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Dog Taoist

Pepperell, Massachusetts

4.5/5· 33 Google reviews

About Dog Taoist

Dog Taoist is a family-based behavioral training organization with more than 50 years of combined experience working with dogs of every temperament, including severe aggression and complex behavioral challenges. Our philosophy blends Taoist neutrality and species-respect with the principles of the Monks of New Skete, with whom we share a long-standing friendship. Our facility includes over 5,000 square feet of indoor training space across two dedicated buildings, along with acres of private outdoor land. We utilize a structured training circuit that incorporates clicker work, treadmills, elevated place training, recall and release drills, 1:1 command sessions, grooming desensitization, pack walking, agility, pack walks and so much more!

Training & services

Training goals

  • Behavior consultation
    Program details
  • Leash training
    Program details
  • Recall training
    Program details

Behavior support

  • Aggression training
    Program details
  • Reactivity training
    Program details

How training happens

  • Board and train
    Program details
  • Day training
    Program details
  • Owner coaching Customer-reported
    Program details
  • Pack walks
    Program details

Dog age

  • Puppies Customer-reported
    Program details

Training level

  • Advanced training
    Program details

Dog sports

  • Agility
    Program details
  • Scent work
    Program details

Training approach

  • Positive reinforcement
    Program details

Additional services

  • Dog walking
    Program details
  • Grooming
    Program details

Other listed services

View 5 additional details
  • Backpack Training
    Program details
  • Dog/Human Harmonizing
    Program details
  • E Collar
    Program details
  • Immersive Training
    Program details
  • Pack Walking
    Program details

    All training packages receive free pack walks and educational classes for life.

Confirm current programs and availability directly.

Customer reviews

Google listing
4.5
out of 533 Google reviews

Mentioned in reviews

  • dog psychology 5
  • kind staff 4
  • training techniques 3
  • calm dog 2
  • communication skills 2
  • invaluable tools 2
All 10 topics
  • passionate trainers 2
  • reactive dogs 2
  • recall training 2
  • training for owners 2

Google review topics, not confirmed services.

33 collected reviews

Text reviews first · newest first
robert archon
5/5
There are TRAINERS and there are trainers. Brad and Ashley are the former! I’ve learned so much about our dog companion that goes beyond simply training. What Dog Taoist offers every client is framed in a philosophy of love, guidance, and teaching both dogs and their parents. We’…Read full reviewClose full review

There are TRAINERS and there are trainers. Brad and Ashley are the former! I’ve learned so much about our dog companion that goes beyond simply training. What Dog Taoist offers every client is framed in a philosophy of love, guidance, and teaching both dogs and their parents. We’re on this wonderful journey together. We’ve learned to respect and honor the species and nurture him with the tools ONLY Dog Taoist provides. Take it from someone who was hesitant about “just another dog trainer.” Your experience will be better than you could have thought, and, your dog will thank you. They model their training from the best there is, “The Monks of New Skete” who raise German Shepherds. Brad and Ashley are committed and devoted to their craft like no other. You will see the life-changing difference! Bob

Mark McCrady
5/5

We are only 1/2 way through training and have had a life changing experience for our family and dog! Cannot say enough good things about Brad, Ashley and Emi!!!

Jenny Desilva
1/5

Never will i ever recommend this place to anyone looking for help with their be loved pet. Their lack of professionalism and lies they have state to me and about others. Please be careful of the highly cost they try and get when you are under pressure to get your puppy/dog help. The most important thing is do your research more heavy, tons of red flags looking back.

Sarah McInnis
1/5
This post took months for our family to get the courage to submit. Brad and Ashley have threatened us not to post or they would come after us. It has been very traumatizing for our family and an experience we will never forget. Our 6 year old dog was suffering from severe anxiet…Read full reviewClose full review

This post took months for our family to get the courage to submit. Brad and Ashley have threatened us not to post or they would come after us. It has been very traumatizing for our family and an experience we will never forget. Our 6 year old dog was suffering from severe anxiety. We reached out asking for an emergency assessment to help him relax and just enjoy life. He is very protective of our family. Brad and Ashley came to our home and insisted on having the whole family present. My young son was also there. We felt uncomfortable with the way Brad wanted to handle our dog. Our dog gave cues that he didn’t want Brad near him but Brad insisted on taking over. I was hesitant and that’s when Ashley told me, “it’s ok, just give Brad the leash”. Again, I didn’t feel comfortable but gave the leash anyway. That is when my dog reacted. Brad then was dragging my dog to the point that his paw pads were bleeding. My young son was terrified. We then moved the session to our backyard. That is when Brad talked about his training fees. He stated that it would cost about $15,000-$20,000 for rehab for only two months. After they left, the realization hit us. We felt taken advantage of. Felt like our dog was just abused in front of us. My son and I cried that night we felt so bad for our dog. We requested the video in which they told us they “deleted it”. I wish I had done more research before requesting an assessment. “While dog training can be a significant investment, an unusually high price tag accompanied by specific behaviors is a major red flag. Be especially cautious of trainers who use high prices to cover up questionable methods or take advantage of an owner's desperation.” This was not our last option, our dog was not in jeopardy of being put down, and we’re just stunned at how unprofessional this experience was. We just wanted to help our dog with his anxiety. We have since found a great support group and a fabulous trainer that has helped our dog and our family. We’re so thankful for her and the support of the group for helping us get through this difficult experience. Update: In response to the business reply below, we are appalled at the blatant lies that were said by this business. Just thankful we did not continue with any services for the safety of our family.

Leslie Brew
5/5
Dog Taoist is outstanding. Walking into Gus' first session, I was shocked at how quiet it was with that many dogs. I was also surprised to see many dogs calmly on treadmills on one side of the room and on "place" on the other side of the room. None of the dogs barked and they se…Read full reviewClose full review

Dog Taoist is outstanding. Walking into Gus' first session, I was shocked at how quiet it was with that many dogs. I was also surprised to see many dogs calmly on treadmills on one side of the room and on "place" on the other side of the room. None of the dogs barked and they seemed focused and completely unbothered by us. Gus had just turned one when he bit someone and we knew we needed help. Someone recommended Brad to us and we have been astounded by Gus' progress and training. As Gus' humans, we have learned so much from the Dog Taoist team. As a result, he is the most well trained dog we've ever had and we couldn't be more grateful! Thank you to Brad, Ashley, Emi and the Dog Taoist team.

Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.

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