Island Dog Training

04/19/2026

If your dog gets too overstimulated in the home or is unable to relax without being in the crate then tethering is a good way to acclimate them to relaxing in the home. Here is a classic example of an Overtired & frustrated dog not understanding how to settle. First we went for a long walk, let him get some water, and then now Ill limit his freedom to prevent him from running through the house & continuing to be over stimulated.

A dog in motion cannot calm down at the same time, so to calm a dog we need to stop movement. My goal is to practice tethering after every walk while limiting what he has access to. Majority of dogs I work with do not know how to settle without stimulation, meaning kongs, bones, affection, etc. Its important to provide them with the skill to relax without the need for external stimulation.

To achieve a relaxed dog in the home you will need to follow the order of exercise, rest, freedom. If we skip the rest part we will have an Overtired dog resulting in a lot of frustrating behaviors.

04/06/2026

Hey everyone, wanted to announce a new seminar I'm teaching this month. This one is all about puppies and making sure you know how to provide them the best start possible. Everyone is welcome to attend. Even if you don't currently have a puppy I'd reccomend any client, friend or someone interested in dogs to come join. By the end of the seminar you'll know all the do's and don'ts for raising a puppy right.

To buy tickets check the link in my bio or head over to my website www.IslandDogTrainer.com

Topics covered in the seminar:

Finding the right dog for you

Kids and dogs

Potty training

How to properly socialize them

How puppies learn and see the world

Creating a daily routine

How to fulfill their needs

Preventing unwanted behaviors

What training to focus on right away

Common puppy issues/behaviors

And much more.

After the seminar there will be a Q/A to answer any questions related to puppies & dog training.

If you have any questions about the seminar please contact me at 508-939-0319 or at [email protected].

Tix are $50 (plus fees). To avoid fees you can pay cash at the door or venmo me directly.

03/10/2026

The second round of classes is starting soon! If you've done a consult with me about joining and missed the last one now is your chance to sign up. If you're a past/current client you are also welcome to join. Shoot me a message here or call at 508-939-0319.

02/15/2026

11/03/2025

Day 1 hike with Dakota the gentle giant. She's a very sweet dog but can get nervous around other dogs & environments. My goal is to make sure she feels comfortable and enjoys her time with myself and the dogs. No training or obedience required, just listening to her needs and providing an atmosphere she can feel safe in.

If you have a nervous dog and would like to get them proper socialization around other dogs then I can help! Hikes are $60/hike and each dog gets attention suited to their needs and goals.

10/30/2025

Starting now til next summer ill be offering pack hiking again! Pack hiking is a great way to get your dog socialized with other dogs as well as exercise. Our pack hikes are focused solely on the proper socialization and manners of each dog in our group. Whether you have a puppy, nervous dog, or a dog that doesnt have opportunities to be around other well mannered dogs we can help.

At island dog training we dont just pretend to socialize dogs. Our proof is in each hike. All dogs that hike with us leave happy, fulfilled and tired. Each hike is $60 and that includes pickup and dropoff. To learn more about how to sign up contact me at 508 939 0319.

06/25/2025

Have a friend with a dog who may need some training? Get 25% off your next lesson if you refer someone who signs up for 1 or more lessons. Make sure they mention this post when they sign up and you can enjoy a discounted one on one session with me.

05/28/2025

If you've ever wanted a safe, reliable recall for your dog, then now is the time to get started. Having a great recall can not only keep your dog safe but also give them a better quality of life. Being able to enjoy trails, beaches, and parks without your dog taking off, running up to other dogs, or people is just a part of what we can accomplish in this program.

From now through the end of June I am offering $150 off my off leash program. This means you will get a minimum of 10 private sessions going over the skills and techniques needed to teach & maintain a reliable off leash recall for your dog.

For more info on the program or if you'd like to sign up you can visit my website directly or text/call at 508-939-0319.

04/14/2025

Group obedience classes will start this Thursday at 4 pm! Location is at Waban Park. Class is $30, please reach out to me prior if you would like to join. It will be held each week at the same time. Up island class coming soon.

Each obedience class will focus on different topics such as commands, recall, overcoming fearful behaviors, calmness around other dogs and more.

I try to make my classes as fun as possible while learning real world skills you can apply every day. All my classes are focused on teaching you and your dog the most practical training and not just fun tricks to show your friends (although we occasionally do those too).

Text/call at 508 939 0319 if you'd like to join!

04/11/2025

Group walking class #1 was a success! Despite the cold, everyone came and had a great time. We worked on how to step off and allows dogs to pass properly. What to do if your dog lunges towards another. How to use the leash to get a dog to stop moving forward when they pull and exercises to keep an anxious/excited dog calm.

Class is every Friday at 4 pm in West tisbury. Shoot me a message or call if interested in joining. 508-939-0319

04/08/2025

Currently taking new bookings for the season. Regular clients of mine (past and present) get access to all the new group classes i am starting. The weather's getting warmer so if you've been putting off getting training now is the time to reach out before my schedule gets full. Contact me at 508-939-0319 to sign up or learn more about how I work.