Pet Behavior Consulting

Pet Behavior Consulting offers multiple program formats: Right Start Puppy Training (2-hour private consultation for puppies 7–16 weeks), Puppy Boarding School (2+ week intensive board and train), Puppy Playgroup (weekly drop-in socialization for 8–20 week puppies), private in-home or virtual lessons, group classes for basic manners and behavior, and day training through PBC Academy. Behavior consultations address aggression, anxiety, and reactivity with customized plans. All programs emphasize positive reinforcement and include follow-up guidance.

Pricing Summary

Private consultations start at $190 for certified trainers and $295 for owner Elise Gouge. Puppy Boarding School requires a minimum 2-week stay with pricing not listed publicly. Group classes and virtual sessions are offered at affordable rates. Dock diving and facility rentals are available for hourly or session-based use.

Policies

Puppies must provide current vaccination records, including distemper, parvo, bordetella, and a clean fecal report before attending any program. Puppy Playgroup requires registration for each session. Board and train programs require a minimum 2-week stay and allow optional overnight visits home. No explicit cancellation policy is stated.

Pet Behavior Consulting is a dog training business based in Granby, MA, offering personalized and positive reinforcement-based training services for dogs and cats. Led by Elise Gouge, the only certified behavior consultant for cats and dogs in the Pioneer Valley, the team provides a wide range of services including puppy training, private lessons, behavior consultations, board and train programs, group classes, and virtual training. They operate from a 18-acre farm with a dedicated 4500 sq ft indoor training room and a competition-grade dock diving pool, offering both indoor and outdoor training environments. Their programs are designed to address everything from basic obedience to anxiety, aggression, and reactivity, with a strong emphasis on science-based, humane methods. They also offer puppy playgroups, day training through PBC Academy, and rental access to their facilities for independent training. Their staff includes multiple certified trainers with expertise in handling sensitive cases, including small breeds prone to spinal issues, and they provide detailed updates and video logs for board and train clients.

They serve clients in Western Massachusetts, Hampden and Hampshire counties, and parts of Connecticut, with virtual services available statewide. Their unique combination of facility-based training, in-home and virtual options, and specialized programs like puppy boarding and dock diving makes them a comprehensive resource for dog owners seeking professional, compassionate, and results-driven training.

In addition to dog training, they offer pet boarding, day training, and facility rentals, and support pet professionals like dog daycares and veterinary hospitals with staff training.

Accomplishments

Elise Gouge is the only certified behavior consultant for cats and dogs in the Pioneer Valley. Multiple trainers hold CPDT-KA and CPDT-KSA certifications. The facility features a competition-grade 40-foot dock and 21’x41’ pool, and they offer specialized handling techniques for small and vulnerable breeds like Dachshunds.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must first schedule a consultation—either a behavior consultation, private training consultation, or Right Start Puppy Training—to assess needs and determine the best program. For Puppy Playgroup, registration is done online via their scheduling portal. Virtual services require an initial consultation before ongoing lessons.