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Behavior is not a personality flaw. It serves as communication — and understanding that communication is the first step to changing it.
M.S.
Master of Science in Behavior Analysis — Simmons University, 2021
CDBC
Requires 500+ hours and 3+ years of complex case experience — one of the most rigorous credentials in the field
1 : 1
Every session built around your dog, not a curriculum
100%
fear-free methods — always
What Clients Say
Even just three sessions helped tremendously. Walks are enjoyable again — he is no longer on alert, and can pass by and ignore dogs again.
Keira used to not be able to walk past another dog without reacting. Now she can approach, sniff, and even wags her tail — and it's all thanks to Sophie's help.
Sophie taught me everything I needed to know about having a nervous dog from the ground up....[she] not only improved Penny's life but gave me the tools to keep on improving it.
WHO THIS IS FOR
Behavior consulting goes beyond basic training. I work with dogs whose behavior is affecting the quality of life for the dog, the family, or both.
Leash reactivity
Excessive barking
Destruction of property
Jumping & mouthing
Anxiety & fear
Dog-dog conflict
THE APPROACH
Every behavioral challenge your dog displays has a function — it's communicating something. Fear, frustration, confusion, a history of reinforcement for the wrong thing. Understanding that function is the first step.
I hold a Master of Science in Behavior Analysis from Simmons University and a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant credential through the IAABC — one of the most rigorous certifications in the field. This isn't intuition. It's applied science, built on decades of peer-reviewed research into how behavior works and how it changes.
The methods are fear-free — always. No corrections, no punishment, no dominance theory. Your dog learns better when they feel safe. The goal is not a dog who complies out of fear. It is a dog who chooses the right behavior because they understand it, trust you completely, and have been given every tool they need to succeed.
HOW IT WORKS
Every behavior case begins with a two-part consultation designed to give me the fullest possible picture of your dog before any training begins.
01. 30-min virtual intake call
I gather a detailed background on your dog's history, environment, and the specific behaviors you are seeing. You will receive a customized data collection template and video submission instructions ahead of your in-person session.
02. Data and video analysis
Before your second appointment, I review all submitted videos and data — giving me a clearer view of how your dog behaves in their natural environment, without the presence of a stranger altering their behavior.
03. 75-min in-person session
Conducted 1–2 weeks after the intake call, this hands-on session allows me to observe your dog directly, conduct behavioral assessments, and begin implementing strategies. A written training plan is delivered following this session.
Total consultation fee: $375
If your dog is people-reactive or you are outside the driving area, the in-person session is conducted virtually at no change in fee.
Book an intro callHOW EVERY PROGRAM IS STRUCTURED
Whether you choose a fully virtual or hybrid program, virtual sessions are a core part of every option — not a compromise, but a deliberate clinical choice. Here's why.
Video captures what in-person visits cannot
Dogs often suppress behavior in the presence of a stranger. The reactive dog, the anxious dog, the one that destroys furniture — they can appear calm during a scheduled visit. Video shows me what actually happens in your home and on your walks.
25-min check-ins work better virtually
Short, focused accountability sessions don't require drive time or complex scheduling. Virtual check-ins happen consistently, on time, and without the disruption of a new person entering your dog's space every week.
Frequent contact produces better outcomes
Consistency matters more than proximity. Regular virtual check-ins — combined with in-person sessions where appropriate — produce faster, more lasting results than less frequent visits alone.
Prefer more in-person work? The hybrid option is for you.
Hybrid packages include alternating in-person and virtual sessions. Available for clients within 45 minutes of Waltham. Travel fee of $1/minute beyond 20 minutes (maximum $50/session).
Training programs
All programs include unlimited email support, weekly video review, and a bonus support month. The initial consultation ($375) is required before beginning any package.
$1200
Best for simpler behavioral challenges — jumping, leash pulling, excessive barking, and early-stage anxiety. A structured 8-week program with weekly accountability.
Month 1
Kicks off with a 50-minute virtual session where we build your fully customized training plan and hit the ground running — you leave with your first exercises and the confidence to start immediately. From there, weekly 25-minute virtual sessions build on that momentum, with Sophie reviewing your video homework each week and adjusting the plan as your dog progresses.
Month 2 Continued weekly sessions focused on solidifying what's been learned and tackling any remaining challenges.
Follow-up — Within 2 months of finishing
A 25 minute session to check in on progress, troubleshoot anything that's come up, and make sure the gains stick.
Throughout — Unlimited email and video review support.
$1,700
An 8-week program with alternating in-person and virtual sessions. Best for simpler behaviors. Available within 45 minutes of Waltham, MA.
Month 1
Four weekly 50-minute in-person sessions where we do the deep work — hands-on, in your home, building the foundation your dog needs. This is the most intensive month, designed to create real momentum fast.
Month 2
Alternating weeks — a 50-minute in-person session one week, a 25-minute virtual check-in the next. Virtual sessions are intentionally placed between in-person visits because they catch small issues before they become habits — keeping progress moving in the weeks when I'm not physically there.
Follow-up — Within 2 months of finishing
A 25-minute virtual session to check in on progress, troubleshoot anything that's come up, and make sure the gains stick.
Throughout — Unlimited email and video review support
$2000
For reactivity, fear-based behavior, anxiety, and complex cases requiring sustained support over time.
Month 1
We hit the ground running. Your first session is 50 minutes — we walk through your dog's fully customized behavior plan together and start the work immediately. You leave knowing exactly what to do and why. Three 25-minute virtual sessions follow throughout the month, keeping the work on track and giving you a dedicated space to ask questions and troubleshoot in real time.
Month 2 - 5
Two 25-minute virtual sessions per month keep the work moving forward consistently. As your dog's behavior evolves, so does the plan — I adjust the approach in real time based on what I'm seeing. The early months focus on building momentum. The later months shift toward refining behaviors and building resilience.
Follow-up — Within 2 months of finishing
One final 25-minute virtual session — a final check in to make sure the progress holds and you feel fully equipped going forward.
Throughout — Unlimited email and video review support.
1 bonus month of email support
$3300
For the complex cases that require both virtual and in-person support over a 5 month period.
Month 1
Four weekly 50-minute in-person sessions. This is the most intensive month — I am in your home every week, working hands-on with you and your dog, laying the behavioral foundation everything else builds on. You leave each session with clear homework and a precise understanding of what to work on before the next visit.
Months 2–3
Two 50-minute in-person sessions and two 25-minute virtual sessions per month. In-person sessions go deeper into the hands-on behavioral work as your dog's resilience grows. Virtual sessions are intentionally placed between in-person visits because they catch small issues before they become habits — keeping progress moving in the weeks when I'm not physically there.
Months 4–5
One 50-minute in-person session and one 25-minute virtual session per month. Sessions become less frequent as your dog's behavior stabilizes. The early months focus on building momentum. The later months shift toward refining behaviors and building resilience.
Follow-up — Within 2 months of finishing
One 50-minute in-person session — a final hands-on visit to make sure the progress holds and you feel fully equipped going forward.
Throughout — Unlimited email and video review support.
1 bonus month of email support
Need extra support?
Custom packages available where I do the majority of the work through day training. Check out day training here.
Sliding scale options available for virtual packages. Contact to inquire.
Not Ready for a full program? start here.
Muzzle training is one of the most valuable skills you can give a reactive, fearful, or bite-risk dog. Unlike most self-paced courses, this one includes direct feedback from me throughout. Submit video homework at each stage and receive personalized guidance on your dog's progress.
ENROLL NOW - $119What you'll learn
How to introduce a muzzle without fear or force
How to build a positive muzzle association through conditioning
How to choose the right muzzle for your dog's size and needs
How to use muzzle training as part of a broader behavior plan
Book a free 15-minute call to talk through your dog's situation. No pressure, no judgment — just an honest conversation about what your dog needs and how Fresh Start can help.
Schedule your Intro CallView All servicesFresh Start Canine Behavior
sophie@freshstartcaninebehavior.com · Greater Boston · Bonded & Insured