Board and train from the team at Dogtown

Dogtown Training is the board-and-train program of Northshore Dogtown, a 10,000 sq. ft. dog daycare, overnight stay, training and grooming facility at 210 Eastern Ave in Gloucester. Since 2023 we have cared for 1,500+ happy pets.

Meet Gabby Our programs

Three doodles holding a sit for their trainer

Our method

Trust, communication and consistency

Dogtown Professional Training is relationship-based, fear- and force-free, and centered on positive reinforcement, mindfulness and clear communication.

Instead of only correcting what a dog does, we look at why: fear, frustration, reactivity or sensitivity. Then we build a plan that gives your dog a better option and the confidence to choose it.

Trust

Training works best when your dog trusts the person asking. Every session is built to keep that trust intact.

Communication

Clear markers and consistent cues, so your dog always knows what earns a reward.

Consistency

The same cues, the same rules, from the first session to the go-home lesson and beyond.

A Dogtown trainer teaching an Australian shepherd the place command on a raised cot

Your dog’s trainer

Gabriella Pope

Director of Training & Canine Behaviorist

“Training rooted in trust, communication and consistency, for happier dogs and confident owners.”

As a Dogtown Trainer, Gabby uses relationship-based, fear- and force-free training centered on positive reinforcement, mindfulness and clear communication. She focuses on the why behind behavior, whether fear, frustration, reactivity or sensitivity, to create personalized plans that build confidence and lasting change.

With a B.S. in Biochemistry and ten-plus years of hands-on experience with behaviorally complex dogs, Gabby brings a science-informed, compassionate approach to training. Her experience also includes working with Autistic youth and fostering dogs through Cape Ann Animal Aid, helping dogs with diverse behavioral needs thrive.

Where your dog stays

10,000 sq. ft. built for dogs

Board-and-train dogs live at the same facility as Dogtown’s daycare and overnight guests, so training happens alongside the things that make a stay enjoyable.

Trainer guiding an Australian shepherd over the agility A-frame — Agility and confidence
An A-frame and other equipment for confidence and body awareness.

Black lab sniffing herbs in the Dogtown Academy sensory garden — Sensory garden
Herbs, mulch beds and raised planters for sniffing, a calm kind of brain work.

Chocolate lab walking on the dogPACER treadmill — Treadmill & enrichment
A supervised dog treadmill, puzzle feeders, snuffle mats and lick mats.

Golden retriever and husky playing together on the turf at Dogtown daycare — Matched playgroups
Groups of 7–10 dogs matched by size and temperament, on turf built for play.

Why a separate site?

One Dogtown, two websites

Board and train is a different decision from booking a daycare day, so it has a home of its own. Same people, same building, same phone number.

Daycare, overnight stays, Dogtown Academy, grooming, cat grooming, at-home walks, training classes and private sessions are all on dogtowndaycare.com.

The team at work