The Cooperative Dog

Programs include the Puppy Foundation Program (6-week sequential classes for puppies 8–16 weeks, with optional seminar and home lesson), Family Dog Program (ongoing group classes), Reactive Dog Program (targeted group sessions), and Rowdy Rovers (outdoor Saturday classes). Behavior consultations include a 1.5–2 hour initial assessment with a customized modification plan and 30 days of phone/email support. Follow-up private lessons are available individually or in prepaid packages. Classes meet weekly for 1 hour, with indoor sessions transitioning to outdoor real-world environments.

Pricing Summary

Group classes cost $300 for 6 weeks. Puppy Head Start Seminar is $75. Private in-home lessons are $225 for 75 minutes. Comprehensive in-home behavior consultations range from $350–$450 depending on location; online consultations are $225. Subsequent private lessons are available in discounted packages of three or six sessions. Payment is required in advance via PayPal, check, or cash.

Policies

Clients must sign a waiver of liability and agree to a cancellation policy. Behavior consultations require prior veterinary consultation to rule out medical causes. Payment is required in advance for online consultations and at the time of service for in-person sessions. No refund policy details are provided, but rescheduling is implied through appointment booking.

The Cooperative Dog, founded in 1996 by Vera in Brookline, MA, offers practical, relationship-based dog training focused on mutual trust and understanding. Vera provides group classes, private lessons, and behavior consultations for dogs of all ages — from puppies to seniors — including those with reactivity, fearfulness, separation anxiety, aggression, or longstanding behavioral issues. Services are tailored for single dogs, multi-dog households, and dogs with sensory impairments like deafness or blindness. Training emphasizes real-world application, with classes held both indoors and outdoors in Brookline and Wellesley. Vera also offers educational seminars for owners before beginning training, ensuring they understand dog behavior and learning principles. Her approach is grounded in positive reinforcement and behavior science, with a strong focus on preventing problems before they start. She collaborates with veterinarians and is recommended by professionals for complex cases.

Vera’s programs include the Puppy Foundation Program, Family Dog Program, Reactive Dog Program, and Rowdy Rovers, all designed to build foundational skills and socialization. In-home consultations are available for behavior issues, and she provides ongoing support via phone and email after consultations. Her training methods are adaptable to individual needs, and she is known for personalized attention even in group settings.

The Cooperative Dog is based at No Bones About It in Brookline and also offers classes in Wellesley. Vera is highly regarded by clients and veterinary professionals alike for her deep understanding of canine psychology and her ability to restore strained human-dog bonds.

Accomplishments

Founded in 1996, The Cooperative Dog has been providing training for nearly 30 years. Vera is recommended by veterinarians, including Dr. Linda Aronson, for complex behavior cases and is known as a go-to trainer for aggression and reactivity referrals by local organizations like MSCPA.

How to Get Started!

Begin by contacting Vera via the online contact form or texting 617-803-4086 during business hours (Wed–Fri). For behavior consultations, a veterinary consultation must be completed first. For group classes, pre-registration and proof of vaccinations are required. Puppy owners may start with the Puppy Head Start Seminar or a private home lesson before enrolling in classes.