Western Mass
Dog Training
Interested in socialization and skills development for your pup?
Send them to our adult dog socialization program!
We offer a safe space for socialization, skills training, confidence building, and more in our weekly two-hour session small pack program. If you're within our pickup route, we’ll even take care of the transportation—saving you valuable time!
As the pack leader, Laurie provides constant support for every dog, ensuring their comfort and success. We coach your dog on respecting other dogs’ space, understanding social cues, and relaxing when needed. Day School isn't just a treat for your dog; it's an invaluable gift for both of you.
Besides making new pals, your dog will return home
equipped with fresh life skills applicable to daily activities beyond school. As part of the program, you'll have access to our private FB group that includes lots of personalized videos with instructions for how to train the skills we teach in school. Owner participation during non-school days rapidly advances your dog's skills!
Ready to enrich your pup’s life? Join us at Day School and watch your best friend flourish! Check out our Facebook page to see sample day school videos and learn more from our FAQs below. Interested? Submit a service inquiry.
Day school versus doggy day care
Day School meets once a week for two hours with a very small pack of dogs — with either drop-off by you or pickup/drop-off by us if you’re along our route. It’s not an all-day daycare; instead, it’s a small, structured training and socialization program led by a professional trainer.
What makes it different from daycare?
1. A calmer, more tailored environment
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Ideal for dogs who find daycare overwhelming or too high-energy
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We match dogs carefully and keep the pace comfortable, so each dog can socialize at their own speed
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We create a supportive space where dogs receive personalized attention to learn crucial skills like reading body language, calm approaches, respectful play, and impulse control.
2. Consistent classmates, small group, and trainer supervision
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Dogs build lasting relationships in a stable group, guided by one trainer for safe, guided interactions.
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Daycares often have changing groups and multiple handlers, making it harder for some dogs to form bonds
3. Skills that go beyond play
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Every session blends socialization with real-life training — from calm greetings, recall, body handling, and leash walking to vet handling, impulse control, and confidence in new settings
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We tailor activities to your dog’s needs so they leave with both new friends and better manners
Ready to enrich your pup’s life? Check out our Facebook page to see sample day school videos and learn more from our FAQs below. Interested? Submit a service inquiry.
FAQs
Where is Day School located?
Day School is conveniently located a half mile from the center of Millers Falls, MA.
When does Day School operate?
Right now, Day School sessions run Wednesday mornings, but we’re planning to add more days as the program grows and new dogs join us. For local residents along our pickup route (Shelburne Falls / Greenfield / Turners Falls / Millers Falls), pickup is scheduled between 8:45–10:00 am. Each session runs about two hours (slight variations depending on group size). Drop-offs are typically 12:30–2:00 pm. You do not need to be home for pickups or drop-offs along our route — we handle everything so your dog can enjoy a fun, enriching morning without disrupting your day.
How does my dog get to Day School?
For dogs comfortable in cars and small spaces with other dogs, we provide a pickup and drop-off service from your home along our pickup route, covering the towns of Shelburne Falls, Greenfield, Turners Falls, and Millers Falls. If your dog is not along our route, that's okay! Drop-off and pick-up arrangements at the facility can be made for the start and end of class!
How does the payment structure work and what is the cost?
At Western Mass Dog Training, we operate on a monthly membership model, resulting in an average cost of $75 per day school session. This model ensures predictability and streamlines the experience for both our business and clients. A weekly attendance commitment is required to maintain pack stability and facilitate effective learning.
Why do you use a monthly membership model instead of a per day use charge?
At Western Mass Dog Training, we've opted for a monthly membership model to simplify the experience for both our business and valued clients. The variability in weekday numbers across months – some having four days and others five – prompted this decision.
A monthly membership model enhances predictability, eliminating the need for tracking daily usage, missed days, cancellations, or makeup sessions. With a fixed monthly fee, our focus remains on providing an enriching socialization and training experience for our beloved dogs. Your commitment to this model is integral to our service structure, providing crucial stability for our small business and allowing us to dedicate our full attention to your pets.
Is there a waitlist?
There is usually a waitlist, as new dogs are added to the pack one at a time for stability and smooth introductions. To start the process, please submit a service inquiry.
How do I enroll my dog in Day School?
Please submit a service inquiry and we'll contact you to see if your dog is a good fit for the day school environment. For dogs ready for school, typically some private "pre-school" lessons will be needed to prepare your dog with some basic skills used at school so they can succeed at school.
What happens if a class session is canceled?
While we're open on most holidays, cancellations may occur due to weather or illness. No refunds are provided as the monthly membership rate accounts for this, making the effective cost $75/school session on average.
What if my dog misses a Day School session? Can I get a refund?
With the monthly membership model, there are no refunds if your dog misses school. Your consistent support empowers us to focus exclusively on delivering high-quality services, creating a supportive environment for your pets.
Day School Testimonials
John Richardson, Greenfield, MA
Chase - Rescue Mix
"Chase is gaining confidence and learning new skills. After a rough start in life, he’s showing steady improvements—becoming calmer, more patient, and better at navigating daily life. He has been going to Laurie’s classes for several months. He was rescued in June 2024, and according to several veterinarians, he was about a year old at the time. After being seen thrown out of a car, he was brought to a shelter in Arkansas. We don’t know much about his first year of life, but he was timid and unsure in new situations. Since starting with Laurie, he’s much calmer and steadily gaining confidence. I live in a two-family home, and my tenant has noticed real improvement in his hyperactivity and jumping up. I’ve also seen a big difference when giving treats alongside his canine sister—he used to think both were his, but now he patiently waits for his turn."
Sandra Schoffstall, Greenfield MA
Khai - Standard Poodle
"Laurie’s day school program has been a game-changer for my young standard poodle, Khai. He started out unsure how to interact with other dogs, often becoming overly excited and rough. Through regular attendance, he’s learned how to self-regulate and now reads social cues much better—stepping away and disengaging when another dog corrects him. One of the most valuable outcomes is how Khai has learned to relax. I can now say “Go lay down,” and he’ll settle calmly on his side, untethered. This ability to pause and calm himself has been reinforced beautifully by his day school experience. Laurie’s program creates a consistent, positive, and structured environment that supports real growth. Her willingness to share video recordings of our sessions gave me the tools to practice at home and reinforce what Khai was learning. I appreciate how much thought she puts into each dog’s development—and her deep understanding of dog behavior is clear in the results I’ve seen in Khai."
Sharon Kennaugh, Montague, MA
Bradley - Pit Mix Rescue
Laurie has worked wonders with our hyperactive rescue mix, Bradley, through both private training and her day school program. When we first started, Bradley was constantly jumping on people, barking and running at passersby, and unable to settle down. He would even charge up to other dogs without pausing to read their cues. Thanks to Laurie’s calm, consistent, and positive approach, Bradley is now much more relaxed, socially aware, and better able to regulate himself. His recall is amazing, he rarely jumps anymore, and we can finally enjoy time on our deck without worrying about him reacting to people or dogs walking by. We’re truly grateful for the transformation!
Yvonne and Paul, Shelburne Falls, MA
Boba - Standard Poodle
Boba, our 3.5-year-old poodle, became more relaxed and confident with weekly day school—even his groomer noticed the change. Ever since he was a puppy, he had been extremely timid, so we enrolled him in Laurie’s day school. Over the several months he attended, we saw him open up to other dogs and, for the first time, start engaging in rougher play with our six-year-old dog, Ivar. While Boba is still naturally cautious, the regular exposure helped him grow more comfortable with new dogs and people. He began bonding with the pack and clearly loved Laurie. He became less agitated and noticeably more relaxed overall. We were so pleased when our groomer remarked on how much calmer and more open he seemed!