Private Lessons & Packages

“I’ve known Vera for over 20 years. We first met as neighbors walking our dogs in Coolidge Corner. She sensed a small problem I was having with my dog and came up with a solution instantly. Since then I’ve had 3 other dogs and Vera has helped me with various training issues with all of them. She matched me with current dog, Aggie, pictured here.

I’ve seen Vera work with other people and other dogs, and she is an intuitive genius. Her ability to read and communicate with dogs is astounding. Vera is kind and considerate and a true advocate for dogs and people.

I strongly recommend that you call Vera for help with your dog. Whether you decide to work with her privately or in one of her many classes, you can trust that Vera will be able to help you and your dog(s)!”

Howard Block
Jamaica Plain, MA

“Vera has helped our whole family to work more effectively and joyfully with Maisie, our sweet cocker/cavalier cross. Maisie had come to us as a young dog with some undesirable habits, and after an initial series of classes with another trainer, our progress with her had stalled. After the first lesson with Vera and her dog, Hawk, we felt both relief and rising optimism that together we could help Maisie to stop pulling when on the leash and to be less reactive to other dogs when out walking.

Two things we did not anticipate was that Vera would skillfully bring our eight-year-old granddaughter into the process of training Maisie. It was a delight to watch Vera teach our granddaughter how to work with Maisie, harnessing the energy and enthusiasm of the young dog and the young girl in happy synergy. The second thing I had not expected was that Maisie herself would become a happier dog.

Vera’s positive attitude and upbeat approach cannot help but rub off on those she is teaching. We highly recommend Vera’s approach for both children and adults.”

Anne Stuart & Family
Belmont, MA

“When we got Oliver, we didn’t know where to go or what to do. Ollie, as a rescue dog from the south, was nervous about people and dogs and things. This made getting out of our building and going for walks unpredictable. Vera came to our condo for a few private lessons and we took two classes in Brookline. Vera keeps her classes intentionally small so she can help families with challenging dogs learn how to work through real life situations. We’ve had several stressful situations – veterinary appointments and visitors – and Vera has always been just a text message or phone call away and provided us with a plan so that Ollie can get through these with success and without incident. It was a ton of work for us but Ollie can now walk down the street without fear, he has many new friends (dogs and even a few humans!) and our quality of life has improved as a family.

Vera’s training and methods have opened up more possibilities for Ollie to expand his world and we couldn’t be more grateful to her. We are so proud of our boy and look forward to continuing to celebrate his milestones!
Thank you again!”

Sarah, Brandon and Oliver
Boston, MA