Business Details
29 Years
experience
Professional Dog Training & Boarding Services in Oxford
Founded in 1997 by owner and trainer Melissa Houston, Northeast School For Dogs has dedicated over 25 years to transforming canine behavior through personalized training programs. Our approach combines hands-on experience with a deep understanding of dog psychology, developed through professional development including advanced training with Cesar Millan. We specialize in obedience training, boarding, and daycare services that prioritize both mental stimulation and physical exercise. Our facility operates from a private home, offering nearly 24-hour supervision and maintaining a clean, stress-free environment for dogs. With a proven track record of training over 900 dogs, we focus on creating balanced family members through customized programs that include owner education.Our services address behavioral issues ranging from basic obedience to aggression management, supported by lifetime follow-up support. We maintain strict health protocols including flea prevention and vaccination requirements to ensure safety. Testimonials highlight our effectiveness in transforming difficult dogs into well-adjusted companions. Our unique home-based facility features secure outdoor play areas and specialized boarding accommodations. We serve clients from Oxford, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas, providing detailed directions for easy access.
Services
Obedience Training
Dog Boarding
Daycare Services
Private Lessons
Board and Train
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- Owner trained over 900 dogs with proven behavior transformation results
- Customized board and train programs with lifetime follow-up support
- Home-based facility provides 24-hour supervision and personalized care
- Advanced training techniques from Cesar Millan-certified professional
- Strict health protocols including mandatory vaccination requirements
What people say
Miraculous work
Well-behaved dogs
Lifelong support
Behavior transformation
Professional expertise
Services
Obedience Training
Customized obedience programs address basic commands, house training, and behavioral issues. Our certified trainer uses proven techniques to create balanced, well-mannered dogs through structured learning environments. Clients receive hands-on education to maintain training consistency at home.
Dog Boarding
Secure in-home boarding provides personalized care with multiple daily exercise sessions. Dogs stay in clean, spacious kennels with 24-hour supervision and nightly bathroom breaks. Includes daily socialization and maintains house-training routines.
Daycare Services
Daily socialization and exercise program reduces destructive behaviors through structured playtime. Features secure outdoor areas for group activities and individual attention during 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM operating hours.
Board and Train
Two-week intensive training addresses obedience, socialization, and behavioral issues. Includes owner lessons and home follow-up visits. Combines professional expertise with personalized care for lasting results.
Private Lessons
Customized in-home instruction for specific behavioral needs. Four-lesson packages teach owners effective training techniques using positive reinforcement methods tailored to individual dog personalities.
People
Melissa Houston
Owner/Trainer
Certified trainer with 25+ years experience, trained over 900 dogs. Graduate of UMass Amherst, former Tufts Veterinary School professional, and Cesar Millan workshop participant. Specializes in behavior transformation and lifelong dog training solutions.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use positive reinforcement techniques combined with structured learning environments based on Cesar Millan's dog psychology principles.
Do you offer overnight boarding?
Yes, our in-home boarding provides 24-hour supervision with multiple daily exercise sessions and nightly bathroom breaks.
What are your vaccination requirements?
Dogs must have current rabies, distemper, bordetella vaccinations and recent negative fecal sample documentation.
How long are training programs?
Our intensive board and train program lasts two weeks with follow-up home visits included in the package.
Can I visit during my dog's stay?
Yes, we encourage owner participation with scheduled visits during training programs to monitor progress.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Oxford, MA and surrounding Central Massachusetts communities with easy access from Boston and Worcester.
Reviews (5)
Linda Palmerino
May 03, 2019
Report
My name is Linda Palmerino I have been going to Northeast School for Dogs for at least 18 years. Melissa, owner and trainer is outstanding, my dogs have never skipped a beat after their stay they are happy and well adjusted because of the care they receive with Melissa. I have no worries when leaving my dogs with her. Melissa is on site 24 hours! I have also had my dog trained with Melissa and she is by far the best trainer that you could use, Northeast School for Dogs is OUTSTANDING!
Jim Asprinio
Nov 29, 2018
Report
We had our 6 month old lab stay here for 2 weeks for the boarding with training while we were away. She was in need of training to improve and fix some bad habits, and learn some new good behavoir. We picked her up and immediately noticed the big improvement! No more nipping, pulling when walking, jumping, as well as other things such as not going in "our space" and learning to stay in one place.
It was night and day. Melissa is amazing and not only thoroughly went through everything at pickup, but within a week she drove a good distance to our home on the weekend so that she could go through the training with all family members in our environment. So not only is our puppy WAY better behaved, but she also did really well staying at her first boarding as it is very nicely set up, safe and comfortable. I highly recommend NE School for Dogs for boarding, training or both!
It was night and day. Melissa is amazing and not only thoroughly went through everything at pickup, but within a week she drove a good distance to our home on the weekend so that she could go through the training with all family members in our environment. So not only is our puppy WAY better behaved, but she also did really well staying at her first boarding as it is very nicely set up, safe and comfortable. I highly recommend NE School for Dogs for boarding, training or both!
Michael Pimental
May 10, 2018
Report
Melissa was very professional and extremely knowledgeable. Her facility was always clean and she lives on site. every animal was treated like they were her own. I recommend using her to anyone looking for training or boarding.
Mary E. Proal
Feb 15, 2018
Report
Possibly the best trainer we have ever taken one of our Shepherds too. She also has a day care and boarding. prices are excellent and I never worry about leaving my dog with her. when there outdoors playing they are always supervised. Our dog goes once a week just to keep him socialized with other dogs and if he needs some direction she makes sure he gets that as well.
Wendy Davis
Jan 25, 2018
Report
Melissa trained our Cairn almost 10 yrs ago and we couldn't be happier! We board our dog here and are extremely pleased!
