Unleashing the City: A Dog Trainer's Guide to Navigating Urban Life

In the bustling heart of New York City, where the streets never sleep, a dog trainer is on a mission to equip our canine companions with the skills they need to thrive in the concrete jungle. Annie Grossman, the owner of School for Dogs in the East Village, has made it her life's work to help pups and their owners navigate the unique challenges of city living, from coping with loud noises to mastering the art of subway travel.

Empowering Pups to Conquer the Concrete Jungle

Mastering the Sounds of the City

The cacophony of sirens, construction, and the constant hum of urban life can be overwhelming for our four-legged friends. Grossman, however, has a solution. Through a technique she calls "classical conditioning," she teaches dogs to associate these unsettling sounds with something positive – treats. By gradually increasing the volume of recorded city noises while rewarding their calm behavior, Grossman helps pups learn to coexist with the auditory chaos of the Big Apple."Whenever possible, it's a good idea to pair things with treats," Grossman explains. "Dogs are making associations 100% of the time, and a lot of the associations that become meaningful are the things dogs associate with food."

Navigating the Sidewalk Social Scene

City living means navigating a constant stream of strangers and unfamiliar dogs, a daunting task for even the most sociable of pups. Grossman's approach is to gradually desensitize her canine clients, starting with a comfortable distance and slowly working their way closer to other dogs while rewarding calm behavior."[The thought is] when I orient toward another dog – I'm going to get something good," she says.In some cases, Grossman acknowledges that it's perfectly acceptable for a dog to feel scared and want to avoid an intimidating situation. In these instances, she teaches owners and their pups a "seamless U-turn" technique, allowing them to gracefully remove themselves from a stressful encounter without causing further distress.

Mastering the Art of Dining Out

Bringing a dog to a bustling outdoor restaurant can be a daunting prospect, but Grossman has a solution. She uses half-sized yoga mats to create a "sticky spot" for her canine clients, a familiar and comforting space where they can learn to relax and stay put, even in the midst of the urban chaos."The idea is to be teaching them the behavior of relaxing is a good thing," Grossman explains. "Like any other behavior, you can break it down by tiny bits."To further incentivize this calm behavior, Grossman recommends bringing along a mentally-stimulating treat dispenser, such as a Toppl, to keep Fido engaged and focused while dining al fresco.

Conquering the Subway Commute

Navigating the subway system with a canine companion can be a challenge, as some dogs resist the confines of their carriers. Grossman's approach is to start small, using an open-faced tote and gradually working up to the carrier, all while rewarding the desired behavior with treats."Start by having a tote that is cut down and incrementally work to have your dog go into a bigger bag," Grossman advises. "Some dogs might need extra steps – literally making the bag as low key as possible. Having your dog put one foot in the bag, then two feet, then all in."With Grossman's guidance, city-dwelling dog owners can rest assured that their furry friends are equipped to handle the unique demands of urban life, from the cacophony of the streets to the claustrophobia of the subway. By harnessing the power of positive reinforcement and a science-based approach to training, Grossman is empowering pups to conquer the concrete jungle, one treat-filled step at a time.