FirstBarkNeil is the best. He helped our family when we brought home a very anxious four year old dog and gave us actionable solutions to help her adjust to her new home with us. When we welcomed our (human) baby a few years later, Neil was a lifesaver and supported us to make sure everyone was getting along. Thank you, Neil!
Zen Dog Training
Somerville, Massachusetts
About Zen Dog Training
Zen Dog Training has transformed human-canine relationships since 2005. Our clients learn the secrets to successful dog training and our veterinarian approved approach to preventing and solving problem behaviors. Our positive reinforcement approach works on dogs of all ages and breeds. You'll learn how to quickly train your dog or puppy and fear-free ways to gently stop unwanted behaviors too!
Training & services
Training goals
- Behavior consultation
- Crate training Customer-reported
- Leash training
- Obedience training
- Puppy training
- Recall training
- Socialization
Behavior support
- Aggression training
- Barking
- Fear and confidence
- Reactivity training
- Resource guarding
- Separation anxiety
How training happens
- Group classes
- In-home training
- Online or virtual training
- Owner coaching
- Private training
Dog age
- Puppies
Class options
- Small classes
Support between sessions
- Homework and practice
- Personalized training plans
Assistance and working dogs
- Therapy dog training
Your dog’s background
- Rescue dogs
Training approach
- Positive reinforcement
Other listed services
View 23 additional details
- Animal Rescue
- Basic Commands
- Certified Dog Trainer
- Dog Behavior Challenges
- Dog Parent
- Dog Safety
- Dogs Leash
- Education Programs
- Family Dog
- Helping Dog
- High School
- Home Visits
- House Calls
- In-Home Consultation
- Master Dog Trainer
- New Rescue
- Personal Trainers
- Personalized Coaching
- Personalized Training Session
- Pet Adoption Counselor
- Shy Dog
- Telephone Consultation
- Vet Services
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Customer reviews
Google listing4.9
210 Google reviews
Mentioned in reviews
- Puppy training 50
- Socialization 32
- Knowledgeable trainer 18
- Helpful staff 13
- Safe environment 12
- Crate training 7
All 10 topics
- Obedience training 7
- Dog socialization 6
- Behavior correction 4
- Easy to follow materials 3
Google review topics, not confirmed services.
Zen Dog is an outstanding dog training service! We had Neil come to our home. Our one year old pup was a jumper and barker and we were struggling with training. She was still not completely house trained, was pulling on walks, and not listening to commands - totally running the …Read full reviewClose full review
Zen Dog is an outstanding dog training service! We had Neil come to our home. Our one year old pup was a jumper and barker and we were struggling with training. She was still not completely house trained, was pulling on walks, and not listening to commands - totally running the show. Neil came into our home and within an hour, using praise and gentle redirection, that pup was putty in his hands. Best of all, Neil listened to our concerns and offered clear instruction with written/visual guidelines that we could follow and gave us hope and encouragement. In every meeting, Neil demonstrated a technique and then let us try. He has a great manner and was always kind, thoughtful and professional. Within just a few sessions, our dog became the happy, well-behaved pup we wanted. We are enjoying her so much now! Thank you, Neil! We highly recommend Zen Dog.
Neil Simmons was our trainer. We have a 1 year old Boston who had issues with overly toothy play. He drew blood on me and with a 5 year old daughter in the house, we wanted to sort things out. We are a busy family and have a hectic schedule. The in-home session with Neil was …Read full reviewClose full review
Neil Simmons was our trainer. We have a 1 year old Boston who had issues with overly toothy play. He drew blood on me and with a 5 year old daughter in the house, we wanted to sort things out. We are a busy family and have a hectic schedule. The in-home session with Neil was insightful and extremely helpful. Neil is patient and a great communicator. He clearly loves the work. We began to see positive behavioral changes right then and there and he gave us the road map for success before he left. I would highly recommend Neil and Zen Dog to dog parents in need of help or wanting to learn more about canine behavior.
Such a great class, 100% recommend! It was a fun environment and really help navigate puppy training with ease.
Neil Simmons worked with our young rescue. He patiently and clearly taught the entire family, starting with basics then working up to more advanced skills. Maggie is our family's first dog so we wanted to start out understanding behaviors and reinforcing good habits. Happy dog happy family. Thank you, Neil!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.