IN-HOME PRIVATE TRAINING
Private in-home dog training throughout greater Boston and eastern Massachusetts. Since 2015, Matt Connell personally conducts every session, specializing in complex behavior cases — reactivity, aggression, and anxiety. Introductory lessons are $260 per hour. Training packages start at $780. Follow-up sessions are $210 per hour. All dogs must have current vaccinations.
Please view the service area map at the bottom of the page.
No-Obligation Introductory Lesson: $260
Start Your Dog’s Training Journey with Confidence
Whether you’re dealing with challenging behaviors or just want a more well-mannered companion, getting started can feel overwhelming. That’s why I offer a no-obligation, in-home introductory lesson designed to give you clarity, tools, and a clear plan right from day one.
What’s Included
This one-hour session takes place at your home, where your dog is most comfortable and where many behaviors naturally occur. It’s the ideal environment for accurate assessment and effective training.
During your session, we will:
Talk through your dog’s history, behaviors, and your goals
Observe your dog in their normal environment
Identify the root causes of any issues
Begin hands-on training and show you practical techniques you can use immediately
Discuss training program options tailored to your dog and lifestyle
You’ll leave the lesson with a clear understanding of how to move forward — whether you decide to continue working with me or not.
This flat fee covers the full session, with no pressure to commit to anything beyond this first lesson.
Why Book a Lesson?
Personalized advice: No cookie-cutter solutions — just honest feedback tailored to you and your dog.
See real training in action: I’ll demonstrate techniques with your dog so you can see results beginning in the very first hour.
No obligation: This session is about helping you make an informed decision with zero commitment.
Available in-home Training Packages
3-lesson Package: $780
This short training package is tailored to solve your minor dog problems quickly, effectively, and safely. Whether you’re just starting out with a new puppy or rescue, need help with your dog’s leash manners, obedience, or are experiencing typical dog problems like:
Excessive barking
Jumping on people or furniture
Destructive chewing
Food theft
Hole Digging
You’ll learn how to engage your dog more effectively so that you get their attention effortlessly when you need it. You’ll increase their responsiveness and cooperation with obedience and obtain a fully loose-leash walk. Best of all, you’ll deepen the trust your dog has in you and improve their confidence and calmness.
This is not a one-size-fits-all approach either. If you or your dog have done training before, I’ll meet you at your skill level. My goal is to take your relationship with your dog to the next level. I’ll come to your home at weekly or biweekly intervals, coaching you and your family as you learn with your dog.
Since training is highly participatory, all or most of your family or household members should attend. I’ve trained many roommates, couples, and families of all ages. In every case, the best results are had by those who participate fully. Children are encouraged to help and ask questions as well. You will also have access to me between lessons via text or phone for any questions or concerns you may have. Think of me as your dog relationship consultant and coach for a 3-6 week period.
Equipment:
Dogs will be trained on either a Herm Sprenger prong collar or slip lead, depending on the trainer’s recommendation for your dog at the first lesson. This is determined by their strength and sensitivity to leash pressure. This is included in the package for no additional cost.
Optional: Safe, responsible, and expert E-Collar instruction, available as soon as the second lesson, if the we discuss it in lesson one. Due to the features available, build quality, and product safety, I exclusively sell and train with E-Collar Technologies equipment. You can buy this from me or elsewhere. If you currently have a Dogtra collar that you like, that may be used as well.
Prerequisites:
Your dog must be at least 4 months of age to begin this program. Please see puppy training if you have a younger puppy, or are considering getting a puppy.
Vaccinations against Rabies, DHPP, & Bordetella.
Please note: This package is not suitable for dogs displaying complex behaviors like extreme anxiety, fear, reactivity, or aggression. If your dog experiences any such behaviors, please see my Complex Behavior Pack, below.
5-Lesson Complex Behavior Package: $1,300 + E-Collar
Complex behavior includes reactivity, aggression, severe anxiety, fear-based responses, and over-excitement that creates unsafe patterns. This isn't just for 'dangerous' dogs — fearful, defensive, and sensitive dogs also fall into this category.
Some of the behaviors which could qualify a dog for this longer training package include:
Barking, growling, and/or lunging at people, vehicles, or animals
Raised hackles (hair on the dog’s back)
Bites or attempted bites
Extreme fear, phobias, or anxiety
I have worked with numerous dogs across New England with such issues, ranging from mild to severe and dangerous. In most cases, your dog can learn the self-control necessary to live peacefully. I’ll help take the mystery out of your dog’s behavior. I’ll show you my proven methods for correcting reactivity and aggression and channeling it into healthier behavior. We can help your dog gain the confidence to respond to stress more calmly in the future.
In this package you will learn:
To safely and confidently handle a dog with complex behaviors, regardless of your size and strength level
Short-term and long-term lifestyle changes which support your dog’s transformation
To recognize the body language cues that precede poor behavior so you can prevent it
Proper application of reinforcement and punishment in order to guide your dog toward safer and more constructive behaviors
How to lead and advocate for your dog — so they feel secure and choose not to lash out or become fearful when stressed
Using my Manners—Obedience—Mindset approach to dog training, we can restore peace to your dog’s life. The short-term result will be a safer dog and improved confidence for you. The long-term result will be a calmer, more relaxed dog. Since every dog is unique, this package should be looked at as merely a starting point. Follow-Up Lessons can be used to continue your dog’s training as needed.
Each lesson is 45-60 minutes long.
Equipment:
Dogs will be trained on either a Herm Sprenger prong collar or slip lead, depending on the trainer’s recommendation for your dog at the first lesson. This is determined by their strength and sensitivity to leash pressure. This is included in the package for no additional cost.
This package requires an additional purchase of a remote electric collar. Complex behaviors require a delicate approach; modern e-collars can do just that when used properly. Due to the features available, build quality, and product safety, I exclusively train my dogs with E-Collar Technologies equipment; that is the brand I also sell. E-Collars start at $200+.
Prerequisites:
Your dog must be at least 4 months of age to begin this program. Please see puppy training if you have a younger puppy, or are considering getting a puppy.
Vaccinations against Rabies, DHPP, & Bordetella.
Depending on the behaviors your dog presents with, your dog may be required to wear a muzzle during portions of training. This is for the safety of you, your dog, and me. If you’ve never put one on your dog before, or they’ve reacted poorly to one in the past, don’t worry! You can learn more about selecting a muzzle and acclimating your dog to it in the video below.
Follow-Up Lessons: $210
Description
These are follow-up lessons that can be added to any training package for additional training. They can also be used as refresher training or for problem-solving for customers who previously completed a training package. They are not for first appointments and do not include additional equipment. Return clients receive a discounted rate of $210 per hour for follow-up sessions.
New customers must begin with a training package or introductory lesson.
Each lesson is 45-60 minutes long.