Board and train for the Merrimack Valley

Yes, Merrimack Valley dogs come to board and train in Gloucester: Route 495 to Route 133, a few trips per stay, and Pup Van pick-up with pricing on request.

Enquire about board & train Compare programs

Dogtown walker and dog on a coastal trail at sunrise in Gloucester

Route 495 to 133: the valley’s road to Gloucester

Route 133 is the thread that ties the Merrimack Valley to Cape Ann. It leaves I-495 at Tewksbury, runs through Andover and North Andover, past West Boxford into Georgetown, crosses I-95, and continues through Rowley, Ipswich and Essex before ending at Route 127 in Gloucester. For many valley families it is a direct, low-stress drive, with farm stands and the Essex marshes along the way.

From Haverhill and Methuen, I-495 to I-95 south and then Route 133 east is usually quicker. If you prefer highway the whole way, I-95 south to Route 128 north also gets you to Gloucester.

Starting from	Typical route	Our town page
Andover	Route 133 east	Andover
North Andover	Route 133 east	North Andover
Lawrence	I-495 to Route 133, or to I-95	Lawrence
Methuen	I-495 to I-95 south, then Route 133 east	Methuen
Haverhill	I-495 to I-95 south, then Route 133 east	Haverhill

How many trips a stay takes

A board-and-train stay is residential, so you won’t be driving 133 every day. The usual trips are the free evaluation, held on weekday mornings between 6:30 and 9:30 AM, drop-off, and pick-up with the go-home lesson. The two-week Advanced program adds a second scheduled coaching lesson once you have practiced at home.

If even that is too much driving, the Pup Van can handle drop-off and pick-up. The flat $10 fare covers only Gloucester, Rockport, Essex and Manchester-by-the-Sea, so ask for van pricing from your Merrimack Valley town when you send the enquiry.

Problems valley owners often bring

Merrimack Valley dogs live in a real mix of settings, from Lawrence’s and Haverhill’s busier streets to quiet Andover cul-de-sacs and the trails along the river. The problems families describe follow that mix.

City-street dogs: pulling and lunging on busy sidewalks, usually a fit for Advanced and its neutrality work
Suburban dogs: jumping on guests, door dashing, counter surfing, often a fit for one-week Foundation
Trail dogs: a recall that vanishes at the first scent, worked on with long lines and distance proofing
Fearful or guarding dogs: may need a six- to ten-week behavior-modification program instead

Paperwork before the stay

Every dog needs Rabies, DHPP and Bordetella on file and a current dog license. In Massachusetts, that comes from your city or town clerk, so a Haverhill dog is licensed in Haverhill and an Andover dog in Andover. Bring proof to the evaluation.

Pack your dog’s usual food in pre-portioned bags, any medications clearly labeled, and one comfort item; Dogtown provides bedding and enrichment.

Practicing back home in the valley

The go-home lesson ends with a plan for your own neighborhood. Start in the house and yard, then a quiet street, then busier spots. Check local leash rules before using any park, conservation land or riverside path, since each town sets its own. Our guide to practicing neutrality in town offers a step-by-step ladder for busier places.

The two programs

1 week · Puppies, young dogs & foundational manners Foundation Board & Train A one-week stay for puppies, young dogs and dogs missing the basics: obedience, leash skills, place, stay, recall, impulse control and household manners, with daily updates and a go-home lesson. Read about Foundation 2 weeks · Adolescent dogs & real-world reliability Advanced Board & Train A two-week stay for adolescent dogs and dogs who know their cues at home but lose them everywhere else: everything in Foundation, plus distraction proofing, real-world outings, neutrality and two go-home coaching lessons. Read about Advanced

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