Personalized dog training and puppy training for the Upper West Side, Lincoln Square, Upper East Side, Tribeca, the West Village, & surrounding areas in New York City. Follow My Lead Dog Training has been helping New York City's dog owners develop an easier and happier relationship with their dogs for over 25 years. We respond to your questions about dog training and dog care with informed answers, practical suggestions, and encouraging words. Even after your lessons have ended, we're just a phone call away!
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Imagine for a moment that you are a puppy. A good day for you would be pouncing on all your littermates, running around the woods chasing critters, rolling in deer poop, and barking at intruding animals or people to keep them away. However, this is not what most Manhattan residents want in a dog. We want our dogs to be polite.
Founded on Manhattan's Upper West Side in 1992, Follow My Lead has been one of the foremost schools addressing the special training needs of the urban dog. Follow My Lead is owned by Phyllis Couvares, who is an accomplished professional dog trainer committed to reward-based dog training. She works with dogs of different sizes, ages, breeds, and temperaments.
In our group dog training classes you and your dog will learn the principles of training in a controlled environment, where your dog learns to focus on you in the company of other dogs, and you learn how to manage and train your dog with varying levels of distraction. Sunday, Monday and Wednesday classes are held at Dog Days of New York located at: 2581 Broadway (northwest corner of 97th and Broadway) 2nd floor - entrance mid-block.
Whether you have a puppy or a grown dog, questions about the best way to proceed are sure to arise. Our private dog training lessons offer you and your family the opportunity to work with your puppy or dog in your home, on the street, or in the park--at a time convenient for you. Even if your dog is having no particular problems, but you are having trouble fitting into our class schedules, private lessons may be right for you. They are available seven days a week from early morning until 8 PM. Call us for details.
Reviews (11)
Rachel W.
May 15, 2021
Bonnie R.
Sep 27, 2018
I just spoke to Phyllis over the phone and I I was so impressed by her knowledge and warmth in our 10 minute conversation, that I'm compelled to write this Yelp review. Although she said she was very booked, and was hesitant about taking on another client, she stayed on the phone with me and was kind enough to answer some of my questions about my new puppy. I'm so grateful and I'm so impressed.
She really cares about animals. Its easy to see that Phyllis is not just a "business" for dog training. Now that I've talked to her, I know that she is the "one" who I would trust with my precious dog. I'm gonna pray that somehow she'll take my Zoey (and me) as clients!
She really cares about animals. Its easy to see that Phyllis is not just a "business" for dog training. Now that I've talked to her, I know that she is the "one" who I would trust with my precious dog. I'm gonna pray that somehow she'll take my Zoey (and me) as clients!
Alison F.
Sep 21, 2018
We rescued our little guy about a month and a half ago, and I was so frustrated by his behavior. We tried a group training class at Petco, and after two classes, it just wasn't working. I was desperate to find a quality trainer--and fast. After calling around to multiple trainers in the midtown/ UWS area, I found myself on the phone with Phyllis from Follow My Lead.
She was the warmest, most patient, understanding woman and was genuinely interested in hearing about our situation with our pup. She immediately started brainstorming solutions--this was before I even committed to a class with her or anything! Her passion for animals is unmatched, though her passion for humans, helping them form positive, loving bonds with their pets, is a close second.
We had our first session with Phyllis this evening, and she was even sweeter in person. Our dog was an angel with her, and she made sure to talk through all of her methods and have us practice. We cannot wait for our next session. She is so good, we might not need many more! HIGHLY RECOMMEND Thank you, Follow My Lead!
She was the warmest, most patient, understanding woman and was genuinely interested in hearing about our situation with our pup. She immediately started brainstorming solutions--this was before I even committed to a class with her or anything! Her passion for animals is unmatched, though her passion for humans, helping them form positive, loving bonds with their pets, is a close second.
We had our first session with Phyllis this evening, and she was even sweeter in person. Our dog was an angel with her, and she made sure to talk through all of her methods and have us practice. We cannot wait for our next session. She is so good, we might not need many more! HIGHLY RECOMMEND Thank you, Follow My Lead!
Alice Tong
Feb 27, 2018
Janice Horowitz
Jun 28, 2016
Phyllis is quite the extraordinary trainer. Not merely because she's skilled, smart and uncannily intuitive about dogs, but because she's all those things for frazzled, overwrought new puppy owners. We had a new puppy whom we wanted to keep wee wee pad trained and Phyllis - with her copious and precise instructions and emotional support on the phone and in emails - was our steady hand while we worked to train him.
Once you go to Phyllis's classes or have her over for privates, she's in your camp. She's got your back, rooting for you and always there to guide you. She seems to do it for the sheer love of dogs but also because she's just a really good person. She's got the same commitment for older dogs too. Walking around the city with Phyllis is like seeing her gallery of smart, happy kids who managed to grow up and become well-adjusted. Except they're dogs. She's a gem. Like nobody else you'll find in this city.
Once you go to Phyllis's classes or have her over for privates, she's in your camp. She's got your back, rooting for you and always there to guide you. She seems to do it for the sheer love of dogs but also because she's just a really good person. She's got the same commitment for older dogs too. Walking around the city with Phyllis is like seeing her gallery of smart, happy kids who managed to grow up and become well-adjusted. Except they're dogs. She's a gem. Like nobody else you'll find in this city.
Kate Grace
Jun 24, 2016
I signed myself and my 4.5 year old dog Maddie up for Follow My Lead's Level 1 group class. We've had years of training, but there was still a lot to improve for both of us. Follow My Lead uses a reward-based method of dog training that I had not learned or used before. Every other class or one-on-one was about snapping the leash or a pinch collar.
Positive reinforcement training was a huge shift for us that turned out to be so much better then any previous method. She responded quickly to the new training and her focus is so much better. In just six weeks there's been a huge improvement in her overall behavior and the specific issues we wanted to work on. Class sizes are smaller so there is a lot of one-on-one time with the trainers.
In our class there was one instructor (Phyllis) and two teaching assistants so you really get the time and attention you need to make the most out of every class. Highly recommend! The price is a steal for how much hands-on attention you get, and the results that happen because of their method.
Positive reinforcement training was a huge shift for us that turned out to be so much better then any previous method. She responded quickly to the new training and her focus is so much better. In just six weeks there's been a huge improvement in her overall behavior and the specific issues we wanted to work on. Class sizes are smaller so there is a lot of one-on-one time with the trainers.
In our class there was one instructor (Phyllis) and two teaching assistants so you really get the time and attention you need to make the most out of every class. Highly recommend! The price is a steal for how much hands-on attention you get, and the results that happen because of their method.
Alex A.
Mar 11, 2015
I made a yelp account just to reco them! The class was really cool, on a basketball court with other nice owners and pooches. Phyllis and the team were great. I have tried with others who were patronizing, but follow my lead understood we're not morons just because our dog acts like one! My pooch (pictured) has gotten so much better and me and my kid loved the class.
These are gentle teachers and dog lovers, understanding experts who have great teaching techniques and seem to really love the pooches as much as we do. Big reco for these folks from a hells kitchen doggy dad :)))
These are gentle teachers and dog lovers, understanding experts who have great teaching techniques and seem to really love the pooches as much as we do. Big reco for these folks from a hells kitchen doggy dad :)))
David S.
Mar 06, 2015
Follow My Lead does a great obedience level 1 class. Phyllis is very friendly and patient. Her assistant trainers are also very helpful with all of the exercises. She also provided us with a lot of follow up information on the tricks/skills after every class so that we could study up on our own time. She was particularly understanding with her makeup policy, allowing us to come to any/all of the Wednesday night classes as well.
We felt that she really cared about our dog's progress. I will also say that our dog learned A LOT and is much better at the basic skills (sit, down, touch, come, walking, etc). This class is an absolute must for new dog owners. We will most likely return for their more advanced classes!
We felt that she really cared about our dog's progress. I will also say that our dog learned A LOT and is much better at the basic skills (sit, down, touch, come, walking, etc). This class is an absolute must for new dog owners. We will most likely return for their more advanced classes!
Karen T.
Mar 02, 2015
We took the Basic 1 6 week course with Phyllis and David with our French bulldog, Oliver. I cannot stress how amazing they are. The courses were very informative and extremely fun and easy going. They provided such focus and one on one attention to each of the six dogs in our course. I never felt frustrated when Oliver and I weren't getting something - Phyllis always had a way to break it down and make it easy for us to grasp.
Her level of detail wasn't only during the course, but she spent the time with us after class to help with one aspect of training we specifically had issues with - walking outside. She is so invested in her clients- it showed through all the follow up emails and videos she would send through during the week leading up to each class. I would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone looking to train their pup- money & time well spent you definitely won't regret it!
Her level of detail wasn't only during the course, but she spent the time with us after class to help with one aspect of training we specifically had issues with - walking outside. She is so invested in her clients- it showed through all the follow up emails and videos she would send through during the week leading up to each class. I would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone looking to train their pup- money & time well spent you definitely won't regret it!
Danielle P.
May 14, 2013
I took Basic 1 classes at Follow my Lead with my dog Stella. Phyllis and her team are awesome. The classes were low pressure and low stress - and there was a lot of personal attention. I ended up feeling encouraged to work more with my dog, instead of feeling overwhelmed or like I was 'doing it wrong' (like I've felt at other training classes). Phyllis even answered a question for me after the classes was completed - showing how she is invested in her clients and their dogs. If you're interested in working with your dog and are even remotely in the area I highly recommend.
Selen B.
Jun 16, 2010
Phyllis Courveras is a great trainer. Her loving, positive enforcement make the ''lightbulb'' moments in your puppy that will lead to the lessons he will need allthrough his life. Her classes and personality helps build a great relationship between yourself and your puppy. My puppy knows we'r heading to the school where she teaches from blocks away and starts getting excited. So many people know of her in the UWS. She has always been available to help me with any lessons, confusions, with handouts and we love her! David is great also
