Western Mass
Dog Training
Mutt Mixers: Guided Socialization for Dogs and Their Owners
Learn how to help your dog stay calm, focused, and confident around other dogs—step by step
Many puppies do well in early socialization classes, but as they grow, they often struggle with excitement, pulling, or difficulty focusing around other dogs.
Mutt Mixers are small, structured classes designed to help dogs and their owners practice real-world social skills in a controlled, supportive environment.
This is not a playgroup—each session is guided and intentional, focusing on building calm, confident dogs while coaching owners in real-time strategies.
What You Will Learn:
In Mutt Mixers, we focus on skills that matter in everyday life:
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Passing other dogs calmly on leash
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Managing excitement and frustration
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Improving focus and responsiveness around distractions
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Practicing appropriate greetings—or choosing not to greet
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Settling and staying relaxed in the presence of other dogs
You’ll learn to guide your dog step by step, building confidence, impulse control, and reliable social behavior.
How it works
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Dogs attend with their owners and I provide real-time coaching throughout the session
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Activities are carefully managed so each dog can work at an appropriate level.
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Classes gradually introduce more complex situations as dogs and owners gain skills and confidence
We go at your dog's pace, so every dog succeeds without fear or overwhelm.
Who Mutt Mixers are for
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Puppies graduating from socialization classes
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Adolescent dogs (typically 5–12 months and up)
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Dogs who are friendly but overly excited around other dogs
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Owners who want guidance applying skills in real-life situations
How Groups are Formed
To maintain a safe and productive environment, dogs are carefully matched into groups where each dog and owner can work at an appropriate level.
Group composition matters, and I take time to get to know each dog and owner before placing them in a class—often through puppy socialization classes or private sessions.
This thoughtful approach helps ensure that dogs are set up to succeed, building confidence and skills without becoming overwhelmed.
Interested in Mutt Mixers?
Classes are small and carefully structured, and dogs are admitted by approval only.
Join the interest list to be notified when new classes are forming. I’ll reach out to learn more about your dog and determine whether the class is a good fit.
Priority is given to current and former clients.
See the mentor model
that informs my socialization approach
The video below features my mentor, Jessica Gorham, who developed the unique day school model. I created this video when I launched my own day school program in Millers Falls, which I ran for two years.
While I no longer offer the day school, the principles demonstrated—calm introductions, structured play, confidence building, relaxation, and guided socialization—are the same ones I use in Mutt Mixers and private sessions.
Sample clips coming soon! While you wait, check out videos of me in action on my Facebook page, or scroll down to read testimonials from past participants.
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
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!
Bradley - Pit Mix Rescue