I got into behavior work because obedience wasn't enough.
Teaching a dog to sit is easy. Understanding why a dog snaps, shuts down, or can't stop pulling is the work I actually care about. I've been doing that work for about 30 years, in homes across Greater Boston, with dogs of every breed, age, and history.
​
I own a dog. I've fostered shelter dogs. I've owned a dog daycare. I'm not approaching this from the outside.
What 30 years
gets you
I've seen the patterns, the exceptions, and the dogs other trainers sent away. That much experience means I'm rarely surprised, and I usually know what's going on before long.
​
I'll also tell you the truth, even when it's not what you came in hoping to hear.
30+ years
hands-on
100s dogs
worked with
My training background
I trained under Nelson Hodges and earned my RBBM certification through the Canine-Human Relationship Institute. Relationship Based Behavior Modification works on the dog-owner dynamic itself. The idea is that most behavior problems are really communication problems, and that's where the work happens.
What to expect when we work together.
1
I come to your home. I watch before I say much. I'll ask questions and I'll be direct about what I see.
2
Describe the service and how customers or clients can benefit from it. This is the place to add a short description with relevant details, like pricing, duration and how to book.
What owners say
Joel R.
Boxborough · 20-year client
"Allison has trained four of my dogs over 20 years. You will not find a more knowledgeable and caring trainer anywhere on the East Coast. A real-deal dog whisperer."
Stephanie C.
Daphney, rescue
"Our rescue would snap at every dog we passed. Allison helped us see how our own energy was driving it, and walks are calm now. If you need help just enjoying a simple walk, I recommend her."
Audra W.
Nature-based training
"From the very first session we saw a real shift. Allison taught us how to actually communicate with our dog, and you can feel the trust it built between us."