SPEAK CLEARLY &
​CARRY A LOOSE LEASH
We create civilized, clean, quiet homes... only to adopt whirlwinds of mud, fun, and fur to create a little chaos in our worlds. And while a lot of life with dogs satisfies that craving for a little adorable messiness, we also need to be able to have our dogs understand boundaries. The fundamentals of training help us teach dogs what the expectations are for a peaceful home, and start giving language for commands that are useful for daily tasks. 

Expected Behaviors

Expected behaviors are those things that we shouldn't have to issue a command for. Not jumping on guests, staying off of the furniture, walking casually with a loose leash in an automatic 'heel',  remaining quiet when excited, keeping feet on the floor rather than countertops, not touching food... there's a lot for a dog to learn about our human customs. The fundamentals of training start with helping a dog understand how to navigate household rules, without owners having to yell or constantly try to stop a dog from an undesired behavior. We use training around boundaries and space to help a dog know where they belong in our house, and the respectful behavior follows. 

Teaching Commands

Dogs don't speak English, but we can teach them that certain words have associations with specific behaviors (like sit, down, stay, etc.). These words widen a tool kit for dog owners - they can give their dog a command to get a behavior that is appropriate (or adorable). Teaching as many words as you can to your dog isn't only practical, it will also deepen your bond. 

In our first lesson together, we will talk extensively about problem behaviors we are working to resolve, as well as your goals for training. We will discuss training methodology, what we know about dog cognition, and start creating a concrete action plan. 

Our Services and Booking Info

We are SO fortunate to receive more requests for training than we can accommodate, in part due to our long term relationship with most clients. We have to turn away some clients for our programs because we will not compromise quality of training, or time spent with clients, to take on a higher volume. Periodically, we will have a waiting list for the required initial private appointment to join any of our programs. We do our best to reach out to our waiting list as quickly as possible. Our training team develops long term plans in collaboration with each client and because we work primarily with service dogs and behavior modification, often times training plans last for more than 18 months. We are also slow-service establishment. There is no way around our booking process and there are not any shortcuts to getting an appointment here. We thank you for your patience! Please know that our commitment to excellence in client care and training results drives our commitment to smaller volume!

Muttessori Academy
A modified doggie daycare program, operating weekdays from 7am until 6pm. Fully staffed by trainers and apprentices, this day service includes:
  • ​Two practice or game learning sessions with a trainer
  • One exercise-based activity (treadmill, etc.)
  • Structured reward and rest time
  • Daily group or private walks for potty breaks
  • Crate training practice

Daily rate of $82.50 per dog. 

Muttessori Academy Intensive
This program is for families who need a strong jumpstart on foundation training that would be overly challenging in a home environment or for more complex cases of behavior modification (ie: severe separation anxiety or aggression) where more immersive work is required for success. This service is available weekdays from 7am until 6pm. Dogs return to their homes during the evening and on weekends with homework assignments from the trainers.

Rate of $600/week per dog, with a two-week minimum commitment required.
​To see if this is the right service for your dog, set up a time to speak with our trainers!

The Adventure Club
These hour-long outdoor adventures offer structure and training with a focus on loose leash walking and group skills.This program is available as a supplemental service for Ruff Translating’s training clients. The cost is $33 per dog, including pickup and drop-off. 

We are currently accepting new adventure club members in Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, and certain areas of Brighton, West Roxbury, and Brookline. 
 
​Email us for details!

Private Lessons
One-on-one lessons with a member of the training team to work on family specific goals, available for learning basic commands through intensive behavioral rehabilitation. Lessons range from 60-120 minutes for $175 per session. Length of time is based on how long each dog can focus and learn as well as the intensity of the exercises, but lessons are least always one hour.

Group Classes
Periodically offered for clients looking for something fun to do with their dogs, these classes give everyone a chance to learn new skills and build a stronger bond. Class themes could include therapy dog training, trick training, agility, scent work, etc. Rate of $25 to $35 per dog per class for ten to fifteen participants. Sessions will run for 60 to 120 minutes, depending on the topic and structure of class. 

Announced on Facebook and on our email list!

Service Dog Training
Ruff Translating founder, Ejay, works daily with his service dog, Rio. Rio is a task trained, medical alert and response service dog. She is fully public access trained and has eight active tasking skills for Ejay. 

Ruff Translating offers highly technical service dog training, specializing in those looking for (c)/PTSD service dogs with scent marking tasks for oncoming panic attacks. Ruff Translating’s company values include prioritizing working with individuals on a case by case basis to meet their service dog training needs. Ejay offers programs of a variety of levels of owner involvement, so if you are looking to potentially do some of your own service dog task training, or if you need it fully done by a skilled professional, Ruff Translating can help. 

While we specialize in highly trained psychiatric service dogs, we also provide service dog training for individuals with other disabilities, including those looking for seizure alert/response, blood sugar detection, mobility and stability needs. 

Service dog training can be a costly expenditure and can take up to 24 months. If you are interested in discussing our service dog training including costs and process please reach out to us via email so we can set up a time to talk with you. It can feel intimidating to start, but we are eager to answer your questions and partner together.