Walk With Bruno

Private lessons are one-hour sessions held at the client’s home or in public areas, covering puppy training, behavior modification, and off-leash recall. Board and train programs last 3 weeks for basic obedience and 6 weeks for behavior modification, with dogs fully integrated into Sydney’s home and daily hiking groups. Training is play-based, uses real-life exposure, and includes daily one-on-one sessions and GPS-tracked off-leash hikes. All dogs must pass a recall assessment before off-leash hiking. Weekly hiking is mandatory for participation.

Pricing Summary

Private training lessons are $95 per hour. Board and train programs cost $900 per week, including a free in-person consultation. Hiking services require weekly commitment but pricing details are not listed on the site.

Policies

All hiking clients must commit to a minimum of two walks per week. Walks occur rain or shine unless unsafe due to lightning or extreme temperatures. No refunds or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated. Dogs must be fully vaccinated to participate. No on-demand or infrequent bookings are accepted.

Walk With Bruno is a dog training business run by Sydney and her dog Bruno, based in Sudbury, Massachusetts. They offer private dog training lessons and daily off-leash hiking sessions for current clients, specializing in play-based training methods rooted in the Training Without Conflict (TWC) philosophy. Sydney is a certified TWC trainer, having trained under Ivan Balabanov, and focuses on building strong owner-dog relationships through instinct-driven play rather than treats alone. Her approach addresses behavioral challenges by working with a dog’s genetics and emotional state, not just suppressing symptoms. Clients can choose from private lessons at home or public areas, board-and-train programs lasting 3–6 weeks, and structured group hikes that include GPS-tracked off-leash walks in conservation land. The hikes integrate socialization, recall training, and impulse control, helping dogs fulfill their natural pack and movement needs. All dogs in hiking groups must attend weekly, and Sydney accommodates dogs with high prey drive, fearfulness, or prior daycare failures. Training is tailored to each dog’s breed, energy, and personality, with an emphasis on creating happy, confident, and well-communicted companions.

In addition to training, Walk With Bruno provides daily off-leash hiking as a core service, not just an add-on. Dogs are integrated into small, temperament-matched packs and receive daily one-on-one training during their stay in board-and-train programs. Sydney uses e-collars for reliable off-leash recall when necessary and prioritizes real-life exposure over artificial environments. The business is fully insured through PetCare Insurance and licensed in Sudbury.

Sydney’s personal journey—from adopting a stray dog with intense behavioral challenges to becoming a certified trainer—shapes her empathetic, individualized approach. She does not believe in one-size-fits-all training and instead designs programs based on what each dog enjoys and was bred for.

Walk With Bruno serves only select neighborhoods in Sudbury due to logistical constraints and does not offer services north or south of the town center. They do not accept on-demand or infrequent bookings; all hiking clients must commit to a minimum of two walks per week.

The business does not offer grooming, boarding for non-training clients, daycare, or pet sitting outside of their integrated training and hiking programs.

Accomplishments

Sydney is a certified Training Without Conflict (TWC) trainer, having graduated from Ivan Balabanov’s intensive school. She has years of hands-on experience training dogs in natural environments, starting from her own dog Bruno’s behavioral challenges. She is a licensed business in Sudbury and fully insured.

How to Get Started!

Interested clients must fill out an online application with details about their dog, behavior issues, and location. After submission, Sydney will respond to determine fit and schedule a free in-person consultation.