Business Details
33 Years
experience
Professional Dog Obedience Training in Westfield, MA
At Sandy Meadow Farm, we have developed a training style that builds a relationship based on respect and trust between you and your dog. Our trainers come from diverse backgrounds, including competition obedience, service dog training, and therapy work, creating a user-friendly program adaptable to real-life situations. We offer small group classes limited to 6 dogs, ensuring personalized attention and guidance to eliminate problem behaviors while encouraging good habits.Our facility, built in 1995, features climate-controlled indoor spaces and outdoor areas with stadium lighting, accommodating both evening and Saturday sessions. We also provide virtual lessons via Zoom for flexible at-home training options.
Services
Puppy Kindergarten
Basic Manners
Intermediate Obedience
Therapy Dog Training
Virtual Lessons
Social Struggler Class
Canine Good Citizen
Rally Obedience
Trick Training
Courageous Canine
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer small group classes limited to 6 dogs for maximum individual attention.
- Our trainers have decades of combined experience in competition obedience and behavior modification.
- We provide virtual training options via Zoom for flexible at-home learning.
- Our facility features climate-controlled indoor spaces and well-lit outdoor areas.
- We specialize in family involvement and real-life application of training techniques.
Associations and certifications
- AKC
What people say
Knowledgeable trainers
Improved leash manners
Successful socialization
Patient instruction
Visible progress
Services
Puppy Kindergarten
This 6-week course teaches puppies (9-16 weeks) basic commands like sit, down, and stay while addressing common behaviors including housebreaking and socialization. Classes emphasize positive techniques and gradual introduction to dog-to-dog interactions. Limited to 6 puppies per session for personalized attention.
Basic Manners
Designed for dogs over 4 months, this 6-week program covers essential commands and home skills like loose leash walking. Focuses on communication, relationship building, and managing energy levels. Classes meet weekly with experienced instructors and require proof of vaccinations.
Social Struggler Class
Specialized 4-week courses for reactive dogs, offered in semi-private settings with 3-4 dogs. Trainers help reduce stress, build focus, and teach alternate behaviors to manage over-arousal in challenging situations. Requires prior evaluation for suitability.
Canine Good Citizen
6-week program preparing dogs for AKC's Canine Good Citizen test. Covers socialization, grooming exercises, and public manners. Includes formal testing session. Dogs must demonstrate basic obedience skills and comfort with physical handling during training.
Virtual Lessons
Interactive Zoom sessions for at-home training, including puppy classes and basic manners. Requires internet-connected devices for participation. Instructors provide real-time feedback while demonstrating techniques with trained dogs during weekly virtual meetings.
People
Melissa Kielbasa
Founder & Head Trainer
Certified trainer with over 30 years of experience, specializing in obedience and therapy dog training. Developed K-9's for Kids program and choreographs the Westfield Woofers dance team. Recognized with multiple community service awards.
Elizabeth Depin
Certified Trainer
CPDT-KA certified trainer who developed our Social Struggler and Courageous Canine programs. Offers private lessons through Take the Lead Ma while teaching companion classes at our facility.
Anne Crouss
Trainer
Specializes in competition obedience and therapy dog training. Brings expertise from training multiple dogs for the K-9's for Kids Pediatric Unit to her group class instruction.
Jill Haley Rose
Behavior Specialist
Former Dakin Humane Society Training Programs Coordinator with expertise in fear and aggression modification. Provides private consultations and teaches specialized workshops like Dogs & Storks.
Jim Helems
Sports Enthusiast
Owner of Dog Pals Sports Camp, teaching agility, scent work, and parkour. Brings canine sports expertise to our facility while offering holistic health guidance for dogs.
Questions
What class sizes do you offer?
All group classes are limited to 6 dogs to ensure personalized attention and effective training.
Do you offer virtual training options?
Yes, we provide interactive virtual lessons through Zoom for select classes like puppy training and basic manners.
Are vaccinations required for classes?
Yes, dogs must be current on distemper, bordatella (if recommended), and rabies vaccinations before starting classes.
What training methods do you use?
We use positive reinforcement techniques focusing on rewards and motivation rather than force or harsh training aids.
Do you offer specialized behavior classes?
Yes, we provide Social Struggler and Courageous Canine classes specifically designed for dogs with reactivity or fear issues.
