What types of dog training services are available?

Our Boston dog trainers offer puppy training, basic obedience, private lessons, reactivity and aggression training, leash walking programs, and service dog training.

How early should I start training my puppy in Boston?

Puppies in Boston can start training as early as 8–10 weeks old. Early socialization is important in a busy, urban environment full of bikes, buses, crowds, and other dogs. Starting early helps prevent reactivity and anxiety later.

Do Your Boston Trainers help with city-specific behavior issues?

Yes. Many dog owners in Boston struggle with leash pulling on congested sidewalks, reactivity around people or other dogs, barking in apartments or condos, separation anxiety, and overexcitement in parks like the Boston Common or Esplanade. City-focused training programs like ours specialize in solving these problems.

How long does dog training take in Boston?

Training timelines vary, but many dogs show solid improvement within the first few sessions with consistent practice. More advanced goals—like off-leash reliability around distractions—often take months.

What does dog training cost in Boston?

Colonial Dog Training offers variety of training packages for one flat fee. Training packages offer more value and bang for your buck. Contact us for pricing.

Is off-leash training possible in Boston?

Yes—our trainers specialize in reliable off-leash control even in a busy city. Off-leash training typically involves training tools, long-line work, and controlled exposures at parks and trails around Greater Boston.

Do the trainers work with rescue dogs or dogs with behavioral issues?

Yes, our professional Boston trainers work with rescue dogs, fearful dogs, leash-reactive dogs, and even dogs with aggression. We have experience in behavior modification and clear and proven training philosophies.

Are training sessions available in Boston apartments or condos?

Yes. Our trainers offer in-home training throughout Boston neighborhoods like Back Bay, South End, Charlestown, Cambridge, Somerville, and more. We can help anyone, even those in apartments and condos.

Do you offer service dog training in Boston?

Yes. We proudly offer service dog training programs for mobility assistance and psychiatric support. We DO NOT provide medical alert training.

My Dog Training Methods

So many people have asked me about my “methods” and how I got my own dog to learn new behaviors.

There are numerous dog training methods and styles all over the Internet, that to me just don’t make sense! As a dog trainer, I like to keep it simple and consistent! That’s what I did with my own dog, Melvin.

People are shocked when they meet him and I tell them that he used to have pretty aggressive behaviors. When we adopted him, the only information we received from the adoption group was that he did not get along with other dogs while on leash and his previous owners could not handle walks with him, but was “fully trained”. Once we met Melvin, we knew he would be a great fit in our lives.

A couple of days later, we were out for a walk with Melvin and we saw another dog that we have seen many times before, but this time he started barking and lunging trying to get at the dog! He was pretty defiant! I called the rescue to find out what they knew about his previous “training”. All they knew was that the previous owners had a private dog trainer and took him to some dog training classes.

Right away I put Melvin in my “boot camp” that I do with all my dog training clients. I taught Melvin exactly what I wanted from him, and what behaviors were acceptable! It’s amazing that even after successfully training not only my own dog, but clients, that people still want to offer advice on how I should try the latest “methods”. (I stay very current on the the latest in training trends, both through reading and seminars, and anecdotally through working with clients who have worked with one, two or even more trainers, before finding me.)

Why fix what’s not broken?!?!?! I have yet to find a dog training program that is as easy to follow as the approach I take with my clients.

With Melvin, I had to build a foundation and slowly began to give him more advanced commands! He likes to push the boundaries like most dogs so it took consistency, follow through and LOTS of praise and love! There is nothing sadder than the dogs that are surrendered to shelters because owners are given the wrong information. I sure am thankful that I was given the chance to have Melvin in my life!

I would be honored to help you with dog training, and/or help you work out some behavior issues with your dog. It all starts with a comprehensive behavior consultation. Please contact me today to get started!