Northeast Therapy and Service Dogs

Training programs are individualized and include free consultations, non-judgmental assessments, and ongoing sessions tailored to each dog’s needs. Programs focus on building confidence, good citizenship, house manners, and preparation for service, therapy, or competition roles. Training occurs in-home, on-site at their facility, and in community settings. They offer intensive programs for puppies and dogs needing foundational work, with continued support for handler development.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is available by inquiry with packages and hourly rates offered for training, boarding, and daycare. Puppies cost between $2,500 and up depending on lineage and quality. Discounts available for multi-dog families. Non-refundable deposits may be required during busy seasons.

Policies

During busy seasons, a non-refundable deposit may be required for boarding or daycare due to low-volume operations. They reserve the right to vet prospective puppy buyers to ensure the best match and may decline placements if not deemed suitable. Boarding and training services require advance communication and are subject to space availability.

Northeast Therapy and Service Dogs is a dog training business run by Brian and Catherine Tarnowski, lifelong German Shepherd Dog owners and handlers with deep experience in Schutzhund, obedience, service, and therapy dog training. They offer private and in-home training, facility-based training, and board-and-train services focused on building confident, well-behaved dogs for companionship, emotional support, and working roles. They specialize in breeding and placing German Shepherds and Miniature Schnauzers with high drive and temperament suited for service, therapy, or protection work. Their puppies come with health certifications, microchips, vaccines, and early foundation training in crate, leash, and housebreaking. They also provide limited home-style boarding and daycare with individualized care, and offer specialty services like dog massage, Reiki, and biofield tuning. Their training emphasizes environmental engagement, positive bonding, and customized programs tailored to each dog’s needs. They conduct on-site and community-based training, and welcome clients for free consultations to assess goals and match dogs to suitable training paths.

They prioritize responsible breeding, DNA testing, OFA certifications, and careful placement of puppies based on temperament and owner suitability. Their facility is located on a residential property where dogs are raised in a home environment alongside children and other pets. They also assist clients in finding the right dog match and provide ongoing handler training to maximize the dog’s potential.

Clients praise their personalized attention, cleanliness, and expertise, with many driving long distances to use their services. They are known for their compassionate, non-judgmental approach and deep commitment to both dogs and their owners.

Accomplishments

Brian Tarnowski was raised by one of the first K-9 officers in Massachusetts and has trained and titled German Shepherds in Schutzhund. He has provided assessment and training for police, protection, and service dogs. Catherine Tarnowski is a certified Therapy Dog Handler and has breeding experience in working lines. Their therapy dog, Girtie, is AKC certified. All breeding dogs are OFA certified and DNA tested.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact via email or the contact form to request a free consultation. They will ask about your goals, dog’s breed and age, and may send a questionnaire for puppy inquiries. Puppies can be visited and bonded with before going home. Training begins with an assessment to create an individualized plan.