Lovely, professional, reliable, reasonable! Angela runs a tight ship. Would recommend without hesitation.

Best trainers ever! I've worked with them with two of my dogs in a row and the second is almost 19! I would recommend them without reservation. read more

The hardest thing to do is hand your dog over to somebody to handle and care for them. I got over that immediately once I started sending my two year old dog for day school at The Pawsitive Dog a year ago. At the time, he had a very basic grasp of obedience commands, but showed signs of separation anxiety. I had never crate trained him as a puppy, and he would go into freak out mode anytime he did go in to the crate. The trainers at The Pawsitive Dog have helped him immensely, starting with basic building blocks to motivate him to be calm on his own, and voluntarily offer behaviors I want. I got a new puppy a few months ago and he immediately started attending day school as well. I've seen so many positive changes since getting him into The Pawsitive Dog at a young age. Jen, Francis, Rebecca, and Aileen treat my dogs wonderful and have been instrumental in raising both of my dogs, to which I'm extremely grateful for. read more

The Pawsitive Dog - Pet Training Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Working with The Pawsitive Dog has been the most impactful thing we've done to build a strong partnership with our dog, Fuji. One of the first things we learned in class was that though people start with dog obedience (sit, down, stay, etc.), that's not even half of it; teaching your dog good manners, relaxation, and patience are what yields behaviors that make you and your dog happy. Now try doing that yourself?! Jen, Francis, Aileen, and Rebecca make the most incredible team. They are knowledgeable, have so much experience, and have been able to teach us (& talk us) through all of our questions. For example, as a first-time owner of a livestock guardian dog, I needed expert guidance on understanding and complementing how my dog thinks; he's a bit more shy and observant, and knowing how to handle that in a highly-populous area to ensure he is comfortable was really important to me. I trust them with taking care of Fuji during the day and for camp (overnight stays) as if he were their own. We are so grateful for them!! Thank you, team! read more

The Pawsitive Dog - Pet Training Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Truly do not have enough wonderful things to say about our experience at Pawsitive. We truly weren't sure what else to do to help our very sweet but very anxious rescue dog, Abby, when a friend suggested we reach out to Pawsitive. Right away, we were so impressed by Jen's confidence and reassurance. She and all the trainers at Pawsitive not only helped empower us to be the people our dog needed but they fundamentally changed how we viewed our relationship with our dog for the better. The skills we learned at Pawsitive have made us kinder, more patient, more fun-loving, and more relaxed dog owners and also helped our dog gain skills and confidence. So many people remark on how beautifully trained our dog is, and she is a favorite at the vet for her calmness and adaptability :). We feel like we owe so much to Jen, Francis, and the other trainers and truly feel like they will always be a part of our family! read more

I cannot say enough Pawsitive things about Jen, Aileen and Francis. The team were recommended to me by another Boston trainer and came with a stellar reputation. From the initial meeting with Jen, the deep experience and honesty hit home. Jen helped me recognize and understand the 'why' behind my dogs behavior and how I was unintentionally rewarding, encouraging and reinforcing the unwanted behavior. A tough message to hear but undeniably true and the way Jen explained it to me made absolute sense. When I got the opportunity to observe how they handled Bowie, it was mind blowing. He rose to the challenge with a spring on his step, a smile on his face and an energy and eagerness to learn and please. My excitable and head strong, stubborn English Cream Golden Retriever teenager needed boundaries, clear direction, clarity and consistency and was a happier more confident dog for receiving it. It was really emotional for me to watch as I realized just how much I had been letting him down and how much more he needed from me. That was all the motivation I needed to put in the hard work and long hours it takes to build a healthy strong relationship with your dog. The best decision I have ever made! The Pawsitive Dog team have given me all the tools and techniques I need to continue to give Bowie what he needs to live a happy, fulfilled and safe life in the city and I could not be more grateful. The impact of the teams guidance and education has been life changing and I hope to continue my journey under their stewardship for many more years to come. read more

BEST TRAINING & CARE EVER!!! We couldn't do it without Jen, Francis, Aileen, and Rebecca. Two Cane Corso puppies joined our family in late 2020. We joined the Pawsitive Dog family in early 2021 with some knowledge and expectations given our history with other dogs and trainers. It was obvious from our first interaction that we were in for a much more immersive and rewarding experience than we could have imagined. Not only is the Pawsitive Dog team absolutely awesome with dogs, they are awesome with people... and they are awesome people. They care deeply, give generously, and are fully committed to developing enjoyable, lifelong partnerships between dogs and their people. "The boys" are now 2+ years old, 110 and 120 lbs of joy. With our Pawsitive Dog training, we have built a mutually respectful and rewarding relationship with our dogs. Stubborn by nature, our boys listen and respond well... and often anticipate our instructions. We try to surprise them, often with truly hysterical results (bunny-hop musical crates anyone?). This is just one of the many things we've learned at Pawsitive Dog, where they prepare dogs and their people to respond well to any situation. We've learned to reward what we want repeated, think like dogs, be the leader, use humor, stay calm and don't get angry, and other such gems. Sounds easy, but applying these techniques can be hard. Practicing at Pawsitive Dog classes revealed just how challenging it can be to apply our learning real-time, when it matters most. You don't want to go this alone... and don't have to. With the techniques learned at Pawsitive Dog and the encouragement of the team, we continue to practice, have tons of fun and laughs, and know we have so much more to learn and so many more situations to explore. In summary two words: INVALUABLE and PRICELESS. Pawsitive Dog has our deepest gratitude. We can't say it enough: Thank you Jen, Francis, Aileen and Rebecca!!! read more

Jen and Francis at the Pawsitive Dog know what they're doing. They were always available to answer questions, offer suggestions and exercises to handle challenging situations with my dog. They made it fun to train my dog. Working with Pawsitive Dog helped transform training from a responsibility into a hobby. read more

After several discussions with local dog trainers around - we knew instantly that Pawsitive Dog was the perfect fit for us and our 8 month old golden retriever puppy. The trainers are so knowledgeable, take what they do very seriously, and clearly have decades under their belt helping owners of all ages and experience levels build strong partnerships with their dogs. Our dog proved to be strong willed as she grew up, and we are so grateful that Pawsitive dog taught us to lead our dog in a way that she was clear that we were in charge, using training methods that we felt comfortable with. After going to Pawsitive dog for 3 years (because we loved them and couldn't get enough!), I can truly say that their training methods have enabled us to have the best relationship with my dog I could ever imagine. We highly recommend Pawsitive dog for your puppy, dog, rescue, reactive dog, and more. The waiting list is worth the wait - their training will not disappoint. But be ready to commit to putting in the work. This is not a model that will fix your dog without you doing any of the work. Change starts with you and how you lead your dog every single day. read more

We love pawsitive dog! We came at the recommendation of a friend and it has not disappointed at all- there was a 2+ month waiting list but was so worth it. Pawsitive dog is all about helping you establish the right relationship with your dog including things like crate training, separation anxiety, and other good dog manners. We love coming here and so does our dog - every time I bring him to school he can't wait to run inside! Also +dog camp is the absolutely worth it - it's amazing to have the freedom to travel without having to worry about your pup because they are in professionals' hands! Jen, Francis and the whole team are the best!!! read more

I had been recommended to Pawsitive Dog and Jen specifically by several friends who had trained their dogs there. So I knew this was where I wanted to be. It took a little while to find an opening but I have to say that all of my expectations have been surpassed. Right from the get go I knew I was in the right hands when Jen did an assessment of my Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy and she said to me 'A lot of Rhodeisan's can be a little aloof but he is very sociable and curious and so I think our goal should be 'How do we add all of the training and communication in without losing any of his amazing personality.' It was EXACTLY what I wanted to hear. Over the past few months I have seen such a transformation in my buddy. And beyond training the dogs during the day, the human training classes that take place 2x a month are excellent - really giving you the tips and methods you need to understand. I jsut need to be better about practicing with him more often. I went into this experience thinking that I was going to be handing my dog over and they would be training him. What I have to come to realize about Pawsitive Dog is that they are actually more language professors - teaching you the psychology and language of dogs do you're able to communicate better with each other. And it is just as much about training your dog as it is about training yourself - in fact probably more so the people. In the past 6 months I feel like I am more in touch with my buddy than I ever have been and his amazing personality is still very much intact. I'm so happy that my friends recommended Pawsitive Dog and that I was tenacious about waiting for an opening. Thank you Jen, Francis and Aileen for all you've done to help me and Jambo over the past 6 months. I am forever grateful. read more

The Pawsitive Dog - Jambo - Pet Training Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

If you want to have a great relationship with your dog, look no further than the Pawsitive Dog. I adopted Norman when he was 7 months old in May 2019 from Last Hope K9. We started trainings at the Pawsitive Dog when he was 7.5 months old and attended day school and class regularly until March 2020. While the pandemic put a pause on our more advanced behavior training, our partnership was established and we enjoyed a lot of long walks and hikes around Massachusetts to keep ourselves active. We started school again in fall 2020 and in November 2021, Norman and I were certified as a therapy dog team. We have been enjoying visits to local colleges and libraries. None of this would have been possible without the training I received from Francis, Jen, Aileen, and Rebecca on how to establish such a partnership with my four legged teammate. As an added bonus, based on the photos and my pup's exhausted, happy sleep on the day I pick him up, camp (boarding) is basically the best vacation day every day! Positive reinforcement and relationship building with your dog is the main focus of this incredible training center. I recommend them for you and your new pup without hesitation. read more

We have been taking our dog Avery to Pawsitive for almost two years and we cannot be more impressed with the Pawsitive team in what they have been able to do in getting us to understand our dog and how to best motivate her. Yes, it's true, it has strengthened our relationship with Avery and increased the enjoyment we have with her. Avery loves school days and we love knowing she is well cared for and is learning a lot. We feel such warmth from Jen, Breslin, Francis, Rebecca, and Jeff whenever we are there for class, or pick up and drop off. And we have lots of laughs as well. read more

The Pawsitive Dog - Pet Training Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

It is with heartfelt gratitude that we write this review of one of Boston's hidden treasures, the Pawsitive Dog, a business catering to dogs and their bewildered owners. The Pawsitive Dog ,tucked into a small downstairs space on Southampton Street, saved our lives this past year by educating, retraining and reshaping the behaviors of both our dogs and us. We originally found the Pawsitive Dog and its' team of trainers, Jennifer Vickery, Francis Holder and Aileen Whitty in a desperate attempt to "fix" one of our beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels who developed some frighteningly aggressive behaviors. These behaviors were serious enough that he was accepted into the accelerated program which meant that Jennifer kept him with her for four weeks while we attended evening classes. When he came back to us, a chastened, obedient, relaxed, happy pup, we were hooked. This launched our 10 month relationship which included putting both of our dogs in day school and ourselves in night school for owner/parent classes. These rigorous educational sessions transformed the way we thought, approached, and related to our dogs. We adopted our first dog in 1981 and have had 9 beloved canines during our adult lives including the present two. They are everything to us. Jennifer and her team educated us in ways that we never anticipated, and to our surprise both four legged and two legged creatures finished training with stronger, happier lives. The Pawsitive Dog staff, Jennifer, Francis, Aileen and Rebecca are among the finest professionals with whom we have worked. They are available to their clients without hesitation through phone, text and email, and offer outstanding advice which is always dead to rights honest, yet sprinkled with kindness and compassion. Our relationships with our dogs, and their interactions with the world have been so much better since we knocked on Jennifer's door. We cannot say enough about how much this experience has altered our day to day lives, nor can we ever express how much the people at the Pawsitive Dog mean to us. We will always be grateful. We offer our highest recommendation of this wonderful team to all seeking behavioral help with their canines. We look forward to further experiences at "Camp Pawsitive Dog". Deanne S. and Mary Jane F. read more

We are so glad to have found The Pawsitive Dog. They've been working with our pup (Goose) for about 6 months now through a once-weekly drop off day school as well as in-person training every few weeks. Francis, Jen, and Jeff are extremely knowledgeable and the in-person training really helps me in working with Goose at home to build on the good habits he picks up at day school. We've read multiple books but it's so helpful to have the folks at Pawsitive dog to give us really targeted feedback specific to our dog. Best of all, its great to see how excited Goose gets when we pull into the Pawsitive Dog parking lot. We give this place five stars and Goose gives it about 30 full-butt and body shaking tail wags. read more

We've sent our pup there for over 6 months now & weve seen some major changes in him. Not just that but the classes we attend have been helpful in teaching us how to train him. I read a lot of books but they weren't near as helpful as Francis and Jen have been. I do think it's costly (but I'm a student not a full time employee), but i also think if you have the cash this is a smart choice if you have a dog with issues or if you just want a day off (soooooo much better than daycare!) read more

We have been a client of Pawsitive Dog since 2020. The Pawsitive dog team has been a tremendous resource in helping us create and maintain a great relationship with our dog. It's obvious how much he loves going to Pawsitive Dog for day school as well as for the evening classes. The classes in particular have been a huge help in training my husband and I on how to work with our dog at home. These evenings are genuine fun and we always come away motivated to continue working on the skills our pup is learning at day school. read more

I can't say enough good things about Pawsitive Dog. Jen, Francis, and Aileen are so knowledgeable, personable, and helpful, and their personalized approach to each dog they work with is unmatched. They have not only helped our dog with obedience and good manners, but they have also given us the tools to continue giving him the physical and mental stimulation he needs for life. In the process, they've made training fun instead of stressful, and have truly changed our relationship with our dog, making him into the well-trained and adaptable dog he is today. read more

I cannot overstate how important the Pawsitive Dog team has been for our dog's happiness - and our sanity. The evening training classes are leaps and bounds beyond anything we found in books or our YouTube, and have accelerated our training in ways we never could have imagined. Our dog is not only obedient, but also relaxed, confident, and well-adjusted - which means we are able to take her to new places and into new situations, and feel equipped to help her quickly acclimate. The day school program is also an incredible supplement to training classes. Rosemary comes home exhausted and happy, and having made noticeable gains in her training. Jen, Francis, and Jeff are also just wonderful people to work with. The hour a week we spend in class or doing study hall is basically the most positive, empowering part of the our week! They have fabulous senses of humor, are great communicators, and clearly care a lot about the dogs. read more

The trainers at The Pawsitive Dog are AMAZING!! They are all very knowledgeable about dog behaviors, how dog's process situations and dog training methods. Jen and Francis show their expertise in every class with a passion that is unparalleled. They are completely dedicated to the dogs and their humans! They are always there if you have questions or issues even outside of your own class time. This week Storm has hit her 1 year anniversary of being at the Pawsitive dog! I want to say THANK YOU for helping us save her!! If our home did not work for her, she would have been euthanized. When we rescued her, she had already been returned to the rescue 5 times for her various issues and energy level. She was an untrained dog who never had any rules, structure or consistency in her life. She was fearful of a lot and did not trust people. She came into our house just as her name described - the "Storm" had arrived!! Without all of the knowledge and training that you have taught us, Storm would not be where she is today! She now is well behaved, has manners and knows how to relax. Does she still have quite a way to go -- of course she does -- but she has shown how amazing she is!! She has come a long way in one year and we could not more PROUD of her!! A HUGE THANK YOU again for helping us save Miss Storm! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/video_url/user/6101925766001 read more

We have worked with Pawsitive Dog since 2008 and with two different dogs. This is an amazing team of professionals who have helped us develop long term positive relationships with our canine companions. Jen, Francis and Aileen help every step of the way -navigating all the challenges dogs can present from puppy-hood thru the senior years. What we also love about this team is how well they work together, building on each other's advice and experience for the benefit of clients. This group goes way beyond basic obedience to help you really unlock communication with your dog. Definitely take them up on home visits because seeing your dog in your environment is so critical to diagnosing and solving problems like reactivity and socialization issues. They also offer overnight solutions where they will continue to work with your pet while you are away -- which is a super nice service. We can't say enough PAWSITIVE things about this team. read more

We had a difficult dog situation - he is a darling but would bark and try to defend us at the drop of a hat. We had puppy classes almost from day 1 of owning him, home visits, socialized as best we could, read a number of books but it didn't really make progress until a few weeks of clases with Jen. In fact other trainers just said, he is a schnauzer and will bark - not much we can do. Sure, after the puppy classes, he could do a ton of tricks (sit, speak, jump through hoops, touch, roll over, down, etc.) but would try to dominiate any situation that involved other dogs - not healthy! We have found, the training is more for you than the dog. If you don't want to change and just want to change the dog, you will probably feel this is a waste of money. However, I would suggest you are fixing the wrong issue and probably need to be a better owner. Jen actually did not recommend a shock colar for us - but did suggest a training colar. We used that but I tried it on myself first - it is so much better than all the others we tried because it actually works. Reading some of the reviews, you get the impression this is the most expensive thing in town. I agree it is not cheap, but when you do the numbers on running a business like this and factor in the foster and rescue work - I am not sure how you can run it for much less (maybe you can but we are happy here and have even started with the defense class). In short, it worked for us. If you met our dog now, the first thing people say is how well behaved he is. If you want to train yourself and your dog, this is one of the good places in town to go. read more

My previous review was filtered by yelp but, after an experience today, I had to write another in hopes that it makes it through. I began going to the Pawsitive dog roughly 4.5 years ago. I was a relatively inactive client for the first 3 years. I would go to a single class a month, and hardly ever bring my dog to day school. My dog is a relatively aggressive female, who I felt, meant well but, clearly needed some training and structure. Due to my schedule and other reasons, I did not put 100% into my dogs training. And sure enough along the way, my dog managed to find trouble. Although the trouble that she found was not her fault 100% of the time, I felt that with the proper training, the situations could have been avoided, and ultimately saved me a lot of money at the Vet's. In the last year or so, I have put forth as much effort as possible with training my dog. She is literally a brand new dog. Her obedience is worlds better than it used to be. She is not as aggressive due to the constant stimulation, activities, training and exercise. With that said, Jen & Breslin's methods work, Period. My dog literally owes her life to Jen and Breslin. Just today, an off leash dog ran up from behind my dog and growled, 2 years ago, my dog would have attacked that dog but, today, I was able to yell two simple commands from across a field, and my dog simply laid down and ignored the off leash dog. This was exactly the behavior that Jen and Breslin have been helping me train my dog to do. Rather than pay attention to the off leash dog, she paid attention to me and what I wanted her to do. They have helped me create such an enjoyable relationship with me dog. I love and have more fun with her now, than I did before. The mutual respect, trust and understanding that training with Jen and Breslin has provided the two of us, has made this partnership that much more enjoyable. I cannot Thank Jen, Breslin & The Pawsitive Dog enough for the training, skills, knowledge and companionship that they have provided for my dog and I. I truly did not think that training could make your relationship with your dog better, but, it truly does. read more

We brought our six month old French Bulldog for an evaluation at The Pawsitive Dog shortly after bringing him home, at the recommendation of several of our neighbors. While my fiance grew up having dogs as pets, I was rather terrified of them (now you know whose idea it was to get a dog in the first place). I will be the very first to admit that I had no idea what to expect, both as a dog owner and in training classes. Jenifer and Breslin put us all at ease nearly immediately. Both have taken the time to get to know us, to evaluate and form a bond with Clark, and to really understand our unique dynamic. It's rather possible that Jenifer trained me even more effectively than she trained Clark. While some exercises may seem bizarre at first, it is never long before I realize the practical application. Over the past two years, we have participated in the full range of offerings at The Pawsitive Dog: from Day School and Camp +dog (a great alternative to traditional boarding), to classes, rally training, therapy dog practice tests, and field trips. In addition, Jenifer and Breslin have always gone above and beyond, taking phone calls after hours, recommending the perfect dog walker, and referring us to vets and other great resources. We largely have The Pawsitive Dog to thank for the joyful relationship we have with our Frenchie. While TPD may be on the more expensive end of the spectrum, I've never doubted that the results are well worth the investment. There is so much to be said for their positive, preventative, proactive approach. I would recommend them to anyone. In a heartbeat. read more

I have mixed feelings about Pawsitive Dog. I haven't worked with them extensively, but enough to decide it wasn't the right dog trainer for us. First, it's reeeeaally expensive. $575 for 7 classes (as compared to $120 for 6 classes at New England Dog Training Club). At your consultation, they'll tell you they give you more one-on-one attention and personalize your training so that it's more targeted and effective. But is it really 5 times more efficient? No, in my opinion. We went for a consultation and a single class ($95). And after all the talk about not pushing us into a standard curriculum, paying attention to our individual needs, etc... what did they do? We paid $95 for a class on very basic things that I don't think applied to our dog much at all. At Pawsitive dog I'm sure they'd say it important "foundational" stuff, but I don't buy it. I don't need to pay $95 to hear things that are covered in every puppy book on the market. Yes, it's important, but there are much cheaper ways to come by this knowledge. Second, their name "Pawsitive" is misleading. They seem to use a surprising amount of physical punishment and manipulation in their training. It's not just your typical "mark-reward" training, as preferred by most modern dog trainers (Ian Dunbar, Patricia McConnell, etc...). At Pawsitive dog they seem to encourage lots of leash pops to correct your dog, and they are into physically manipulating dogs into positions (instead of luring). And I think science clearly shows that luring is more effective. While I believe that some corrections may be needed for problem dogs, I think reward-based methods (and "shunishment") training is adequate (and better!) for most dogs. That's my training philosophy (and Ian Dunbar's and Pat McConnells). Third, I would NOT send my dog there for "day school." What is day school? It seems to be your dog sitting in a tiny crate most of the day without attention or active training. It's true that I'm not there all day to see what goes on, but there were about 25-30 dogs there, so it's hard to imagine that any of them are getting much attention. A previous reviewer criticized their dog evaluation methods (he said they induced his dog to behave horribly). But I think that's exactly the point of it. Jen slapped our dog hard on the ribs, pushed him down onto the floor, made loud noises, etc... Ours "passed" with flying colors because he's patient and gentle and sweet. But the whole point of it seems to be to determine whether your dog might have a tendency to bite or behave badly if provoked. (What if a child pulls on the dogs ears?). My ultimate evaluation? Not worth driving to South Boston for, or worth $95/class. I think if you have serious problems with your dog, and are mystified as to how to fix them, then this is a good trainer for you. Jen will definitely tell you what's what. But if your dog is basically pretty great and you just want to work on things in a class environment, there are better options. Instead of Pawsitive Dog, maybe buy "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson. You'll probably learn more about your dog and it's only $12. read more

Our beagle -- sweet as he is -- was running the house when we came to +dog. He would ask to go out at all hours, barked too much and was not good on the leash. +dog equiped us with the knowledge and skills to be smart, nurturing and pawsitive dog owners. Jenifer's method and knowledge goes beyond "rote" memorization of sit, stay, shake to helping your dog know its place in your "pack" and be able to adjust to the variety of experiences that our pets come across every day. If you want to be a better dog owner and have a happier dog, give +dog a call. Worth the time and investment. read more

How are there not 50 million rave reviews about this place? Jen is amazing! We adopted our second dog, Max, from a shelter semi-spontaneously over the holidays two years ago only to discover that he was probably there because he can open refrigerators. And cabinets, tupperware, and even locking garbage cans. The first time we told him "no" he started growling at us, so it was time to get him to training, post haste. We were incredibly fortunate to find Pawsitive Dog. Through their program, Max transformed from a potentially dangerous and unstable dog - both to himself and to us and others - into an incredibly sweet and well-mannered bulldog/beagle mix. He looooved the training, and we kiddingly told friends that the process was kind of like marital counseling - Jen taught us how to be on the same page about things to be better dog owners. I only wish we still lived in Boston so we could take the more advanced courses... the thought of flying back has crossed my mind more than once, that's how good they are. As lifelong dog owners who will undoubtedly be able to reuse the techniques we've learned with our future dogs, it was worth every penny to us. And Jen, if you read this, please do training videos! We'd buy them in a heartbeat. read more

I've been taking classes here for the past year or so, and if I had to sum up the program in one sentence, it would be that this place teaches you Dog language and culture. (Interestingly, with the emphasis on status and non-confrontational communication, it's really quite similar to Japanese.) As others have mentioned, if you need to really dig deep and learn the ins and outs of dog culture, this is the place for you. It requires much time and commitment, as would any foreign language, but in the end, you become dog whisperer and speaker. When we started the program, my dog was 11, with all sorts of fear-aggression issues. She had been to other trainers who would directly address the problems by negative feedback, but to no avail. Here they get to the root of the problem so much so that you may not even know you're addressing the issue you came to tackle. When I brought my dog home during the holidays, everyone noticed improvement in her behavior, thankfully, so I'm pretty much sold on the technique. The program is not without flaw (I really wish they would give us feedback forms, for example), but so far I can't see a limit to the training a dog could receive here. It's the BA, MA and PhD of the dog world. Highly recommended! read more

Our dog, Cooper, has been going to +dog for the past 4 months. Cooper is 5 year old pit bull who was abused by his former owner and had some left-over tendencies that we found out about after we rescued him (such as his aggression towards random men). We tried some typical training classes and realized on day 1 that they weren't going to work for Cooper. Jen, Breslin and trainers do a PHENOMENAL job. They aren't your typical trainers. They truly understand the crazy, inner workings of dog's brains and make the training very personal to your dog's needs. I can tell they truly care about Cooper and want to see him succeed. I highly recommend the classes in addition to the day school. My boyfriend and I have learned so many valuable techniques in the classes! Since the time we have started at +dog, we've had a male dog walker come in the house and take Cooper for a walk. This was unfathomable a few months ago and we have +dog to thank! While Cooper still has a way to go, I can see the progress. There is no doubt in my mind why they are booked so far in advance and win so many awards. Highly, highly, highly recommended! read more

I am so happy that my dog Pepper and I found the Pawsitive Dog team. When I first brought Pepper in for training, she was an anxious rescue dog who had trouble trusting new people. Meanwhile, I was a new dog owner who was a bit lost on how I could help her. As a result, I didn't feel comfortable taking her new places and both of our lives felt a little limited. Four years later, Pepper is a happy, obedient, confident dog, and I know how to help her quickly adapt to new situations and people. Jen, Francis and the rest of the crew at Pawsititve Dog were always there for us with positive support and guidance through classes, school and camp. I can't thank them enough. And we had fun every step of the way - Pepper's wagging tail and excited wiggles every time we pulled into the Pawsitive Dog parking lot showed me just how much she loved it! Thanks guys! read more

Best dog training in the city!!! Folks at the Pawsitive Dog literally saved my dog's life! I never thought it would be possible to enjoy being a dog owner, having a very anxious and aggressive pitbull. We are now able to bring our dog to public places and enjoy our time with her! They have 20+ years of experience, they are available whenever we need them, very flexible with schedules. Worth all the money! read more

The Pawsitive Dog - Pet Training Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Jen is probably the only thing keeping my dog from eating my baby. OK, that is a bit dramatic, but a few months before the baby was born we realized our dog was an unpredictable brat and his behavior would only get worse once he was demoted by the baby. Our friends recommended Jen at the Pawsitive Dog and THANK GOD they did. Jen is amazing. She met with us just a few days after we called and evaluated Zeppo. She asked questions about his breeder, birth order, littermates, training, and at what age he was neutered. Then she took him around the room to do various 'exercises' that helped her understand his temperament. She asked us what we thought of our dog and what we hoped to change about his behavior. Her assessment was that he was sort of stuck as a bratty teenager and needed an alpha dog in his life. We signed up for her 7 class package and she got us on an accelerated class schedule so we could get through a lot of the work before the baby arrived. It was some sort of miracle that Jen also teaches the "Barks and Babies" seminar thing through Isis Maternity. I'd read about it and thought it would be really cheesy, but after meeting Jen I signed up and have used 90% of the advice she gave in that class. If you're having a baby and you own a dog I highly recommend this class! Zeppo is a different dog - not only well behaved but he seems much happier now that he knows what we expect of him. I'm not going to lie - we're paying a huge chunk of change for this dog transformation, but we've already shelled out money to a lot of other dog trainers and haven't gotten nearly these sorts of results. If you do decide to take your mutt to Pawsitive Dog, understand it is in an investment and do everything Jen says. Don't skimp! She'll tell you exactly what you need to do (training exercises, crate use) and buy (dog beds, rawhides, marrow bones, collars, etc.) and if you follow orders you will be a responsible and happy dog owner in no time. read more

Well, it's been about 5 months or so and we are still taking our guy to Pawsitive Dog, about once a month. As it turns out, HE isn't the one who needed to be trained, WE did. We love this place and the people who work here (Jennifer, Daniel, Brislyn). They feel like family and our dog loves it so much that he goes nuts with excitement when we pull up. We had to take some time off from training for wedding & honeymoon stuff a while ago and these guys were so kind - they even sent us a wedding card. And this summer, they sent Flynn a card on his birthday. And here's the deal, Jennifer is not nearly as scary as I thought she was the first time I met her :) And, my dog loves her (and he's a really good judge of character). Plus, she has really helped me a lot. I was not a dog person before Flynn so I had a lot to learn. Most of all, I needed confidence to believe that I am above him in the pack. Sometimes he (and I) forgets this but we've mad a ton of progress. I also needed to learn to treat him like a dog, not a human. I guess the most important thing I can tell you, is that we really trust our dog with these folks, 100%. He's gone to day-school a few times and we actually had him stay for an overnight at one of the trainer's homes (Daniel). Flynn adores Daniel and they had a great time together. Daniel even took Flynn out for the day and took pictures of him running and playing, to share with us. When we picked Flynn up the next day, he was on his absolute best behavior. It was like nothing we'd ever seen before. He even slept in his crate that night, without crying. read more

Don't let the long wait to getting into the program deter you - its worth it. You couldn't possibly ask for a better dog trainer. We have been taking our dog to Pawsitive now for nearly four months, twice a month. Not only do Jen and Francis showcase their expertise with each class, but they do it with a passion that is unparalleled. They have dedicated themselves to getting to know each and every single dog (and owner) which provides for an intimate training experience. If you're looking for a quick-fix to bad behavior and good obedience, you might be disappointed. At Pawsitive, you're learning to train your dog. It requires dedication and a lot of hard work outside of class but it does pay off! Its amazing watching my dog progress each week but there is still plenty more to learn! If you're on the fence, do it. I highly recommend Pawsitive Dog! read more

We rescued our dog Cranston about 4 months ago, and in such a short amount of time Jen and her team have made him into a wonderful and well behaved companion. Jen is incredibly knowledgeable about dogs and explained in detail to us about space, food, etc. and what it all means in the dog world. She gave us lots of tips and tools about what behaviors to look for in our dog, things we never would have known without her help. She's also wonderful about communicating with you. If you need help after hours, she's ready to help you at anytime. Weekends or evenings, it doesn't matter. If you have a training or behavioral issue she will walk you through how to take care of it any time of day. Jen and her entire staff are so devoted to the dog training cause and it's clear they're incredibly passionate about what they do. I would definitely recommend The Pawsitive Dog and will be sure to use her services again with our next dog! read more

If your dog needs some training look no more! Best place around hands down. Excellent staff-they know you and your dogs. I've been going there for a long time with different dogs, different teaching needs. Not a class goes by I don't learn something new. The staff at Pawsitive Dog make training fun. Trust me, if there's a wait to get in its worth it. Got a new puppy for Christmas? Start off on the right paw. Older dog giving you some problems? Go see the awesome team at The Pawsitive Dog. They offer group classes, day school and boarding. The phone number is 617-541-1000. One of the best calls you will ever make! read more

I first met Jen and Breslin almost exactly one year ago. It was mid to late June 2010, with our Shiba Inu puppy. I knew the breed was extremely stubborn and that I'd need some expert help training him. As I soon found out, it was me that needed the training. The Pawsitive dog is like a little garden of dog eden. As you'll learn when you go to Pawsitive Dog, their philosophy is to teach your dog to KNOW how to behave, so you're not constantly spitting out commands. In my search for a training facility last year, I didn't find another place with a similar philosophy. I noticed that some other reviewers mentioned the price. While it may be on the pricier side, you certainly get what you pay for. 7 EXCELLENT and educational classes (we always walk away learning something new). 7 Study Halls. 7 Sit-Ins on other classes. Flexible on pay plans (as a college student, paying up front was impossible, and Jen and Breslin are and have been GREAT about spacing out my payments). My Shiba is substantially well behaved in comparison to a year ago. We had to move across country and we're both really bummed out we don't have our Pawsitive dog family near by. I highly, highly recommend taking your dog here. It will be a much happier pup. You will be a much happier parent. Not to mention the great deals and perks you get while a student at Pawsitive Dog, and all the cool special events. We miss you guys!! read more

Pawsitive Dog has turned my pit bull into a whole new dog and possibly saved his life... B.B. is probably right about the consultation, but guess what, their strategies simply WORK. The classes are great and the BEST part is they are also available every day for phone consults to answer any question you can possibly think of, I used this a LOT when I first got my dog. The day school program is very much worth it for beginner dogs as well, it is much more than doggie daycare as they get one on one training too... The first month we had our dog he showed us every bad behavior he could think of, hyperactivity, mouthiness, biting, human-aggressive behavior, food/toy/space-possessiveness, and generally being crazy. after 6 months with pawsitive dog the change in him has been amazing and even my mom thinks he is perfect (though he is still a work in progress.) if you just want to teach your dog (and yourself) some basic doggie manners this place is amazing! read more

Pawsitive Dog has been a huge help to us and our dogs. We started going six years ago because one of our dogs was very anxious which led to people and dog aggression. She would bark and growl whenever someone came to the house, including my sister, or when passing by people or dogs in the street. It was very stressful. Pawsitive Dog helped us understand how to introduce her to new people and dogs as well as how to make it clear that it was not her job to protect us or the house. They helped us navigate the need to have full time aides come to the house when my parents moved in with us after my mother got sick. And because of their advice on how to have my sister interact with her, she now LOVES my sister. We continue to go to Pawsitive Dog with a second dog who is a friendly guy but who needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation. The classes are a fun bonding activity for us and Jen and Francis provide on-going advice as new situations arise. read more

I really like Pawsitive Dog. Granted, it isn't for everyone but few things are. I have 2 dogs - one is kind of sensitive and the other is very aggressive towards other dogs. They have both done really well at the Pawsitive Dog. The Sensitive dog is an insulin dependent diabetic. Pawsitive dog is the only place where we feel comfortable leaving him when we go away. In most places, the dog will not eat, which messes with his blood glucose levels. In the past, when we pick him up after being gone for a week, he's lost weight, they had to attach him to an IV, it was a mess. But he has had no problems being kept at the Pawsitive dog. My other dog is dog aggressive. He used to be that crazy out of control dog pulling the owner down the street, Now, he's the model of obedience. He walks at a calm pace, sits when we reach an intersection, and heels on command. He no longer lunges for dogs across the street. We are regularly complemented for his obedience and it's not uncommon for passers by to comment on how happy he looks. Oh, and he loves the trainers as Pawsitive Dog. I'm never seen him react so positively to someone as he does with those trainers. I had some questions about the training methods when I first started. The trainers were more than willing to answer all my questions about their methods, explaining in detail the rationale behind the training techniques. I discussed their training methods with my vet, who breeds boxers. He was in complete aggreement with their techniques. And they start off every class asking people for questions about their dogs. My dogs are terriers. I can walk by squirrels without my dogs trying to bolt at them. They want to bolt. But all I have to say is "leave it" and while they'll still look, they won't go after the squirrles. I can put my dogs in a sit, drop the leashes and the dogs will not move, even if a squirrel runs in front of them. But when i call their names, they come running to me. My only regret is that I didn't find them earlier. read more