Zen Dog Training

I contacted Gordon before getting our rescue puppy knowing I'd need support! We ended up getting her earlier than expected and Gordon was incredibly responsive, he carved out time to come to our house sooner than I originally requested so we didn't have to undo habits later. I was overwhelmed with a skiddish puppy in the city, and the jumping and nibbling. Within days using his methods, resources, and training (for both me and my dog), she's a confident girl who looks forward to our walks rather than being pulled out the door. She's already learned basic commands and walks on a loose leash. I noticed today, after just 4 days of working with her, she's wagging her tail on our walks and not noticing the loud trucks rather than having her tail between her legs and alert to every sound in the neighborhood. I can't thank Gordon enough and look forward to our next session!

I found Zen Dog through my vet in Belmont, with good recommendations. Booking was easy via text! Elissa walked into my house and I knew. She looked me straight in the eye, shook hands and ignored my barking dog. My dog calmed down like she sprinkled magic dust on him. Elissa spent under three hours at my house, sitting at the dining room table and understanding my dog, our family dynamics, our house routines, all of it. All the while training my dog with teeny treats, learning to play with toys, and be calm next to us. A new person in the house and my dog was calm. Mind blowing! She showed me to use the crate, how to train against all the barking and how to correctly use treats. Folks- she’s for real. For.real. She showed us games the kids can play, left a chart we went through, detailed handouts, a few graphic novels for the kids and training. I will continue sessions with her in a few weeks, to show we did our homework! But it’s day one and I am more confident I can help my nervous, under socialized COVID pup. He is going in and out of the crate like an afternoon stroll. Elissa- thank you. Rain down the treats everyone!!

Gordon is an insightful trainer who quickly tunes into your strengths and learning style as a dog owner. Our very fearful rescue is a different dog two weeks after our first session — she is confident and ready to take on the world (and all the lessons!). I especially like the lesson-specific comics Gordon’s created. They make it easy to review what you’ve learned and repeat the lessons til they stick.