Lulu's Legacy

Whether you’re frustrated by your dog’s worrisome behavior, or just looking to teach your dog some manners, we can help.  Our in-home, custom-tailored sessions are designed to meet the needs of you and your dog.

Our methods are science-based, positive reinforcement training, which creates a dog who wants to work with you, and enjoys learning!

Before you choose a dog trainer, carefully check to ensure that the trainer you will be working with, agrees with your ethics and will treat your dog in a manner which you approve.  Dog training is an unregulated field, and unfortunately the burden is on the consumer to make the right choice when it comes to finding a qualified, ethical and humane professional.

We are located on the NH seacoast, and service clients in Southern NH and Northeast MA.

Hi, I’m Laurel Silvia and I am the owner of Lulu’s Legacy.  Lulu was not my first dog, but she is the one that inspired me to become a dog trainer.  As an adolescent Pit Bull, adopted from a local shelter, she presented me with many challenges that I was not prepared for.  Knowing that I had to learn more to safely integrate her into my household, I started on the journey which lead to earning the title Certified Professional Dog Trainer in 2011, and Certified Behavior Consultant Canine in 2017.  Both are through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), an organization recognized world wide  for maintaining the highest standards in the industry.  In addition, I earned a certificate in Applied Animal Behavior from the University of  Washington, and hold a certificate of excellence from Dr. Susan Friedman’s course entitled Living and Learning With Animals .  In 2023 I completed the L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology Course to earn a certificate in Family Dog Mediation, which has added the depth of viewing dogs and their behavior through an ethology lens, to my practice. This short video provides a glimpse of what it means to consider an ethological approach when helping dogs and their families. I am also a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, and the Pet Professional Guild, and a supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.  I also hold membership in the Animal Behavior Society, and have been a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator since 2012.  I have attended numerous conferences, seminars and workshops presented by leaders in the field, to ensure that I am kept current with new research.

My life is shared with my husband and our 3 male Pit Bulls.  We lost our beloved Lulu in 2014.

Dog Training/Behavior Options

Basic Manners- Level 1

This 6 week course provides foundation behaviors.  This is ideal for puppies, or any dog that has had very limited training.  At completion, you will have the tools to teach your dog:

Sit, Down, Eye Contact, Hand Targeting, Go to Mat, Drop it, Recalls, Settle, and Loose Leash Walking.

Handouts are provided to help you work on the behaviors throughout the week, and personalized help via email or phone call is available throughout the course.

Cost $540

Basic Manners- Level 2

This 6 week course builds on the behaviors taught in Basic Manners-Level 1.  We’ll add in some safety behaviors such as:

Wait, Stay, Leave it, Drop it/Take it, Polite Greetings, and Recalls with distance and distractions added.

Handouts are provided to help you work on the behaviors throughout the week, and personalized help via email or phone call is available throughout the course.

Cost $540

Single Visit:

Maybe you need help introducing a new dog into your home, or need help with a simple issue like jumping up, or maybe need some house training pointers.  This 90 minute in-home session may be ideal for you.

Cost $135

Behavior Consultation

This is the ideal option if your dog is experiencing behavior issues, such as reactivity/aggression, separation anxiety, or guarding behaviors. These more complex problems require an initial 90 minute consultation to best determine an appropriate behavior modification program for your dog.  Follow up sessions are scheduled as needed, and are 60 minutes in length. (cost for follow up sessions, $90)

Cost $135

We believe everyone deserves a chance, so we offer discounts on our services to anyone that recently adopted a dog from a shelter or rescue.

Please email me at laurelsilvia9@gmail.com or call 978-621-8411.

You will receive a response within 24 hours.  Thank you.

Here you will find information on training and behavior.

This article from the Australian Veterinary Association explains how learning takes place.

Some excellent references from the Pet Professional Guild:

Puppy Nipping

Puppy Socialization Checklist

House Training Basics

The Use of Choke and Prong Collars in Training

The Use of Shock in Training

What to Ask a Dog Trainer Before Hiring them

The Importance of Muzzle Training

Dog Bite Safety

What Does That Wagging Tail Mean?

Understanding Resource Guarding