Western Mass
Dog Training
Testimonials
Laura Jackson, Greenfield, MA
(private training and day school socialization client)
"Laurie earned Penny’s respect—and helped her finally feel safe. Laurie worked with my rescue pit mix Penny for 4 months, who suffers from PTSD from who knows what kind of abuse before she was rescued. She was very very nervous meeting new people, especially older males, whenever I dropped something on the floor, and other situations. Laurie worked with her (and me) with effective techniques to help her relax, and she is much less nervous with these situations now and more relaxed. We also worked on her getting in the car, and she is getting much better at that too - for the first time since I adopted her, she got in the car without having to be picked up and put in! We are now working on her socializing with other dogs. I highly recommend Laurie! She earned Penny's respect, and they work very well together."
Penny - Pit Mix Rescue
Dawn Grignaffini, Shelburne Falls, MA
(private training client)
"We can finally give Willow her freedom again. We are so happy with how well our Great Pyrenees, Willow, did with the recall collar training, and really appreciated Laurie’s careful, gentle approach in conditioning the collar to be a positive, rewarding experience for her. After Willow had taken off a few times for hours, we had to keep her on a run at all times. But now, we’re finally comfortable letting her off leash in the yard, knowing we can use the collar if she starts to chase something. It’s been incredibly effective—and it feels amazing to give her that freedom again. We will be forever grateful!"
Willow - Great Pyreneese
Sandra Schoffstall, Greenfield MA
(private training and day school socialization client)
Laurie has truly transformed my young standard poodle, Khai, through both private training and her day school program. When we first started, Khai had very few skills—he struggled with recall, social behavior, and self-regulation. He was often unsure how to interact with other dogs, becoming overly excited and rough, and he had trouble settling down. Thanks to Laurie’s patient, persistent, and kind approach, he’s made incredible progress. Khai now comes 99% of the time—whether we’re indoors, in the yard, or deep in the woods. Just recently in Maine, he wandered too far, but immediately followed my scent back when I called. He also reliably responds to cues like “Go lay down” and will settle calmly on his side without being tethered. Day school has been a game-changer in reinforcing these skills. 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, or when he feels uncomfortable and needs his own space. One of the most valuable outcomes is his ability to pause and truly relax, which carries over beautifully into our home life. Laurie’s style is both compassionate and effective. She is incredibly responsive and supportive. 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. Her willingness to share video recordings of day school sessions gave me the tools to reinforce his learning at home. Her gentle, intuitive way of working brings out the best in every dog. I feel so lucky to have found her.
Khai - Standard Poodle
Cathy Roberts, Buckland, MA
(private training and day school socialization client)
"In just three months, my high-energy Bernedoodle puppy learned important behavior skills I couldn't have taught on my own. I highly recommend Laurie for all your dog training needs. My 20 lb mini Bernedoodle may be small, but he has a big attitude and boundless energy. I reached out to Laurie for private training, and I’m so glad I did. She is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and truly a “dog whisperer.” Milo finally accepts his crate—a huge milestone—and even the vet staff noticed his improved door manners! Laurie’s take-and-train approach, day school socialization, and ongoing support have made a real difference with this energetic pup. She’s earned not only my respect as a trainer, but also my friendship."
Milo - Bernedoodle
Kim & David Erslev-Arfa, Shelburne Falls, MA
(private training client)
"Thanks to Laurie, Maggie no longer runs or jumps on people—and our walks are peaceful. We sought Laurie’s help to stop our adorable little Maggie from running and jumping up on people. Although she’s small and many didn’t mind, it was still a risk for those with poor balance. Now we can enjoy walks without worry. Maggie loved going to training sessions with Laurie. She was calmed by Laurie’s presence and responded well to every lesson. Laurie taught us how to work with Maggie using calm, positive reinforcement. We enthusiastically recommend Laurie to any dog owner. She’s a masterful trainer whose love for dogs is truly contagious!"
Maggie - Terrier Mix Rescue
Sharon Kennaugh, Montague, MA
(private training and day school socialization client)
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!
Bradley - Pit Mix Rescue
Yvonne and Paul, Shelburne Falls, MA
(day school socialization client)
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!
Boba - Standard Poodle
John Richardson, Greenfield, MA
(day school socialization client)
"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."
Chase - Rescue Mix
Apple, Goldendoodle, Laurie's training pawtner and most humbling teacher, Shelburne Falls, MA
"When Mom isn’t training me, she plays ball with me for over an hour while mowing the lawn. I’m probably not objective enough to give a real testimonial—but how cool is that?
She feeds me fresh food, takes me on long woods walks almost every day, and hides balls for me to find outside. Other than having to wear this ridiculous tick outfit, I’ve got zero complaints
10 out of 10, would train with her again. But only if snacks, games, or toys are on the table."