The Happy Retriever - Dog Training Services - Holliston, MA

Member since Feb 2020

For over a decade, Dorothy Turcotte has been transforming the lives of dogs and their families through The Happy Retriever - Dog Training Services. Based in Massachusetts, she brings a wealth of experience and a passion for canine care, honed by the love and care of her personal pup. Dorothy is a Certified and Insured professional and an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC). Her extensive expertise encompasses Detection Dog Training, Dog Obedience Training, Pet Behavior Modification, Service Dog Training, and more. This professional provides comprehensive training solutions including group classes, puppy classes, day training, boot camps, board & trains, and resident training programs.

Dorothy's commitment to personalized care ensures that all services begin with an evaluation of you and your pup, guaranteeing a perfect fit for your training journey. Her unique approach to training is highly praised by clients, as evidenced by a satisfied pet parent who shared their joy over a formerly unruly 75-pound dog, Zoë. Through the transformative Board and Train Pinch Collar and E-Collar programs, Zoë learned to come, wait, and heel consistently. Dorothy's effective training techniques, particularly the E-Collar training, have allowed Zoë to enjoy newfound freedom while maintaining impeccable behavior, making walks enjoyable for both dog and owner.

As a proud member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), Dorothy offers mobile services, providing convenience and flexibility to her clients. With a focus on patience and love, she treats every pet like her own. Her dedication to top-notch service is reflected in her longstanding business license and her unwavering commitment to dog training excellence. Ready to transform your dog's behavior and bring harmony to your home? Book through Petworks today!

  • Licensed
  • Certified
  • Insured
  • Mobile Services

Pricing Packages

Starting Price
$ 50.00 Per 60 minutes

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Private Dog Training
  • Puppy Trainer

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Detection Dog Training
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Dog Therapy Training
  • K9 Police Dog Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification
  • Service Dog Training

What licensing do you have?

  • Business License

What size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Pet Certifications

  • American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)

Bonded and Insured

  • Insured

Proud member of...

  • Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

PetWorks Cancellation Policy Pet Care Professional's Own Policy If a pet care professional has published their own cancellation or refund policy, that policy governs the refund of the service amount only. Any PetWorks fees, including the Care Coverage Fee and Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee, are governed by this PetWorks Cancellation Policy and not by the pet care professional's policy. Pet Parent Cancels If the pet care professional has not published their own cancellation policy, the service amount is refundable only if the pet parent cancels at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the booking. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable for the service amount. The Care Coverage Fee is non-refundable when a pet parent cancels, regardless of timing and regardless of whether the pet care professional has their own cancellation policy. Pet Parent No-Show If a pet parent does not show up for a confirmed booking, no refund will be issued for the service amount or the Care Coverage Fee. Pet Care Professional Cancels If a pet care professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything they paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. The pet care professional receives no payment for the canceled service and is charged a Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee equal to 10% of the service amount, up to a maximum of $150. PetWorks may collect this fee by deducting it from a future payout through PetWorks or by other means if no future payout is available. Policy in Effect at Booking The cancellation rules that apply to a booking, including any pet care professional cancellation policy on file and the Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee rate, are those that were in effect when the booking was confirmed.

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Massachusetts

What year did you begin serving pets?

2012

How did you hone your craft?

The love and care of a personal pup.

What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?

Patience is a virtue

What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!

We love and care for the pets like our own

dorothy turcotte

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LOCATION: 200 Summer St, Holliston, MA 01746
SERVICE AREA: Within 75 miles, including Massachusetts

Distinction

American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Private Dog Training
  • Puppy Trainer

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Detection Dog Training
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Dog Therapy Training
  • K9 Police Dog Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification
  • Service Dog Training

What licensing do you have?

  • Business License

What size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Pet Certifications

  • American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)

Bonded and Insured

  • Insured

Proud member of...

  • Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

PetWorks Cancellation Policy Pet Care Professional's Own Policy If a pet care professional has published their own cancellation or refund policy, that policy governs the refund of the service amount only. Any PetWorks fees, including the Care Coverage Fee and Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee, are governed by this PetWorks Cancellation Policy and not by the pet care professional's policy. Pet Parent Cancels If the pet care professional has not published their own cancellation policy, the service amount is refundable only if the pet parent cancels at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the booking. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable for the service amount. The Care Coverage Fee is non-refundable when a pet parent cancels, regardless of timing and regardless of whether the pet care professional has their own cancellation policy. Pet Parent No-Show If a pet parent does not show up for a confirmed booking, no refund will be issued for the service amount or the Care Coverage Fee. Pet Care Professional Cancels If a pet care professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything they paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. The pet care professional receives no payment for the canceled service and is charged a Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee equal to 10% of the service amount, up to a maximum of $150. PetWorks may collect this fee by deducting it from a future payout through PetWorks or by other means if no future payout is available. Policy in Effect at Booking The cancellation rules that apply to a booking, including any pet care professional cancellation policy on file and the Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee rate, are those that were in effect when the booking was confirmed.

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Massachusetts

What year did you begin serving pets?

2012

How did you hone your craft?

The love and care of a personal pup.

What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?

Patience is a virtue

What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!

We love and care for the pets like our own

🐶 Certified Dog Trainers in Holliston, Massachusetts


Pet parents in Holliston and the surrounding Middlesex County area, including nearby communities such as Framingham, Marlborough, Waltham, Natick, Newton, Cambridge, Worcester, Boston, Quincy, Brockton, often look for a certified dog trainer who can help a dog and their people build a calm, trusting relationship. Trainers like Dorothy Turcotte focus on positive, science-based methods that fit real life at home and in public. Whether the goal is leash pulling, anxiety, reactivity, or a well-mannered companion, a good trainer shapes each session around the dog’s personality, history, and learning style, so progress feels natural and sustainable.


❤️ Great dog training isn’t just about commands — it’s about connection.


Certified dog trainers work with you as the owner, not only with the dog. They help you read behavior, build clear communication, and set routines that hold up at home and in public. A trainer like Dorothy is a coach for both of you.


✅ Training Support for Real-Life Challenges


From everyday manners to more complex behavioral concerns, certified dog trainers in Holliston commonly help with:


  • Obedience and focus for home and public settings

  • Leash training and more relaxed, enjoyable walks

  • Reducing anxiety, fear, and reactivity

  • Puppy and new dog foundations for long-term success


Sessions should feel encouraging, practical, and easy to carry into your daily routine. The services listed on this profile show what Dorothy offers.


Recommended Certifications for Dog Trainers


When choosing a dog trainer, professional certifications are a strong indicator of expertise, experience, and commitment to ethical, science-based methods. Widely recognized credentials include the CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, which demonstrate mastery of modern training techniques, canine behavior, and learning theory. The KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) highlights trainers skilled in positive reinforcement and clicker training, while the IAABC Certified Dog Trainer credential, recognized internationally, signals advanced knowledge in behavior modification and problem-solving. Membership or certification through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) further reflects ongoing education and adherence to ethical standards. Many trainers also pursue specialty certifications in areas such as aggression management, behavior modification, or puppy development to address specific challenges.


For pet parents, choosing a certified trainer like Dorothy Turcotte is one way to keep training grounded in science, safety, and compassion. Asking about credentials, and confirming them on the profile, is one of the best ways to make a confident choice.


⭐ Why Pet Parents Book Through PetWorks


Booking through PetWorks gives you more than a list of dog trainers in Holliston. It gives you a clearer way to choose.


A profile like Dorothy’s lets you review a local professional, read feedback from other pet parents, and book securely through a trusted platform. Many trainers on PetWorks use force-free, positive reinforcement methods grounded in modern behavioral science. Pet parents often look for that supportive, judgment-free approach when they decide who to hire.


🦔 How Booking Dog Training in Holliston, MA on PetWorks Works


Finding the right dog trainer starts with trust and fit. On this page you can explore Dorothy’s profile, read feedback from pet parents across Middlesex County, and either start a booking with "Book Now" or begin a conversation with "Get Custom Quote" or "Send Message".


Training works best when you begin at the right time. For puppies and newly adopted dogs, early training builds strong habits from the start. For older dogs, challenges like leash pulling, anxiety, or reactivity can improve with consistent, professional guidance, and many pet parents notice meaningful progress within a few sessions.


In Holliston and throughout Massachusetts, demand for experienced, force-free dog trainers often rises in spring and early fall, when routines shift and outdoor activity picks up. Booking a bit ahead can help you get a schedule that works.


Most dog training sessions across the U.S. typically range from $75–$150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and training type. On PetWorks, you can review the services on this profile and choose the option that matches your goals.


All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. Every booking also includes PetWorks Care Coverage, with a dedicated concierge team, added protection, and support throughout your experience. Once you connect, you coordinate scheduling, location, and training goals directly with your trainer.


❓ Dog Training FAQs


How many dog training sessions will I need? Every dog is different, but many pet parents begin to see progress within 2–4 sessions. More complex issues like reactivity or anxiety may take ongoing training and consistency at home.


Do dog trainers offer in-home sessions in Holliston, MA? Many trainers on PetWorks offer in-home sessions, local meetups, or virtual coaching. Check the services on Dorothy’s profile, or use Get Custom Quote, to confirm what is available.


Can dog training help with aggressive or reactive behavior? Yes. Positive, science-based training can be very effective for reactivity, fear, and certain forms of aggression. A certified professional helps keep that progress safe and lasting.


🐾 Start Building a Better Relationship With Your Dog


Training is an investment in your dog’s happiness, and in your peace of mind.


Explore Dorothy’s profile, read reviews from pet parents across Middlesex County, and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog. Availability for trainers in Holliston can change week to week, so booking ahead is a good idea.