The Happy Retriever
Service area: Serves Metro West Massachusetts, including Holliston and surrounding towns within a 20-mile radius.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Separation Anxiety
- Potty Training
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- Private Facility
- Board and Train
- Day Training
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Herding
- Sporting
- Doodles
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
- ✓ Martingale Collars
- ✓ Pinch Collars
- ✓ E-Collars
Training programs are tiered: Puppy 101 and Puppy Package for young dogs; Doggie BootCamp I-III and Resident Programs (2-, 3-, or 4-week) for older dogs. BootCamp I uses pinch collars and 6ft leashes; BootCamp II adds long-line recall; BootCamp III and E-Collar programs use e-collars. Resident Programs combine boarding with daily training, progressing from basic obedience to advanced commands. Each intensive program includes private pickup and follow-up sessions for owners. Bump Up Days offer daily supervised training and socialization. Continuing Services provide weekly reinforcement.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pricing varies by program: Puppy 101 is a 7-week group class; Puppy Package includes 6 Bump Up Days and 2 private sessions; Doggie BootCamp I is a 1-week intensive program; E-Collar Board & Train is a 9-day program with boarding included. Private follow-up classes are included in most intensive programs. Exact pricing not listed publicly; requires consultation.
Policies
Programs include follow-up classes and Bump Up Days to maintain progress. Cancellation and rescheduling policies are not explicitly stated on the website but are likely outlined in Terms and Conditions linked on the site.
Testimonials
When my puppy, Sally, was 5 months old she was so strong and so willful that I could not walk her on her leash. She pulled and did not listen. I brought Sally to The Happy Retriever where she attended Bump Up Days, and then when Sally was 6 months old, she completed Boot Camp 1 & 2 with Jana and E-Collar Training with Hannah. The Boot Camps were the game changer! Sally and I now go on peaceful walks in the woods and on public trails. She knows to stay by my side, she walks calmly without pulling, and Sally does not jump up on strangers if they approach. I can not recommend the Boot Camps enough – completely changed Sally’s and my ability to enjoy & explore life out in the world together. The Bump Up Days are wonderful as well. Sally still attends those once a week to keep her skills fresh, but mostly, Sally continues to attend Bump Up Days because she loves spending time at The Happy Retriever. When we pull into the training facility, Sally begins to wag her tail and make excited noises – she loves being there. The trainers are wonderful and Alexa and Eric who work the front desk know each dog by name and shower the dogs with affection. I highly recommend The Happy Retriever with absolutely no reservations. Professional, knowledgeable and fun training facility.
– Owner of Sally
Our dog Rosie did the 2 week in resident program. She is a golden retriever and has a lot of energy and had a lot of bad habits. Hannah worked with Rosie through the 2 weeks and worked wonders on Rosie! She is a different dog. Once the 2 weeks were up, we came in for training (for us!) and Hannah was awesome. We also came back for a bump up day and more training (for us!). It has made our time with Rosie so much more enjoyable. She listens and I can actually take her for a walk without her dragging us down the street. Sometimes she sneaks out of the house when we get home and bombs into the yard. I call her name and she comes and sits right in front of me. It’s a true miracle! Thank you guys!!
– Owner of Rosie
We took our puppy, Dash, to bump up days and a one-week bootcamp, and the results did not disappoint! Dash worked with Jana, and he lit up each time he spotted her at training. They are so kind at Happy Retriever and all staff members seem to have a real love for the animals they work with. Dash has been much better behaved on walks, and his commands (sit, stay, place, etc). have also improved immensely. We recommend the Happy Retriever to all of our new dog-owner friends who are hoping to train their new pups.
– Hannah, Dash’s Owner
About the Trainer
The Happy Retriever is a dog training facility in Holliston, MA, offering expert obedience training for puppies and adult dogs using a combination of positive reinforcement and balanced training methods. They provide a range of services including group classes, private sessions, day training (Bump Up Days), and intensive board-and-train programs. Their training programs are structured to address everything from basic puppy skills to complex behavioral issues like leash pulling, reactivity, and recall. The facility also offers boarding, dog daycare, and continuing education to reinforce training long-term. Staff are praised for their kindness, knowledge, and genuine love for dogs, with many clients noting dramatic improvements in their dogs’ behavior after completing programs. The team provides detailed progress reports and follow-up support to ensure lasting results.
Clients can choose from puppy-specific programs like Puppy 101 and Puppy Resident, or advanced obedience tracks like Doggie BootCamp I-III and E-Collar Board & Train. Training is conducted on-site at their facility, with daily drop-off/pick-up options for intensive programs. All trainers work directly with dogs in structured sessions, and owners receive private follow-up classes to learn how to maintain progress at home.
The Happy Retriever emphasizes building a strong human-dog bond through consistent, humane training and offers ongoing support through weekly Bump Up Days to keep skills sharp. Their approach is tailored to each dog’s needs, whether they are a fearful rescue, a high-energy herding breed, or a young puppy learning boundaries.
Accomplishments
Trainers include Jana, Hannah, Alexa, and Eric, who are highlighted in testimonials for their expertise and compassionate approach. Multiple clients report life-changing results with previously unmanageable dogs, including rescued dogs with fear and aggression issues. The facility is known for detailed daily report cards and consistent communication with owners.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients must book an evaluation through the Contact Us page to assess their dog’s needs and recommend the appropriate training program. A free initial consultation is offered to determine the best path forward.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Morning
- Afternoon
Hours
8am-7pm
Associations
- AKC
- APDT
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Dog day care center
- Pet boarding service
- Pet supply store
Location
200 Summer St, Holliston, MA 01746Listing Tools for Trainers
For The Happy Retriever Only
Update Your Info
To update your profile, contact us with your changes.
Share Your Recognition!
You’re listed among Holliston’s best dog trainers. Add this recognition badge to your website to stand out from the competition, convert more website visitors into clients, and let clients know you’re part of a trusted community.
Upgrade Your Profile - Get Featured!
Become the obvious choice for dog owners in the Holliston area and grow your dog training business.
- 3x More Views – Featured profiles are seen first and visited the most
- Qualified Leads – A constant stream of motivated Holliston clients
- Enhance Your Profile – Stand out from the crowd with more photos, social media links, and custom sales copy
- More Web Traffic – Improve your site’s search engine exposure (SEO)
- Build Your Brand – Establish trustworthiness and prestige