At Boston Dogtor, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all training. Every dog is different, and every family has unique needs. We offer a range of services that can be customized to address your specific situation—whether you're starting with a new puppy or working through years of ingrained behavior.

Training

Training pertains to any case where the dog needs to learn to perform a specific task. Fetch, turning off a light switch, or responding to specific commands would all be skills covered through training.

Our training approach requires lots of positive reinforcement and patience, as a dog often needs to learn a task in baby steps. In the case of fetch, for instance, learning to bite and hold onto a particular object would be a first step. With repetition and positive reinforcement, the dog becomes more confident and able to build on each step until the skill is fully mastered.

Service Dog Training

Teaching working and service dogs to perform their duties likewise falls under the Training category. This kind of training often takes longer and is more intensive since these dogs need to react on command or on cue under all sorts of circumstances and amidst all kinds of stimuli. They need to be alert, accurate, and attentive while on the job and as a result require strong obedience skills on top of being able to perform necessary tasks.

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Two trained dogs sitting calmly together
Multiple dogs demonstrating obedience commands

Obedience

Obedience training is the foundation for a well-mannered companion. Whether you're dealing with a new puppy or an adult dog who never learned the basics, obedience training creates the communication framework between you and your pet.

What's Included:

  • Sit and Extended Sit
  • Down and Extended Down
  • Come (recall)—on and off leash
  • Heel (loose leash walking)
  • Place (go to a specific spot and stay)
  • Break (release command)
  • Wait at doors and gates
  • Greeting manners (no jumping)

All obedience is taught with distraction-proofing so your dog responds reliably in real-world situations—not just in your living room.

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Behavior Modification

Behavior modification focuses on dogs who have already learned bad or unwanted behaviors. This includes aggression, reactivity, excessive barking, resource guarding, anxiety, and other deeply ingrained issues.

Important: All behavior modification cases need to first go through full basic obedience training before beginning to modify the unwanted behavior. Behavior modification can be achieved through desensitization and/or positive reinforcement, depending on the individual dog.

Behavior modification often requires the handler to adjust their routine or their usual approach to the dog, since the bad behaviors are typically in reaction to cues given by the handler—either consciously or subconsciously.

Example Case:

A dog that has bitten two people. We would first need to pinpoint the circumstances and triggers that led up to the bites. Then we would work to stop the bad behavior and teach the dog a new way to respond to the stimulus. At this point, the owner must have good handling skills and understand how to communicate with their dog properly.

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Gevorg working with dogs on the street
Group of dogs in rehabilitation training

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is meant for dogs who struggle with socialization. This problem can arise because the dog did not spend enough time or socialize enough with their littermates. It can also arise if the dog does not interact with or encounter many other pups as they grow up.

Board & Train Rehabilitation

In order to rehabilitate these dogs, we have them come stay with us for a period of time. During this time, the dogs undergo intensive socialization, learning proper body language and social skills from other pups.

The goal over the course of the stay is for them to learn how to interact, communicate, and play with dogs and humans in a healthy, positive way.

Why Board & Train?

  • Immersive environment for faster learning
  • Professional supervision 24/7
  • Socialization with balanced, well-trained dogs
  • Daily training sessions and real-world practice
  • Owner training session upon pickup
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Our Programs

Flexible options to fit your schedule and your dog's needs.

Private Lessons

One-on-one sessions focused on your specific goals. Great for basic obedience, specific behaviors, or follow-up training.

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Board & Train

Your dog stays with us for intensive training. Perfect for busy families or dogs needing focused behavior modification.

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Puppy Programs

Start your puppy off right with early socialization, basic commands, and foundation training.

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Service Dog Training

Specialized training for service dog candidates including public access preparation and task training.

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Not Sure Which Program is Right for You?

Contact us for a free consultation. We'll assess your dog's needs and recommend the best approach.

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