Clear Skies Dog Training and Evaluation, LLC
Maura Porter, Certified Behavior Consultant & Dog Trainer
Maura is a Certified Canine Behavior Consultant, received through The International School for Canine Psychology and Behavior and a Certified Dog Trainer through CCPDT.
Maura Porter, Behavior Consultant & CPDT-KA, has years of experience with force-free, positive reinforcement training and techniques with dogs of all breeds. She is presently the Canine Manager at the Quincy Animal Shelter and has volunteered at several area animal shelters and rescues where she works to evaluate their dogs and help create training plans. Maura is also an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator and a Dog BONES of Massachusetts therapy dog certification instructor. As a behavior consultant, many have come to her for her expertise on the more challenging, reactive behaviors. She believes too many dogs are mislabeled as aggressive and lose their lives because of it; the reality is that most dogs are nervous and scared and it is our job to train the owners to better understand their pup’s behavior.
Clear Skies offers in-home sessions to work on both basic commands and skills, as well as offering behavior modification training for nervous, reactive, and scared adult dogs that exhibit behavioral issues. Clear Skies also hosts group training classes at the Brockton Animal Protection Center throughout the year. For low confidence and reactive dogs, we do weekly pack walks, as well.
What We Do / What We Don’t Do
My training philosophy is grounded in science-based, force-free training methods that focus on the why behind a dog’s behavior, not just the behavior itself.
I believe behavior is a form of communication, not defiance, and that lasting change comes from understanding the underlying emotional state driving a dog’s actions. Rather than relying on punishment or suppression, I focus on building trust, and teaching skills that help dogs feel safer and more confident in their world.
Every dog is an individual, so each training plan is realistic, and responsive to the dog in front of me. My goal is not simply obedience, but to help dogs feel safer, more confident, and better able to navigate their world—and to empower the humans who care for them with the knowledge and skills to support that process. In short, my goal is meaningful, lasting change—not quick fixes or surface-level compliance.
I do not use fear, pain, intimidation, or punishment-based tools or techniques. I don’t rely on dominance theory, “alpha” concepts, or methods that suppress behavior without addressing the underlying cause. I don’t promise instant results or guarantees, and I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all programs. Behavior change takes time, consistency, and informed support—and I work collaboratively with families to create realistic plans that respect both the dog’s emotional wellbeing and the household’s needs.
What Is Reactivity?
Reactivity in dogs is an exaggerated response to specific triggers—such as other dogs, people, movement, sounds, or environments—often expressed through barking, lunging, growling, freezing, or avoidance. While these behaviors can look aggressive on the surface, most reactive dogs are not aggressive at their core. In the majority of cases, reactivity is rooted in fear, stress, uncertainty, or low confidence, not a desire to harm. These dogs are overwhelmed by their surroundings and lack the coping skills to handle what feels threatening to them in the moment. Reactivity is communication—a dog’s way of saying they are uncomfortable and need distance or support—and with the right approach, many reactive dogs can learn to feel safer, more confident, and better able to navigate the world around them.
Specialties Include
Behavior Modification
In-home sessions for basic obedience
Canine Good Citizen testing
Therapy Dog preparedness
Group pack walks
Group Obedience Classes
Some of our clients.
Testimonials
“I highly recommend Maura as a dog trainer! She has unconventional methods that truly do work when no other trainer or method has worked, including weekly socialization walks for dogs who have issues with other dogs. If you're struggling to understand your dog's behavior and how to correct it, give Maura at Clear Skies a call.”
— Michelle Curran
“Maura is a top notch trainer who has done wonders with many dogs. I highly recommend her as a great trainer who doesn't have to use hard tactics she has done wonderful things with our Golden Annie who came from the China meat trade world.”
— Larry Carpenter
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
clearskiesdogtraining@gmail.com
Phone
781-724-5610