Dog Trainers in Somerville, MA

Nope. But I would like the name of one as well. Seems I know of a few people migrating to CA this year. Kim Melanson, Jill Haley Rose, or Dorothy Hatch OConnor may have a better idea.

If I don't know anybody personally, I look up behavior consultants with the IAABC using the city or zip code. Trish King is listed near Berkeley (Marin Humane Society), and I suspect the trainers who work there are competent: http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/site/c.aiIOI3NLKgKYF/b.7628485/k.6F77/Meet_Our_Instructors.htm

I think Jill will know the best too. Jean Donaldson's Dog Academy has tons of grads out there too. I have got to see if I can get on that list only taking the 6 day Certificate in Counseling course. https://www.academyfordogtrainers.com/aboutgrads/Academy_Graduate_Referral_List.pdf

Sandi Thompson of Bravo Pup would be a great contact. As Kim said, Jean's list of graduates is also a great resource. The woman who runs Metro Dog in Richmond (close to Berkeley) is also a great trainer and resource. There are so many good trainers there! Ian and Kelly Dunbar live in Berkeley and I'm sure they have good recommendations. Not sure if your clients are looking for behavior mod or group classes, but there is so much there that is quality. Have them check Albany, San Francisco, El Cerrito, Richmond, etc. I'm sure Jill has more contacts and suggestions.

I worked and mentored under Alison Smith who runs Metro Dog in Richmond which is right next to Albany/ Berkeley. When I lived out there it was called Canine Culture. She would be a great resource and has many trainers working for her too. http://metrodog.com/

Melissa, your readers may be interested in this information page from the Mass. Attorney General's Office regarding service animals: http://www.mass.gov/ago/consumer-resources/your-rights/civil-rights/disability-rights/information-about-service-animals.html There are several statements that folks may find useful when trying to access business and public spaces: "Currently, there is no state or national certification available for service animals so businesses are not permitted to inquire if the animal is licensed or certified or whether the animal has identification papers." Also: "To differentiate between pets and service animals, businesses can ask the person with a disability if the animal is a service animal required because of a disability. They can also ask what tasks the animal has been trained to perform. Once an individual answers these questions the business may not question them further or separate the animal from the individual except as noted above. Businesses may not inquire about the individual’s disability."