Village Dogworks

Village Dogworks offers structured training programs delivered in-home or in local parks. Puppy visits include three 90-minute sessions covering house training, crate training, socialization, and basic obedience. Basic Obedience and Intermediate Obedience each span two 3-week sessions, culminating in a graduation exam and diploma. Tricks training requires completion of Basic Obedience and focuses on shaping behaviors using positive reinforcement. Behavioral consultations are 3-week intensive programs addressing issues like aggression, fear, and separation anxiety. Accelerated training offers daily private lessons or a 2-week board-and-train with video updates and a final in-person instruction session for owners.

Pricing Summary

Private sessions are $125 for 90 minutes. Puppy training is $300 for three 90-minute home visits. Basic and Intermediate Obedience and Tricks courses are $300 for three weeks (two 3-week sessions required for graduation). Behavioral consultations are $400 for three weeks. Accelerated training includes 10 private lessons for $1,000 or a 2-week board-and-train for $2,000. Dog walks are $20 for 30 minutes or $30 for 60 minutes (based on 5 walks/week). Overnight pet sitting is $90 per night with a 2-night minimum.

Village Dogworks is a dog training and care business based in the Longmeadow/Enfield/Somers area of Connecticut, serving the Hartford/Springfield region. Founded by Garrett Rosso, a certified trainer with over 25 years of experience, the business offers positive-based obedience and behavioral training delivered directly in the client’s home, park, or wherever issues occur. Services include puppy training, basic and intermediate obedience, trick training, behavior modification for issues like separation anxiety and reactivity, dog walking, and in-home pet sitting. The trainer specializes in helping dogs adapt to urban environments, teaching polite leash walking, socialization, and safe interactions with people and other animals. All training uses science-based, force-free methods with no corrections or aversive tools. Clients receive personalized programs, written notes, follow-up calls, and video updates during intensive training. The business also promotes holistic pet care, including nutrition advice and advocacy for responsible pet ownership.

Garrett Rosso is an active animal advocate, founder of New York City’s first official dog park, and has consulted with city agencies on dog park design and safety. He is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and regularly attends continuing education seminars in animal behavior.

In addition to training, Village Dogworks offers private and semi-private dog walks (30 or 60 minutes), overnight in-home pet sitting, and an accelerated board-and-train program for busy owners. All services are tailored to individual dogs and their environments.

Accomplishments

Garrett Rosso has over 25 years of experience training dogs and completed a multi-year apprenticeship in behavior modification. He is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), has taught seminars on science-based training, and was instrumental in founding Friends of First Run — New York City’s first official dog park. He designed and fundraised for the top-ranked Tompkins Square Dog Run and has appeared on ABC, CBS, NBC, Animal Planet, and The Today Show. He has published articles in “The Bark” magazine and advocated for city legislation to protect pets from sidewalk electrical hazards.

How to Get Started!

Client engagement begins by contacting Village Dogworks via phone or the contact form to discuss goals and schedule an initial appointment. Training is customized and begins with a home visit or in the environment where the behavior occurs. Written assessments and follow-up support are provided for all programs.