Behavior & Training
Here at Dogology our philosophy is to fulfill the “whole dog”. Just like the body needs good nutrition in order to function at its best, the mind needs stimulation in order to thrive. Training your dog is about much more than just teaching them basic commands. It is about developing a deep bond between you and your dog. One of love, trust, respect and understanding that will ultimately make you and your dog's life easier. Whether your goal is to modify or prevent unwanted behaviors, provide mental exercise, or just learn to communicate more effectively, we can help. Just like every human is unique, so is every dog. At Dogology we tailor the style and methods of training to suit you and your specific situation. The goal should not only be to make a better dog, but also, to make a better human. Check out our FAQ page or email our behavior department for more information about classes, private sessions and multiple training offerings.
If you're ready to commit, just use our easy to navigate links below to schedule now!
If you're ready to commit, just use our easy to navigate links below to schedule now!
Please read this carefully before booking using our online format. Before booking it may be helpful to decide which trainer you wish to work with ahead of time as our schedules differ and one may suit your availability better than the other. Below you will find a brief bio and a listing of our typical availability.
Due to high demand, all appointments, classes, and offerings must be paid in full at the time of scheduling and there are no refunds if cancelling or rescheduling within 24 hours of an appointment time. All classes and on site training is held in building #2 at our Canton location.
For more assistance please email our training department.
dogologybehavior@gmail.com
Due to high demand, all appointments, classes, and offerings must be paid in full at the time of scheduling and there are no refunds if cancelling or rescheduling within 24 hours of an appointment time. All classes and on site training is held in building #2 at our Canton location.
For more assistance please email our training department.
dogologybehavior@gmail.com
Meet Our Trainers
Benjamin Garson with Judah, Kovu, Bill, Hatchet and Po 
Ben has been working as a canine behavioral consultant for over ten years and specializes in the prevention and modification of unwanted canine behavioral issues. He has been featured on Dogology’s monthly NBC Segment “Ask the Dogologist,” and has been interviewed by The Hartford Courant, ABC, FOX, Nutmeg TV, Canton Life, and Valley Life. His training methods have won him numerous awards, including being voted “Best Dog Trainer” in the CTNow Readers Poll in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Whether working with a juvenile dog to prevent unwanted behaviors before they emerge, or with a mature dog to modify pre-existing behaviors, Ben gives people the tools to be more confident, respected dog owners. His goal is to help owners understand the modern canine mind and, in turn, bridge the communication gap between dog and owner. Ben believes in the utility of both positive reward-based methods and correction-based methods, and does not see them as mutually exclusive. He seeks to connect these two methods, to use the best of both. It's his belief that such an approach benefits dogs, the broader training community, and ultimately the satisfaction of the owners. Ben's flexible, all-encompassing, creative approach draws inspiration from a wide range of disciplines, such as Zen Buddhist philosophy, human psychology, and the social sciences. Just as some doctors and nutritionists take a "whole body" approach to treatment, Ben takes a "whole dog" approach to training. In addition to his behavioral background, Ben has worked in the veterinary field and has a broad canine medical knowledge. Ben resides in Simsbury, CT with his wife and their five dogs.
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Mike Ouellette with Oliver and Leo
A few years ago Mike decided he wanted to learn more about the techniques and philosophies of shaping canine behavior. He had no real plans other than to simply build a more harmonious relationship with his own dogs. Mike anticipated that this process would have a significant impact on his dogs but what he did not expect, was the profound impact it would have on him. Working with his dogs gave Mike a deeper understanding of companionship, loyalty, structure, tranquility, and overall health. He became fascinated by the inner workings of the canine mind and what it takes to truly embody a leader. Mike realized that many of the things he missed most from his time as a United States Marine he rediscovered when working with dogs. In 2013 Mike had a chance encounter with Dogology trainer Ben Garson at which point it was obvious to Ben that Mike possessed a natural way about him that is the foundation of every successful trainer. Over the next year Mike apprenticed under Ben, sculpting his own philosophy and expanding his skill set. Although it is Mike’s belief that one never stops learning and adapting, in 2014 Mike ended his apprenticeship and began his own professional career at Dogology. Mike empowers owners by helping them understand how their dogs learn and how humans consciously and sub-consciously influence them. He provides a balanced approach utilizing reward-based and correction-based techniques while emphasizing confidence, patience, and consistency. It is his experience that dogs are all too eager to please us as long as we communicate expectations to them in a way they understand. Teaching people to communicate with their dogs in this fashion is the cornerstone of Mike’s ultimate goal; helping owners find joy and growth in training their dogs. Mike and his wife live with their two rescues; a Rottweiler mix named Leo, and a Husky mix named Oliver. As a family they are always willing to help a dog in need.
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Ben's Availability
Appointments (within 30 minute driving radius from facility) Monday: 8am, 930am, 11am, 430pm, 6pm Tuesday: 8am, 930am, 11am Wednesday: 8am, 930am, 11am, 430pm, 6pm Thursday: 8am, 930am, 11am Travel Appointments (outside 30 minute driving radius from facility) Monday: 830am, 1030am, 5pm Tuesday: 830am, 1030am Wednesday: 830am, 1030am, 5pm Thursday: 830am, 1030am Classes Tuesday: 4:45pm older puppy class, 6pm young puppy class Thursday: 4:45pm young puppy class, 6pm older puppy class Saturday: 9:15am young puppy class, 10:30am older puppy class |
Mike's Availability
Appointments (within 30 minute driving radius from facility) Tuesday: 12pm, 130pm, 3pm, 430pm, 6pm Wednesday: 12pm, 130pm, 3pm, 430pm Thursday: 12pm, 130pm, 3pm, 430pm, 6pm Friday: 12pm, 130pm, 3pm, 430pm Saturday: 10am, 1130am, 1pm, 230pm Travel Appointments (outside 30 minute driving radius from facility) Tuesday: 1230pm, 230pm, 5pm Wednesday: 1230pm, 230pm Thursday: 1230pm, 230pm, 5pm Friday: 1230pm, 230pm Saturday: 1030am, 1230am Classes Wednesday: 4:45pm older puppy class, 6pm young puppy class Friday: 4:45pm young puppy class, 6pm older puppy class |
Private One-on-One Training
Private Training Sessions- The most efficient way to diagnose, find solutions for and resolve unwanted behaviors is with a private one on one appointment in the location with which the behaviors are occurring. Our trainers will come to you, in the comfort of your own home, at our facility, or at a location of your choosing, and focus solely on you and your individual needs. There is no better way to prevent or resolve behavioral issues than for you to implement the strategies and tools we provide, therefore building the framework of respect yourself. For more information on choosing the best location of your first private appointment please check our FAQ page. There are no behaviors too severe for our trainers and we can help you implement strategies for safe introductions during our first appointment. Please schedule using links below or contact our training department for more information. Prices vary and discounted packages are available. Standard prices are based on a strict 25 minute driving radius, locations beyond our 25 minute driving radius please use travel appointment option to book. For out of state appointments or appointments that necessitate airfare and lodging, please contact our training department to arrange.
Virtual Training Session- whether there is a global pandemic, you are unable to come to us or have us come to you, or just want a follow up and feel an in person meeting isn’t necessary, we offer virtual appointments. Different platforms are available and there are a lot of behavioral issues that can be addressed in this way. Please book using links below or contact our training department for more information. Prices vary and discounted packages are available.
Puppy Training Classes
Due to the popularity of our classes, there are no refunds 24 hrs prior
and no make ups for a missed class. If classes are full or you don't see a class that works
for you, please check back as new classes are typically added every few weeks.
Puppy Class for Young Puppies
Age grouping 10 to 20 weeks
4 weeks | Tues 6pm, Wed 6pm, Thur 4:45pm, Fri 4:45pm, Sat 9:15am | $300+tax
Everything you need to know about how to relate to your new best friend. Topics will include potty training, mouthing and jumping, commands, mental vs. physical exercise, teaching calm, socialization, problem prevention and building positive associations. This class is much more than your typical obedience based puppy class and is the foundation for a lifetime of good behavior and effective communication. One hour, small classes, over a four week period held in our safe, 2,000 sq ft training room. Please book using links below or contact our training department for more information.
Age grouping 10 to 20 weeks
4 weeks | Tues 6pm, Wed 6pm, Thur 4:45pm, Fri 4:45pm, Sat 9:15am | $300+tax
Everything you need to know about how to relate to your new best friend. Topics will include potty training, mouthing and jumping, commands, mental vs. physical exercise, teaching calm, socialization, problem prevention and building positive associations. This class is much more than your typical obedience based puppy class and is the foundation for a lifetime of good behavior and effective communication. One hour, small classes, over a four week period held in our safe, 2,000 sq ft training room. Please book using links below or contact our training department for more information.
Puppy Class for Older Puppies
Age grouping 6 to 12 months
4 weeks | Tues 4:45pm, Wed 4:45pm, Thurs 6pm, Fri 6pm, Sat 10:30am | $300+tax
Whether this is your puppy's first training class or they are continuing on from our younger class, make sure your puppy is on the path to good behavior. Topics will include leash walking, recall, potty training, mouthing, commands, mental vs. physical exercise, teaching calm, socialization, problem prevention and building positive relationships. This class is much more than your typical obedience based puppy class and is the foundation for a lifetime of good behavior and effective communication. One hour, small classes, over a four week period held in our safe, 2,000 sq ft training room. Please book using links below or contact our training department for more information.
Age grouping 6 to 12 months
4 weeks | Tues 4:45pm, Wed 4:45pm, Thurs 6pm, Fri 6pm, Sat 10:30am | $300+tax
Whether this is your puppy's first training class or they are continuing on from our younger class, make sure your puppy is on the path to good behavior. Topics will include leash walking, recall, potty training, mouthing, commands, mental vs. physical exercise, teaching calm, socialization, problem prevention and building positive relationships. This class is much more than your typical obedience based puppy class and is the foundation for a lifetime of good behavior and effective communication. One hour, small classes, over a four week period held in our safe, 2,000 sq ft training room. Please book using links below or contact our training department for more information.
Puppy Playgroup
Ages 10 to 20 weeks
Saturday | 8am-9am | $20
Puppy socialization is essential to the proper development of your dog. The more exposure your puppy has to different experiences the better socially equipped your adult dog will be later in life. One crucial area of proper socialization is their relationship to other dogs. Between the ages of 3 and 20 weeks old, your puppy will be far more accepting of new experiences. Past the period of about 20 weeks, it becomes increasingly more difficult to redefine a negative association into a positive one. Unfortunately, not all socialization is equal and placing your puppy into an unknown environment can just as easily, if not handled correctly, establish a negative relationship as it can a positive one. That’s why at Dogology we have developed puppy playgroups with experienced handlers who will monitor play so that each puppy can express their feelings and be guided through them in order to develop a positive link with all different types of canine personalities. Playgroups are held in our 2,000 sq ft training room and are limited to the appropriate number for the different sized groupings. Cost is $20/puppy, book using link below or contact our training department for more information.
Puppy Playgroup Requirements:
Puppies aged 10 to 20 weeks
Up to date on age appropriate core vaccines
Healthy, friendly, and social puppy
It is very important that proper socialization not be limited to simply our puppy playgroup
and our experienced staff will be happy to discuss with you other ways in which to build on their development.
Puppy Playgroup Requirements:
Puppies aged 10 to 20 weeks
Up to date on age appropriate core vaccines
Healthy, friendly, and social puppy
It is very important that proper socialization not be limited to simply our puppy playgroup
and our experienced staff will be happy to discuss with you other ways in which to build on their development.
Canine Enrichment
our take on the classic "board and train"
Coming soon!
Sometimes, despite best efforts, the time and energy it takes to work with your dog can be challenging to find. Not all dogs are quick to change their patterns of behavior. Not all puppies are quick to master their basic commands and not all owners have the abilities required to duplicate a training exercise until it has become a ritual. These types of dogs, the insecure, the complicated, the assertive, or the ones not well suited for a traditional daycare are often the same dogs that need that type of energy release the most. Let our trainers assist you in fulfilling your dogs physical and mental needs with our daily day boarding and training program. This program is designed to work in tandem with our puppy classes and private training in assisting you in reinforcing the things you are working on at home. Appropriate leash behavior, command reinforcement, proper social etiquette, tricks, and confidence building exercises are just a few of the many things we can help instill in your dog. We can't do all the work for you as good behaviors and routines need be reinforced at home, but we can help. Please book using links below or contact our training department for more information.
Coming soon!
Sometimes, despite best efforts, the time and energy it takes to work with your dog can be challenging to find. Not all dogs are quick to change their patterns of behavior. Not all puppies are quick to master their basic commands and not all owners have the abilities required to duplicate a training exercise until it has become a ritual. These types of dogs, the insecure, the complicated, the assertive, or the ones not well suited for a traditional daycare are often the same dogs that need that type of energy release the most. Let our trainers assist you in fulfilling your dogs physical and mental needs with our daily day boarding and training program. This program is designed to work in tandem with our puppy classes and private training in assisting you in reinforcing the things you are working on at home. Appropriate leash behavior, command reinforcement, proper social etiquette, tricks, and confidence building exercises are just a few of the many things we can help instill in your dog. We can't do all the work for you as good behaviors and routines need be reinforced at home, but we can help. Please book using links below or contact our training department for more information.
Coming soon!
Pre-Dog Ownership Consultation
Thinking about getting a new dog? Bringing a new dog into the home can be an exciting time but it can also come with a lot of questions, even for previous dog owners. The relationship you build with your dog begins the minute you first meet them and even in a matter of days, behavioral patterns can be established. Whether you are considering a new puppy or an adult dog, be confident you have the tools to make the right choice for your home. Please book using link below or contact our training department for more information.
Pack Walk
Postponed until further notice
***FOR CLIENTS WHO HAVE WORKED WITH OUR TRAINERS PREVIOUSLY***
Meet with our behavior modification specialists, at varying locations for a structured pack walk. These walks are well paced, multiple miles, and in scenic surroundings. What better way to spend your Sunday morning than reconnecting with your dog for some walking therapy. This is a relaxing group training session on the move. This is the perfect opportunity once a week to not only mentally and physically exercise your dog but to expose them to other dogs in a safe and controlled walking environment that is comfortable for both you and them. Because this group will contain owners and dogs who may be insecure or reactive, there will be specific etiquette that must be followed to allow individual owners and dogs to build confidence at their own pace. These rules will be laid out at the beginning of each walk or during discussions prior and for the comfort and safety of everyone, must be followed at all times. Come practice your training in a judgement-free and controlled environment with lots of comfortable exposure to other dogs and people. Cost is $40/dog, book using link below or contact our training department for more information.
Corporate Seminars
Every year companies have to account for their employees to sustain dog related injuries even though the companies function has little or nothing to do with dogs. Postal workers, utility workers, or any job that requires an employee to enter a clients property or home will put their employees at risk of a dog bite. These preventable injuries can cause a company productivity loss, monetary loss, and legal issues. At Dogology we offer companies a unique way to minimize these incidents by educating your employees on the proper way to handle the most common dog and human interactions. Our one hour seminar will cover body language cues, appropriate reactions to aggression and fear, a basic explanation of dog psychology and will dispel some of the common misconceptions we hear often from those working in the field. Although it is difficult to eliminate these incidents altogether, companies who have participated in our seminars have seen drastic reductions in the number of incidents per year. For scheduling or more information please contact our training department by phone or email.
Pet Industry Seminars
Understanding some basic behavior prevention and modification concepts is not just useful to the general public but also to any occupation that deals with the treatment and handling of dogs or education of their owners. For this reason we offer veterinary clinics, dog daycares, boarding facilities, or any dog related businesses the opportunity to have one of our trainers come to your facility and educate your staff. Our goal is to enhance your client experience by improving your staffs ability to handle canine interactions and speak more eloquently on the subject of training. In doing so it is our belief that we are doing a service to educate and improve the overall dog community. For scheduling or more information please contact our training department by phone or email.