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Zen Dog Training

Somerville, Massachusetts

4.9/5· 210 Google reviews

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About Zen Dog Training

Zen Dog Training has transformed human-canine relationships since 2005. Our clients learn the secrets to successful dog training and our veterinarian approved approach to preventing and solving problem behaviors. Our positive reinforcement approach works on dogs of all ages and breeds. You'll learn how to quickly train your dog or puppy and fear-free ways to gently stop unwanted behaviors too!

Training & services

Training goals

  • Behavior consultation
  • Crate training Customer-reported
  • Leash training
  • Obedience training
  • Puppy training
  • Recall training
  • Socialization

Behavior support

  • Aggression training
  • Barking
  • Fear and confidence
  • Reactivity training
  • Resource guarding
  • Separation anxiety

How training happens

  • Group classes
  • In-home training
  • Online or virtual training
  • Owner coaching
  • Private training

Dog age

  • Puppies

Class options

  • Small classes

Support between sessions

  • Homework and practice
  • Personalized training plans

Assistance and working dogs

  • Therapy dog training

Your dog’s background

  • Rescue dogs

Training approach

  • Positive reinforcement

Other listed services

View 23 additional details
  • Animal Rescue
  • Basic Commands
  • Certified Dog Trainer
  • Dog Behavior Challenges
  • Dog Parent
  • Dog Safety
  • Dogs Leash
  • Education Programs
  • Family Dog
  • Helping Dog
  • High School
  • Home Visits
  • House Calls
  • In-Home Consultation
  • Master Dog Trainer
  • New Rescue
  • Personal Trainers
  • Personalized Coaching
  • Personalized Training Session
  • Pet Adoption Counselor
  • Shy Dog
  • Telephone Consultation
  • Vet Services

Confirm current programs and availability directly.

Customer reviews

Google listing
4.9
out of 5210 Google reviews

Mentioned in reviews

  • Puppy training 50
  • Socialization 32
  • Knowledgeable trainer 18
  • Helpful staff 13
  • Safe environment 12
  • Crate training 7
All 10 topics
  • Obedience training 7
  • Dog socialization 6
  • Behavior correction 4
  • Easy to follow materials 3

Google review topics, not confirmed services.

100 collected reviews

Text reviews first · newest first
abigail deser
5/5
I have hired dog trainers here and there but have never been consistent myself- in part because I am not so good at "playing the Alpha". Neil @Zen Dog Training offered a whole new paradigm: "any attention, good or bad, is good to a dog." So pulling my pup out of the realm of act…Read full reviewClose full review

I have hired dog trainers here and there but have never been consistent myself- in part because I am not so good at "playing the Alpha". Neil @Zen Dog Training offered a whole new paradigm: "any attention, good or bad, is good to a dog." So pulling my pup out of the realm of activity with a clear sound, and that's it, or approaching every small step towards the behaviour we are looking with positive encouragement, feels so much easier and wow, the results, from helping with my dog's anxiety, shadowing, intense separation anxiety etc barking, etc, has been so very helpful. So much accomplished in a couple of weeks and will continue on now to help us foster even more healthy practices. CALL NOW!

Business response

We're so grateful for your kind words about Neil and your experience with Zen Dog Training! It’s truly heartwarming to hear how much our training has helped you and your dog! We’re proud of the progress you have made in just a couple of weeks and excited to see what the future holds for you both. Have fun training!

Review on Google
Alexis DeVito
5/5
My husband and I recently got a Great Dane puppy. The last time we had a puppy was 12 years ago…so we’re a bit rusty with our puppy knowledge! We were originally concerned with her play biting and decided to reach out to Zen Dog Training for some help. We requested an at home v…Read full reviewClose full review

My husband and I recently got a Great Dane puppy. The last time we had a puppy was 12 years ago…so we’re a bit rusty with our puppy knowledge! We were originally concerned with her play biting and decided to reach out to Zen Dog Training for some help. We requested an at home visit and Gordon quickly reached out to us and scheduled an appointment. The home visit was so great. Gordon was kind to our sweet girl and noticed that she seemed a bit nervous. He suggested we socialize her more and asked if we would like to join a weekly puppy class he was running. After 6 weeks of puppy class and following at home training guides, our puppy is a totally different girl! She went from being a shy pup to a confident Dane. We’re so proud of her progress. Thanks Gordon!

Business response

Thank you so much for this outstanding 5 star review of our Ivy League Puppy classes and In Home Training. Working with you, your husband, and your sweet Great Dane was a pleasure. I'm SO glad I came over the first week you got her, as identifying she was timid and creating a plan to improve her confidence worked out so well! I was so impressed with the effort you put into training her and the results were incredible! She is one of the friendliest Great Dane puppies I have seen and so confident now -- all due to the work you put into socializing her and doing your puppy class homework. Great job! Thank you for trusting us to help you train her!

Review on Google
Rob Howes
5/5

I have been a dog owner my whole life, and was somewhat hesitant to get help from a trainer as I have never needed one before. But our 10month old pup proved to be more of challenge than we expected. I couldn’t be happier about our choice to contact zen dog training. 1 two hour session with Gordon and we saw instant results. He was fantastic.

Business response

Thank you so much for the amazing 5 star review! It was a pleasure working with you, your family, and your smart puppy! It is such a complement to get a review like this from a satisfied client. Especially hearing how quickly you saw results using our methods of training with mutual understanding. I'm so grateful to have a clients like you who take my training to heart, see great results, and take the time to write a review! I'm looking forward to hearing how much progress you continue to make with training.

Review on Google
Katherine Greenberg
5/5

Neil Simmons has done wonderful work with my goldendoodle puppy, Riley. He's enthusiastic, patient, and flexible, which makes working with him an absolutely pleasure. HIGHLY recommend!

Business response

Thank you so much for this fantastic 5 star review of your experience working with Neil! Helping train people and the dog's they love is our passion. We love hearing that you were able to train Riley so successfully using our methods!

Review on Google
Jenna Terio
5/5

Gordon came highly recommended and he did not disappoint! He was so sweet with our dog Daisy and she immediately trusted him, which made it easy for him to show us techniques on how to correct some of her not so good behaviors. Zen Dog comes with so many useful and easily digestible resources that you can go back to time and again. We certainly feel like the experience was well worth it!

Business response

Thank you so much for this wonderful review! It was so much fun working with you and Daisy. I’m so glad you were able to see results so quickly. Training people and the dogs they love is our passion and we are thrilled to count you as a satisfied client. Have fun training!

Review on Google

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

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