Ruff Translating

Ruff Translating’s training begins with a required private lesson to assess goals and develop an individualized plan. Clients can then enroll in Muttessori Academy, a structured day training program Monday–Thursday with two trainer-led sessions, exercise activities, crate training, and weekly report cards. Immersive sessions allow service dog handlers to practice in a group setting with trainer support. Group classes on themes like tricks, agility, and scent work are offered periodically. Study Hall provides supervised practice space on Saturdays. Training plans are long-term, often lasting 18+ months, with ongoing support and reinforcement.

Pricing Summary

Private lessons are $200 per 60-90 minute session. Muttessori Academy day training is $95 per day with discounts for multi-dog families. Group classes range from $40–$65 per dog per class. Study Hall facility rental is $25/hour. No package pricing is disclosed; all programs require an initial private lesson to enroll.

Policies

Due to high demand, Ruff Translating maintains waiting lists for initial appointments and does not compromise on quality or client time to increase volume. There are no shortcuts to booking. Training plans are long-term and require commitment. No specific cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated, but clients are expected to honor their scheduled appointments.

Ruff Translating is a dog training business based in Boston, MA, specializing in behavior modification and service dog training. Founded in 2015 by Ejay Eisen, the company began on a 50-acre farm and evolved into an urban training facility in 2020, with a new expanded facility opened in 2024. They offer private lessons, day training through their Muttessori Academy, group classes, and immersive sessions tailored to service dog handlers. Their training philosophy emphasizes individualized, cognition-based methods that adapt to each dog’s unique environment and the owner’s lifestyle. They use a balanced approach, incorporating positive reinforcement tools like clickers and food rewards alongside e-collars and pinch collars when appropriate, prioritizing accessibility and effectiveness for both dog and handler.

They serve pet owners seeking high-performance training standards and individuals requiring service dogs for disabilities, including veterans and people with mobility, medical alert, or psychiatric needs. Their team includes a licensed social worker and a director with a master’s in social work, integrating emotional and organizational support into training. They also offer service dog accessibility consulting and an adventure club for reactive dogs to build confidence in real-world settings.

Ruff Translating is known for long-term client relationships, with training plans often lasting over 18 months. They maintain small client volumes to ensure quality and do not offer shortcuts to booking, emphasizing patience and commitment to excellence. Their clients report transformative results, especially for dogs with reactivity, fearfulness, and complex behavioral challenges.

Accomplishments

Ejay Eisen has 20 years of experience in dog training and rehabilitation, having worked in kennels, rescues, daycares, and pet hospice. He trained service dogs for military veterans and operated a high-end boarding and training facility in New York. He is a queer disabled service dog handler himself and has published articles on service dog accessibility. Michelle Casey is a licensed social worker and certified trainer. Kim Eisen holds a master’s in social work and manages operations with a focus on client care.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must first book an initial private lesson to begin any training program. This assessment determines the dog’s needs and creates an individualized training plan. After the private lesson, clients may enroll in supplemental programs like Muttessori Academy, group classes, or immersive sessions. Booking is done exclusively through their online scheduling portal.