Questions · The trainer
Who trains my dog in board and train?
Who trains your dog during board and train at Dogtown in Gloucester: the training team led by Gabriella Pope, plus what to ask any program about trainers.
Who is Gabriella Pope?
Gabby is Dogtown's Director of Training & Canine Behaviorist. Her approach, in the words of her bio, is 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 build personalized plans.
With a B.S. in Biochemistry and ten-plus years of hands-on experience with behaviorally complex dogs, she brings a science-informed, compassionate approach. Her experience also includes working with Autistic youth and fostering dogs through Cape Ann Animal Aid. More is on our about page.
What does Gabby do in your dog's program?
She leads the short assessment that starts every program. That's where you agree the goals, choose between Foundation and Advanced, and hear honestly whether a board-and-train stay is the right path, or whether a longer behavior-modification program of six to ten weeks would suit your dog better.
Your dog then trains through the stay with the training team she leads. The plan follows the goals agreed at the assessment, and the go-home coaching hands the skills to you at the end.
Trainers versus handlers: why the difference matters
In many board-and-train programs, the person who designs the plan is not the only person who handles your dog. Some staff train; others feed, walk, clean and supervise play. Both roles matter, but they're different, and good programs are clear about it.
Why it matters: consistency. A dog learns faster when everyone uses the same cues, rewards and rules. When you compare programs, ask who designs the plan, who runs daily sessions, who handles the dog the rest of the day, and how they keep their approach consistent. Our questions to ask a trainer guide lists more.
- Who designs my dog's plan?
- Who runs the training sessions each day?
- Who handles my dog outside sessions, overnight and in playgroup?
- How do staff keep cues and methods consistent?
- Who will teach me at the go-home lesson?
What we don't publish, and why
Some things aren't on this site because they vary or haven't been confirmed for publication: the staff-to-dog ratio, overnight staffing details and certifications beyond Gabby's bio. Where that matters to you, ask at the assessment and get the answer in writing at booking.
We'd rather say that than invent a number. If you're comparing programs, treat a vague answer to these questions with caution anywhere. Our page on board and train staff ratios explains what to look for.
Will my dog only listen to the trainer?
Not if the handover is done well. Dogs respond to whoever has a history of clear cues and rewards. The go-home lessons are where that history starts with you: one with Foundation, two with Advanced.
It's common for a dog to respond a bit better to the trainer at first, because the trainer is practised and consistent. Our page on why dogs listen to the trainer and not the owner explains how to close that gap.
The two programs
FAQs
Related questions
Does Gabby personally train every session?
Is Gabby a certified trainer?
Can I meet the trainer before booking?
Do the trainers use e-collars or prong collars?
More questions? Read the full board & train FAQ
Next step
Tell us about your dog.
Send the enquiry and we reply within one hour on business days to set up a short assessment with Gabby. The evaluation is free.
- 01Send the enquiryReply within the hour on business days
- 02Assessment & evaluationPick Foundation or Advanced
- 03Train & go homeDaily updates, go-home coaching
