About Dog Training & Counseling Services

About

Dog Training & Counseling Services is Laurie Fass's training business in Newington, founded in 1975 by Laurie. Her About page lists certification as a dog trainer from Captain Haggerty's School for Dogs in 1975, professional membership in the International Association of Canine Professionals since 2002, and approval as an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator in 2005. It credits her with 30 years of experience consulting with over 5,000 dog owners and more than 140 different breeds, and she is featured on WTIC 1080 AM's Pet Talk call-in show.

Approach

Laurie varies her methods to suit each dog and situation. Her stated philosophy is that the best solution to a dog's problems and training needs is the one that works.

Classes and lessons

Puppy and Beginner classes teach basic obedience and good manners, in an eight-week format in West Hartford and New Britain or a six-week format in Windsor and Bloomfield. The curriculum covers leash manners, heel, sit-stay, down-stay, come, boundary training, no jumping, go to place, drop it and leave it. A Level II class builds reliability around distractions and off-leash control. Serious issues such as aggression are handled in private lessons, and Laurie also offers do-it-for-you training and phone consultations. Help topics include housebreaking, barking, jumping, pulling on leash, destructiveness, separation anxiety, phobias and selecting a new dog.

What to ask

Ask about current class dates, pricing and which class location suits you.