Dog Training & Counseling Services

Offers two-tiered group classes: Level I (puppy and beginner) and Level II (advanced). Level I covers leash manners, sit-stay, down-stay, come, boundary training, and no jumping over 6–8 weeks. Level II builds reliability, off-leash control, and advanced commands. Private lessons address specific behavior issues like aggression or separation anxiety. Training progresses step-by-step with focus on communication and real-world application.

Pricing Summary

Group classes cost $90–$120 for 6 weeks, depending on residency. Private lessons and in-home training are available by arrangement. No public pricing listed for private sessions; contact for details.

Laurie Fass is a certified dog trainer with over 30 years of professional experience, founded Dog Training & Counseling Services in 1975. She offers private lessons and group classes in West Hartford, Windsor, and New Britain, helping dog owners solve a wide range of behavioral issues—from basic obedience and puppy training to aggression, separation anxiety, and leash pulling. Her approach is tailored to each dog’s needs, emphasizing practical, results-driven methods that make training effective for both dogs and owners. Laurie also provides in-home training, phone consultations for out-of-area clients, and is a regular expert on WTIC’s Pet Talk radio show. She is an AKC Canine Good Citizenship evaluator and has trained over 5,000 dogs across 140 breeds.

Laurie’s services include structured group classes for puppies and advanced dogs, as well as individualized private sessions for complex behavior problems. She works with rescue dogs, supports rehabilitation programs, and has trained security and guide dog candidates. Her hands-on, no-nonsense style is backed by decades of experience and recognition from veterinarians, shelters, and courts.

She also distributes pet boundary systems and consults for lawyers and insurance companies, demonstrating her deep expertise in canine behavior.

Laurie is a professional member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and has been featured in the New York Times and on TV and radio.

Her training philosophy centers on what works—focusing on real-life results that create harmony between dogs and their families.

Accomplishments

Founded Dog Training & Counseling Services in 1975; certified by Captain Haggerty’s School for Dogs; competed and ranked nationally in AKC obedience; trained security dogs for Sage Allen; served as expert witness in Superior Court; approved AKC Canine Good Citizenship evaluator; member of IACP; featured on WTIC Pet Talk since 1990; consulted for Humane Society, Guide Dog Users of Connecticut, and Connecticut Bulldog Rescue; authored education materials for Humane Society; listed as a biographical candidate for Who’s Who in America.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should call or email to discuss their dog’s needs and determine whether group classes, private lessons, or phone consultations are best suited. Group class registration is done through town recreation portals (West Hartford, Windsor). Private sessions require direct contact with Laurie to schedule.