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The first weeks of your puppy's life are the most important. I help you build a foundation of confidence, calm, and connection from day one — so you both thrive.
WHO THIS IS FOR
Puppies are joyful — and completely overwhelming. The biting, the accidents, the 3am wake-ups. My programs are designed to meet you exactly where you are and build your puppy's skills during the developmental windows that matter most.
Bite inhibition & mouthing
Socialization
Crate training
Basic skills and leash introduction
Potty training
Sleep routines
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Sophie is always positive and patient, training the grown-ups and kids in our family as well as our little pup. We get so many compliments on our puppy's behavior thanks to all we have learned from her.
I was struggling with training and had the puppy blues. Sophie came in and was not only helpful as a trainer but also just as a friend who assured me that I was not going crazy — puppies are just hard work.
I have had 4 dogs and thought I knew the basics of dog training but Sophie added so many tools to our tool kit for training our yellow lab puppy. She brings so much calm, positive energy that the dogs respond to quickly, and the sessions were fun for humans and canines.
THE APPROACH
Every element of the program is intentional — built around the science of behavior and the reality of what raising a puppy actually looks like.
Fear-free methods
Decades of research confirm that positive reinforcement is the most effective way to raise a confident, happy dog. Every session is designed to keep your puppy comfortable and engaged.
Expert guidance
I hold an M.S. in Behavior Analysis and am a certified dog behavior consultant — giving me the tools to tailor every lesson to your puppy's individual developmental needs.
Developmental stage focus
Every activity is timed around your puppy's critical learning windows — especially the socialization period before 16 weeks. Miss this window and you can't get it back.
Day training included
I work directly with your puppy during the day — giving them structured practice, socialization, and enrichment while you're at work. You come home to a tired, happy puppy.
Training programs
All programs are conducted in your home over 8 weeks and include the Virtual Socialization Course.
Owner-focused coaching
$1800
Eight weeks of expert in-home private lessons — everything your puppy needs to build a strong foundation, at your pace and in your home.
8 × 50-min private weekly in-home coaching sessions
Email & text support throughout
Weekly homework + after-session notes
MOST POPULAR
$3400
Everything in Starter plus 8 day training sessions — I work directly with your puppy during the day, covering socialization and key skills.
8 × 50-min private weekly in-home coaching sessions
8 × 50-min weekly day training sessions
Email & text support throughout
Weekly homework + after-session notes
Puppy gift basket
MAXIMUM support
$4200
The most comprehensive puppy program available. Everything in Advanced plus 4 additional day training sessions — ideal for working families.
8 × 50-min private weekly in-home coaching sessions
12 × 50-min weekly day training sessions
Email & text support throughout
Weekly homework + after-session notes
Puppy gift basket
Travel fee applies for clients beyond 20 minutes from Waltham, MA — $1/minute of drive time, up to 30 extra minutes.
INCLUDED IN ADVANCED AND ELITE PACKAGES
Day training involves me working directly with your puppy during the day — while you're at work or otherwise occupied. With puppies, the early weeks are critical, and many owners simply don't have the time to cover all the socialization that needs to happen before the 16-week mark. Day training takes that pressure off you entirely.
Not daycare
Daycare is overstimulating and can reinforce bad habits. Every day training session has a purpose, a plan, and a clear goal.
Socialization and enrichment
Socialization exercises and enrichment tailored to your puppy's developmental stage.
Potty break & movement
Every session includes an outdoor break — giving your dog physical exercise and a chance to relieve themselves.
Weekly video report
At the end of each week, I send a video report so you can see exactly what was worked on and how your puppy responded
Also available standalone
Included free with every puppy program — or available on its own for families who want expert socialization guidance at their own pace.
ENROLL NOW - $119What's included
Step-by-step video lessons and text guides created by a certified behavior consultant. A weekly roadmap covering all critical experiences before 16 weeks — new people, dogs, environments, handling, and vet visits. Printable checklists, downloadable worksheets, and enrichment activities to track progress between lessons.
Before your puppy arrives, I curate, source, and set up everything you need — from crate placement to feeding station, playpen configuration to puppy-proofing. You don't research, you don't guess, you don't lift a finger. Your home is ready. Your puppy arrives into an environment designed by a behavioral specialist from day one.
30-minute pre-arrival virtual consultation
Complete curated shopping list — or I source everything directly
90-minute in-home setup session
1st Week Puppy Arrival Guide — everything you need for the first seven days
* plus cost of supplies
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