand's driving dogs can teach us about positive reinforcement training
The New Zealand SPCA is training rescued dogs to drive. These aren't Photoshopped shots or genius dogs. It's just a cool application of smart positive reinforcement training.
-
December 14, 2012
3 Tips For Using Dog Training Methods On People
Dog training is all about molding behaviors, and behavior is something that all animals have in common. Here are some ways to use science-based, force-free animal training methods to get better behavior from humans.
-
November 22, 2012
All dog, no bark: The pitfalls of devocalization surgery
I empathize with those who feel life could be less stressful if their dogs would shut the hell up. But attempting to change behavior with surgery is not something I can get behind.
-
November 19, 2012
The pledge I took to be a dog trainer who puts letters after her name
As a professional in an unregulated field full of widely differing approaches, I'm proud to be able to say I'm a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner.
-
November 1, 2012
Music to calm your dog
Is there really a magical kind of music that can relax anxious dogs? Possibly...
-
September 25, 2012
Puzzles for dogs (and why they matter)
Food in a bowl doled out at regular intervals can make for a bored and unhappy dog. The solution? Toys that are like Sudoku puzzles for the canine set.
-
September 24, 2012
How to crate train a dog
A crate is a tool that can help prevent unwanted behaviors and encourage desired ones in situations where you can’t have your dog in an otherwise enclosed, dog-proofed space.
-
May 13, 2012
Does it make sense to judge a candidate by his behavior toward animals?
The story of Romney’s dog strapped to a car seems certainly more forgivable than some widely condoned forms of animal cruelty--especially considering past President's treatment of dogs.
-
October 31, 2011
A parade for people who dress up their dogs on Halloween
An illustrated lens into the psyche of those who attended the Halloween parade for dogs in Tompkins Square Park in Manhattan.
-
July 25, 2011
Positive & negative reinforcement, explained by The Family Guy
Positive and negative reinforcement, explained
-
November 1, 2010
Your dog has the potential to be as smart as the ones in the New York Times
Article about Brooklynite Peter Taft and his search-and-rescue dog, Cassius, a German Shepherd, who was found at a shelter and then trained at a K9 Academy.
-
October 30, 2010
The psychological torment of a dog on Halloween
It isn't just what the costume feels like: people act differently around dogs in costumes, and that can change everything about the way the dog perceives the world around him.
-
October 12, 2010
Is your dog a pessimist, or is he just having a bad day?
My take on a New York Times article about a British study that supposedly proves that some dogs are pessimistic and some dogs are optimistic.
-
October 10, 2010
How does a dog drink?
By curling their tongues backwards, dogs ladle water into their mouths. This video shows how.
