Shelby Coolidge stands in front of the outdoor dog training area at her business, Mountain View Dogs, 2 River Rd., in Wilbraham.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
WILBRAHAM — Dog training is a science, said Shelby Coolidge, owner and trainer at the newly opened Mountain View Dogs. That is why Coolidge adheres to “force-free” training, which she said is an evidence-based method of instilling positive behaviors in canine companions.
Force-free training means that instead of discouraging unwanted behaviors with verbal cues, leash pressure or other physical corrections, dogs are rewarded for positive behaviors. “I do train positive reinforcement only,” Coolidge said. She gave an example of a dog that pulls on their leash. Stopping until the dog stops pulling and then walking with the dog alongside is a form of positive reinforcement. “It doesn’t necessarily mean treats. It could be toys. It could be lots of things.”
Coolidge has been training dogs for about 15 years. She has also worked as a professional dog groomer and in boarding and daycare management. Three years ago, Coolidge, who is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, began a mobile dog training service in the towns just west of Worcester. The 1,500-square-foot facility at 2 River Rd. is Coolidge’s first brick-and-mortar training business.
The first slate of classes at Mountain View Dogs is already scheduled, Coolidge said. She runs foundational skills classes for puppies and adult dogs and offers lessons in impulse control and confidence for skittish dogs. She said she has a lot of experience working with anxious dogs and emphasizes managing their stress during training. There are also training options for behavior–specific issues, such as leash skills.
Mountain View Dogs provides one-on-one training or group classes of up to five dogs. Group classes for dogs and their owners are offered in packages of one, four, six or eight weeks. Day training, in which owners drop their dog off to be trained two or four times per week, is also available. Coolidge requires dogs and their owners to attend an orientation before training begins and dogs must be evaluated before starting day training.
To learn more about Mountain View Dogs, visit mountainviewdogsllc.com or call 413-893-4725.
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