About Us

Founded in 2006, Big Apple Dog School has long represented science-based, “best practices” dog training in New York City, with training methods strongly rooted in positive reinforcement.

For teaching new behaviors, this has meant using a reward system that encourages the dog to offer and repeat a desired behavior while using instructive correction to stop an unwanted behavior. Training is not complete until the rewards have been faded out. For separation anxiety specifically, the approach needs to be modified as it’s not realistic or effective to try to reward the dog for relaxing in the owner’s absence. In this case, science-based, best-practices training relies on desensitization.

In either case, the result is a happy, well-trained dog who is tightly bonded to his owner and an owner who is confident in — and proud of — his dog. This really is what we strive to achieve: owners and dogs living mutually satisfied lives, together.

Our Team

Meet the Trainers

Jennifer Reed
CPDT-KA, CSAT, Fear-Free Certified
Jennifer first became interested in animal behavior as a journalist. In 2004, she graduated from the inaugural class of the ASCPA’s Dog Training Program in NYC and founded Big Apple Dog School. In 2006, she earned national credentials as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). And after more than a decade of offering group classes, private training, behavior consultations and seminars on everything from puppies to aggression, Jennifer decided to specialize in one of the most difficult areas of behavior modification — canine separation anxiety. In 2016, she became the only New York City trainer at the time to be credentialed as a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT). And while she always conducted training in the most humane way possible, in 2021 Jennifer officially was certified as a fear-free trainer.  Jennifer looks forward to talking to you about whatever challenges you and your dog might be facing.
Randall Cook
Trainer
Randall grew up in South Carolina with a string of mutts, all named George. Balancing his love of animals with an equal adoration for the theater, he is both a dog trainer and a playwright. In 2005, Randall graduated from the ASPCA’s Dog Training Program in NYC and founded Big Apple Dog School to offer clients on the Upper West Side humane and effective dog training. And in 2006, he earned national credentials as a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT).

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Testimonials

What They Are Saying