Gold Star Dog Training, LLC

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Fairfax, VT
Gold Star Dog Training, LLC

We offer dog training classes in St. Albans, Essex, and Williston, with educational programs across Vermont. Learn more at www.goldstardog.com
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Classes in St Albans, Williston, Essex, and Fairfax, Vermont) and workshops (across Vermont and New England): check out at www.goldstardog.com. Whether you’ve just brought home a wiggly new puppy, adopted a rescue dog, or want to work with a dog you’ve had for years, Gold Star Dog Training would be thrilled to help with your training needs and goals. Gold Star programs are highly student-focused—I

am adept at explaining concepts and helping every client feel successful. I design training experiences that are meaningful and effective—ones that my clients can use long after class ends. I use positive reinforcement training—this means I never use force, pain, intimidation, or fear when working with a dog (or a human!). My approach to helping you train your dog is easy to understand and apply, and I strive to give you tools that you can use throughout your dog’s life. To read more about classes (currently offered in Chittenden and Franklin counties) and workshops (across New England), check out at www.goldstardog.com.

12/09/2024

Woof! What's the Dog Saying? (Milton, VT)

December 13, 6:00pm-7:30pm (Milton)
Sponsored by: Milton Recreation Department
Location: Milton Grange Hall
Cost: $5
Registration: https://buff.ly/3Agb3QP or call the Milton Rec Department: 802-893-6655 Option 6

This popular, long-running dog communication and safety lecture is a multi-media extravaganza of fun where the audience also gets to test their "dog reading" skills. We’ll demystify dog communication, reveal some common dog-human misunderstandings, and explore how we can all live safely and happily together.

NOTE: This is for humans only. Please leave dogs at home.

12/09/2024

Winter Wiggles? Try “Something New!"
Too cold to play outside? Need to burn off your dog’s energy? Try the “Something New!” game. Dogs need to exercise their minds as well as their bodies, and this game is perfect for that. This game encourages your dog to use their brain by becoming engaged in the training process, thinking up behaviors to offer—as opposed to being instructed what to do. This mental stimulation can burn a lot of your dog’s energy, making it an excellent indoor activity. Plus, it strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend, as you both enjoy the fun and challenge of learning new tricks together. Most of all, it’s pretty darn fun!

Game instructions:https://static1.squarespace.com/static/590a60cc9f7456ef737a9a55/t/5a246581652deacb41b3cc66/1512334731131/Something+New+Game.pdf

Video of German Shepherd Mya playing the game:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z1IbkJ8h1k

Dogs need to exercise their minds as well as their bodies. This game helps your dog use his brain by becoming engaged in the training process, thinking up b...

12/05/2024

Doggie Drills with Deb (Dog Training Practice Nights)

Do you miss the camaraderie, fun, and challenge of a group dog training class? Then come join us! During each 2-week session, Deb (your instructor) will run a variety of training exercises in a supportive setting and offer light coaching and instruction. It's all about having a great time while practicing skills! Please note this is not a traditional obedience class covering a set curriculum; these are skills practice sessions.

Dogs must have previously attended a Gold Star Dog Training class (or receive instructor approval before registering), not exhibit aggressive or disruptive behaviors, and be under the handler's control at all times.

December 11 and December 18, 6pm-7pm

Fees/Registration: https://buff.ly/3MPdJYb

12/05/2024

Calling all aspiring therapy dogs (and even current therapy dogs looking to hone their skills!)

We have a couple of spots left in the Therapy Dog Academy starting January 14 in St Albans!

Tuesdays, January 14—February 18, 7:15pm

Class benefits include:
--Acquiring skills for therapy dog testing (heeling, attention, polite greetings, and more);
--Gaining tools and know-how to work effectively and safely as a therapy dog team;
--Reading dog body language to understand how s/he feels when working/visiting; and
--Becoming an excellent handler and developing a close working relationship with your dog.

www.goldstardog.com/therapy-dog-academy-1

12/03/2024

Social media is rife with stories and images of all manner of horrible situations dogs (and other critters) have to endure in this world.

So when I come across a story with such a happy ending, one that makes you take a deep satisfying breath and helps you feel a little bit better about the human race, you better believe it’s worth sharing!

This is the story of Trooper, the dog made famous because his owner tied him to a pole in rising flood waters during Hurricane Milton, where he was rescued by some wonderful and patient police officers.

Take a look. It’ll do your heart good.

12/02/2024

My dog can settle here, settle there, my dog can settle ANYWHERE!

Settle under a desk, settle so she’s not a pest, settle under chairs, settle by some stairs, settle in a store, settle by the door, settle in the car…my dog’s a settle superstar!

I love this skill--it helps my dogs settle wherever we are--in a hotel room, in the car, under a table at an outside cafe, at a friend's house, wherever!

We often use many tools to ask our dogs to control their excitement. We use redirection and obedience to achieve self-control. Or we ask them to sit in order to greet someone, instead of jumping up. Or we ask them to heel with us through a distracting environment. These methods involve US DIRECTING the dog to replace more excited behaviors with ones that we desire.

While having these strategies is important, it’s equally important to teach a dog how to move into a relaxed, calm state when asked (for me, the cue is simply "settle").

In the video (link at the very end of hte post), I’m working with then 6-month-old Tervuren, Noel, at a busy restaurant. I am using the word “settle” in a calm, soothing voice (in this case, repeating the cue is ok because it takes the dog a little time to transition to being relaxed—unlike a typical obedience cue where I want to avoid repeating what I’ve asked). I am giving verbal praise as she goes from looking around alertly to lowering her head, sniffing the ground—and then lies down, shifts over to one hip, and finally opens her mouth (this body language shows the progression into a more relaxed state).

Before you’re able to ask your dog to do this in a distracting setting, like where Noel and I are, you’ll want to teach it to your dog and learn the technique for how and when to use it. Instructions and additional videos: “Chill out” article at https://www.goldstardog.com/visit-the-library/ (Look for it in the "Training Tips" section).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twpc-l6bIB0

Settle under a desk, settle so she’s not a pest, settle under chairs, settle by some stairs, settle in a store, settle by the door, settle in the car…my dog’...

12/02/2024

12/01/2024

Only two spots left!

11/27/2024

11/25/2024

GOLD STAR'S TOP 4: Tips, Resources, and Learning Opportunities!

• READ ALL ABOUT IT: Library of free doggie how-to articles
My library contains many short articles covering a wide range of topics from helping your dog with weather-related fears to assessing when your dog is ready to be off leash. Bookmark the page as I'm always adding new material!
https://www.goldstardog.com/visit-the-library/

• WATCH IT: Training videos on YouTube
My growing library of dog training and for-fun videos. Become a subscriber to get notification of new videos!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSnIuzts6LLGGz43LGJI8yg/featured

• FOLLOW IT: Facebook for training tips and techniques and more
Follow the page to be in-the-know on all events/new programs, training opportunities, weekly tips, and more!
https://www.facebook.com/goldstardogtraining

• ONLINE MINI COURSES: Free learn-at-home programs
Get started on recall, learn about dog body language, and prevent separation anxiety—and more! Download from the home page: https://www.goldstardog.com

11/21/2024

Wonderful story about Gold Star Dog Training Alum Sandi and her sweet therapy dog partner Little Bear!

Great work Sandi and Little Bear!!

“Dogs can bring out the best of us,” said MEMS special educator Jessica Kuzmich. “Research shows that therapy dogs can create a caring environment for children, especially those in need

11/13/2024

It’s Therapy Dog Trick Tuesday!

On the final night of our Therapy Dog Academy class, I ask our students to unleash their creativity (pun intended) and show off a trick they’ve developed with their canine partners. These tricks are perfect for those moments when you need to keep your dog at a distance due to health precautions, allergies, or when you’re surrounded by a group of excited kiddos. Or maybe you just want to sprinkle a little joy and lift someone’s spirits with a fun trick! 🌟

The challenge? Design a trick that can be done easily on a leash and without too many props, all within a facility setting. And let me tell you, our students did not disappoint! 🐾✨

Check out what our Therapy Dog Academy graduates Cassie and Harvey came up with in this fun little video—Cassie taught Harvey to respond to all her cues with hand signals!

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Fairfax, VT
05454

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http://www.goldstardog.com/

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GOLD STAR'S TOP 4: Tips, Resources, and Learning Opportunities! • READ ALL ABOUT IT: Library of free doggie how-to articles My library contains many short articles covering a wide range of topics from helping your dog with weather-related fears to assessing when your dog is ready to be off leash. Bookmark the page as I'm always adding new material! https://www.goldstardog.com/visit-the-library/ • WATCH IT: Training videos on YouTube My growing library of dog training and for-fun videos. Become a subscriber to get notification of new videos! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSnIuzts6LLGGz43LGJI8yg/featured • FOLLOW IT: Facebook for training tips and techniques and more Follow the page to be in-the-know on all events/new programs, training opportunities, weekly tips, and more! https://www.facebook.com/goldstardogtraining • ONLINE MINI COURSES: Free learn-at-home programs Get started on recall, learn about dog body language, and prevent separation anxiety—and more! Download from the home page: https://www.goldstardog.com

It’s Therapy Dog Trick Tuesday! On the final night of our Therapy Dog Academy class, I ask our students to unleash their creativity (pun intended) and show off a trick they’ve developed with their canine partners. These tricks are perfect for those moments when you need to keep your dog at a distance due to health precautions, allergies, or when you’re surrounded by a group of excited kiddos. Or maybe you just want to sprinkle a little joy and lift someone’s spirits with a fun trick! 🌟 The challenge? Design a trick that can be done easily on a leash and without too many props, all within a facility setting. And let me tell you, our students did not disappoint! 🐾✨ Check out what our Therapy Dog Academy graduates Cassie and Harvey came up with in this fun little video—Cassie taught Harvey to respond to all her cues with hand signals!

Katelyn Marley.MOV

It’s Therapy Dog Trick Tuesday! On the final night of our Therapy Dog Academy class, I ask our students to unleash their creativity (pun intended) and show off a trick they’ve developed with their canine partners. These tricks are perfect for those moments when you need to keep your dog at a distance due to health precautions, allergies, or when you’re surrounded by a group of excited kiddos. Or maybe you just want to sprinkle a little joy and lift someone’s spirits with a fun trick! 🌟 The challenge? Design a trick that can be done easily on a leash and without too many props, all within a facility setting. And let me tell you, our students did not disappoint! 🐾✨ Check out what our Therapy Dog Academy graduates Katelyn and Marley came up with in this fun little video!!

It’s Therapy Dog Trick Tuesday! On the final night of our Therapy Dog Academy class, I ask our students to unleash their creativity (pun intended) and show off a trick they’ve developed with their canine partners. These tricks are perfect for those moments when you need to keep your dog at a distance due to health precautions, allergies, or when you’re surrounded by a group of excited kiddos. Or maybe you just want to sprinkle a little joy and lift someone’s spirits with a fun trick! 🌟 The challenge? Design a trick that can be done easily on a leash and without too many props, all within a facility setting. And let me tell you, our students did not disappoint! 🐾✨ Check out this cool little trick from Scott and Arya Skye!!

Can’t help but smile at my sassy couch-mate, Arlo. He’s quite expressive, isn’t he?

Harmony in the Kitchen Look at this little bundle of joy! Arlo, a 7-mo (or so) Dachshund-Cattle Dog mix has been with us for about a month now as our foster until he finds his forever home. We have a few fun tricks to keep him happily entertained while I'm busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen! First, I introduced him to the magic of a lick mat (see photo in comments)! It's amazing how something so easy can keep him so content and out from being under-foot while I’m busy in the kitchen. Plus, it's a fantastic way to keep his mind engaged and his taste buds happy! And then, there's his newfound fascination with ice cubes! Who would've thought that something so mundane could be so entertaining? Watching him chase those slippery cubes around the kitchen floor is such fun. The crunchy cubes satisfies his need to chew as well. Arlo also loves to chase tennis balls, so having one or two around to kick around in the kitchen also works great! With these little tricks up our sleeves, Arlo gets to hang in the kitchen without being a pest. It's a win-win for both of us!