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Certified dog trainer
Brad Thibodeau
Brad Thibodeau

Pepperell, MA

Brad Thibodeau

Training Philosophy
Dog Taoist brings clarity and calm cooperation to humans and their dogs through proprietary formulas based on dog psychology, pack mentality, and leader-follower mechanics. Basically, we help you communicate with your dogs without yelling, fighting, or forcing…anything.


Services

  • Full day circuit trainings (8:30am-3:30pm) including leash and collar fittings, loose leash walking, treadmill training, place, basic commands, walk bys, pack training, positive socializing, agility (parkour), and 1:1 work.
  • Family Educational Classes for the life of your dog. We meet each week to practice, discuss, and pack walk. This class requires dog parent participation.


Specializations
obedience training, puppy training, agility training


Training Methods
Positive reinforcement training, clicker training, pack mentality, leader-follower mechanics


Customer Reviews

  • Laureen Mowat: I reached out to Brad after my dog had become increasingly aggressive creating a safety concern for anybody coming near my home. At our first appointment, Brad spent 4 hours getting to know Lou and assessing his needs. After our first session, we already saw a change in Lou's behavior. We are a month into our training, and Lou is like a new dog. He is no longer barking at everybody passing outside, he walks beautifully on a leash, and we aren't afraid of what he might do next. Brad has instilled confidence in Lou and into our family. I cannot thank him and his family enough for everything. If anybody is on the fence, know that he is worth every cent and more. My only regret is that we didn't find him sooner!
  • Nicole Jacquelyn: We have a 13 week old Labrador puppy and 3 busy boys. Brad and all his trainers have been amazing to work with. At first meeting, he spent a good amount of time with Shiloh and I was immediately impressed with his knowledge and handling of our puppy and all the dogs in his center. After only one training class with Brad we have noticed a change in our puppy. She is more focused, less distracted, and more easily re-directed. She has almost mastered walking on a leash with his advice and consistency. He has taken time to answer all my questions and provided me with solid support from the moment we set foot in his center. I’m so very excited to see what our puppy is going to achieve with his leadership and guidance. I can say with certainty that I would highly recommend this school for any dog and their owners!
  • Allison Gamache: I am honored to write a review of my experience working with the Dog Taoist!! Brad is in a class of his own, well above all other dog trainers who pale in comparison to what he knows about dog psychology and the leader/follower mentality. He can restore order to your life and strengthen your relationship with your dog, identifying fears the dog has and how to eliminate them. He comes to your home with his pack of 5 working dogs who are his beloved pets. He will work with you on the correct use of collars, holding the leash, walking, respect, barriers, commands, etc. You must be invested and practice everything he teaches you as this is a long-term investment in your life with your dog. My dog was abused and came to us with many issues. But we learned we have issues too because, in our commitment to give Tessa a better life, we were inadvertently humanizing her and therefore adding to her problems. It was hard to hear but we all our trust and confidence in Brad and we have seen marked improvement. We cannot thank him enough!

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.

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