The Dog Behavior Institute
Service area: Serving Greater Boston and Worcester County in person; worldwide online.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Behavior Modification
- Family Dog
Specialty Focus Areas
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Separation Anxiety
- Resource Guarding
- Fearfulness
- Barking Excessively
- Jumping on People
- Leash Pulling
- Recall
- Potty Training
- Biting / Nipping
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Video Calls
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Giant
- Herding
- Sporting
- Working
- Hounds
- Terriers
- Doodles
- Brachycephalic
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
Services include behavior assessments with step-by-step training plans, one-on-one virtual or in-home training, and virtual group classes focused on skills like muzzle training, consent-based care, and family integration. Programs are customized, data-driven, and include ongoing support, homework assignments, and video feedback. Professional courses and case consultations are available for dog trainers.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Offer sliding-scale cost options for accessibility; pricing details for assessments, one-on-one training, and group classes available upon inquiry via website.
Policies
Provide a COVID policy page; sliding-scale pricing available; no specific cancellation or rescheduling policy details listed on website.
Testimonials
“I found the DBI mission and approach to teaching exceptionally effective. DBI approaches everything they do with an intersectional framework, which creates an equitable, supportive, and inclusive space for everyone to learn.”
-Leigh Anne & Phoebe
“The approach Ran takes to teaching is just wonderful. Everything is so thoughtful, collaborative, and they always ensure that you and your dog are feeling good during the process.”
-Client with Jinya
“I cannot recommend them highly enough! Smart, kind, professional, organized, skilled, just the best.”
-Client with puppy
About the Trainer
The Dog Behavior Institute is a science-based dog training business founded by two Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Ran Courant-Morgan and Stephanie Keesey-Phelan, with over 20 years of experience each. They provide behavior assessments, one-on-one training, and virtual group classes focused on positive reinforcement and Applied Behavior Analysis to address challenging behaviors like aggression, reactivity, resource guarding, and separation anxiety. Their approach emphasizes understanding the “why” behind dog behavior, customizing plans for each dog and family, and empowering guardians with confidence and compassion. They also offer professional development courses and case consultations for dog trainers. They serve clients in Greater Boston and Worcester County in person and worldwide online, and provide sliding-scale pricing for accessibility.
They offer free resources including a Dog Body Language video, blog posts, and recorded webinars on data-driven behavior analysis. Their training philosophy is rooted in empathy, data, and individualized care, rejecting one-size-fits-all methods. They are a woman- and queer-owned business committed to inclusive, equitable, and force-free training practices.
Accomplishments
Founded by two Board Certified Behavior Analysts with over 40 combined years of dog behavior expertise. Regularly teach dog professionals using Applied Behavior Analysis. Provide evidence-based, data-oriented training methods recognized by professionals in the field.
How to Get Started!
Begin with a behavior assessment or contact for a free consultation to discuss needs and goals. Clients can choose between one-on-one training, group classes, or professional services based on their situation.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
Monday: 9am-8pm
Tuesday: 9am-8pm
Wednesday: 9am-8pm
Thursday: 9am-8pm
Friday: 9am-4pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Certifications
- Credentialed
Associations
- Accredited
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- LGBTQ-owned
- Women-owned
- wheelchair accessible parking
- LGBTQ-friendly
- transgender safespace
Other Services Offered
- Pet trainer
Location
67 Greenwood St, Wakefield, MA 01880Listing Tools for Trainers
For The Dog Behavior Institute Only
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