Pulling on leash
Every walk feels like a workout instead of a joy.
NEW ENGLAND’S OFF-LEASH DOG TRAINING.
Happy dogs.
Happier humans.
New England’s off-leash dog training. Samantha’s in-home Boot Camp turns chaotic, hard-to-handle dogs into calm, reliable companions you can trust in the real world — built on trust, structure, and a whole lot of salty air.
5.0 on Google · 100% recommend · 124 owner reviews
ABCDT Certified13+ Years ExperienceOff-Leash Specialist
GOOD COMPANY. GREAT OUTDOORS.
A home, not a kennelReal-world practiceDaily photo & video updatesGuidance for your end of the leash
WHAT YOU’RE DEALING WITH
You don’t need a perfect dog.
You need a clear plan.
Find the moment that feels most familiar and start with the program built for it.
Barking & reacting
At the door, on walks, or the second a guest arrives.
Jumping on people
Greetings turn into chaos before anyone’s through the door.
“Come” is optional
Recall works in the kitchen — not at the beach.
Too much energy
Zoomies, mouthing, and a dog who never seems to settle down.
You want a real plan
Not another video. A trainer who shows you exactly what to do.
ONE PROGRAM. EVERYDAY POSSIBILITY.
Four days to build
a better beginning.
The 4-Day Boot Camp
Your dog stays in Samantha’s home — never a kennel — with consistent guidance woven into the day. Skills are practiced where they matter: at home, on walks, and around everyday distractions.
See what boot camp includesThe foundation starts here. Your practice at home helps it last.
Come when called
Build a clearer connection, even when the world gets interesting.
Enjoy the walk
Practice leash manners for less pulling and more shared adventure.
Find the calm
Work on jumping, barking, and settling into everyday routines.
Learn together
Leave with guidance to carry the training into your life at home.
TRAINING PROGRAMS
One trainer.
A program for every dog.
Custom one-on-one and structured training built for real life anywhere in New England.
Private Dog Training
Private coaching for owners who want a clearer plan, better communication, and a dog who can handle real New England life with more calm and focus.
Learn moreDog Boot Camp
A structured program for dogs who need more consistency, clearer expectations, and guided practice throughout the day.
Learn moreOff-Leash Training
Build the kind of recall and focus that makes off-leash freedom safer, more respectful, and more realistic in distracting places.
Learn moreE-Collar Training
E-collars are introduced carefully as communication tools, never as shortcuts or punishment. The goal is clarity, safety, and a dog who understands the cue.
Learn morePack Hikes
Trainer-led pack hikes give dogs purposeful exercise, social time, and trail manners — especially for boot camp graduates.
Learn moreHOW IT WORKS
Three steps to
a dog you trust.
A simple process built around your dog, your goals, and the real places behavior matters.
Book a free call
Tell Samantha what’s happening and what you want life with your dog to feel like.
Train together
Build clear communication, practical obedience, and confidence around real distractions.
Keep the results
Owner coaching and follow-through make the training hold up long after the program.
BUILD YOUR DOG’S PLAN · FREE · 30 SECONDS
1 of 3Who are we training?
MEET SAMANTHA
You’re not hiring “dog training.”
You’re hiring Samantha.
From the Colorado mountains to the New England coast, the best part has always been the dogs.
- She apprenticed under an experienced East Coast trainer in 2013 and started Wag N’ Train.
- She spent two years at a Colorado wolf sanctuary studying pack dynamics with a pack of 30 — where her calm, assertive approach took shape.
- She ran an off-leash training program in Colorado for eight years before bringing it home to New England.
- Today she trains dogs all across New England — alongside Nahla, her blue-eyed husky, rescued shepherd Nakhona, and Scarlett the cat.
ABCDT Certified13+ Years ExperienceAward-Winning
THE OTHER END OF THE LEASH.
Happy dogs.
Hear it from their humans.
Every dog has a story. Here are a few words from the people who trusted Samantha with theirs.
Verified October 2, 2026 · Excerpts from every review in the collection
The training is surprisingly simple and easy to follow.Read on Google for ZACK DIXON
Words cannot describe how amazing Samantha was when it came to our pup…Read on Facebook for Jacob DiPinto
She understood her sensitive nature from the outset and adopted an approach that has worked wonders.Read on Google for Deborah Landry
Samantha helped give me the structure to discipline Athena and enjoy our walks together without doubting myself.Read on Facebook for Nellie Tesson
I appreciated the daily updates from Samantha during the 4 day bootcamp. They reassure you your dog is in good hands and having fun!Read on Google for Arianna Greeley
Samantha’s training is great! My golden retriever now listens to commands, including coming when called every time.Read on Facebook for Arianna Greeley
She's very efficient, patient and organized. I highly recommend her.Read on Google for KC Wright
Our golden retriever used to not come when called when we needed her to. Since working with Samantha she comes every time.Read on Facebook for James Hart Stoeckle
Samantha sent daily updates and photos, and was so patient and thorough during the follow up session.Read on Google for Lauren Kirshner
I highly recommend working with Sam for your training.Read on Facebook for David Tritto
We can go hiking with them and take them everywhere with us and they are so well behaved.Read on Google for Heather Christine Hanson
We are so grateful to Sam for working with our 9-month old German Shepherd, Moose. He literally came home a changed boy.Read on Facebook for Michele Ashley
If you want to be able to hike with your dogs, this training is the way to go!Read on Google for Zilicia Howard
Samantha is literally a dog whisperer.Read on Facebook for Lauren Kirshner
Our family and neighbors can’t believe the difference. This has opened up a whole new world for them, and us.Read on Google for Jamie von Freymann
Sam Wag N' Train New England was amazing with my 14 month old doodle pup!Read on Facebook for KC Wright
She provided expert training and has been quick to answer any post-training questions we had.Read on Google for Heather Stone
My dog is doing amazing after training with Samantha! Going on walks with my pup are so much better now!Read on Facebook for Sarah Dugdale
We are actually enjoying having him around other people again.Read on Google for Michele Dowd
Samantha’s Wag N’Train NE was recommended by a friend whose Huskey attended the 4-day boot camp.Read on Facebook for Traci Sue
Now a boot camp graduate, Banks is so responsive and even basic behaviors inside have improved.Read on Google for Traci Horton
Our dog Wally was in need of a refresher training and Samantha was amazing!Read on Facebook for Denise Capaldo Freedman
A week after training and we relaxed on a busy patio for over an hour with a very well behaved Dax.Read on Google for Frank Fellone
In addition to her glowing reviews, Samantha came highly recommended by a trusted friend of ours.Read on Facebook for Jamie von Freymann
We really appreciated Samantha sending us her daily updates, pictures and videos. She was also extremely responsive via text with any questions we had.Read on Google for Joe Marin
Samantha was amazing with our pup Oatchi.Read on Facebook for Adrienne Leigh
Our golden retriever used to not come when called when we needed her to. Since working with Samantha she comes every time.Read on Google for James Stoeckle
Samantha is the absolute best! First trained our standard poodle Rashi in Colorado.Read on Facebook for Robin Janick Weinberger
His attitude at home with guests has also improved drastically.Read on Google for Jack Clifford
We had an incredible experience working with Samantha.Read on Facebook for Frank Fellone
We wish we sent him sooner, it has changed our relationship with him for the better.Read on Google for Cailey Sundell
We highly recommend Samantha! We are absolutely still amazed at our dog a full week after the training.Read on Facebook for Stephanie Loper
She was incredibly cared for and happy to be in the program and I am blown away with her new level of self control.Read on Google for Megan Edwards
From the moment we spoke with Samantha on our discovery call, we knew we were making the right choice…Read on Facebook for Joe Marin
Samantha helped my rescue, Molly, gain confidence and structure through her training program!Read on Google for Amanda Applin
Samantha was amazing with our 9 month old, high energy golden retriever.Read on Facebook for Stacey Farrell
Samantha was amazing with our 9 month old, high energy golden retriever.Read on Google for Stacey Farrell
We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Wag N Train New England!Read on Facebook for Heather Welch Stone
We highly recommend Samantha! She is knowledgeable, kind and has great communication!Read on Google for Katelyn Raby
Samantha, you did so awesome with Zeus. I love how he comes when you call him.Read on Facebook for Donna Clark
Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable, but she’s also patient, professional, and truly passionate about what she does.Read on Google for Jamie W
Amazing Transformation with Samantha at WagnTrain New England! Samantha worked wonders with our dog, Koast!Read on Facebook for Kaitryn Franchino
Our 4-year old Bernedoodle has been completely transformed by Samantha's bootcamp program!Read on Google for Caitlin Struble
I just got him back and I gotta tell you Unbelievable transformation.Read on Facebook for Joseph Healy
Sam is incredible! Our mini golden doodle, Reese is so well behaved now.Read on Google for Amanda Briere
Wag N Train is truly amazing. In just one week our dog had become so well trained it was hard to believe.Read on Facebook for Matthew Quesenberry
My dog is doing amazing after training with Samantha! Going on walks with my pup are so much better now!Read on Google for Sarah Dugdale
Sam is incredible! Our mini golden doodle, Reese is so well behaved now.Read on Facebook for Amanda Briere
Sam was absolutely amazing!Read on Google for Colleen Bartling
We sent her to Sam and she is a new dog!Read on Facebook for Jillian Spiegel
We are so thankful to have found Sam. She's been incredible not only for our dog but for our whole family!Read on Google for Brooke Reed
We brought our 10 month old Golden Retriever Pup to Samantha for training and she came back a new dog!Read on Facebook for Erin Miller
I can’t recommend Samantha and Wag N’ Train New England enough!Read on Google for Lauren Cimeno
Wag N’ Train has been an amazing experience for us.Read on Facebook for Megan Ladley Muir
Samantha trained our dog Lucy during one of her Boot Camps. It was a great experience for both us and Lucy.Read on Google for Edmund Chapman
Samatha is amazing. Our 14 month old white retriever went in and came out a completely different dog.Read on Facebook for Shaun O'Neil
Samantha helped give me the structure to discipline Athena and enjoy our walks together without doubting myself.Read on Google for Nellie DiPinto
Bootcamp with Wag N’ Train New England is exactly what Bandit needed!Read on Facebook for Brittany Caron
Words cannot describe how amazing Samantha was when it came to our pupRead on Google for Jake Dipinto
It's unbelievable what a difference the bootcamp training made for my dog Chilly.Read on Facebook for Deb Koker
After almost a year of unsuccessful training, we found Sam and we are beyond thrilled with our puppy’s results!Read on Facebook for Stephanie Wheaton Ellard
Great communication with Sam from the first phone call all the way to the end of boot camp training.Read on Facebook for Alyssa Jones
Jason and I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Sam for taking our young pup Willow in at a young age.Read on Facebook for Karen Bradley
I can honestly say I have never seen such a wonderful difference in a dog in just a weeks time…Read on Facebook for Marlene Dow
Cara just completed her training with Sam. I sent Sam my 10 month old standard poodle that had a few bad habits.Read on Facebook for Diana Paradiso
We are forever grateful to Sam for her hard work and support with our dog Honey.Read on Facebook for Elise Naventi Reid
Our dog completed the Wag N Train boot camp a few days ago.Read on Facebook for Kate Elkins
We were lucky to have rescued a well behaved dog, but after putting her through training with Sam she is now perfect.Read on Facebook for Lauren Phipps
Binx has the pleasure to join Samantha and his fur friends on pack hikes multiple times a week.Read on Facebook for Mary Ann Walsh
Sam has been amazing with our Pearl!!Read on Facebook for Laura Haughton
My husband and I are so impressed with our dog's change while walking on and off leash.Read on Facebook for Caroline O'Harte Barnard
I am thoroughly impressed.Read on Facebook for Megan Edwards
Samantha Hillary with Wag N’ Train Colorado II is amazing at what she does.Read on Facebook for Jeremy Crowson
Sending Cheddar to Samantha’s training has changed his and my life, for the better!Read on Facebook for Moe Rain
Samantha Hillary is just absolutely amazing.Read on Facebook for Lisa Douglas
One week away with Samantha and a new dog came home to us. It was worth every penny.Read on Facebook for Melody Monberg
Samantha did an excellent job training our lab on an e-collar. He continues to participate in her weekly pack hikes which reinforces his training.Read on Facebook for Abbey Pikul
Samantha is an amazing dog trainer! Thanks to her I feel confident having my girls off leash. I can't recommend her more!Read on Facebook for Jen Cousins
Samantha and Wag N' Train Bootcamp has been INCREDIBLE for my 10-month-old puppy, Maeby.Read on Facebook for Annie Carlson
Our Lola was such a handful but after Samantha’s training we can now confidently hike and bike with her off leash.Read on Facebook for Jennifer Eggleston
Samantha turned our pooch into a gentleman and gave us peace of mind about his safety on hikes and camping trips.Read on Facebook for Sharon Eileen
Samantha has changed our life!Read on Facebook for Rachelle Burgess
We are so thankful to have found Sam. She's been incredible not only for our dog but for our whole family!Read on Facebook for Brooke Reed
I can’t recommend Samantha and Wag N’ Train New England enough!Read on Facebook for Lauren Bradley Cimeno
But after seeing the results, it was well worth the money.Read on Facebook for Matt Deleo
Sam is amazing! The boot camp was just what our dog Leo needed.Read on Facebook for Ameena Cohen
Samantha was great with our 9 month old lab Levi!Read on Facebook for Jeana Moreno Kim
Our 4-year old Bernedoodle has been completely transformed by Samantha's bootcamp program!Read on Facebook for Caitlin Stansell Struble
Samantha is outstanding. She knows her stuff and she LOVES dogs. After Boot Camp, Luna is a changed dog!Read on Facebook for Zilicia Smith Howard
After his training he is much more calm and confident. He even walks great off leash.Read on Facebook for Meghan Grimes Barden
We sent our 11 month mini golden doodle, Bauer to Samantha and it was the best decision!Read on Facebook for Kate Hart Raby
Happy Dog Happy Life! Samantha just says it in her ad. So true!Read on Facebook for Wendy Howard
He is all around better behaved and we couldn’t be more thankful.Read on Facebook for Justin Brown
All the photos and reports throughout the training confirmed Sky was having the time of her life at Bootcamp.Read on Facebook for Tina Egnats
We went to Wag N' Train New England for both our three year old Pitt Mix Maggie, and our one year old Pitt Mix Nova.Read on Facebook for Liz Galvin Orozco
Sending our 9month old golden, Charlie, to Sam was seriously the best decision!! I’m amazed at what she accomplished in just a few days.Read on Facebook for Alli Bell
The training is worth every penny and Samantha is amazing!Read on Facebook for Trisha Sparrow
Thanks to Sam and her boot camp we feel like we have a new dog at home!Read on Facebook for Abby McDonough
Sam took our 1 year old bernedoodle Ellie who is a smart dog but just lacked some direction and discipline.Read on Facebook for Ryan Hinchey
Nala went to training and came back a whole different dog while still being her happy and goofy self…Read on Facebook for Courtney Co-Rodriguez
Her recall is amazing! We are so happy with the results and would highly recommend!!Read on Facebook for Kayla Rose
Jackie and I can’t thank Samantha enough for her help with Bunker.Read on Facebook for Kevin Dwyer
Coming highly recommended by the family of our golden pups sister, we sent Molly to Samantha at Wag N’ Train NE.Read on Facebook for Christopher Muller
Wow! What can I say! I am so thoroughly impressed with this training system!Read on Facebook for Natalie Mia
My Sal pal graduated boot camp!!Read on Facebook for Meghan Stanton
Wow! What a tremendous experience we had with Samantha. We are grateful.Read on Facebook for Meredith Keach
Samantha is incredible.Read on Facebook for Beth Goldstein
Samantha is beyond amazing! She took my over zealous 1 yr old Golden girl and gave me such a well-trained good girl back!Read on Facebook for Erica Hoyt Mandell
Our Milo is such a star after his “retreat” with Samantha’s Wag N' Train New England. I can’t recommend her program enough.Read on Facebook for Trevor Laubenstein
We sent our pup to Samantha while we were away for a week.Read on Facebook for Daniel Jaynes
It’s been 1 week since we sent Walter to bootcamp with Wag N' Train New England and what a difference!Read on Facebook for Candace Alyssa
A huge thank you to Samantha at Wag N’ Train New England for training our guy Wyatt!Read on Facebook for Kristin Teixeira Merry
I can’t recommend wag n train enough!Read on Facebook for Kevin Troiano
I am litterally blown away!!!!!Read on Facebook for Liz Bennett
Cannot say enough good things about Wag N' Train New England!Read on Facebook for Molly Hayes
Our Aussie just graduated and I am amazed at the change in her behavior!Read on Facebook for Jennifer McLain
After a week with Sam, he is a total dream.Read on Facebook for Rex Lint
Samantha is amazing with the dogs. … I would recommend this program for anyone that is thinking about it.Read on Facebook for Chad Close
Cannot recommended her enough!!! The trust and bond Otis and I have gained thanks to her is priceless!Read on Facebook for Elisabeth Updegraff
Upon graduating from Samantha's Boot Camp, our Bonnet now has perfect recall…Read on Facebook for Bev Jackson
Samantha is an amazing trainer. Seamus came back to us a different dog. His recall is outstanding.Read on Facebook for Kerri Butler
We Love Samantha’s Dog TrainingRead on Facebook for Sue Behrman
It's great having peace of mind when our dogs Beau and Lucy are off leash.Read on Facebook for Rick Lavenka
We cannot recommend Samantha and her training enough!!Read on Facebook for Ellie McCormick Wildeson
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ONCE PART OF THE PACK…
The adventure
doesn’t end at pickup.
Pack Days keep the good things going.
Boot camp graduates can come back for trainer-led hikes: time to move, practice, and enjoy being a dog alongside a familiar pack. Ask Samantha about the current schedule and availability.
Meet the pack
BUILT FOR NEW ENGLAND LIFE
Training for the way
you actually live here.
A dog that listens in a quiet living room is easy. Samantha trains for the New England you know — salt air, mountain trails, town greens, and a front door that never stops in summer.
Beaches & shoreline
Reliable recall around gulls, surfers, and off-leash beach hours.
Trails & conservation land
Calm, connected hiking past wildlife, bikes, and other dogs.
Busy seasons
Steady manners through leaf-peepers, beach traffic, and packed patios.
Rentals & full houses
A settled dog when family, guests, and the door never stop.
HONEST EXPECTATIONS
Where training
takes you.
No fake before-and-after promises — just the practical shifts that make daily life with your dog feel easy again.
Leash walksBeforebracing for the pullAftera loose, connected walk
RecallBeforeselective hearingAftera dog who comes back
At homeBeforechaos at the doorAftercalm when guests arrive
Out in publicBeforescanning every distractionAfterfocus on you, not the world
SAFETY, KINDNESS & CLARITY
Calm structure first.
Always.
E-collars are never used as punishment. When appropriate, they’re introduced as clear communication tools with careful timing, low levels, and full owner education — the goal is a dog who understands, not a dog who’s afraid.
And every dog in training now wears a real-time Tractive GPS tracker, so Samantha always knows exactly where your dog is while building reliable off-leash freedom — safely.
- Live location tracking
- Heart-rate & activity
- Geofence safety alerts
- Calm, fear-free methods
ALL OF NEW ENGLAND
One trainer.
All of New England.
Samantha trains dog owners across all six New England states — coast, mountains, and everywhere between. Start with a conversation and she’ll help you work out whether the program fits your dog and your life.
MassachusettsRhode IslandConnecticutNew HampshireVermontMaineCape CodBostonThe BerkshiresWhite MountainsGreen MountainsPortland
View the New England hubLIFE ON THE TRAIL — DAILY ON INSTAGRAM
Follow
the pack.
Real hikes, real graduates, real New England — straight from @wagntrainnewengland. Tap any photo to see it full size.
FROM THE JOURNAL
Notes from
the trail.
Practical thinking on recall, leash manners, and calm structure — written for New England dogs and the people who love them.
Off-Leash Reliability in New England: Where It Actually Starts
Why recall falls apart at the beach, how freedom is earned through foundation work, long lines, and real-world practice — and what to expect from training that lasts.
Read the postIs Board and Train Right for Your Dog?
An honest look at who the four-day boot camp fits, who it doesn’t, and the questions worth asking any trainer before you book.
Read the postWhat a Boot Camp Week Actually Looks Like
Drop-off to pickup: the daily rhythm of Samantha’s in-home boot camp, the updates you get, and the GPS tracker every dog wears.
Read the postGOOD QUESTIONS. STRAIGHT ANSWERS.
Before you
join the pack.
Not seeing your question?
Ask Samantha directly.
What is the four-day boot camp?
An immersive board-and-train in Samantha’s home — never a kennel. Your dog practices recall, leash manners, everyday behavior, and skills around real-world distractions. You receive guidance to continue the work at home.
Do we have to live nearby?
No. Owners from any of the six New England states are welcome. Samantha will talk through travel, drop-off, and pickup arrangements on your Doggy Discovery Call.
Is my dog a good fit?
The boot camp is intended for dogs around six months or older who are friendly with people and other dogs, have no history of aggression, and have a current rabies vaccination. Samantha will discuss your dog’s needs before confirming a place.
Will I need to keep training at home?
Yes. Consistent practice and clear expectations after pickup are essential. The program includes an owner follow-up so you can understand the training and carry it into everyday life. Results vary with the dog and the work you do together.
What training tools does Samantha use?
The program includes e-collar work and real-world practice. Dogs in training wear a Tractive GPS tracker. Ask Samantha to explain the equipment, introduction process, and handling for your dog before you book.
How do I arrange a Doggy Discovery Call?
Call or text Samantha at (781) 985-0409 to arrange a free 15-minute Doggy Discovery Call. Tell her about your dog, what you want to work on, and where you are coming from. She will discuss fit, availability, and current pricing.
Is the Boot Camp the same as board and train?
Yes — it’s an in-home board & train. Your dog lives and learns in Samantha’s home (never a kennel) for four days, drop-off Sunday or Monday through pickup Thursday, with a one-hour park follow-up so the training transfers to you.
How soon will I see results?
Some changes can show quickly once the dog has clearer communication, but lasting reliability takes repetition and owner follow-through. Samantha will set realistic expectations before you start.
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER STARTS WITH A CONVERSATION.
Tell Sam about
your best friend.
The pulling. The jumping. The adventures you’d love to take together.
Let’s talk about your dog and what comes next.
A free 15-minute conversation. Fit, availability, and pricing discussed with Sam.