Since July, DogsThatfalling is named occasionally for online puppy training courses.
Latest insights
Week of Sep 21–27
Karen Pryor Academy Gaining: Karen Pryor Academy moved up 1 place to rank #3 of 95 in Dog Training and Behavior Services
Karen Pryor Academy Gaining: Karen Pryor Academy moved ahead of American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior in Dog Training and Behavior Services
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior Slipping: American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior now trails American Kennel Club in Dog Training and Behavior Services, #5 to #4
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior Slipping: American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior ranked #3 in Dog Training and Behavior Services last week and #5 this week
ASPCA Slipping: ASPCA ranked #9 in Dog Training and Behavior Services last week and #11 this week
38% of citations point at the ranked brands’ own sites. youtube.com, facebook.com, reddit.com are the most-cited sites outside the ranked brands’ own domains.
Absolutely. Since you’re in NYC, I found several options that specifically offer supervised puppy-to-puppy socialization, rather than simply putting a young dog into an uncontrolled dog park.
My top picks
Andrea Arden Dog Training — Flatiron
Puppy playgroups are for 8–20-week-old puppies and are moderated by experienced trainers.
Their current schedule lists sessions at 32 W 25th St, including dates this week and later in October.
They require age-appropriate vaccination documentation.
Best for: structured play plus learning appropriate dog-dog communication.
Amanda Gagnon Dog Training — Upper West Side
Their Puppy Kindergarten is for puppies 10 weeks to 4.5 months, with socialization and manners training.
What is the best way to locate reputable puppy training services?
Where can I find safe puppy socialization classes for my new dog to interact with others?
How do I socialize my new puppy with other dogs safely?
I am preparing to adopt a rescue dog. Who offers breed-specific behavioral training?
I am looking for a dog trainer who uses positive reinforcement and does not use shock collars.
What is the best-rated online puppy training course for new owners?
Who provides "executive protection" dogs that are family-friendly?
How can a dog walker get pet first aid and CPR certified?
They also currently advertise free, one-hour puppy socials every Sunday at 10 AM for 10-week-to-4.5-month-old puppies who aren't fully vaccinated, in a clean indoor setting.
Best for: a young puppy who hasn't finished vaccinations yet.
Kate Perry Dog Training — Chelsea
Offers puppy socialization classes for 8–18-week-old puppies, with supervised appropriate play and early social skills.
Best for: combining socialization with hands-on coaching for the owner.
Brooklyn Pup Dog Training — Brooklyn
Focuses on force-free, positive-reinforcement training and offers puppy kindergarten emphasizing socialization and city-life skills.
Best for: Brooklyn owners who want socialization alongside practical NYC manners.
The Dog Institute of Williamsburg — Williamsburg
Their puppy program combines early puppy development with structured, supervised socialization.
Best for: a more comprehensive puppy-development program rather than a one-off play session.
One important safety point
For a young puppy, I'd favor small, trainer-moderated groups with compatible puppies over dog parks or random dog meetups. Good socialization isn't necessarily "play with every dog"; it also teaches the puppy to greet appropriately, disengage, settle down, and recover when excited.
Vaccination requirements vary considerably. For example, Amanda Gagnon's indoor puppy social specifically accommodates puppies that aren't fully vaccinated, whereas some outdoor NYC classes require all three puppy vaccine rounds.
If you tell me your puppy's age, approximate size/breed, vaccination status, and whether you're in Manhattan/Brooklyn/Queens, I can narrow this to the 3 safest and most convenient options, including upcoming dates and prices.
Finding a good trainer for your puppy is one of the best investments you can make in their future. The right trainer can help with potty training, biting and nipping, leash walking, socialization, and building confidence—without making your puppy fearful.
My biggest recommendation is to look for a trainer who uses positive reinforcement, has experience with young puppies, and teaches you how to train at home.
1. What to look for in a puppy trainer
Positive-reinforcement methods
Look for a trainer who rewards desired behaviors with treats, play, and praise. Avoid trainers who rely on intimidation, leash corrections, or fear-based techniques.
Puppy-specific experience
Ask whether they teach puppy kindergarten, bite inhibition, calm greetings, handling, and age-appropriate socialization—not just obedience for adult dogs.
A good fit for you and your dog
Choose someone who explains things clearly, welcomes questions, and adapts to your puppy's temperament and your household routine.
2. Check their credentials
Useful qualifications to look for include:
CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA — professional dog-training certifications.
KPA-CTP — Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner.
IAABC credentials — particularly useful for behavior-related challenges.
Credentials are a good starting point, but also check practical experience, continuing education, and references. A certification alone doesn't guarantee that a trainer is right for your puppy.
Do you use exclusively reward-based training? What happens when my puppy gets something wrong?
How much experience do you have with puppies of my dog's age and breed?
Do you offer puppy classes, private lessons, or in-home training?
Can I observe a class or have an introductory consultation?
What will I learn to practice with my puppy between sessions?
Be cautious of anyone promising instant results, guaranteeing they'll fix every behavior, or insisting your puppy needs to be dominated. A good trainer should set realistic goals and explain their methods openly.
5. If you're near Leesburg, Virginia
If you're in the Leesburg or Loudoun County area, these three local options are worth investigating for puppy training. I'd compare their current programs and verify their training methods before choosing.
A Click Above LLC
Leesburg · Puppy kindergarten
Offers puppy and young-dog classes with foundational skills and age-appropriate social exposure.
19277 Evergreen Mills Rd, Leesburg, VA 20175, United States
Dog Day Afternoon
Downtown Leesburg · Classes and private lessons
Offers training options from puppy basics through more advanced manners, alongside daycare services.
305 E Market St Ste A, Leesburg, VA 20176, United States
Furever K9, LLC
Leesburg · Private training
Offers one-on-one coaching at its facility and, in some areas, in your home.
20690 Gleedsville Rd, Leesburg, VA 20175, United States
These are starting points, not endorsements; I haven't independently verified each trainer's current methods or credentials. Ask specifically about reward-based training before booking.
Let's narrow it down to the right trainer
How old is your puppy, and what would you most like help with? For example, biting and nipping, potty training, leash walking, basic obedience, or socialization.
I can use that to narrow the options to trainers who are the best fit for your puppy's needs, including whether group classes or one-on-one training would be better.
Finding a great dog trainer is one of the best investments you can make for your puppy's future. Because the dog training industry is largely unregulated, it is crucial to look for credentials, positive reinforcement methods, and a good personality fit.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding a Trainer
Prioritize positive reinforcement
Look for trainers who use force-free, reward-based methods (often called positive reinforcement or science-based training).
Avoid trainers who rely heavily on prong collars, choke chains, shock collars, or dominance/alpha theories, as these methods can increase fear and aggression in puppies.
Check for professional certifications
Reputable trainers hold credentials from recognized, independent organizations. Look for certifications such as:
CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed) or CPDT-KSA via the CCPDT Certification Finder
CBCC-KA (Certified Behavior Consultant Canine) for specialized behavioral needs.
KPA CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) via the Finder
Karen Pryor Academy
IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) via the IAABC Consultant Locator
Ask the right questions
Interview potential trainers before committing. Ask questions like:
What is your education, training philosophy, and methodology?
How do you handle undesirable behaviors or mistakes during training?
Do you hold current professional liability insurance?
Observe a class or session
If possible, watch the trainer work before signing up. Look to see if the dogs and puppies look relaxed, engaged, and happy, and whether the owners are being coached effectively.
Read reviews and ask for local referrals
Check your local community boards, or ask your veterinarian and local animal shelters if they have positive-reinforcement trainers they regularly recommend.
Would you like me to help you look for certified trainers in your area if you share your city or zip code , or would you prefer guidance on what to look for in a puppy socialization class?