Donna Marie Boidi has always been an animal lover, but her love of language and learning led her to become a professional dog trainer. After graduating from New York University with a degree in linguistics, she earned a Master of Education in Developmental Studies from Boston University while working in higher education. Her studies in language acquisition and learning theory prepared her for the Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional Program, which enhanced her training skills. She also has over 300 hours of hands-on experience working with clients and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA).
Donna did not grow up with dogs and struggled with reactivity issues with her first dog in Boston. This experience gave her firsthand knowledge of the challenges and frustrations of dog ownership. She discovered nose work and found it helped her connect with her dog. They then started training and competing in Rally Obedience, Barn Hunt, Disc, Agility, and Flyball. Her reactive dog, who previously couldn’t handle passing one dog on the street, competed at the North American Flyball Association Championships in Indianapolis.
Training Philosophy
Donna Marie Boidi’s training philosophy focuses on enhancing and cultivating the relationship between dogs and their humans. She believes in teaching dogs the skills they need to thrive in the world and empowering owners with the knowledge and skills to train their own dogs. Her approach emphasizes communication and compromise, helping owners understand their dog’s body language and find solutions that work for both the dog and the owner.
Services
-
Puppy Prep School:
A comprehensive training program designed to provide puppies and their owners with the tools they need for a fulfilling life together. This program includes 12 training sessions with a KPA CTP, puppy playtime with role model dogs, 4 field trips to dog-friendly shops, daily canine enrichment activities, and convenient pick-up and drop-off from the owner’s home.
-
Group Classes:
Group classes are a great way to increase the level of distraction and build community with other dog owners. Classes focus on building a strong foundation in basic training, such as polite greetings, loose leash walking, and coming when called. They can also progress to more advanced skills like the Canine Good Citizenship test or fundamentals for sport dogs.
-
Summer Camp:
A stay and train program where dogs live in the trainer’s home and become part of the family. This program provides daily enrichment, exercise, training, and snuggles, ensuring that dogs maintain consistent communication and continue to build trust and behaviors. Duration, prices, and training goals are tailored to the individual dog.
-
Private Lessons:
Private lessons offer personalized professional guidance in the owner’s home. They are a great way to stay proactive and get one-on-one coaching, especially during times of change, such as having a baby, adding another pet, or moving.
-
Additional Services:
Donna Marie Boidi also offers a variety of additional services, such as:
-
Nose Work:
A fun and engaging activity that helps dogs use their natural instincts to find hidden scents.
-
Rally Obedience:
A sport that combines obedience exercises with a fun and engaging format.
-
Barn Hunt:
A sport that tests a dog’s ability to find hidden rats in a barn setting.
-
Disc Dog:
A sport that involves dogs catching frisbees.
-
Agility:
A sport that tests a dog’s speed, agility, and obedience.
-
Flyball:
A sport that involves dogs racing to retrieve a ball and trigger a release mechanism.
-
Certifications
Donna Marie Boidi is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). Both certifications require continuing education and recertification, ensuring that she stays current on any developments in the industry.
Specializations
- Puppy training
- Basic obedience training
- Reactivity training
- Dog-dog reactivity
- Nose work
- Rally Obedience
- Barn Hunt
- Disc Dog
- Agility
- Flyball
Training Methods
Donna Marie Boidi uses positive reinforcement training methods, focusing on rewarding desired behaviors and creating a positive learning environment for dogs. She emphasizes clear communication, consistency, and building a strong bond between dogs and their owners.
