Dogs are complex creatures with instincts, desires, and biological needs. They are highly intelligent and emotional beings with whom we have developed a deeply symbiotic relationship over millennia. Good training is built on this foundation.
I aim to teach humans how to help their dogs exist in our human-dominated world without losing their spirit.
1-on-1 Training in Your Home or in the Community
I offer free, no-commitment phone evaluations
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Training plans are tailored to the individual dog and human.
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Lessons are 1 hour long and take place either in your home or in public. Each lesson includes a detailed write-up so you can continue the work we do together.​
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Lesson packages include lifelong support via phone, email, or video call, as well as priority sign-up for group classes and events.
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Virtual lessons are available for those who aren't local to Massachusetts.​
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Sliding scale payment for low income clients:​
I offer pay-what-you-can for low income dog owners. I do not require proof of income - I use the honor system and trust people to self-report honestly. Please let me know if you'd like to take advantage of sliding scale payment.
Together we can work on​
​communication and relationship building
basic and advanced obedience skills
loose leash walking
off-leash reliability
puppy raising
resource guarding
nail trims/grooming behavior
vet visit prep
jumping
barking
reactivity
fear issues
noise sensitivity
dog sports - mountain biking, hiking, nose work
Canine Good Citizen
finding/adopting the right dog
About Me
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​I'm Veronica. I became motivated to become a good trainer when I got a high-drive Treeing Walker Coonhound puppy named Lewey and found traditional training styles to be lacking. After learning that a dog's natural instincts are both enduring and vital, I had better sense of how to work with a dog's natural behaviors as opposed to against them. I started out in the industry leading off-leash pack-hikes and then transitioned to training client dogs in their homes and haven't looked back since.
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Lewey's and my favorite things to do together are nose work, barn hunt, and mountain bike. We've traveled all over the country to hike, mountain bike, and backpack. We're also working on completing the 48 4000 footers in New Hampshire. ​
My Training Ethos
I believe in the power of willful cooperation for both humans and dogs. I work to make training fun and inherently motivating; I use play whenever possible, and I tailor each training plan to each dog (and human) so that we can use the intrinsic motivators dogs are born with. Quite often, training will not involve stopping behaviors, but simply channeling them in a way that can be more easily integrated into one's lifestyle. My training does not adhere to any one style or school of thought, but is dialectical in nature, meaning that all methods, tools, and techniques are assessed so that our approach is ethical, humane, and based on observation of concrete circumstances.
My approach is holistic in that I don’t attempt to solve problems through training that are caused by lack of exercise, poor diet, inadequate room for expression of instincts, or unfit environments. I will not give medical or dietary advice, but I will not circumnavigate these problems with training. ​​​​
