I’m so glad you’re here!

Hi! I'm Lizzy Flanagan, and I provide force-free, rewards-based dog training and behavior consulting throughout Worcester County and Central Massachusetts, both in person and online.

I’m a multi-certified, insured, positive-reinforcement dog trainer and behavior consultant helping dogs and their people live easier, better, more joyful lives together.

I work with puppies, adolescent dogs, fearful and anxious dogs, reactive dogs, and dogs struggling with aggression, including stranger-directed aggression, dog-dog aggression, and resource guarding. Whether you're looking for help with everyday manners, building confidence, navigating challenging behavior, or strengthening your relationship with your dog, I'm here to support you.

Tuck, Finch, Idgie, and I live in a cottage near the woods in Worcester. I see clients in private one-on-one sessions in their homes and elsewhere, online via Zoom, and in live online classes. Most days, you'll find me traveling to clients' homes throughout Central Massachusetts for in-person training and behavior support.

I graduated with honors from Jean Donaldson's Academy for Dog Trainers, where I studied dog behavior, learning theory, and the science of behavior change. My work ranges from teaching foundational skills to supporting cases involving complex behaviors, including fear, reactivity, and aggression.

I am a Fear Free Certified Professional and Separation Anxiety Pro (SA Pro) Trainer, and I remain deeply committed to continuing education through conferences, webinars, mentorship, certifications, and coursework. The science of behavior is always evolving, and I believe our understanding should evolve with it.

My training approach is rooted in modern behavioral science, compassion, and respect for each dog's individual needs. My goal is not simply to change behavior, but to help dogs and their people feel safer, more confident, and more connected.

When I'm not working with clients, you'll usually find me illustrating dogs (you'll spot them throughout the site, newsletter, and blog), treasure hunting at flea markets, tending to my ever-growing collection of plants, or exploring local trails with my delightful crew.

I’m so glad you’re here!

A woman with blonde hair smiling and giving a high five to a large brown dog wearing a colorful bandana, while three other dogs watch inside a cozy living room decorated with curtains, patterned furniture, and a wooden floor.
A red, five-pointed star with rounded points.
A woman with blonde hair smiling and wearing a light blue shirt interacts with three dogs, one of which is a brown and black mixed breed wearing a pink bandana, in a room with a window, floral curtains, and framed pictures on the wall.

Meet The Dogs!

  • A happy brown dog inside a vehicle, wearing a yellow bandana with white patterns.

    Tuck

    Tuck is handsome and gentle. He's a master of retrieving and loves to carry paper shopping bags. He's my all-time favorite hiking companion. One year, we hiked 1,000 miles!

  • Close-up of a small, long-haired Chihuahua dog with closed eyes, sitting on a colorful quilted blanket.

    Idgie

    Idgie is our spicy little! She's 11 lbs of personality who wants to meet everyone and loves giving high-fives! At home, she's sunbathing or napping on the back of the sofa.

  • A happy puppy with heterochromatic eyes, one blue and one yellow, wearing a colorful striped bandana and a purple harness, sitting on green grass in a park.

    Finch

    Finch is our family athlete! He does the fastest zoomies. Part Husky, Finch's vocalizations earned him the nickname "Woo-woo." He's a tender, wonderful soul who I adore!

  • A smiling dog lying on grass in a yard.

    Tildy

    Tildy lit my path to dog training. She came to me with myriad behavior challenges, throwing me into the deep end of dog training. Adopting her changed my life and my career. She left us just weeks before I graduated from The Academy.

My Approach

I use effective rewards-based training. I will never use shock collars, prong collars, choke collars, intimidation, or dominance-based methods.

I will respect your time and financial investment. It would be unethical for me to make promises about outcomes regarding animal behavior, but I am all about honoring your goals!

I'll bring compassion, patience, knowledge, and kindness to every session--maybe a few laughs, too! Also, lots of chicken, cheese, and other foods that motivate your dog.

I believe in you and your dog, and I know you're doing your best with the information you have.

The field of dog training is unregulated. Transparency is essential to building trust! During our sessions, you are always welcome to ask questions about me, my education, and any proposed training methods. I want you and your dog to feel safe and comfortable throughout our time together!

training
classes
Colorful vertical stripes pattern with pink, yellow, black, and teal colors.
A woman with blonde hair, wearing a sleeveless denim shirt and jeans, sitting on the grass in a field, laughing while playing with a brown dog that has a blue harness.