How much does private dog training cost in Massachusetts?

Private in-home dog training with Connell's Dog Training costs $260 per hour. Multi-session packages are available: $780 for three lessons and $1,300 for a five-lesson complex behavior program. Virtual consultations are $60 per 30-minute session.

What areas does Connell's Dog Training serve?

Connell's Dog Training provides in-home sessions throughout the greater Boston area, including Norwood, Quincy, Walpole, and surrounding communities.

What types of behavior issues does Matt handle?

Matt specializes in complex behavior cases including reactivity, leash aggression, separation anxiety, fear-based behaviors, and dogs with bite histories. He also handles foundational obedience, puppy training, and off-leash reliability training.

Do you use e-collars?

Yes, when appropriate. Matt uses e-collar training as a communication tool to build clarity and off-leash reliability. E-collars are recommended only when the training plan calls for them, and Matt provides thorough instruction on proper use.

How is Connell's Dog Training different from other trainers in Massachusetts?

Matt personally conducts every session — no staff, no subcontractors. With over eleven years of experience and advanced education in security and safety leadership, he brings an analytical approach that goes beyond standard obedience training.

Training Services Agreement

Revised September 25, 2026

Services & Payment

I am hiring Connell's Dog Training LLC ("the Company") and Matthew Connell ("the Trainer") for the purpose of training my dog and helping me learn how to alter its behavior. I understand that various factors, not all in the Trainer's control, affect dog behavior, and that it may change over time. I understand that training requires ongoing work from me in order to succeed, and I will continue to abide by the Trainer's advice for the duration of the training. I agree that no guarantees have been or will be made regarding the success of training my dog, or the longevity of that success.

I am aware that payment for training is due at least 7 days prior to the first lesson in order to hold my appointment. I will pay the remaining balance due by the day of the first lesson. I confirm that I am aware of the number of lessons included in my training package, and any equipment that is included with that package. This information is listed on the Company's website (www.connellsdogtraining.com).

Cancellation before training begins: If I cancel more than 48 hours before my first scheduled lesson, any payments made will be refunded in full. If I cancel within 48 hours of the first scheduled lesson, or fail to appear, the introductory lesson payment is nonrefundable, but any remaining prepaid lessons will be refunded or, at my option, credited toward future training.

Scheduling & Refunds

I understand that training packages include multiple lessons which should occur approximately every 1–2 weeks. I am expected to book all lessons included in a package at once to ensure this happens. I am aware that all lessons in a package must occur within a maximum number of weeks or they will be forfeited and no refund will be given. The maximum number of weeks is 3 times the number of lessons in the package (Example: a 3-lesson package must be completed within 9 weeks of the first appointment). If rescheduling is necessary during the course of my ongoing training, I may do so by contacting the Company (508-219-1222) at least 2 hours in advance. If my dog(s) and I are not present when a lesson is scheduled to begin, the lesson will be forfeited and no refund will be given. Training packages will not be prorated, and unused lessons and equipment will not be individually refunded. If the Trainer terminates a lesson early for health or safety reasons, the unused portion of that lesson may, at the Company's discretion, be credited toward a future lesson; lessons discontinued due to my conduct or my dog's conduct are not refundable.

Service Area, Parking, & Other Fees

I am aware of the Company’s service area (www.connellsdogtraining.com) and that customers outside it are considered case-by-case. A travel fee may be assessed. Customers are responsible for parking costs incurred.

Health & Safety

I certify that the dog(s) being trained is/are current for Rabies, bordetella, and DHPP (aka distemper) vaccinations and free from acute illness or injury. I understand I must supply copies of vaccination records at least 7 days prior to training in order to hold my appointment(s). Any known allergies, medical, or psychological conditions will be brought to the attention of the Company and Trainer in advance. The Trainer, at his sole discretion, may refuse to work with a dog which appears to be unhealthy, injured, psychologically unfit, or otherwise unsuitable for training, and may discontinue training at any point it is deemed necessary in order to protect the well-being of the dog(s) or other parties involved.

Recording & Session Documentation

Photography and video. I agree that the Company may utilize photography or videography of our lessons, and that those recordings may be used in Company materials including but not limited to: web pages, advertising, emails, social media, books, and apps. The Company holds legal claim to any such media. I release any claim to compensation for the use of any such media. No media will be used which identifies my name, address, or other personal information without my express written consent.

Audio recording and session notes. I understand and consent that the Trainer uses a wearable AI transcription device ("the Device") to record and transcribe conversations during our sessions for the purpose of creating training notes, documenting progress, and preparing summaries. I understand that:

Audio from our sessions, including my voice, may be captured and transcribed to text;
Transcription and note generation may be performed by the Device and its software, which may involve processing by a third-party service provider;
Transcripts and notes created from my sessions are treated as client records under this agreement and the Company's privacy policy, and are subject to the same confidentiality and retention terms;
Recordings and transcripts are for internal documentation only and will not be published, shared, or used in Company materials, except as otherwise provided in this agreement for photography and video;
If other adults are present during a session and may speak (family members, roommates, guests), it is my responsibility to inform them that the session is being recorded, and I will obtain their consent or ask them to remain outside the recording session;
I understand that if I do not wish for my sessions to be recorded by the Device, I must notify the Company in writing before my first lesson; absent such notice, this permission applies. The Company may decline to conduct sessions that cannot be documented.

Communication

I understand that by engaging in business with the Company, I will be added to a contact list and may receive periodic updates regarding the Company's activities and services offered. I understand that I may access the Company's privacy policy at any time by visiting https://www.connellsdogtraining.com/privacy-policy, which details how my information is protected and how I may remove myself from the list at any time.

Equipment & Training Methods

I understand that training may involve the use of remote training collars (e-collars), prong collars, slip leads, and muzzles, as described on the Company's website (www.connellsdogtraining.com), and that any muzzle requirements exist for the safety of me, my dog, and the Trainer. I acknowledge that the Company's equipment recommendations and training methods are explained on the website and that I have had the opportunity to review them before signing this agreement.

Release of Liability

The Company and Trainer will take all reasonable measures to provide safe and responsible care for my dog(s); however, I understand that the behavior of my dog(s) is my responsibility, and that working with dogs involves inherent risks that cannot be eliminated. In consideration of the training services provided, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and Trainer from all liability for any loss, damage, or injury to persons, animals, or property arising from or related to my dog(s), except to the extent such loss, damage, or injury results from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Company or Trainer. I understand this agreement does not release the Company or Trainer from liability for gross negligence or willful misconduct, which cannot be waived under Massachusetts law.

General Terms

This agreement is governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If any provision of this agreement is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. Any disputes arising under this agreement will be resolved in the courts of Norfolk County, Massachusetts. This agreement, together with the Company's published rates and policies on its website, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties regarding training services.