(617) 640-3766

245 Crawford St.

Fitchburg, MA

Certified, Experienced, and Fear-Free Dog Training You Can Trust – Using Positive, Science-Based Methods

Which Training Option is Right for You?

At In Stride Pet Dog Training, we believe in positive, fear-free training that builds confidence and strengthens the bond between you and your dog. Whether you’re starting with a young puppy, refining your dog’s manners, or addressing specific behavioral challenges, we offer tailored training solutions to set you and your dog up for success.

Puppies (8 Weeks to 5 Months) – The Most Important Learning Stage

The socialization period (before 12-16 weeks) is the most influential phase in a puppy's development, shaping their future behavior and reactions to people, animals, and environments.

Prevent Behavioral Issues: Early, positive exposure to diverse experiences is crucial. Lack of proper socialization can lead to behavioral problems such as fear, anxiety, and aggression, which are common reasons for dogs being surrendered to shelters or euthanized.
Essential Life Skills: House training, polite greetings, and leash manners are most effectively taught during this formative period.
Safe & Controlled Environment: Our sanitized facility allows puppies to safely learn and socialize before they are fully vaccinated.

“For this reason, the AVSAB believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated.” — American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior

Why a Group Class? Structured group settings help puppies develop focus, impulse control, and appropriate play behaviors, fostering confidence and reducing the likelihood of future behavioral issues.

Recommended Classes (Book them here): Puppy Kindergarten, Puppy Graduate, Puppy Playgroup, Confidence Building, Doggie Day School

Adolescent & Adult Dogs (6 Months and Older) – Polished Skills & Reliable Behavior

For friendly, social dogs, continued training is essential to reinforce good manners and maintain focus, especially around distractions.

Prevent Behavioral Issues: Without ongoing training and socialization, dogs may develop undesirable behaviors such as anxiety, fear, over-arousal, and aggression.
Distraction Training: Group classes provide real-world scenarios where dogs can practice and improve their listening skills amidst various stimuli.
Bonding & Confidence: Positive reinforcement training strengthens the trust and communication between you and your dog, enhancing your relationship.

Why a Group Class? Learning alongside other dogs in a controlled environment enhances social skills and makes training sessions more engaging and effective.

Recommended Classes (Book them here): Beginner Life Skills, Intermediate Life Skills, Advanced, Confidence Building, Doggie Day School

Reactive or Fearful Dogs (6 Months and Older) – A Calm, Structured Approach

Our Reactive/Fearful Class is tailored for dogs that become overwhelmed, overly excited, or anxious in new situations. Utilizing fear-free techniques, we create a stress-free learning space where your dog can build confidence and self-control.

Safe & Supportive Setting: Dogs train behind visual barriers to prevent exposure to known triggers, ensuring they feel secure.
Small Class Size: With a maximum of five dogs per class, each participant receives personalized attention and ample space to progress comfortably.
Fear-Free & Positive Methods: Our science-backed approach focuses on gentle, reward-based training to encourage positive behaviors without force.
Practical Skills: You and your dog will practice at a pace that suits their comfort level, reinforcing calmness and focus in various situations.

Why Reactive/Fearful Class? This structured environment allows reactive or fearful dogs to learn and adapt without stress, setting the foundation for long-term success in everyday life.

Book Reactive Classes Here!

Private Training – Fully Personalized One-on-One Support

Private lessons offer a customized training experience designed specifically for you and your dog. Whether you’re looking to address specific behavioral concerns, refine obedience skills, or work on challenges occurring at home or on walks, our one-on-one training provides focused, expert guidance.

Tailored to Your Needs: Work on specific challenges unique to your dog, such as leash reactivity, resource guarding, or confidence-building.
Safe & Comfortable Environment: Private sessions take place in our Training Center’s distraction-free classroom, creating an optimal space for learning.
Personalized Attention: With dedicated one-on-one coaching, you and your dog receive direct support and step-by-step guidance.
Convenient Scheduling: Sessions are one hour in duration and are held exclusively at our Training Center. Due to high demand, availability may be limited, and sessions may book out several weeks in advance.

Why Private Training? If your dog needs focused attention, has specific training goals, or you prefer an individualized approach, private training is an excellent option.

Book Private Training Here!

In the video below, you’ll hear from some of the wonderful families I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Their kind words and success stories mean the world to me! A huge thank you to every client who has trusted In Stride Pet Dog Training—I wouldn’t be here without you.

View Prices, Descriptions & Schedule Training Now! (click this link)

Now Offering "Doggie Day School" (Drop off your pup/dog for 1:1 time with our trainer)

Here at In Stride Pet Dog Training LLC, I am happy to be able to offer you and your beloved pup an amazing program, Doggie Day School! This exciting program has a curriculum designed for your best friend’s unique needs to help them master many skills including, but not limited to: socialization, confidence building, reliable obedience skills and help with behavioral difficulties. For example, not jumping up on you or guests, mouthing, house training and many other topics. Since each Doggie Day School student has different needs/abilities, the program will be specifically designed and tailored for your puppy/dog.

I take great pride on being a positive reinforcement trainer who use science-based methods and techniques and always keeps your puppy/dog's mental and physical wellbeing of the upmost importance. I am dedicated to being force and fear free in the methods and gear/equipment used.

This program is a splendid option if you were ever thinking about the potential of board and train program but didn’t want to be away from your very precious puppy/dog for days or even weeks at a time. This program will help you lay down a wonderful foundation in basic to advanced obedience skills while also helping in behavioral troubles. With daily videos of your pup/dog in the Doggie Day School program, written and visual documents you and your family will be set up for lasting success!

At the Doggie Day School program, I will work personally with your puppy/dog with short sessions throughout the day in my Training Center. We will be adding other mentally and physically enriching activities, like puzzle toys, snuffle mats, licky mats, frozen Kongs, other chews and even some agility equipment and other items used in our Confidence Building program. (Most chews/toys/treats and or food will be provided by the owner. A supply list will be included when registering). This program will promote a more reliable, confident, well rounded, fulfilled, tired yet happy and educated Doggie Day School student!

Types of Dogs

There are no breed restrictions, and there are no behavioral issues that I do not work with. I train with all types of dogs and enjoy helping families and their dogs prevent and help resolve behavioral problems. Dogs of all ages, from 8 weeks of age to elderly dogs, are welcome. All different breeds of dogs are trained at our training center. I provide training for dogs with all kinds of behaviors and levels of assistance, including but not limited to: puppies, rescues, fearful, reactive, and aggressive.