It can be hard to know how to choose when it comes to dog training in Boston and beyond. We’ll let our happy customers help tell our story.
“I can’t believe the difference in my 10 month old Lab “Happy” from before and after his time with Scott at Beyond the Leash! When we sent him he was a lovable, smart, athletic dog that was out of control with excitement when he came in contact with other people or other animals. It was embarrassing. We have a convertible and we couldn’t have him in the car when we would pull up to a gas station. He would be totally out of control wanting to get at the attendants to play with them. We needed to put 3 restraints on the dog for his safety in the convertible. I couldn’t take the dog to the groomer or even the vet alone because of his over enthusiasm and his strength. Now when we take the dog in the car he looks at the people and other dogs and doesn’t even flinch. I took him for his first run with me and he stayed right at my side never pulled. A dog was being walked on the other side of street headed right for us and the other Shepherd pulled on owners leash and wanted to cross street my dog just continued to run next to me and never even cared about the dog!!!! Amazing; this has been such a huge change in the lives of our family as we can now count on Happy to have manners and act accordingly. It’s the best investment we ever could have done for him.”
Darlene & Fred W.
Manchester, MA
“My kids were begging to get a dog. Begging. After much research, we caved and decided to get a Portuguese Water Dog because the breed is known to be highly intelligent and active, which felt like a good match for our family dynamic. We got a bit more than we bargained for.
Dexter joined our family when he was 10 weeks old and right from the get go we could tell this dog was indeed smart, active, and very headstrong. At first his ‘ruling of the roost’ came in the form of chewing our house to pieces and jumping on everything… and everyone. Then, his behavior started to escalate from being a nuance to being aggressive towards things not of his liking – like getting kicked off the couch, getting a shot from the vet, and his nails cut. The final straw came when he about took off the arm of the groomer. Fearing we were going to have to get rid of a biting dog, a friend recommended Scott. Best call. The change in Dexter has been remarkable. He is still our fun, adventurous furry friend, but he is so much calmer and responsive to commands. Basically, he knows who is the boss (and it isn’t him!) A month after returning from bootcamp, we took him to the groomer for the first time since the ‘incident,’ and it couldn’t have gone better. Kisses replaced growls and snatched jaws. Thank you so much, Scott, for helping us and Dexter live together is harmony!”
Rebecca C.
Wakefield
“This week with Henry has been so great. I didn’t realize how out of control things were until I had a dog that was under control. It’s so much less stressful to put him in the car, to drive, to walk the neighborhood, to cook in the kitchen without Henry underfoot, visit my mom with a well behaved dog and not the hound from hell, I’ve left him at home for up to 3 hours at a time and everything goes well. Henry and I are still learning and neither of us is 100% but we are both working hard. Thank you so much for this second chance.”
Susan B.
Beverly, MA
“Freckles is a rescue dog from WV. He is a Border Collie/Australian Shepherd mix who previously lived in three homes before I adopted him in September 2015 at the age of 3. While living in the suburbs of NH I was able to get away with his lack of training, terrible leash walking skills and his lunging barking reaction to things outdoors. In the spring of 2016 we moved to downtown Lowell where I quickly realized that he needs to be trained or I am going to have to find a new home for him.
Indoors Freckles was laid back, relaxed, and loving. Outside of home Freckles was a complete monster on the leash. He would bark at people in our building, people outside, cars, bikes, kids, sounds, dogs. As moving objects passed by him he would attempt to lunge off of my leg to run and bark after the car, bike, jogger, etc. He was so bad that people made comments like “you better muzzle your dog” and other unkind words. I was constantly afraid to be around people and always feared turning a corner in case someone startled him. He would even try to army crawl under the railings along the canal to swim after the ducks. For the first time I was questioning my decision of owning him. He was my best friend but we were both equally frustrated and miserable and it wasn’t fair for both of his to continue living like this.
After a Google search I came across Beyond the Leash. Scott was my first and last resort for Freckles. I was beyond stressed, Freckles was both stressed and out of his mind, and I was sure that if Scott wasn’t able to help us I would have to find a new home for Freckles.
I met with Scott and decided on the 3 week bootcamp in hopes that Freckles will become less reactive and able to walk properly on a leash. Giving Freckles up for three weeks was very hard for me but Scott kept me informed with pictures and updates of his progress. When I went to pick Freckles up he was sitting on his bed and would not get off despite his excitement to see me.
Scott went over how to work with Freckles. Although I couldn’t believe how well behaved he was I was still concerned on how he would be when Scott was not around and it was just the two of us walking downtown. The second I let him out of the car on the busy street he was sitting next to me looking at me to tell him what to do. He walked by my side as we passed people and he never once reacted. I was completely beside myself!
I could not believe how well he was doing. For the first time I was in complete control. I had the power and he was listening to me. Since Freckles returned home we have had nothing but enjoyable walks filled with people complimenting him on how beautiful he is and me on how well he was walking. We are no longer the dog that barks and lunges, instead, Freckles patiently walks by other dogs, people, bikes with no reaction. Instead of attempting to army crawl into the water I brush him as he stands and watches the ducks go by. I now walk with a giant smile across my face and Freckles walks next to me wagging his tail and paying attention to me instead of everything around him.
Inside Freckles is more relaxed than ever. In the morning he now watches me make coffee, etc. from his bed, and at night he watches me make dinner from his bed. When people come over I’ll have him sit on his bed so he isn’t anxious and to keep him out of the way. When he has done his time I release him and he is so excited to sit on my lap on the couch and cuddle. I was obsessed with my dog before and now that he is great no matter the environment I am more obsessed and in love with him than ever.
On a family trip to Vermont Freckles was able to be off his leash the majority of the time. We would all be sitting outside and he would see a bird or squirrel go by and not react. He would wander off and the second I called him he came running back. On a hike he was off leash the entire time. He would come across other dogs off leash, say hello, and then when I called him he quickly sprinted towards me. I no longer living in fear of going places with my dog or running into other people. We both get such joy walking together and spending time together.
Scott transformed my overly reactive dog into a very relaxed, happy, ready to please dog who is a perfect gentlemen outside on the leash but still loves to sit on my lap and cuddle. What has been most impressive is how dedicated Scott is to both my dog and me even after boot camp. He is always available to answer any questions and offer advice. He really wants to see both you and your dog succeed. Because of Scott, I now have my best friend who I can take with me to coffee shops, sit outside at restaurants have off leash while hiking and take to crowded places. We are both much more relaxed and happy and cannot thank Beyond the Leash enough for all they have done!”
Morgan B.
Lowell, MA
“I have to start with the fact that I have had 5 dogs over the past 25 years. Some have been very independent, some very anxious and dependent. My Golden, Seamus, is an anxious but sweet boy that follows me everywhere and depends on being able to see me at all times. He has severe separation anxiety and it makes everyday situations much more stressful than they need to be (for both of us). When my son brought his new puppy Rocky into our house, he very quickly decided that he wanted Rocky to be a well-behaved, well-trained dog. He did not want Rocky (or our family) to have the anxiety that Seamus and I have every time someone comes to the door. Scott (Beyond the Leash) had worked with my daughter’s Wheaten Terrier, Dixie, and the end result of their training is that Dixie is an amazingly well-behaved dog. She is able to be off leash and she loves the freedom her training provides her. She can go anywhere with my daughter (and soon to be son-in-law). My son decided that Rocky would train with Scott as well. Although Rocky was a very good dog, with an easy going temperament, he could use a little extra training so that he didn’t pick up the negative behaviors of my Golden. He spent three weeks with Scott, and Rocky is now a great dog and is able to participate with the family in different situations and places. For instance, we love to walk downtown and although Rocky was good on a leash, he would get so excited to meet new people that he would still tend to jump on them. Since Rocky has been training with Scott, Rocky and I both understand how to allow Rocky to greet people without jumping. I say Rocky and I know what to do because training a dog (even a very smart, very sweet dog like Rocky) is about training both the dog and the owner. Scott teaches the dog to understand that when he sees new friends, they will say hi to him if he sitting and calm, and definitely not jumping on them and knocking them over (he’s a pretty big boy). Equally as important, however, is the fact that Scott teaches the owner how to continue the good behavior that he has taught the dog. The dog gets a lesson and the owner gets a lesson. Before Scott, I probably would not have taken Rocky downtown. I’ve had dogs that jump on people, and pull so hard on a leash that they pull me right behind. I love to walk downtown, and wanted to be able to take Rocky with me. Scott’s training (of both of us), made that possible. Now Rocky and I can enjoy more time together. I can take him downtown or to the pet store because I know we both have the skills needed thanks to Scott. I must say that I did have some concerns about sending Rocky to Scott for 3 weeks. After all he was just a puppy and I worried that Rocky would feel abandoned by us. I worried that he would lose his natural goofy and loving personality with the strict instruction that was going to take place during that three weeks. Nothing could be further from the truth. Rocky is still goofy and silly, and sweet and loving, he just also knows how to behave appropriately where ever we are. All of my concerns disappeared for good when Rocky, my son, and I went to see Scott for our first follow up lesson since Rocky returned home. Rocky recognized that he was at Scott’s, and he ran towards Scott with a wagging tail and all the excitement and energy of an eight month old puppy. Of course Rocky also broke “heel” because he was so excited to see Scott, but we quickly remedied that. Rocky and my son then walked in together, Rocky in heel until he was released. It became clear to me in that moment that Scott has a very special way with dogs. He loves them, and he teaches them to be the best dog they can be. The dogs that he trains for families like us, who just want to have well behaved dogs so that they can join in all the fun things the family does, enjoy working with Scott and it shows. Most people think to call a trainer when they have already lost control of the dog and the situation. I’ve fallen into that thought process myself in the past (did I mention my beloved but not perfectly behaved Golden?). If you’re reading this and you’re wondering whether you should take your dog to Scott, regardless of whether your dog behaves pretty well already, I urge you to take him to Scott. You will not be sorry. He will teach you how to calm an anxious dog like my Seamus, or how to improve the behaviors of an already well-mannered dog like Rocky. Scott and Beyond the Leash will be part of my family’s plan for as long as we have dogs, and with Scott’s help that will be a very long time. Thank you Scott!”
Kristin R.
Newburyport, MA
“Brie is doing great! Before boot camp, she was uncontrollable – jumping, barking, lunging and stealing food from counters. With five kids at home, we just couldn’t handle the constant chaos. Someone at dog day camp recommended Beyond the Leash. I called Scott a few days later. This was our last resort. We decided on the three week boot camp, and it was the best decision ever. Brie is a joy now!!!! The doorbell rings, and she stays on her bed. She’s a pleasure to walk, something I couldn’t do before training. To think we actually thought of re-homing her before sending her. Love the new Brie. She is great! I am so thankful to Scott for the peace he’s brought to our home.”
Lisa S.
Medford, MA
“Last April my wife and I adopted a beautiful rescue dog with whom we fell in love. We took our new puppy home and discovered that he had many unruly traits.
He was food aggressive and on occasion bit a few people including me and my son, he was impossible to control on a walk, if the door was open he ran all over the house taunting us to capture him. He also barked viciously at other dogs, people on the street, and especially joggers and bicycle riders. In short he was a total brat and he was definitely in charge of us instead of the other way around.
We sent him to Scott Williams at beyond the leash for two weeks and when he returned he was completely trained, well mannered, affectionate obedient and happy. He became and remains a pleasure to have in our home. As I write this he is at my feet staring at me with those beautiful eyes and I know that he and I are great friends but I am the boss.
Scott has followed up several times to make sure that Moe that’s his name is performing as expected and his suggestions have been invaluable.
Scott Williams is a talented, professional, dog trainer who will give you great value which you will recognize when your dog comes home. I cannot recommend him strongly enough. In addition he is a very nice man.”
James Coppersmith
Marblehead, MA
“Hi Scott,Hope all is well. Just wanted to drop you a line to update Bear’s progress. He is now a week before 1 yr. old. and 130lb. he has been leash-less since the beginning of August and doing great. Thank you so much for the job you did.”
Thomas Cote
Franklin, MA
“We brought our 1.5 year old Labradoodle, Beckett, to Scott and Jess for a two week “boot camp”. Before the boot camp, Beckett had fear aggression associated with people coming to the door, walking by, etc. He had bit a couple of friends and overall was not responding to basic commands. His aggression and hyper behavior caused our home to be hectic and had us yelling at Beckett to calm him down, etc…. he had too much freedom and not enough structure, but we did not know how to give it to him.
Now that we have Beckett back from his two week training, he is a new dog! He’s still his lovable self but with the skills Scott and Jess taught him, he is calm and obedient. Now when people come to the door he, upon command, retreats to his “bed” and sits there until he is told “free”. Beckett obediently sits and waits despite the chaos entering our home (kids, other dogs). He comes on command; he’s pottying in the corner where we want him to go.
My husband and I are amazed at the improvement and can’t thank Scott and Jess enough for their amazing instruction and kindness toward our dog.
We highly recommend Beyond the Leash for your dog training needs. Whether it is a couple of visits or a longer 2 week boot camp, Scott and Jess are experts in their field and we couldn’t be happier with the results. We still need to keep up the training at home and follow Scott’s instructions, but when we do, magic happens with our dog!”
Tracy and Marc O.
Marblehead, MA
“Hi Scott,
I just wanted to write you and thank you so much for your help with my little guy, Bailey. Bailey, who used to think “come” meant “go” is completely transformed. After three weeks with you, Bailey comes on command, sit, lies down and stays. With all your tips for obedience, positive reinforcement I feel much safer in all situations with Bailey. I am confident that with the tools you have given Bailey and I, his behavior will only improve. Thank you so much!”
Annie & Bailey
Boston
“Karma is doing great! Took her to the dog park and even though she was playing, she came when I called her. At day care they didn’t know she had been to training but noticed the difference right away. She now lets Mitch cuddle with her and sleeps across his feet while we are watching TV at night. It’s an amazing change!”
Linda P.
Derry, NH
“Just wanted to send along a sincere and heartfelt thank you! Emmie’s transformation has been no less than amazing! I cried when I first met you about the challenges that I was having with her and how much I missed my old dog and how ‘easy’ he was; and I cried tears of joy today, because she was just like him in behavior and temperament. She’s a different dog for the better. Thank you for everything!”
Deb M.
Byfield, MA
“Just wanted to give you an update on Penny. She is doing great. Getting along with dogs and people. Saturday night we had 10 people over. She was walking all over, wagging her tail and sniffing people. Then she just let people start petting her. She is a totally different dog. Thanks again!”
Ruben & Scott
East Boston, MA
“Zelda’s been great! Your training has changed her life. She can come in the yard now, play fetch, go to the dog beach, and not be stuck in her crate when we have company; the change in her is amazing!”
Jenna B.
Marblehead, MA
“Scott at Beyond The Leash has done incredible work with my two German Shepherds! I first came to Scott when my mom was having difficulty controlling my Shepherds (she takes care of them while I’m at work). They showed remarkable improvement after just a couple sessions and Scott helped my mom become more comfortable and confident with them. I highly recommend them!”
Daryl D.
Peabody, MA
“Started training my 7 month old male Rottie with Beyond The Leash 7 years ago. My big boy seemed to think that it was his job to dominate people and other dogs. Working with Scott has taught me how and why dogs behave the way that they do. Scott will help your dog become a model citizen who will be welcome wherever you choose to bring him as well as a delight to live with. He has the experience to help all sorts of dog related issues in a compassionate and knowledgeable manner. I highly recommend him for anyone who truly wants a well mannered dog.”
Terry B.
West Newbury, MA
“We can’t thank Scott enough for helping us. His love for dogs was evident in his approach and his professionalism was unmistakable as he demonstrated tremendous patience and understanding. I would strongly recommend Scott to train any dog and would welcome any questions from potential customers.”
Kelly O.
Billerica, MA
“I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful training that my Belgian Tervuren is receiving from you. They are a very sensitive and high energy breed and require a certain ‘touch’ when they are being trained. Almost all trainers do not understand them and are either too harsh or not strict enough, but you understand him perfectly. I started training with you, and the results you are getting from my dog are fantastic!”
Mindy Pelletier
Rowley, MA
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