Zen Dog Training

  • Malden, MA 02148 (map)
  • (617) 939-1098

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Dog Training

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Zen Dog TrainingMalden, MA

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  2. You'll be asked to provide your contact information so that Nayiri Krikorian will be able to get in touch with you.
  3. You'll have the option to get competing quotes from other qualified service professionals, saving you time and money.
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A Zen dog is a happy dog!

Zen Dog Training offers positive-reinforcement dog training methods that teach dogs to respond out of mutual understanding, not fear. Our SPCA-recommended methods are used by animal trainers around the world.

Zen Dog Training focuses on early intervention, and offers specialized in-home training that teaches people how to manage and prevent their dogs' bad behaviors and gently change established habits.

Zen Dog Training is dedicated to improving the quality of dogs' lives by teaching humans how to better understand the way dogs learn and perceive the world. This way, dog owners can meet their training goals and improve their dog-human relationship via gentle and kind techniques.

We make training fun!

Reviews

  • February 20, 2012

    I have been working with Nayiri since we adopted our mix-breed dog as a young puppy a little over a year ago. As I have no experience with dog-training, I have greatly appreciated Nayiri's supportive, patient, and clear advice. Nayiri was able to help us with teaching basic commands, as well as to address issues particular to our dog and family. She also helped us to recognize "bad habits" which were developing, which we had overlooked. Nayiri consistently promoted positive reinforcement, rather than a more punitive training style. Yet, she also helped us to integrate firm, and clear directions when our dog was "testing" us. Nayiri has even worked patiently with my two children, and taught them fun games to play with our dog. She has been extremely flexible about scheduling, has answered questions via email, and provided us with written information.

    Kim

  • February 17, 2012

    We adopted our puppy, Bailey, in May 2011 at 3 months old and immediately started looking for a trainer. What I loved most about Zen Dog training is that they offer in home one-on-one training unlike some other places I had looked into. They also offered night/weekend training which was exactly what we needed. Also, the initial phone consultation was a great preview of what to expect. We signed up for the Perfect Pup package that gave us two visits lasting 2 hours each. Definitely worth it! We had Nayiri who was an absolute joy to work with. You could tell she had a great love for dogs! As soon as she entered our home and Bailey raced to 'greet' (i.e. jump on) her she was in training mode yet was still able to do the initial meet/greet with us. Nayiri took the time to listen to our specific concerns as well as tell us about common puppy issues and what to expect since this was the first time either of us had a dog under the age of 1. Nayiri showed us fun ways to teach Bailey common commands and how to advance once he got the hang of it. It was great that there wasn't a cookie cutter program; everything was tailored to what we wanted to achieve. We received great training material as a reminder once she left as well as access to their online site with an abundance of training videos and info for all stages of a dog’s life. Nayiri was extremely flexible in terms of setting up the follow up appointment which we had to reschedule on our end a couple of times due to work conflicts. Naryiri was available through email for any follow up questions/concerns we had and responded quickly with advice which was helpful as we continued our training. The follow up meeting was great. We were able to discuss all the things that had happened with training and what we still needed to work on. Nayiri also gave suggestions on some next steps she thought Bailey was ready for. We recommend her to anyone who would like to train their dog and will definitely keep her info handy just in case we feel the need for additional training in the future. We definitely lucked out finding this service!

    Jenny

  • January 29, 2012

    I enrolled our 11 week old Bernese puppy in Zen Dog's puppy kindergarten class taught by Nayiri. We had a wonderful experience! Charlie learned his basic manners; sit, stay, walk on a leash, down, leave it, etc. Nayiri's positive reinforcement and praise helped to not only train our pup, but how to make us better owners and trainers as well. The class size was small, I believe there were 5 pups in our class, so each dog got a lot of training as well as socialization. Every class ends with a small packet to take home that recaps the lessons taught that week, so it is a nice resource to look at when you need reminders. I would highly recommend Nayiri's classes at Zen Dog, it really helped us and our pup! We are putting him in the advanced puppy class coming this spring.

    Annie

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Question and answer

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Fit is everything! It's important to make sure your dog trainer understands your needs, your goals and your lifestyle. I make your training priorities my priorities.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Consistency is key! When you think about it, a lot of dog training is teaching your pet new habits. Don't confuse your dog by sending mixed messages -- always use clear signals and try to remain calm.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. It all goes back to fit -- start off by having a conversation about your dog's personality, temperament and behavior. Do you feel heard? Do you feel understood? Something else you can do is chat up other dog owners at the dog park and local pet shop, and ask your veterinarian's office for recommendations.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Training a dog takes time and effort. I do my best to make sure that training is fun for both pups and people; dedicated and passionate dog owners know that putting in some hard work now means getting long-lasting results.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. Zen Dog Training uses science-based SPCA-approved positive-reinforcement training. Not once do we turn to methods that promote scaring or hurting dogs to communicate our expectations to them. No choke chains, prong collars, electric shocks... just love, affection and -- of course -- treats!

Our goal at Zen Dog Training is to develop a plan for you and your family to ensure that your puppy grows up to be a confident, well-adjusted dog -- or that your adult dog finds his confidence! I will build a custom plan for you; this way, I can easily follow-up on your progress so you and your dog not only meet but exceed your training goals!

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Let me think, let me think... Oh, the puppies, of course!

It is very difficult to have a bad day when most of it is spend in the company of adorable dogs, cute pups and dedicated families that are eager to learn how to effectively and gently communicate with their canine companions. There is a real sense of satisfaction after each visit with a client, and there really is no beating that.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. Our goal is to develop a training plan to ensure your puppy grows up to be a confident, well-adjusted dog.
Personal training allows us to follow-up on progress so you and your dog -- meet and exceed -- your training goals!

Initial Consultations are $157 and are 2 hours. They include:
• Evaluation of your dog / situation
• Your dog’s customized training plan
• How to communicate with your dog
• ZDT Solutions to Problem Behavior
• Access to Zen Dog Training Online our Video Solution Center ($27 Value)

Follow-Up Visits are $120 and are 90 minutes. They can be held anywhere (at home, office/work, outside at a park, etc.) These “Hands-On” visits:
• allow you demonstrate understanding of techniques
• provide more time to answer questions and include other family members
• can be used to trouble-shoot problem areas and provide new solutions
• add more challenging games and solutions to your training plan

The Perfect Pup 2 visit package includes an initial consultation, evaluation, customized training plan + one follow-up visit.
Adult $257 / Puppy $240

The Zen Dog 3 visit package includes an initial consultation, evaluation, customized training plan + two follow-up visit, as well as either a free book, toy, Easy-Walk Harness or bag of Zen Dog Training Treats.
Adult $350 / Puppy $325

THe Heavenly Hound 5 visit package includes everything from the Zen Dog Package + four follow-up visits
$499 or two payments of $250

The Puppy Plus Package is the ideal combination -- one in-home visit PLUS enrollment in one of our six-week Group Puppy Classes -- for $295. You save $50 since group classes are normally $189.

The Ultimate Dog Package includes just about everything! Ask for more details! You get 5 private visits and 5 Solo training visits -- you don't have to be present; it's just me and your dog! You also get free telephone consultations, an Easy-Walk Harness, a toy, a dog training book, and a bag of Zen Dog Training Treats!
Ultimate Dog $1000

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