Zen Dog Training

Gordon came to our home for a session with our corgi, Maisel, and it was exactly what we needed. His techniques were effective and made immediate sense, not just for Maisel, but for us as owners. He has a real gift for teaching the humans as much as the dog, so you actually know what to do after he leaves. What struck us most was the trust he builds with the dog, with the owners, and in the process itself. Maisel took to him right away, and we left the session feeling genuinely confident. Highly recommend for anyone looking for in-home training in the Boston area.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

After just one session with Neil, I could already see changes with my dog. The hard work will be on me, especially as Neil helped me see how many of my best intentions to help my dog were not helping and making things worse. So I got work to do to change those habits and I have a good coach in Neil to support those changes. Our dog is lucky to have found Neil and ZDT. Also shout out to Gordon who was beyond helpful and responsive. Fully recommend ZDT.

Absolutely loved this puppy class! As a first-time puppy parent, we learned so much and felt way more confident after each session. Gordon’s guidance really changed how I understand and communicate with my pup. The socialization time was also amazing! It was so great watching the puppies interact and build confidence in a safe, well-managed environment. Gordon was incredibly friendly and patient, and my pup had the best time while learning so much. Highly recommend to any new puppy parent. Truly worth every minute!

My wife and I welcomed our first fur baby, Cooper, a mini Australian Shepherd, into our lives, and like most first-time dog parents, we quickly realized we had a lot to learn. From leash walking and crate training to navigating separation anxiety, picky eating, and the universal “why won’t this puppy sleep?” phase, we experienced it all. Enter Gordon Fontaine! Simply put, Gordon is in a league of his own. His ability to teach, guide, and genuinely connect not just with the dogs, but with their humans is something special. He created an environment where we felt comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and celebrating the small wins. His encouragement never wavered, and his patience seemed endless. What stood out most is how he treated every single dog as if they were his own. You can tell this isn’t just a job for him but it’s a passion. As the saying goes, “Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen,” and Gordon clearly listens best. Because of him, Cooper didn’t just learn how to behave but he learned how to be a confident, social, happy dog. And just as importantly, my wife and I grew into more capable, confident owners. Another quote that feels fitting: “A well-trained dog is a reflection of a well-taught human,” and we owe that entirely to Gordon. It’s honestly bittersweet to graduate puppy class, because if we could, we’d keep taking classes with him without hesitation. That’s how great this experience has been. Gordon. Truly from the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything. Thank you for shaping Cooper into the amazing pup he is, and for helping us become better for him. We couldn’t have asked for a better start to this journey with the most genuine trainer!

We cannot recommend Gordon at Zen Dog Training enough! When we brought our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy Charlie home, we were first-time puppy parents (one of us completely new to dogs!) and had no idea where to start. Gordon came to our home for a private lesson right away, and it immediately set us up for success — he met us exactly where we were, gave us clear, actionable guidance, and made the whole thing feel manageable rather than overwhelming. We then went on to complete Gordon's six-week puppy group course, and it was honestly one of the best decisions we've made for Charlie. The socialization opportunities alone were worth it — Charlie got to interact with other puppies in a safe, structured environment that we never could have replicated on our own. Gordon has a true gift for reading both dogs and their owners, and his calm, confident approach clearly translates to the dogs in his care. By the end of the course, Charlie had skills we didn't think were possible for such a young pup, and we felt like so much more confident, prepared dog owners. If you're looking for a trainer — especially if you're bringing home a new puppy — stop looking and book with Gordon. You will not regret it. 🐾