About our Dog Training Classes
Nothing is more important than training and developing a solid foundation for your dog's future. Training can open the lines of communication between you and your dog, and a well-trained dog is a welcomed member of the community.
We offer group and private training for dogs of all ages and abilities. Our trainers have worked with hundreds of dogs, using positive reinforcement and a balanced approach, to help their owners achieve the best relationship with their beloved pets. We also want to make training FUN for you and your dog! Sign up for one of our training classes today!
Click the link below to find the times and dates of our upcoming classes. we also offer private training, when a group class might not be as convenient for you.
Puppy Kindergarten
Puppy classes are open to all breeds, from 4 months to 8 months of age, who haven't had any prior training. These classes focus on basic obedience commands, (such as sit, stay, come, place, and down) as well as housebreaking tips, boredom busters, crate training and more! Don't wait until your dog has to be untrained. Start training from a young age and reap the benefits of a happy, well-adjusted adult dog. We give you the tools to help you make your puppy shine! The cost of these 6 weekly, one hour classes is $249.00
All New! Nosework Class!
This exciting new course is designed to help your dog learn to focus, and is a great way to get them thinking, and as enrichment, by using their natural need to explore their world through scent. This class is open to all ages and abilities, with no prerequisites needed, and runs for 5 one hour weekly classes. The cost of this course is $199.00
Basic Obedience and more...
Group classes are designed to help your dog learn in a distracting environment. These classes also help with social skills and learning to be polite in public. Our class size is limited to 6 dog/owner teams, so everyone may receive the individual attention they need.
Basic Obedience teaches skills such as Come, Down, Stay, and Leave it, and walking politely on a leash. For dogs over 8 months, with no prior training experience, these classes run for 6 weeks, and class size is limited to 6 teams of dog and owner.
The cost of these 6 weekly, one-hour classes is $249.00
Our Beyond Basic Obedience helps you to cement the bond you've started with your dog in Basic Obedience. You and your dog will learn to work as a team, and skills will be fine-tuned. At this level of training, we add in distractions, and obstacles, to challenge you both to achieve success. Focus will be on long sit and down stays, coming when called, returning to heel, among others. Prerequisite for this class is having completed our Basic Obedience course. This class runs for 6 weeks, one hour per class, and is limited to 6 teams.
The cost of this class is $249.00
The AKC Canine Good Citizen Program was created by the American Kennel Club. It is a 2 part program designed to help you and your dog be the best you can be, together. CGC will help your team master 10 basic skills that instill confidence and good manners, in and out of the home. CGC training creates a long-lasting trust between you and your dog, and ensures you will be good neighbors and friends to those around you.
At the end of this 6 week course, your team will be tested on the skills you have learned. upon passing, you will receive an application to send to the AKC, after which you will receive an official certificate showing your achievement. Purebred dogs registered with the AKC, will also have the official title of Canine Good Citizen(CGC) added to their registered name.
This class is available in a group format only.
The cost of these 6 weekly, one hour classes, is $229.00
AKC Canine Good Citizen
Classes and Testing
Our Instructors are approved by THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB to teach and administer all of the above programs. Check our training schedule for availability!
Private Training (for you too!)
Busy schedule? That's ok! We offer private classes, for individual, one on one training, with one of our instructors. You can make an appointment for your class, to fit your schedule. You can also schedule just one class, or as many as you would like!
We can help you with any particular behavior issues your dog might be experiencing, or where group classes might not be a good fit. The cost of one private 45 minute class is $95.00, and is limited to one dog and handler team.
Breed Handling
Whether you are a novice to the show ring, or a seasoned professional, our breed handling classes are the place to be! We will help you learn to stack your dog for exam, and how to present your dog like a pro! You will also learn ring procedure, and how to present your dog for judging. Weekly, drop-in classes are available for you to practice with your dog and hone your handling skills!
The cost for this class is $20.00 per handler. Check our Facebook page, or contact page, for any updates on this class.
Meet our Dog Training Team!
Maryellen Gillespie
Owner, Lead Trainer
Maryellen (or Mel as her friends know her best!) has over 40 years of experience working with dogs, and as a trainer, breeder, and owner/handler of AKC German Shorthaired Pointers. She recently finished her GSP, Newman, as an AKC Champion, and he is featured as the store logo!
Maryellen owned her own Dog Training business for 12 years, teaching hundreds of owners and their dogs, before moving to Vermont in 2001, where she was employed by a large veterinary clinic. It has been her lifelong dream, to open a space devoted to her passion of everything dog. So, when the right location came along, she jumped at the chance to follow her dream, and
DogPerfect Canine Emporium became a reality.
Maryellen is accredited as an A.K.C. Evaluator, for their Canine Good Citizen Program, S.T.A.R. Puppy, and Community Canine, as well as a member of Association of Professional Dog Trainers.
She lives in Dedham, and along with her husband, Billy, and her 2 German Shorthaired Pointers, Newman and Pixie, owns and operates DogPerfect.
Kerry Boyd
All Breed Handling Instructor
Kerry has been involved with the world of Purebred Dogs, since she was very young. She competed in Junior Handling starting at the age of 8, and has been involved with the sport, ever since. She is a member of the Professional Dog Handlers Association, and an A.K.C Registered All Breed Handler. Kerry lives in Medway, with her husband, Eric, and their French Bulldogs.
Testimonials
What our customers say about us......
"Maryellen is always 100% reliable, and has always exceeded my expectations. Both Hari, my Corgi, and I, adore her. She really understands dogs, and her knowledge of their behavior and needs is amazing! Hari and I cannot wait to see her, and take advantage of her training, grooming, and dog care expertise in her new business."
Maryellen helped me train my puppy, Birdie. Every time they were together, she learned something new. Maryellen is a fantastic resource for anything dog-related, and is genuinely passionate for all types of dogs. She is my go-to for any questions I may have, and Birdie and I just love her!
Amazing dog training.....
Have a canine you love? Check this place out! Toys, treats, and incredible training....