Gold Star Dog Training, LLC

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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

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.

🐾 That face you make when you realize dog training spots are going fast…If you’ve been thinking about joining a Gold Sta...
06/09/2025

🐾 That face you make when you realize dog training spots are going fast…

If you’ve been thinking about joining a Gold Star Dog Training class, now’s the time—our fall sessions are filling quickly, and spots are limited!

✨ Important: If the class you want is full, be sure to join the waitlist (it’s free). I often add classes when there’s enough demand, and waitlist folks get first dibs on new openings.

👉 Also, if a class is FULL for dogs, you can still sign up to attend without a dog—a great way to learn, observe, and take training skills home!

Here’s what’s currently open (as of today):

ESSENTIALS/BASIC 6-Week Class

🐶 Essex – starts Sept 27, 2025 (FULL – both 10:00 & 11:15 am sessions)
🐶 Essex – starts Nov 15, 2025 (7 spots left in each of 2 classes)
🐶 St. Albans – starts Oct 7, 2025 (2 spots left)
🐶 Williston – starts Sept 22, 2025 (FULL)
🐶 Williston – starts Nov 9, 2025 (3 spots left)

BEYOND BASICS 5-Week Class

🐕 Essex – starts Sept 27, 2025 (3 spots left)
🐕 St. Albans – starts Oct 7, 2025 (3 spots left)
🐕 Williston – starts Nov 9, 2025 (2 spots left)

THERAPY DOG ACADEMY 6-Week Class

🐾 Essex – starts Nov 15, 2025 (3 spots left)
🐾 Williston – starts Sept 22, 2025 (3 spots left)

Don’t wait—these spots won’t last! 🐕✨

Fees/Dates/Registration: https://www.goldstardog.com/register

🐾 Woof! What’s the Dog Saying? 🐾 September 10, 6-7:30pm (Williston) Sponsored by: Dorothy Alling Memorial LibraryLocatio...
05/09/2025

🐾 Woof! What’s the Dog Saying? 🐾 September 10, 6-7:30pm (Williston)

Sponsored by: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library
Location: 21 Library Lane, Williston, VT 05495
Cost: FREE
Registration: Contact the library, 802-878-4918

Is a yawn always just a yawn? Why does your dog shake off even when it’s not wet? And is a tail wag always friendly? 🐕

Join us for this fun, interactive lecture all about dog communication and safety (humans only, no dogs). We'll decode common dog behaviors, clear up misunderstandings, and help you understand what your dog is really trying to say!

✨ What to expect:
✅ Engaging insights into canine body language
✅ Hands-on exercises to practice reading your dog
✅ Access to exclusive learning materials

🐾 Upcoming Gold Star Dog Training Classes 🐾 Whether you’ve just brought home a wiggly new puppy, adopted a rescue dog, o...
02/09/2025

🐾 Upcoming Gold Star Dog Training Classes 🐾

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, we’d be thrilled to help with your training needs and goals!
💫 Gold Star programs are...
✔️ Highly student-focused—ensuring every client feels successful
✔️ Hand-crafted—designed and refined continuously to suit real-world needs
✔️ Meaningful—with training experiences you’ll use long after the class ends
✔️ Fun—expect humor, enthusiasm, and a wide range of student support
✔️ Positive reinforcement-based—no force, pain, or intimidation ever
✔️ Easy to apply—tools you’ll use throughout your dog’s life

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: https://buff.ly/eXzRbcc
FEES/REGISTRATION: https://buff.ly/HGThkmv

ESSEX JUNCTION
Dog/Puppy Essentials: Basic Training and Social Skills
• Saturdays, Sept 27—Nov 1, 10am AND 11:15am sessions
Beyond Basics
• Saturdays, Sept 27—Oct 25, 12:30

ST ALBANS
Dog/Puppy Essentials: Basic Training and Social Skills
• Tuesdays, Oct 7—Nov 11, 6pm
Beyond Basics
• Tuesdays, Oct 7—Nov 4, 7:15pm

WILLISTON
Dog/Puppy Essentials: Basic Training and Social Skills
• Mondays, Sept 22—Oct 27, 6pm

Therapy Dog Academy
• Mondays, Sept 22—Oct 27, 7:15pm

🐾 Woof! What’s the Dog Saying? 🐾 September 3, 6-7:30pm (Brandon) Sponsored by: Brandon Free Public LibraryLocation: 4 F...
02/09/2025

🐾 Woof! What’s the Dog Saying? 🐾 September 3, 6-7:30pm (Brandon)

Sponsored by: Brandon Free Public Library
Location: 4 Franklin Street, Brandon, VT 05733
Cost: FREE
Registration: Contact the library, 802-247-8230

Is a yawn always just a yawn? Why does your dog shake off even when it’s not wet? And is a tail wag always friendly? 🐕

Join us for this fun, interactive lecture all about dog communication and safety (humans only, no dogs). We'll decode common dog behaviors, clear up misunderstandings, and help you understand what your dog is really trying to say!

✨ What to expect:
✅ Engaging insights into canine body language
✅ Hands-on exercises to practice reading your dog
✅ Access to exclusive learning materials

21/08/2025

QUICK TIP: I've been posting this for the past 15 years, as many of you know, but I will keep positing it until it is common knowledge.

If the trainer you are considering using falls into any of these categories, you should pick another trainer.

• If the equipment recommended for basic obedience includes or is focused on choke collars, prong collars, or shock collars.

• Trainers who ban head collars of any kind may rely unduly on force.

• If the trainer instructs you to manage your dog’s behaviors by pinching toes, kneeing the dog in the chest or abdomen, hitting the dog, forcibly holding the dog down against their will, constantly yelling at the dog, frequently yanking the collar constantly, or using prong, choke, pinch or shock collars or electronic stimulation.

• If the trainer believes most or all training is about encouraging the person to be “alpha” and teaching the dog to “submit”.

• If the trainer explains that most dog behavior, for example jumping on people, occurs because the dog is trying to be “dominant”.

• If a trainer recommends “alpha rolls”, “scruffing”, “helicoptering”, “choking” or any other painful or physical methods as a means of “training” or modifying behavior.

(Source:https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.dacvb.org/resource/resmgr/docs/How-to-select-a-trainer-vet.pdf )

*** The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB)

Hi friends! This post isn’t about dogs—but it *is* about something new I’m launching that I thought some of you might be...
18/08/2025

Hi friends! This post isn’t about dogs—but it *is* about something new I’m launching that I thought some of you might be interested in (or might know someone who is).

Alongside my dog training work, I’m kicking off a new side project: writing, proposal, and AI coaching. It draws on my 25+ years of helping teams write more clearly, meet deadlines with less stress, and make AI work for them—not the other way around.

If you or someone you know works in a job where writing (or proposals or AI tools) are part of the mix, I’d love it if you’d check it out or pass it on. I'm offering 1:1 coaching, team workshops, and support for writing-heavy projects—AI optional!

🖋️ https://dhelfrichvt.wixsite.com/dhelfrichvt

And don’t worry—Gold Star Dog Training isn’t going anywhere. Just expanding my skill set beyond the leash. 😉

13 Ways To Build A Crazy-Great Relationship With Your Dog(Part 3)Now that we’ve learned all about why dogs do the things...
17/08/2025

13 Ways To Build A Crazy-Great Relationship With Your Dog
(Part 3)

Now that we’ve learned all about why dogs do the things they do and how we can better be in relationship with them, here’s the practical stuff! Let’s break down the daily habits that’ll support a respectful, happy, relationship—my list of attitude-adjusters and relationship-builders.
🐕 Sometimes, it's the little things that make the biggest difference. This guide will help you make small changes that have a big impact on your dog's behavior.

--Build a great relationship with your dog
--Help your dog understand that you are the one who pays the bills
--Raise a respectful, well-behaved, happy dog
Read the article (under Living With/Caring For Dogs, Dog-Human Relationship Guide PART 3)
https://www.goldstardog.com/visit-the-library/

Ready to Rock Your Dog-Human Relationship?Part 2A strong bond with your dog is the foundation of good behavior. Whether ...
10/08/2025

Ready to Rock Your Dog-Human Relationship?
Part 2

A strong bond with your dog is the foundation of good behavior. Whether you’re trying to curb bad habits or just improve communication, we’ve got the guide to help you. Building a great relationship with your dog takes time and effort, but it's worth it. A strong bond means a happier, more well-behaved dog. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to strengthen your connection with your furry friend.

Do you...
--Want to know three key concepts for understanding your dog and how to relate to him or her?
--Wonder about where alpha/dominance theory fits in?
--Have questions about punishment and discipline?
--Question what "positive reinforcement" training is all about?
PART 2: Build a Crazy Great Relationship with Your Dog
─ Or, What Your Dog Wants You to Know About Her Needs
─ Or, What About Punishment and Discipline?
─ Or, Is Positive Reinforcement Frooofy?
Read the article (under Living With/Caring For Dogs, Dog-Human Relationship Guide PART 2)
https://www.goldstardog.com/visit-the-library/

Why is My Dog Acting Like a Jerk? Let's Settle This! (Part 1)Sometimes, our dogs seem to act like they’ve never heard of...
03/08/2025

Why is My Dog Acting Like a Jerk? Let's Settle This! (Part 1)

Sometimes, our dogs seem to act like they’ve never heard of manners. But let’s take a deep breath. It might be a case of miscommunication. Understanding your dog's behavior is the first step to improving it. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s learn together. We’ve got this!

Do you...
--Worry about who is in charge...you or your dog?
--Feel like your dog can be a jerk sometimes?
--Wonder why your dog does things that drive you nuts?
--Feel like your dog doesn't listen to you?
--Have questions about punishment and discipline?
--Want a great relationship with your dog but worry it’s not possible?

These are just some of the questions that I address in my easy-to-read, short 3-part guide to dog-human relationships!
---------------------------------------------

Let’s dive into PART 1: What’s Wrong with Me and My Dog?
─ Or, who’s running the show here?
─ Or, why can my dog be such a jerk?
─ Or, 4 reasons behind dog naughtiness.

Read the article (under Living With/Caring For Dogs, Dog-Human Relationship Guide PART 1)
https://www.goldstardog.com/visit-the-library/

🐾 Upcoming Gold Star Dog Training Classes 🐾Whether you’ve just brought home a wiggly new puppy, adopted a rescue dog, or...
01/08/2025

🐾 Upcoming Gold Star Dog Training Classes 🐾

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, we’d be thrilled to help with your training needs and goals!
💫 Gold Star programs are...
✔️ Highly student-focused—ensuring every client feels successful
✔️ Hand-crafted—designed and refined continuously to suit real-world needs
✔️ Meaningful—with training experiences you’ll use long after the class ends
✔️ Fun—expect humor, enthusiasm, and a wide range of student support
✔️ Positive reinforcement-based—no force, pain, or intimidation ever
✔️ Easy to apply—tools you’ll use throughout your dog’s life

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: https://www.goldstardog.com/find-classes
FEES/REGISTRATION: https://www.goldstardog.com/register

ST ALBANS

Dog/Puppy Essentials: Basic Training and Social Skills
• Tuesdays, Aug 12—Sept 16, 6pm
Therapy Dog Academy
• Tuesdays, Aug 12—Sept 16, 7:15pm

WILLISTON

Dog/Puppy Essentials: Basic Training and Social Skills
• Saturdays August 9—September 13, 10:45am
• Saturdays August 9—September 13, noon
Beyond Basics
• Saturdays August 9—September 6, 9:30am

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