The Dog Institute of Williamsburg

Located in Brooklyn, New York

Address: 125 Roebling St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States

Phone: +1 347-276-0882

Rating: 4.9

Services

Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Photos

Latest Pet Care Services New York

Comments

Review 1 (2024-12-30 - Rating: 5)
The Dog Institute is now a central part of our household, Elizabeth and her team have been working with our pup since we got him (~9weeks), helping him overcome fear and teaching techniques for households with small children! Our pup goes to school 2x a week, has done board and trains and I’ve had training sessions with Elizabeth. Her team is so loving, gentle and most importantly extremely knowledgeable on dog behavior / psychology. My pup always leave school with a massive smile!! :)

Review 2 (2024-12-20 - Rating: 5)
The Dog Institute of Williamsburg has been a lifesaver for us and our puppy, Max. We brought Max to them when he was just 10 weeks old, and from the very start, we were blown away by Elizabeth and her team’s positive reinforcement methods. It was such a welcome change from the outdated techniques wed seen with other trainers—methods we’d never allow for Max.The play-and-train program has been incredible. Max took to the training almost immediately, and by six months, he had even earned off-leash privileges—a testament to the effectiveness of the program. Two years later, Max still gets so excited to see Elizabeth, Allie, Masami, and Maria, and frankly, he refuses to graduate because he loves it so much!The Dog Institute has also become our go-to for overnight boarding when we travel. Knowing that Max is with people we trust completely gives us such peace of mind. Elizabeth and her team have truly set the standard for dog care and training, and we can’t recommend them enough. If you want the best for your dog, look no further than the Dog Institute of Williamsburg!

Review 3 (2024-11-02 - Rating: 5)
I called Elizabeth to ask if she could help me with a short training session for a deaf dog I was fostering. Since she was not my forever dog I did not want to invest in the whole puppy program but I also didn’t have experience with a 60+ pound, physically overpowering puppy that I couldn’t use voice commands with and needed to learn manners around my small kids. Elizabeth is truly a charitable soul, fitting me in the same day before she left for vacation. She worked with me for an hour, testing the dog’s reactivity for my kid’s safety, answering all my concerns and making sure I was comfortable handling her before I left. She mentioned she would love to help more people who are working with rescue dogs so don’t hesitate to call on her. Thank you so much, Elizabeth!

Review 4 (2024-07-17 - Rating: 5)
Gunners most treasured source of joy is getting to go to The Dog Institute! When we drive somewhere, he usually needs to be carried out of the car, as he doesnt know how to get down alone yet, but when we pull up to at play and train he fearlessly leaps out of the car and starts sprinting towards the door to see his best pup pals and the amazing humans that work at the Institute. They send the most amazing pics and videos the whole time hes there so we can see how happy he is, and every time I pick him up, he returns home an even better boy than when I dropped him off. He also sleeps for hours on end after such a full morning of play, which gives me tons of free time back to get a bunch done. These breaks in the week for him and for me are such a godsend.The training I got to do with Elizabeth was truly invaluable. I love how she approaches the dog/owner relationship with such care and compassion. Gunner got into the training right away, and it was easy to see how the work we got to do together strengthened our bond and built up Gunners confidence in remarkable ways – making him eager to step into new and more challenging territory, and ultimately making him a more calm and intuitive animal. Elizabeth was always open to chatting through anything, even responding to weekend texts and inquiries about Gunners behavior that I didnt understand or was worried about. She taught me so much about the inner workings of Gunners little mind, and this understanding felt essential to our training, and for dog ownership in general, so I am deeply grateful for all the knowledge she infuses into her training and her generosity of time and access during the program.I am so excited to enroll Gunner in his next level of training, as he just completed the Puppy program and I know it will be a key foundational step towards our ultimate goal of training him as a service dog. Cannot thank Elizabeth and everyone at the Dog Institute enough for loving Gunner and being such important people in shaping his best boyness :).

Review 5 (2024-02-26 - Rating: 5)
We’ve been taking our puppy, Pippa, to the Institute in Williamsburg consistently since she was 3 months old, and words cannot express how incredibly effective the program is. Elizabeth and her team treat the puppies like their own – training, mediation, playtime, cuddles - in a very clean and cheerful environment. The classes are 4-hour, drop-off, where they practice socialization and skills like impulse control, sit/down/stay, leash walking, etc. with a positive reinforcement approach. They send lots of videos and photos throughout so you can see how your puppy is doing (SO fun to see all the cuties interacting).Since the classes are only open to young pups who are all doing consistent training, they aren’t exposed to bad/unsafe playtime habits, and are kept extra safe with the team checking in regularly on vaccine status and health testing.When our pup was brand new to the city, she was shy and a little nervous about socializing, but after a few classes she started to come out of her shell. These days she is truly the most confident, sweet, well-adjusted dog around, and it is 100% thanks to Play & Train classes at the Institute. Over time we’ve noticed she’s gotten really good at playing and socializing with all different dogs – she has learned to be gentle with small dogs, knows when someone is too shy or doesn’t want to engage, and she is completely unfazed by dogs who are grumpy or anxious.The program works so well because it’s meant to be in tandem with individual puppy training sessions where they learn core structure, commands, and skills. Really love this setup and approach, and it WORKS!! Elizabeth is an expert trainer with a special talent for teaching dogs AND their parents.The facilities are also very nice - love that there is a ton of natural sunlight and multidimensional play space with cushions to help get up and down. The team takes the puppies for walks during the sessions which also keeps the area clean and enforces their potty training.We HIGHLY recommend the Dog Institute! As a side note, we discovered the Institute through word of mouth around the neighborhood – lots of dog owners around Williamsburg go there, and they all speak very highly of it -- reassuring to know everyone who has been there loves it!

Review 6 (2024-07-06 - Rating: 5)
My puppy Cherry and I have been working with our Elizabeth for several months and she has completely exceeded my expectations as a Dog Trainer. Elizabeth has an incredible depth of knowledge and experience. Her positive and compassionate approach to training has worked wonders on our puppy. Her attentiveness, intuition and dedication to her work is rare and inspiring. Thanks to Elizabeth, our puppy is developing into a dog who is balanced, obedient and loves training! Working with her has been life changing and I cant recommend her enough!

Review 7 (2022-04-14 - Rating: 5)
Elizabeth and her team have been truly incredible for our family. We first found out about the dog institute through a chance encounter meeting dachshunds at an event. We had recently said goodbye to our 16 year old dachshund a few months prior. While saying hello to a young dachshund puppy, who was in classes at TDI, we found out they were fostering a 10 week old long haired dachshund puppy! Pretty soon Athena, now Hazel, was ours and we were enrolled in puppy classes. We had our previous dog Wolfgang from age 8-16 so there wasnt much in the way of training, and Hazel had so much energy which was something we werent used to. Classes and day training with TDI not only gave Hazel a place to have fun and have daily structure, but the classes also helped us become better, more responsible, dog owners. And that became doubly clear when we got a second dachshund, June a year later and restarted the puppy phase all over. We recommend The Dog Institute and they will forever be a second home in our hearts, maybe a first home for Hazel who gets so excited whenever we go anywhere near there.

Review 8 (2021-03-08 - Rating: 5)
The Dog Institute of Williamsburg was a game changer for my puppy, Ford! I was nervous about how impactful virtual dog training would be, but its been great. Elizabeth is super knowledgable and patient, and because her sessions are 1:1 you have the opportunity to focus on specific behaviors depending on your pups needs! The homework she provides is also really clear and easy to follow. My sessions with Elizabeth were a really great foundation to building a relationship with my puppy!I also cannot say enough good things about the play & train sessions. The space is super clean, there arent too many dogs, and the staff is incredible! Its been a great way to socialize Ford, practice being apart from each other, and reinforce behaviors we are learning at home. It is Fords favorite place!

Review 9 (2022-01-09 - Rating: 5)
We love the Dog Institute! From the very beginning, we wished our eight-week-old puppy came with a users manual; virtual training sessions with Elizabeth turned out to be even better than that, starting with the absolute basics and progressing through more advanced skills.Our puppy also loved Play and Train sessions during the week, so much so that she starts jumping for joy anytime we get within a block. Weve also left our dog overnight (and longer) at the Dog Institute, and theres no one wed trust more. They truly care about all of the dogs they look after, and it shows.

Review 10 (2024-05-03 - Rating: 5)
I cant recommend them enough!We did both the puppy curriculum and play and train, and Elizabeth and her team made us feel so at ease with how knowledgeable and thoughtful they are. The puppy curriculum really sets you up for success and understanding your puppys needs and how their brain works, beyond just obedience training.Elizabeth was great about helping us work through any concerns and take a proactive approach to training, and the team at play and train have been so instrumental in helping make sure we have a well socialized puppy. Every time we approach the building hes SO excited to be there and loves both his friends and teachers at play and train - and we get such amazing updates throughout the day!We initially started at the Dog Institute because we wanted to make sure our puppy was well socialized and had a great foundation and my only regret is not starting with them sooner!

Review 11 (2018-09-21 - Rating: 5)
All the stars!My bf and I adopted a cattle dog puppy named Lucy in July 2017. We have been training at the Dog Institute with Elizabeth and her staff ever since. We are big fans and you can usually find us at adult dog clicker class on Sundays.Elizabeth is a really knowledgeable and talented dog trainer. I was looking for a place that did positive training only. We first attended baby puppy playgroups and baby puppy classes.In each class we learned foundation skills that we still use today (think potty training, chewing, impulse control). There was always time for individual attention and questions.And then the TEENS happened. The teen months are harder than the baby puppy months IMHO. During Lucys teen months we discovered a few things about her: she is deaf and reactive.Our teenage months were crazy so we went to as many teen puppy classes as we could. Thats when we started working with other Dog Institute staff like Nicole and Deidre - who are amazing.We continue to go to class regularly because its fun - and because we still have a lot to learn. If you have a puppy I would also recommend the Dog Institutes day training program.

Review 12 (2020-08-14 - Rating: 5)
Having worked with Elizabeth with our first dog who is now 3 ½ years old, and now virtually with our newest addition to the family, a mini Golden doodle who is now three months old. Our experience both in person and virtually have been equally exceptional. Elizabeth has helped our dogs and us so much to learn how to be good pet owners and how to help educate our dogs to have a life that is filled with structure, treats, cuddles, tricks, toys, love, and fun. I think that virtually Elizabeth has been able to see the dynamic and moments in our family. Its been awesome both in person and virtually. While Elizabeth is helping us to train our puppy to be an amazing family dog and to help us navigate two dogs, ultimately, Elizabeth works with each member of our family patiently and points out all of our strengths so we can continue to work as a team. We are so grateful to have the Dog Institute in our lives, in person and virtually. Elizabeth is really incredible, and we cannot express enough of our gratitude and how much we recommend her.Ruby, age 14, (Romi and Scarlett the pups)

Review 13 (2022-01-18 - Rating: 5)
The Dog Institute has been taking care of our pup for 9 years! He loves staying and training with them, and doesn’t suffer from separation anxiety whenever we are away for extended periods. Elizabeth and her team are awesome, reliable and genuinely care about the well-being of our little guy! We highly recommend their services.

Review 14 (2022-01-11 - Rating: 5)
TDI was a lifesaver for me and my family. I was overwhelmed with my energetic puppy and Elizabeth (and Roshni, Julia, Allie, Masami and Maria) taught me and my kids how to take care of and train her. I can’t say enough about how loving, responsive and thoughtful they all were to our beloved Eliot. Over a year later and she is perfectly behaved and well trained. Elizabeth was very patient with us over zoom and Eliot simply loved the in person Play & Train sessions with the other puppies and the staff. I cannot recommend Elizabeth and her team highly enough.

Review 15 (2024-04-25 - Rating: 5)
Weve had a great experience with TDI!Elizabeth and all the ladies working at the institute (Masami, Ally, etc.) are so thoughtful, loving and patient with our pup - Riggins. We have used them for puppy training classes, play & train socialization school and teen training classes.Not only do they breed a culture of love and support at TDI, they really know their stuff. Multiple times weve been having a FaceTime lesson with Elizabeth and she will call out the exact move Riggins is about to perform. She knows dog behavior, signals, emotions, reactions and cues better than anyone Ive ever seen.I fully expected the puppy training to be a sit, stay, come type of course - but the content goes beyond... we were guided on when / how / where to feed, potty train, sleep, etc. when Riggins was a puppy. All the advice was specifically tailored to city dogs too, which was a major plus for us. The play & train courses are also a great complement to the training - Riggins comes home absolutely zonked after socializing with other puppies for 4 hours (and I can rest assured that hes not picking up any bad behaviors while at school).If youre in the NYC area - or beyond, given training sessions are phone calls / FT - this place is a must for your dog, especially puppies! The upfront investment is so worth it.

Review 16 (2019-08-26 - Rating: 5)
Elizabeth and her team are an amazing group of people! I absolutely love it here and definitely recommend taking your pup here for training/daycare! My boy Levon LOVES Elizabeth and everyone who works there. Its amazing to see and I really owe all the training and help to Elizabeth and her team. Our boy would not have turned out the way he did if it wasnt for this place. Thank you Thank you!!My husband and I got our little Australian cattle dog puppy in April of 2018. We knew we were in for a lot of work with his breed type and Ill be honest I was very nervous how I would do with training this little dude. After searching in our area of Williamsburg for training/daycare places I decided to try here first for training. I felt right at home and excited when I signed my boy Levon up for the puppy training classes and attended our first few classes. Right off the bat Elizabeth and her team were so kind and helpful. My boy loved the ability to learn how to play with other puppies first in a great controlled and clean environment. I could ask any question I had and Elizabeth was great to answer all of them!After my boy grew up a bit my husband and I continued training at home (using what they taught us) and we started to use their Day Training (Daycare) when needed. All I have to say is Levon LOVES everyone who works there and absolutely loves Elizabeth! He gets soo excited when he sees her and all his care takers! Ears back and tail wagging! I feel so happy and comfortable leaving him in their care any time. My boy is so smart and as we round the corner to the Dog Institute he knows where he is going! When he gets inside he waits patiently at the door to go play with the other dogs! He loves it here and as a pawrent that makes me the happiest to see.Thank you Dog Institute! - Kristen

Review 17 (2022-02-28 - Rating: 5)
Ive been very impressed with The Dog Institute. Elizabeth and Co. have had a tremendous impact on our family from day 1. Before working with the dog institute, we were concerned we wouldnt be able to make our current situation work due to some early challenges that felt unmanageable. Elizabeth worked with us and was able to make incredible progress in just a week. We couldnt be happier. Additionally as new challenges come up Elizabeth is there to help us out.Weve been participating in the puppy curriculum and have been impressed at what weve been able to do in such a short amount of time. Elizabeth is very involved in the training and her instruction is very easy to follow. On top of all this, our pup absolutely loves her.The play and trains are also high quality. This is our pups absolute favorite place to go and tries to take us there every morning on his walks. Hes made some great friends and the staff is attentive and trustworthy.From one very happy member, I would absolutely recommend the dog institute.

Review 18 (2021-06-27 - Rating: 5)
Liz and the dog institute are the A team. My bulldog puppy absolutely loves the institute. The trainers and care team are kind, loving, responsible, fun and firm. Liz helped teach my puppy key techniques after she was having issues walking on the leash and obeying commands. Using positive reinforcement and a disciplined method she had my puppy doing both in no time. My favorite part is the puppy play and train where puppies get to cuddle and play in a cozy room under observation. They also do boarding and it’s such a relief to know she’s happy in their care. She has made so many friends here. I can’t thank the dog institute enough!

Review 19 (2022-12-17 - Rating: 5)
Probably the best investment in our pup’s education and socialization. The Dog Institute is where dogs are truly loved and respected. Our puppy learned the route to his fav puppy school even before he learned impulse control. Amazing place!

Review 20 (2021-08-04 - Rating: 5)
We had such a good experience with Elizabeth and the whole crew at the Dog Institute. Our lessons started this spring as virtual lessons and by the end we were able to do some in-person training which was really helpful. Elizabeth was consistently flexible with our schedule and just generally great to work with. She gives you a great foundation of skills that you can incorporate into your own routine. It was great for our pup to get to go to a few drop-off sessions at the Institute to socialize with other dogs. Highly recommend!

Review 21 (2021-04-15 - Rating: 5)
We can’t say enough great things about The Dog Institute. Elizabeth has created an amazing “baby puppy” program that laid a wonderful foundation for our pup. We had a great experience with the virtual sessions, and our pup absolutely loved going to “school” for play & train sessions with Roshni, Julia and Allie. If you want to teach your puppy confidence, excellent manners, how to walk well on a leash in the city, and of course how to properly socialize with other dogs, we highly recommend enrolling here. It has made all the difference for us, and we couldn’t be more pleased. Looking forward to staying in this special community!

Review 22 (2021-04-21 - Rating: 5)
We did a virtual training session for our dog Dandy. We were a little worried about virtual at first but Elizabeth was patient and made it so easy! Elizabeth is super knowledgeable and really fun. We had some issues with Dandy not really wanting to work with the chew toys we prepared but Elizabeth was able to quickly change course and find another way forward that was suitable for him and us. We’re still training with Dandy but have made a ton of progress and We are so glad we were able to work with our dog and The Dog Insitute! I can’t recommend them enough!

Review 23 (2018-03-21 - Rating: 5)
Our young pup Dazzle has been going to the Dog Institute since he was just a babe and we know that it is a big part of what has made him the delightful dude he is today. Elizabeth and her team are like his family. He loves them, he loves his pup friends, and we cannot say enough about what a resource The Dog Institute is. Whether taking classes, or using for day training, this place is clean, organized, and helps keep your dog on schedule and assists the dogs in developing key boundaries. They are walked regularly, given naps, and taught valuable socialization lessons that play out well beyond the four walls of this place. We trust Elizabeth implicitly and we have benefited so greatly from her guidance. As this was our first pup, I would often find myself asking Elizabeth questions at pick-up, which would quickly turn into demonstrations and lessons for me and our Dazzle. Elizabeth and her team truly are the best there is. When we moved apartments recently, we made sure to stay in close enough proximity so we could continue to go there. 5 stars and then some +++

Review 24 (2018-03-27 - Rating: 5)
Soon after receiving my beautiful, emotional, constantly barking puppy four months ago, I was fortunate to discover this wonderful facility. Its remarkable head, Elizabeth helped my puppy grow into a calmer, well-adjusted citizen and trained me, too to better understand and encourage good behavior. We participated in the puppy training classes, and my dog is now enrolled regularly in day training where he enjoys playing and learning with his canine peers. Elizabeth is a highly knowledgeable, instinctive, caring person to whom I easily entrust my “child” to her (and her wonderful staff’s) care at a very well maintained place. I highly recommend the Institute and Elizabeth to all conscientious dog parents.

Review 25 (2018-04-06 - Rating: 5)
I have been working with the Dog Institute since the day we brought our puppy home a year ago. I have literally done every service TDI offers - at home training, day training, and puppy classes. Elizabeth has the most beautiful way with dogs and Ive learned so much from her. My puppy adores Elizabeth and her team and literally pulls me the whole walk there because he just loves it. I highly recommend day training, which really helped get our puppy more comfortable being away from home and in a crate. I have done all the puppy and teen puppy classes, which is a great way to get your puppy to burn mental energy. I highly recommend Elizabeth and The Dog Institute.

Review 26 (2016-10-21 - Rating: 5)
We have a young, very sound-sensitive dog who isnt terrible trusting of people. We were looking for a place for her to stay while we gone for our wedding and honeymoon, and the Dog Institute was recommended to me by a dog trainer friend. As a dog trainer myself, I love Elizabeths facility and her intuitive manner with the dogs. She is calm, confident, and knowledgeable, and even our hyper-alert pup quickly warmed up to her. We ended up not only having Willow stay with Elizabeth while we were gone, but we also send her to the Dog Institute for occasional day boarding. We are so happy to know that our nervous pup is in a place where shes understood and well taken care of - plus she gets to play with other dogs (her favorite thing) in a safe, knowledgeable environment. Willow absolutely loves going to the Dog Institute and we love sending her there. Thanks, Elizabeth!

Review 27 (2021-08-21 - Rating: 5)
This is long overdue and I felt it was important to share. The best decision we made after rescuing our dog Amber from Barc Shelter was to take her to the Williamsburg Dog Institute. Elizabeth has made owning a dog so much more pleasurable. First off the facility has a great atmosphere and looks like a nursery school for kids. Most importantly the techniques and lessons learned are invaluable. As much as you train your dog during these sessions Elizabeth is training you and her methods work almost immediately. We did group sessions and it was impressive to see how she was able to keep each dog focused even with multiple puppies in the same room. Try doing that on your own... Now when I am comparing the control I have over my dog and her own self-discipline out in public its extremely noticeable who invested in dog training and who did not. If your dog isnt focused on you and is focused on every distraction possible on the streets it becomes a nuisance. I highly recommend the Williamsburg Dog Institute for getting educated on your dogs psychology, house and obedience training, as well as going above and beyond. Elizabeths techniques on getting your dog to do tricks is pretty cool. Make the investment early in your dog and it will be paid back many times over. Thank you Elizabeth!!

Review 28 (2020-06-10 - Rating: 5)
We had to do the training online because of Corona and it was AMAZING and highly EFFECTIVE. The sessions with Elisabeth not only helped our puppy to settle in but also helped us parents to understand our pups needs and behaviour better. Elisabeth takes a lot of time and is always there for you. We can always text her when we have a problem or a question. Each sessions equips us with more detailed instructions how to train our dog and leaves us more relaxed and confident. We can highly recommend Elisabeth services, she clearly loves her job and knows her puppies.

Review 29 (2020-10-04 - Rating: 5)
I feel so lucky to have met Elizabeth the very first week we got our puppy! She helped us really understand what she was going through developmentally, how to properly reward her to reinforce good behaviors and most importantly how to get ahead of a situation so we’re both set up to succeed. Elizabeth is wonderful! She’s as genuine as they come and your pup with LOVE her!

Review 30 (2020-08-21 - Rating: 5)
Love this place and so does our five month old puppy! We noticed a difference in her behavior even after the very first day and she’s become progressively more independent, responsive and confident upon return visits - she is a small breed Brussels Griffon and has been a little scared of the traffic and walking.Elizabeth and her staff have given us valuable insight and tools to help our pup with training beyond what we could have managed on our own. Let alone wonderful thoughtful care and handling.My partner and I had both been puppy parents prior and found our new little Linden more stubborn than we remembered experiencing before! The Dog Institute has really helped us navigate her wild spirit with structured positive reinforcement and techniques that have yielded excellent results. She was feeling more settled and less restless with every visit. Can’t recommend this place and staff enough. Real dog whisperers!!

Review 31 (2020-08-21 - Rating: 5)
Couldn’t say enough lovely things about The Dog Institute! I have a newly adorable yet very stubborn pup, Linden. Elizabeth and her amazing staff are patient and loving. Our quarantine dog Linden was less confident outside in public but very stubborn inside. She only double downs when she felt scared or scolded so there loving repetition and positive reinforcement has improved her socialization skills and eased her fears while also helping her gain independence inside with out constant supervision. We both work from home and The Dog Institute has helped in guiding us to teach her independence when we have to work so she doesn’t feel abandoned or ignored and can entertain herself. They truly love animals here, and are always so thoughtful with advice and send us pictures of our adorable dog playing with her new friends. It has been invaluable to have a safe space where Lindy can learn to socialize with other dogs after being isolated for so many months. Me and my partner both truly believe in positive reinforcement, even though we knew it is a method of true patience and we are glad to have that met at The Dog Institute. With this type of training Lindy is growing into her own personality that is fun for everyone to be around. I can’t recommend them enough.

Review 32 (2017-03-30 - Rating: 5)
I love Elizabeths Day Training program and so does my pup, Kate! One of the first things I noticed when I walked in was how lovely it smelled which is quite an accomplishment considering she had ten dogs there at the time! This place has the perfect set-up for play time, nap time and even baths. You can tell that Elizabeth really cares about dogs and her tips have helped us training Kate, our new rescue. Id recommend her to any dog parent!

Review 33 (2020-05-27 - Rating: 5)
We love The Dog Institute! Elizabeth is absolutely amazing! We brought our black lab puppy to the baby puppy classes and day training up through the COVID closure. Once the location was closed, Elizabeth was extremely accommodating and worked with us virtually as our puppy continued to grow. During quarantine, our puppy began to excite-pee whenever she saw her Grandpa and Elizabeth worked with us for 1.5 hours to train all of us on how to prevent the excite-pees from happening. Since that session our puppy has not excite-peed! We have also been working on tricks and other behavior training virtually, and Elizabeth is always available to answer a quick question outside of a training session as well. We have seen so much growth in our puppy and Elizabeth has been a huge part of that. We highly recommend The Dog Institute both in person (post-COVID) and virtually!

Review 34 (2019-01-10 - Rating: 5)
When my boyfriend and I adopted our pit bull / german shepherd mix puppy rather spontaneously, we were scrambling to figure out what to do as first-time dog owners. After trying a few different places out, we walked into The Dog Institute of Williamsburg for the first time for their puppy play group, met Elizabeth and never looked back. We’ll always remember that first day because of how freaked out we were about owning our first dog and how much Elizabeth helped right from the start. We probably talked for close to an hour after the play group ended, and we came out of there with a clear path forward for our dog Lester and a sense that we were in great hands.From Day 1, Elizabeth stressed the importance of early socialization for Lester. We immediately enrolled 2-month old Lester into her Day Training program, which is a highly structured version of doggy daycare. While The Dog Institute’s day training may be a bit more expensive than other options, you certainly get what you pay for. Unlike other daycares that let dogs run wild, peeing and pooping all over the place and going crazy all day, The Dog Institute’s day training helps to enforce good training behaviors in your dog, gives the dogs structured socializing playtime with each other, provides individual walks for each dog throughout the day, and even sends you daily videos and photos of your dog! Lester had shown some signs of aggression / resource guarding at his first puppy play group, and we fully credit the day training program for helping Lester to develop into the well-mannered and friendly pup he is today, loving of all dogs and people. When we drop him off for the day, we rest easy knowing he’s having a blast and being cared for by a responsible staff.Lester has also been enrolled in Elizabeth’s training and obedience classes (right now he’s in the teen puppy training group). Elizabeth’s training method is really what sets her apart from other places in the city. Most places offer a set curriculum (ie. 5 weeks set up chronologically that build on each week). Elizabeth revolutionized the training process by customizing each class based on what dogs happen to be there that day. This results in a level of personal attention not seen at other training facilities, and Elizabeth knows every dog so well that she knows when to keep the training moving to hit important milestones for each dog. Instead of being rushed through a rigid curriculum, Lester has been able to focus on his problem areas and develop a close bond with Elizabeth. It’s also nice to be able to go to training when you can and not worry about missing a week, and like our puppy play group story, Elizabeth often spends extra time with you after class to talk about whatever you’re working on with your dog.When we were torn up about if/when to neuter Lester, Elizabeth was extremely patient with us and helped talk us through the pros and cons almost daily and monitored him for behavioral issues we should be concerned about. Even though she knew it was the right thing to neuter, she bared with us while we struggled and eventually came to terms with the decision — and she ended up being so right!We could go on and on about how great this place is. The space itself is lovely — it smells nice, they place good music, and it’s clean and comfortable. It’s actually fun to be there for training class, unlike some other cold and dirty training facilities out there. The entire staff is friendly & caring and love the dogs just as much as Elizabeth does. Elizabeth has been in Williamsburg for so long that she has close relationships with the local vets, which makes caring for our dog even easier. And while we haven’t taken advantage of it yet, she also offers overnight boarding and private lessons, two services we are sure are just as great as everything else we’ve experienced.We really don’t know what we’d do without The Dog Institute. It’s a second home for our dog Lester, and Elizabeth is truly his second mom. Do yourself and your dog a favor and bring them here!

Review 35 (2022-05-01 - Rating: 5)
The best thing that has ever happened for my dog..and me! Anyone with an anxiety prone animal knows it can be stressful and at times a little overwhelming. Elizabeth was my first call when I brought my dog home and is still is today, 5 years later. Her intuitive understanding and communication of canine behavior continues to amaze me. When my dog is able to come for play at The Institute she hides under the furniture when I come to pick her up because she doesn’t want to leave. Not to mention her staff loves and cares for all the animals as if they were their own. I am truly grateful The Dog Institute exists!

Review 36 (2023-06-11 - Rating: 5)
Elizabeth and the dog institute team, welcomed my dog Leo with open arms. Leo is a pandemic dog suffering from separation anxiety and we had previously worked with multiple other separation training programs with no luck. Elizabeth has been very hands on with Leo’s separation training and we have had incredible progress that we never thought we would see. We are forever indebted to Elizabeth and her training methods!

Review 37 (2019-07-17 - Rating: 5)
The Dog Institute is the best! We started with our dog from 10 weeks old! The playgroup is such a fun place for them, especially at the beginning so they can play with dogs of their ages and as they dont have all the vaccines its hard to take them out so the playgroup was a such a great fun place for our dog + they are so tired after it :)! And you get to watch cute puppies playing together which might be more entertaining than a movie! The puppy class is the foundation of our dogs education - you can ask all the questions you want to the teachers and discuss with all the other dog owners. The exercises are very clear and it goes gradually in difficulty which is great for the dog and for the owner. They give great tips and exercises at the end of each class to continue at home. The class really focuses on the essential which was a relief for me as a new dog owner! You get to meet dogs in your neighborhood and when the dogs recognizes each other at the park and play instantly together its also the best!

Review 38 (2017-07-20 - Rating: 5)
Elizabeth has been the most tremendous blessing and resource for me and my enthusiastic border collie puppy Nomi. The knowledge, positive energy, patience, and love she infuses into her training, education, and care has taught us both so much! It’s very important to me to help my young dog learn to be social, polite and well adjusted, and through Elizabeth we are both learning how to train in a way that is fun, sensitive, and never punishing. I have witnessed remarkable growth and progress with Nomi under Elizabeth’s guidance.My dog loves spending her days at the Institute – the team is like her second family and I trust implicitly that each day she has a blast with her friends and is nurtured and cared for. The environment is super fun and I love the community that she’s built there – it is so much more than a just training facility and day care. Elizabeth understands the energy and emotions involved in raising a dog by yourself, and I know she is there for me and totally has my back. I really do not know what I would do without her and her team.

Review 39 (2020-08-18 - Rating: 5)
I have been sending my dog to the institute for 18 months and I think it is amazing. Elizabeth is fantastic with training the puppies and she also is kind and caring with them. The staff are very professional and very well trained. Boarding is available. Saved my life a few times. I would recommend the dog institute to anyone and I will continue bringing my dog there for a very long time.Thank you Elizabeth!!

Review 40 (2022-11-19 - Rating: 5)
Dogs who are lucky enough to be educated by Elizabeth develop a respect for the authority of their parents. As a result of being well managed, they are more loving, thereby promoting a healthy two way respect. A well trained dog is a Happy Dog.I wholeheartedly endorse Elizabeth without reservation!

Review 41 (2019-01-07 - Rating: 5)
I’ve gotten two puppies in the past year, Max (in January) and Rosie (in October), and have taken both to The Dog Institute’s puppy classes and playgroups. I had an excellent experience both times.One of the best things about The Dog Institute is that rather than having a fixed schedule of classes (which is what most trainers offer), puppy classes and playgroups are offered multiple times a week and you have the flexibility to schedule sessions at your convenience, with classes available on Wednesday evening, Saturday and Sunday.The classes really are intended to teach owners as much as teaching the basics to puppies. For owners, Elizabeth and her team really clearly convey what to expect through the different stages of puppy development and how to best manage through the puppy craziness! They also spend time teaching the basics to the puppies - sit, down, impulse control, etc. The puppy playgroups are excellent for socializing new puppies - especially important given that Williamsburg is chock full of people and dogs. To be honest, I only really fully appreciated the puppy classes/playgroups as Max grew up, and I realized how key getting a solid foundation from the classes and playgroups was to having a well-socialized, well-behaved dog.Highly recommend!

Review 42 (2016-10-23 - Rating: 5)
Elizabeth is not just an expert when it comes to handling and training dogs but wonderful at helping you understand how to continue her good work at home with your pup. And when you bring your dog in for daycare you get Elizabeths hands and eyes on them, not just some employee, so daycare is like an all day training session. So happy she opened the Dog Institute!

Review 43 (2019-01-24 - Rating: 5)
I can not speak more highly of Elizabeth and the crew at the Dog Institute. Remy (our golden doodle) has been going there since she was 12 weeks old (shes now 3) and is more well behaved than we could have imagined. In addition to the institute day training Elizabeth provided 1:1 at home lessons which helped us understand the fundamentals of training.One of the biggest hurdles we had was introducing Remy to my mother who is afraid of dogs. Thanks to Elizabeth’s training we were able to introduce them without any complications and my mother is now completely comfortable with Remy.Elizabeth is incredibly compassionate and caring for every dog she looks after and we are so grateful that we were able to take Remy to her.

Review 44 (2020-08-24 - Rating: 5)
We absolutely adore the Dog Institute. We enrolled our puppy for puppy classes, day training, and have used the institutes boarding services. In every instance, our little guy was beyond excited to go and exhausted when he left. Elizabeth and her team have always been attentive, caring and professional and our puppy, Dart, has benefited tremendously.

Review 45 (2016-08-12 - Rating: 5)
Best place for dogs on earth. My dog has been with the institute since we first got her as a puppy a year ago. She has grown leaps and bounds and I would trust Elizabeth and her staff at the institute with my real live children. My poodle stays with her for weeks on end if I have to travel and she always returns a better smarter and more well mannered dog. I would give The DI and Elizabeth 1000 stars if I could. No place better ❤️❤️❤️❤️. Run to the institute and find yourself with a better dog in return

Review 46 (2023-05-11 - Rating: 5)
Elizabeth, Masami, and the whole team here have been great with our doodle! The training has been thorough and very helpful and most of all our pup comes back from the play and train exhausted. He loves it and would go every day if he could.

Review 47 (2017-03-15 - Rating: 5)
Elizabeth is AMAZING!!! We adopted an adorable but incredibly energetic puppy that was a serious handful. Over the past 5 months Elizabeth has worked with our family to learn how to train Romi using positive reinforcement. I cannot tell you how grateful we are for her commitment to our family and to our puppy, Romi. Our older daughter was very afraid of our dog and through our work with Elizabeth, they are now best friends! Each time we see Elizabeth we learn the next step in training Romi and see huge results. She always has your best interests in keeping you, your family and your puppy safe and happy. She is truly gifted, a real gem. She loves animals and she loves helping people integrate a dog into their family. She is really training you to understand how to communicate with your dog. And she does so in such a kind and supportive manner. She is a total mensch - and goes above and beyond. We are SO grateful that we met Elizabeth. We love our dog, he is a wonderful addition to our family - and I credit Elizabeth 100% of the reason we feel that way!

Review 48 (2019-10-03 - Rating: 5)
Taking my puppy to The Dog Institute was the absolute best thing I did for myself and my pup. The group classes were like therapy for me – I met other puppies and their owners, and saw that I wasnt the only one struggling or with questions! And of course, what we learned in class was invaluable to bringing up my puppy right. Day Training and Puppy Play Group were Almas favorite things to do. She loved Day Training so much, it was almost impossible to get her to leave when I picked her up at the end of the day! It was so comforting to know how loved and cared for she was there. Also, our private session with Elizabeth was like magic – she cracked the code with Almas crate training in just one hour. It was amazing. I am forever grateful to her, and all the women who work there. We moved out of NYC, but if we were still there I guarantee The Dog Institute would be a part of Almas life forever. We really, really miss it!

Review 49 (2020-04-08 - Rating: 5)
We got our 8 month old puppy a week ago and we were desperately looking for guidance on the best way to manage house training/potty training. We were excited to find out about Elizabeth’s virtual/facetime sessions. It was perfect for us, given the self distancing situation we have in NY at the moment. In just our first session with her via facetime, she gave us so much confidence and provided such valuable information on how to potty train our puppy. We have seen immediate results with Lucky, and we are so grateful for Elizabeth’s advice. Our puppy refused to go potty outside, and simply implementing her instructions, he finally did it. I’m so excited to see where our next sessions with her will take us. Our little family of 3 is so grateful to have found her! - maria, manu & Lucky

Review 50 (2020-09-15 - Rating: 5)
We had to do virtual training because of the pandemic. If you’re asking yourself can virtual training be just as effective as in person training - it definitely can be. The training is to train/teach you how to train your dog and I believe Elizabeth is able to get that across. She was very patient with questions and made sure that you knew what you were doing. I liked the Dog Institute for basic training for my pup who is also my first dog. Thank you Elizabeth :)

Review 51 (2019-07-02 - Rating: 5)
Elizabeth is the absolute best! My husband and I brought our 5 month old golden retriever to the institute and just with a few sessions he’s totally changed and well behaved! She truly is the dog whisper of Brooklyn. I recommend doing a one on one session first and then sign up for the group classes. Totally worth it!

Review 52 (2021-09-07 - Rating: 5)
Elizabeth is a life savor! Nico has been to puppy camp since he was 12 weeks old and she continues to watch him a year later when I’m in a pinch. He learned so many key skills and baby puppies are his favorite because of the dog institute. Could not recommend enough!! 🙏🙏🙏

Review 53 (2018-10-22 - Rating: 5)
We have a 2-year old terrier / chihuahua mix rescue, Bodhi, who has come such a long way thanks to Elizabeth and her team at The Dog Institute!When we got Bodhi at 4 months old, he was afraid to walk, afraid of all the city noises, and had terrible separation anxiety–we could barely leave our house for 10 min without him panicking. Thanks to The Dog Institute’s day training program, our dog got over his separation anxiety, he’s become a much better walker (thanks to Elizabeth’s coaching in particular) and Bodhi has generally become a much happier, more confident dog.Elizabeth is the only trainer we really trust, and it’s so nice to know that she and her team love Bodhi as much as we do. I highly recommend The Dog Institute – our dog truly loves it there and pulls on the leash every time we get near it.

Review 54 (2016-12-29 - Rating: 5)
Elizabeth and her other care takers are truly DOG LOVERS! Its a non-corporate environment where each dogs needs are considered, each personality assessed. It is not a one-size-fits-all concept in dog training or dog play. Our dog has been with her since she was 8 weeks old (she is now 4yrs old!). Every time we go on a walk, we get pulled by our dog to the Dog Institute! Biggie wags her tail so hard that she practically falls over whenever she sees Elizabeth. When she was a small pup, she had some exuberant aspects to her personality (she was very vocal! we called it the witch laugh or clown screaming!) whenever she would get over excited, shed vocalize. Elizabeth gently rerouted that energy and figured out how to curb Biggies vocal tendencies. Before Elizabeth, we had gone to another puppy training class (a gift from a family member), but that trainer got exasperated with Biggie and simply used aggressive tactics on her. Then we went to Elizabeth and discovered a nurturing method!Besides all that, no sign is more telling than Biggies enthusiasm and love for Elizabeth. That is the best review one could get! Ps The Dog Institute is immaculately clean and they use natural, non-toxic cleaners and detergent. Plus, they take the dogs outside to pee/poo so the place never smells gross. Biggie always comes home clean and tired.

Review 55 (2018-10-09 - Rating: 5)
Our 6 month old puppy has been a near daily attendee at the Dog Institute. Weve also taken baby puppy training, teen puppy training, and boarded with Elizabeth. I am so so grateful that the Dog Institute exists, and that their staff has given us such a well behaved, quiet, and happy pup. Our puppy learned to sit, down, touch, shake, and wait patiently in their classes, and day training reinforces these behaviors day in and day out. Hes well socialized with other pups, and knows when to separate himself and take a break. The Dog Institute focuses on individual attention for each dog, taking solo walks throughout the day (and training good leash behavior!) crate time in the afternoons, and lots of treats and chews throughout the day. We tried other doggy daycares in the neighborhood and nothing came anywhere close. Its an investment in our puppy, certainly, but were excited at the lasting impact the Dog Institute has made on the behavior and bonding of our dog.

Review 56 (2021-06-17 - Rating: 5)
The team at The Dog Institute for Williamsburg were essential for my pups training and development. We learned basic commands, impulse control, crate and tethering best practices, and learn to walk outside on a lead. The most interesting training we did was the use of a clicker to help calm and focus our dog. The results are amazing. The services that DIW have to offer are great too. Our dog loved the Play and Train sessions where he got to play with other dogs his age. Highly recommended.

Review 57 (2020-10-01 - Rating: 5)
This is a review for remote puppy training with Elizabeth and in person Play + Train classes @ the institute.Remote training with Elizabeth saved us in the throws of baby puppy behavior issues. We really felt like we brought home a cute 4 lb ball of fluff who turned into a velociraptor at night. We struggled with very nippy baby shark zoomies, handling issues (aka HATED the harness), and just your general puppy training issues!Elizabeth was able to help us set the foundation for positive reinforcement training and also learned all about Foxs personality alongside us so that everything could be tailored to Fox. This was especially important to us as we had, egoistically, believed that our youtube videos and puppy book reading had made us into experts--it had not. The real thing is so much more chaotic and requires so much more patience.Probably the most important thing to us is that Elizabeth was able to help us learn when to laugh @ the situation and stop panicking, which really helped us emotionally -- to enjoy time with our cute pup! -- and in training because a sense of humor has really helped us with patience.For people who are worried about remote, it has worked for us because observing Fox in her natural habitat (our home -- see photo!) brings up some behaviors that are impossible to replicate @ a training facility. This offers much more flexibility and more insights into Foxs habits. + we can work with her in our quarantine dog friendly PJs and not feel embarrassed haha!Play and Train: now that Play and Train has been available IRL, it has been WONDERFUL to introduce Fox to a cohort of baby puppy friends and also to have amazing one-on-one time with fantastic trainers. This has really helped us to supplement specific techniques that have been a challenge for us (handling, harness, movement on and off couch). In the city too, weve found dog parks can be overwhelming and unpredictable (you never know who else is going to be there) but @ Play and Train everybody has worked with the dog institute and we feel really comfortable with the supervision!Fox is 1000% a better puppy since Training and Play and Train. We were calling her a dud for a while, but now we think shes a pretty cool dog. < 3

Review 58 (2017-05-10 - Rating: 5)
If youve just got a new pup OR youve just moved to the Burg, this is definitely the place to bring your dog.Elizabeth is THE best. She doesnt just train your dog, she also trains you.Its amazing how transformative her evening classes are in that you see changes in your dog immediately as they learn to sit, stay, impulse control, better recall response (so your dog actually comes to you in the midst of chaos at the dog park), and she gives you other helpful tips so that you communicate with your dog in the most effective manner.Our dog has been boarded with Elizabeth and she treats all the dogs as if they were her very own :-)Theres nothing worse than going away on a trip and being stressed the entire time thinking if youre dog is doing okay. Thats definitely NOT an issue when you leave your dog with The Dog Institute. You always know your dog is in the best care!The takeaway? Take your dog to The Dog Institute of Williamsburg!

Review 59 (2022-12-06 - Rating: 4)
Bought a pack of puppy classes and group play sessions just before the pandemic hit, so we were only able to attend one class. The class was really helpful for 2 new pup parents who were looking to learn as much as possible. It was also nice to socialize our dog with other puppies and in a private setting as dog parks make us nervous.I’m not sure what kind of trainers they would consider themselves, but they seemed to be “positive only” (where you focus on only rewarding the positive behaviors). This is solely based on my observations and haven’t confirmed this with the school. I’m not suggesting that this is either good or bad, just sharing what my observation was for anyone that is curious.The reason I am giving 3 stars is because I have emailed Elizabeth twice without any reply as to the status of my class package, and aside from a class cancellation email in March 2020, I have not gotten any emails addressing the status of my package or if they’re open again or what I can do with my classes, if anything at this point, as my dog is 1 year+ now. I emailed the first time on Jan 12 2021 and the second on Jan 23 2021, and now a third time just now. Totally get these are tough times but very confused and frustrated by the lack of a reply altogether.**UPDATE** Elizabeth has since reached out and after a discussion, in realizing there wasn’t an opportunity to use the money towards anything at this time, refunded me for the payment for 7 of 8 classes that we did not use.

Review 60 (2016-10-25 - Rating: 5)
Elizabeth and The Dog Institute team (Jackie and Conor) are absolutely wonderful. Each dog that goes to TDI gets individualized attention and care during their stay. The space for the dogs is gorgeous and unlike many other dog daycare locations, you can actually see where the dogs play all day. There is nothing to hide because the space is amazing. If you have any doubt, I highly recommend popping your head in.My dog Kivu practically tries to run TDI when he realizes where he is headed. He cant get enough of the crew.In addition to daycare, Elizabeth goes out of her way to help give tips to help raise Kivu. She has taught us a number of techniques that have made Kivu the best boy he can be. Weve seen notable progress in his training since he started going to daycare and the puppy classes.Thank you Elizabeth, Jackie, and Conor!

Review 61 (2017-04-07 - Rating: 5)
Earlier this year I rescued a year and a half old Brussels Griffon, Gabby. New to the city Gabby was terrified of both me and her new environment. We visited with The Dog Institute a few days after her arrival, Elizabeth suggested simple training techniques to help Gabby adjust. She is a dog GENIUS! After just a few weeks of daycare in addition to the training techniques, Gabby came out of her shell. I travel about 30 minutes a day to The Dog Institute and wouldnt have it another way. Gabby loves her time there and is occupied for the entire day between her canine buddies and amazing staff. She gets walks and wrestles with her best fur mates :). If you are looking for daycare, boarding, training or dog walking, The Dog Institute is your answer. I would give them 1000 stars (but google only allows 5). Thank you TDI - We love you!

Review 62 (2021-12-08 - Rating: 5)
We brought our little JoJo here for the first time today and they did an incredible job!!! Sent photos every 20-30 min and made us feel super reassured he was ok. Love them!!

Review 63 (2017-07-18 - Rating: 5)
I cant speak more highly of The Dog Institute! Elizabeth and the team are wonderful. Since the time our dog was a puppy, Elizabeth has helped us with training, puppy socialization, and care. Elizabeth is very patient and thoughtful. Our dog loves going to The Dog Institute. Thank you, Dog Institute team!

Review 64 (2018-12-20 - Rating: 5)
We love the WDI. Our sweet cocker spaniel Wilson has been going to the WDI for 1 1/2 years at least twice a week. Elizabeth, a professional trainer, and her compassionate team ensure him a safe and comfortable environment balanced with lots of play time and rest when needed - although he always comes home happily exhausted. The WDI is his favorite place to be besides home with his parents. It is a gift we love giving him! 🐾

Review 65 (2017-05-29 - Rating: 5)
We got our first puppy and did not know anything. One day we walked by dog institute and thought that we should give it a try. Best decision we could have ever made. Elizabeth not only took care of our puppy at every point of his development but also became his second mother. I used to get jealous that Hachi did not want to come back home from school. When i had to leave for a business trip and hachi got sick, she took him to the vet when no one else did. I was not worried because she was there and i knew she loved him as her own. I called her before i called the vet. She taught us everything. And when we said we were going to move from ny, i saw the tears in her eyes, tears that no other instructor would have. She is really a goddess full of love and dedication for dogs.

Review 66 (2023-01-17 - Rating: 5)
I couldnt recommend The Dog Institute of Williamsburg more highly. Staff members are caring and highly trained. My dog flys off the leash with excitement when we enter their doors. Puppy play is the highlight of my dogs week.

Review 67 (2020-07-23 - Rating: 5)
I love love love this place! Elizabeth and her team are wonderful and patient. I took my new puppy to her class before COVID and they really helped me better communicate with my new friend. I appreciate all the positive reinforcement. We cant wait until they are open again!

Review 68 (2019-07-13 - Rating: 5)
Truly the best dog training and daycare in town. Theyve taken fabulous care of our puppy from day one and now she breaks into a run once she realizes were close by. Every other daycare however she pulls away from, so the difference is incredible.

Review 69 (2016-07-30 - Rating: 5)
Owner Elizabeth is amazing, sweet and well known about dogs. My pop loves her very very much. Somehow after daycare with her, my dog is always well behavior, relaxed and happy.

Review 70 (2018-07-11 - Rating: 5)
Elizabeth and staff are all AMAZING !!!... My dog has been going Institute for over a year and could not be excited when is there. The training techniques and attention they give is the BEST, second to none. They place is a gift to all of us dog lovers !!!

Review 71 (2021-05-02 - Rating: 5)
Elizabeth is life changing. She was my therapist throughout the nw puppy period and will forever have helped to create a close bond between me and my puppy. HIGHLY recommend!!!!!

Review 72 (2018-01-30 - Rating: 5)
One of the most wonderful place in Williamsburg. If you have a puppy that needs training I strongly recommend Elizabeth as a teacher !!! :D I WISH I CAN GIVE THIS PLACE MORE THEN 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review 73 (2017-12-17 - Rating: 5)
Elizabeth is extremely experienced dog trainer. I highly recommend The Dog Institute if you want to lean how to train your dog.

Review 74 (2024-06-11 - Rating: 5)
I love that they send many photos and videos of your dog playing

Review 75 (2022-04-10 - Rating: 5)
I really enjoy my time here, Elisabeth is fantastic! She is so patient, kind and helpful! Marlon’s always happy to see her and I cannot be happier that she’s been Marlon’s trainer!

Review 76 (2020-08-26 - Rating: 5)
Working with Elizabeth has been incredible!! Because of quarantine we did the virtual sessions. At first we were a little hesitant if virtual was the way to go in training our 3-month rambunctious pup, but i couldn’t recommend it enough. It feels extremely personalized, Elizabeth gets you set up in your own space and helps you build a routine. Every week we had new questions that would come up and Elizabeth always had an answer or a solution. We’re already seeing so many improvements in our puppy and we definitely feel more at ease. Highly recommend!!

Review 77 (2019-02-19 - Rating: 5)
Ive been taking my Two Scottish Terriers to the Dog Institute for 3 years. And I took my previous dog there too. What can I say, its the absolute greatest place on earth to take your loved puppies. They get training, socialization, play time, and love. Elizabeth is so loving and amazing with my pups. My wife wouldnt trust anyone else on earth to watch them and their tails start wagging when we get within a block of the Institute. Elizabeth and her team go above and beyond and if youre looking for day care or boarding services, look no further. RD.

Review 78 (2017-07-10 - Rating: 5)
I cannot say enough good things about Elizabeth and her team. My dog Zelda has been loved, cared for, and trained nearly every day for a year (since 3 months old) at the Dog Institute.They know what they are doing.Zelda is fully socialized, potty trained, great with kids, sleeps through the night, doesnt bark, sits on command, and is an utter joy to spend time with, thanks to Elizabeth and Connors outstanding care.They are not only experts in what they do but they foster a fabulous community of friends (dogs and owners alike).Special shout out to trainer Connor. I trust him implicitly with my pup which is a very rare feeling.If you want to give your dog the best care available, the Dog Institute is the place for you.

Review 79 (2016-07-31 - Rating: 5)
The Dog Institute represents the Platonic ideal of human-canine interaction. We first started working with Elizabeth, the Founder and Director, when our now two-year-old Airedale Terrier was a puppy. Like most terriers, Walter was a complete handful when he joined our family. Elizabeths approach, and positive-reinforcement philosophy, quickly transformed him—and us—in wonderful ways. We now are leaning from each other in a fun, controlled, and respectful environment.If youre like us, and are looking for a real partner in the development of your pet, I believe that TDI is unique in its level of commitment to creating a healthy relationship between you and your dog. Expect customized, detailed, and insightful discussion when you come for pick up, and specific recommendations on how to improve both the behavior and understanding of the animal youre living with. It goes without saying that in each of the dozen-plus experiences weve had, that safely, cleanliness, and staff attentiveness have never been an issue.Im usually skeptical when I read as full-throated an endorsement as this. Know that this is an authentic, independent representation of our experience, and Id be happy to elaborate in more detail with anyone interested. Youre picking the right place. Have fun.

Review 80 (2021-04-20 - Rating: 5)
COVID-19 UpdatesEditContact the business for more information about recent service changes.Review Highlights“Elizabeth is really incredible, and we cannot express enough of our gratitude and how much we recommend her.” in 42 reviews“We just finished the puppy classes and will be staying on for the teen dog classes, as well as day training.” in 10 reviews“In each class we learned foundation skills that we still use today (think potty training, chewing, impulse control).” in 4 reviewsLocation & HoursMap125 Roebling StGround FlWilliamsburg, NY 11211b/t 6th St & 5th StWilliamsburg - North SideMon8:00 AM - 7:00 PMTue8:00 AM - 7:00 PMOpen nowWed8:00 AM - 7:00 PMThu8:00 AM - 7:00 PMFri8:00 AM - 7:00 PMSat8:00 AM - 7:00 PMSun8:00 AM - 7:00 PMEdit business infoOther Pet Training NearbySponsoredSharon Mear’s Training Cats and Dogs15Ben P. saidAfter calling several places I went with Sharon as she was the only one that asked about my situation and the dogs needs first, before saying how they go about their training. I also preferred Sharons approach to the training.…read morein Pet TrainingJabir’s Dog Training2Leash aggression, obedience of all ages, separation anxiety health, crate training and many more relating to behavior issues. By using a reward based system, we will be able to strengthen your bond with your dog Because of the…read morein Pet TrainingSmylish Dogs21.7 miles away from The Dog Institute of WilliamsburgConvenient In-home and in-person training with positive reinforcement. Purchase a bundle and get $25 off. Plus, enjoy $10 off first boarding or house sit.read morein Pet TrainingAsk the CommunityAsk a questionYelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about The Dog Institute of Williamsburg.Recommended ReviewsYour trust is our top concern, so businesses cant pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more.Search within reviewsSearch within reviewsYelp SortEmma K.Atlanta, GA042/24/2021As a first time puppy owner, I felt like I was in way over my head and constantly stressed out. I didnt feel like I had the proper tools or resources to adequately train my puppy and spent hours watching YT videos/researching how to train puppies to no avail.Thats when DIW came into the picture. Elizabeth and the DIW saved my life (kind of exaggerating but not really)! Elizabeth taught me the proper tools, techniques, and most importantly how to restructure my puppys and my daily schedules to make life more manageable. I really appreciated how encouraging Elizabeth was during our virtual training sessions and how quickly she responded/provided appropriate feedback based on how my puppy and I were interacting. Elizabeth is truly an amazing and knowledgable trainer who not only knows her stuff but is also sensitive to the needs of each dog/owner.The DIW play and train sessions were also the most amazing thing that happened to my puppy and me. I love that my puppy gets to have the time of her life socializing with other pups while refining the skills that shes been learning with superstar trainers at DIW. Knowing that my puppy is in good hands at the DIW frees up my mind to also enjoy the time off I get on those days! I also love that the DIW provides cute and high quality videos/photo updates of my puppy during her time at play and train sessions.Overall, I highly recommend the DIW and Elizabeth!

Review 81 (2020-05-02 - Rating: 5)
Our 5 mo old pup Sophie has attended puppy playgroup, group training and had many 1x1 sessions in person (and now virtually due to COVID-19) over the last couple months, and we have continued to see great results! We prefer private Facetime sessions with Elizabeth (lead trainer), as she goes above and beyond coaching us to train Sophie in a loving and respectful way. As a testament to her coaching, our parents and friends are always telling us how smart and wonderful Sophie is - virtually of course! Highly recommend DIW!

Review 82 (2020-06-29 - Rating: 5)
We adopted our dog during the Pandemic and quickly realized we needed help and direction with training. There are so many resources online but so much of that advice ends with dead ends and doesnt use applicable examples. Elizabeth responded right away and assured us we could handle this newfound responsibility. The remote classes, given over FaceTime, are highly effective. Every week it seems like a new behavior pops up, and not only are we able to address that but we effectively cover and progress on previous lessons. Sit, stay, crate training, leash reactiveness, shaping - it helps greatly to have someone who is seeing and reacting to your specific dog and guiding you along the way. Our relationship with our dog has grown tremendously, and Elizabeth is always going above and beyond to ensure were comfortable with the lessons and that were getting to each concern. I cant recommend the classes enough - dont torture yourself by waiting through problem behaviors, the online classes work and youll be so much happier with your canine companion!

Review 83 (2024-01-27 - Rating: 5)
Elizabeth is a dog whisperer.

Review 84 (2022-03-20 - Rating: 5)
Elizabeth is an amazing human!

Review 85 (2022-05-09 - Rating: 5)
Before this place was built, the representatives house, Elizabeth, was directly across the street from ours, so I left my child there many times.She gave me a bath before I got home and did other services that I didnt ask for, and when I saw her walking her dog at 2 a.m. and approached her, she said, You looked like you needed to go to the bathroom. There were times when I was. It was a blessing.