Why Choose Synergy: Positive, Force-Free & Veterinary-Backed Training
Behavior rarely exists in a vacuum. A dog who lunges on walks, hides from visitors, struggles at the veterinary clinic, or reacts aggressively may need more than obedience training alone.
Synergy takes a collaborative approach to dog behavior. Our trainers focus on practical skill-building and behavior modification while having access to a veterinary behavior team when a dog's needs extend beyond training.
We can help dogs and their families with:
- Puppy and newly adopted dog skills, including foundational training and adjustment to a new home
- Reactivity and aggression, including behaviors directed toward dogs, people, or specific situations
- Fears and phobias, such as sensitivity to noises, unfamiliar people, handling, or new environments
- Multi-dog household challenges, including routines, interactions, and conflict management
- Muzzle training to make wearing a muzzle more comfortable and predictable
- Cooperative care for dogs who struggle with grooming, handling, or veterinary visits
- Confidence-building and enrichment to encourage engagement and appropriate outlets for natural behavior
- Loose-leash walking and polite greetings
- Recall and other everyday life skills
We use positive, force-free training methods based on reinforcement and behavior science. We do not use pain, fear, or intimidation to teach new behaviors.
For dogs with more complex concerns, our trainers may recommend evaluation by our veterinary behavior team. This allows us to consider whether medical, environmental, or emotional factors could be contributing to your dog's behavior and determine what additional support may help.
"We joined Synergy's new separation anxiety program for our dog. At that time, he couldn't be left alone for more than an hour (if that). We were apprehensive about the cost. However, it was incredibly successful and definitely worth it to get our lives back and help our pup be comfortable! We had training sessions with Grace, she was very supportive of our dog and my partner and I. Dr. Valli and her team are very knowledgeable and approach behaviors through a holistic lens. We addressed allergy issues that may contribute to our dog's stress level. I highly recommend Synergy."
Private Dog Training & Behavior Modification Packages
Private training gives you and your dog individualized time with a trainer and a plan built around the situations you encounter in everyday life.
Private training may be a good fit if your dog has specific behavioral challenges, struggles in group settings, or would benefit from a highly personalized approach. It can also provide greater scheduling flexibility for busy families.
Our private training packages include:
- A customized onboarding call with our head trainer
- Six private sessions with one of our experienced dog trainers
- An individualized training plan
- Training resources selected for you and your dog
- Step-by-step coaching to help you practice skills between appointments
Private training packages are $770, with a $110 deposit required for the onboarding call.
Sessions generally occur every one to two weeks. Training typically begins virtually, giving your dog an opportunity to learn foundational skills in a familiar environment. You and your trainer can then transition to in-person sessions when appropriate.
When Does a Dog Need a Veterinary Behaviorist?
Training can address many behaviors, but some dogs benefit from a broader behavioral health evaluation.
If your trainer identifies concerns that may involve significant fear, anxiety, aggression, another complex behavioral disorder, or a possible medical component, we may recommend a Behavior Health Assessment with our board-certified Veterinary Behaviorist.
This collaborative model helps us look beyond the behavior itself and develop a plan that reflects the individual dog's physical health, emotional health, environment, experiences, and learning history.
Ready to begin private training? Complete our Dog Training Questionnaire, and our Client Care Coordinator will contact you about scheduling your onboarding call.
Group Dog Training Classes
Group training gives dogs and their people an opportunity to practice useful skills in a structured learning environment.
Synergy offers in-person and virtual dog training classes covering foundational skills, everyday manners, confidence, enrichment, and more advanced behavior needs. We also offer programs designed with shy and reactive dogs in mind.
Explore our current offerings to find a class that works for you and your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Training & Behavior Modification
Treatment timelines vary depending on the severity of the behavior, how long it has been present, underlying medical factors, and consistency at home. While skill-building shows steady progress in a matter of weeks, modifying deep-seated emotional responses takes time. Many families notice subtle shifts in stress levels within the first few sessions, but our primary focus is set on sustainable, long-term success rather than temporary quick fixes.
Yes! Standard obedience classes can overwhelm a reactive dog, which is why we offer specialized, reactive-friendly programs like Reactive Rover and Control Unleashed. We start with virtual or low-stress foundation work so your dog builds coping skills at home first. In our in-person group classes, we maintain strict visual barriers, controlled distances, and low-density setups so every dog feels safe while learning to stay calm around triggers.
A Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist (like Dr. Valli) is a licensed veterinarian who has completed advanced clinical residency training, research, and board examinations through the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. While dog trainers teach specific mechanics and obedience cues, a veterinary behaviorist evaluates your pet’s physical and mental health from a whole-animal perspective, diagnosing medical or neurochemical issues, prescribing medication if needed, and managing complex behavioral disorders.
Not at all. Dogs of any age can build new neural pathways and learn behaviors. While older dogs may have years of practiced habits to undo, age itself is not a barrier to learning. Keep in mind that sudden behavior changes in senior dogs (like new irritability or restlessness) can sometimes be tied to joint pain or medical factors, so a vet checkup is always a great first step.
Short, frequent sessions are far more effective! Aim for 2 to 3 short sessions of 5 to 10 minutes per day. Short bursts keep your dog engaged without burning them out, and fitting them into daily routines — like practicing impulse control before meals or during walks — makes training effortless to maintain.
