Pawsitive Dog

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!

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!

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.

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!)

Fantastic trainers who really care about your dog. We've seen a lot of improvement from coming here with our dog Indy- our walks are much calmer now! She loves coming here!

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.

The trainers at The Pawsitive Dog are AMAZING! They are all very knowledgeable about dog behaviors, how dogs 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!

Very reasonable prices! Lucky does not seem to mind going here. Positives also include an animal medical center located adjacent to the "resort and spa." I will continue to bring him here unless I find out they are mistreating my dog.

We are so grateful to the whole crew at Pawsitive Dog! When we got our dog, she was a shy, anxious, reactive rescue dog, and we didn't know what to do to help her. We went through several trainers but the problem just seemed to be getting worse, when we finally found the passionate, dedicated, and intelligent trainers at Pawsitive. From the very beginning, they had us rethink our relationship with our dog and to think of training as not just getting your dog to do what you want, but working with your dog to teach them how to make good decisions.

After just a few classes, we were able to see our dog actually figure out on her own to trust us to take care of her when she felt scared or anxious. It was amazing to watch, and not only did it make her a calmer and happier dog, it made us more relaxed and confident owners (I even joke their training has made us better parents!). Our relationship with her is so much more solid and positive, and friends, family, and even strangers always remark how she's one of the best-behaved and best-trained dogs they've ever met!

Five years on, we still come to Pawsitive because even though we feel like we have a great handle on our dog's issues, the classes are clearly my dog's favorite place in the world! She has so much fun learning new things and challenging herself, and she completely adores Jen and Francis and would happily abandon us to be their dog forever :).

The whole crew at Pawsitive is so warm and welcoming, and it's clear they love dogs and have a passion for empowering owners to be the best they can be. Jen and Francis have given us countless hours of advice, encouragement, tough love, and compassion, and I truly do not have enough great things to say about them! Pawsitive is such a special place, and we feel so lucky to be a part of this community!

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.

Harry, here! I just took my human walking on the VERY icy sidewalks in Boston. Thank goodness for + Dog! because "we" trained her well! She walked right by my side today, so there was no chance of a slip or fall. She walks very nicely even though she is 3/4 of a century! Phew! She learned so much at + Dog, I can take her everywhere.the MV ferry, the subway, outside restaurants, even bed and breakfasts! (I love room service!) I have so much fun training her, so sign your human up today! You'll be thrilled you did! XO Harry

I am a local veterinarian looking to find trainers to refer clients to that employ well trained, certified trainers (CCPDT) and use positive training methods (operent condition and behavior modification methods). I called for some additional information and long story short, I do not feel comfortable using or recommending this facility. The person I spoke with on the phone was so incredibly condescending and rude.

She laughed at me when I inquired if the trainers were certified and then proceeded to tell me that they are "not the facility for me" because they think all veterinarians do is "euthanize and put dogs on drugs." Hopefully this person is better connecting with the dogs, but if she can not communicate well with their human counterparts then a critical component of the healthy human-animal bond is missing.

Jen, Scott, and Francis do an unbelievable job with our Doberman Beau. They are extremely organized in the class structure is perfect. When you drop your dog off for days school they provide very intensive training but you also have to go to classes once every other week to back up the training they do. This helps a lot because it shows me where I am allowing disruptive behavior without even knowing it. They give you all the tools you need for success and I highly recommend this facility to anyone looking for intelligent and intensive training.

Extremely knowledgeable and competent staff. They have an arsenal of training techniques suitable for all kinds of dog, behavior issues, or unique training needs. They are very thorough in ensuring they understand your training needs/goals and providing the guidance to improve your confidence in handling your dog and managing their behaviour.

The trainers here are fantastic! They are super knowledgeable and all of their dogs are incredibly well trained. They teach you to raise a healthy adjusted dog that is obedient but not submissive. Classes are great and really enjoyable. If you ever have any questions you can call and they will give you great advice

Hands down, BEST DOG TRAINING SCHOOL EXPERIENCE! I was at my witts end with my rescue dog Tessie. She's a bundle of energy but is super sensitive to leaves, dogs, squirrels, noises, cats, people, bags, rocks, noises, you get the point. We don't have a fenced in yard, so we walk constantly, multiple times a day, and I was beyond frustrated with our dog/owner relationship. Jen and the staff at Pawsitive Dog are the best.

We worked slowly through each command to ensure we were doing it correctly and what I love most are in the beginning and end how the instructor talks to each of us about our positives and negatives experiences with our pooch. It's also a great learning tool to hear other owners' experiences with their pet outside of class. Not only have I seen a remarkable difference in Tessie since January 2017 (it's now Oct 2017), and others have noticed a difference, but I've seen a change in our relationship. Pawsitive dog saved us and eased my stress in our walks.

Instead of avoiding certain houses and paths for fear of confrontation from other dogs/cats, I purposely take those routes so I can continuously get better at handling Tessie. Pawsitive Dog gave me the confidence and tools I needed for Tessie and I to have a safe and loving relationship. Saying thank you doesn't seem like enough. -Andrea

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!

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!

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!

I wanted to update this review to cover a service that is provided by pawsitive dog, that I recently needed. A general update is that I'm still training my dog here. However, it is no longer because I need to, it is because I want to. Somewhere around the year-year and half mark it really felt like I had a handle on the issues that brought me to pawsitive dog. (This was doing classes twice a month).

One of the things that I truly appreciate is the boarding service offered. They call it camp. You're dog goes home with a trainer for overnight, and is at their day school during the day. I had to leave town for a funeral, and when making arrangements for my dogs it was tough. I had many friends offer to watch my dogs, but my dogs have a history of being tricky.

My shiba can have bad spells of separation anxiety (RIP window blinds), and Harper has a history of reactiveness. While some might be ok to handle this, what if they can't? What if Mojo breaks out of a crate while I'm gone, What if someone lets a dog approach Harper and a bite occurs? These things could happen, especially to someone who doesn't have dogs that is watching dogs.

Just yesterday I was walking and a Chow Chow ran from the park, across 6 lanes of traffic (Rotary at Preble St), and snuck up on us. anything can happen. The piece of mind that I received from knowing my dogs were in the hands of those whom can handle virtually any situation was invaluable. It is a really nice perk of being a client!

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!

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!

We brought our deaf dog to Pawsitive Dog for over a year and a half. While our dog did gain noticeable confidence around people, thanks to the controlled environment Pawsitive Dog provided, many other issues persisted despite our dedication inside and out of the classroom. One of his biggest problem areas - fear of walking outside - actually worsened despite our dedication to the Pawsitive Dog training.

Feeling frustrated we decided to do some research and found that much of what we were learning was based on out-dated science. Given what we read from multiple scholarly sources, we decided to see a different trainer with a positive reinforcement approach rooted in current behavioral science. Within two visits at the new place we learned that what we had been taught to do at the Pawsitive Dog - "desensitizing" him to being outside by having him outside all of the time, feeding him outside, etc - was actually solidifying our dog's fears and rapidly dissolving his trust in us.

We threw out the pinch-collar Pawsitive Dog had strongly suggested everyone use (admittedly, we were never that comfortable with in the first place) and went with the new trainer's suggestions. After less than a month with the new trainer our dog was actually able to go on night time walks with much less anxiety, (literally) stopping to smell the flowers.

It was an amazing breakthrough. He is at the point now where he is even able to tolerate people walking across the street from him. Leaving Pawsitive Dog and switching to training methods based in more up-to-date behavioral science has tremendously helped our dog, as well as our relationship with our dog. While we did learn some useful information from the trainer at The Pawsitive Dog, I am not likely to recommend it based on our experiences there. For the sake of fearful dogs like ours, I truly hope Pawsitive Dog has updated their methodology since we left their program.

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.

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.

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.

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.