Gold Star Dog Training, LLC

04/23/2025

ChatGPT & CoPilot: Your Digital Minions for Getting Stuff Done (Williston May, 4, 2:30-4:30pm) $55

Spend two hours in a fun, hands-on class where you’ll learn how to use AI tools like ChatGPT to speed up writing, brainstorming, research, planning, and more—so you can get things done faster and reclaim countless hours of your time.

Say goodbye to soul-crushing, boring tasks and hello to more time for what really matters—like finally solving the mystery of your mismatched Tupperware lids.

Detailed course info/registration: https://willistonvt.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30350

Can't make this one? Also being offered July 13, 10am in Williston. Contact Deb at [email protected] for other locations and times!!

04/22/2025

🐾 Woof! What’s the Dog Saying? 🐾 May 8, 6-7:30pm (Brandon)

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

May 8, 6-7:30pm (Brandon)
Sponsored by: Brandon Free Public Library
Location: 4 Franklin Street, Brandon, VT 05733
Cost: FREE
Registration: Not required

04/20/2025

Sit. Stay. Ponder: Musings on Dog Training Methods

Why I Never Use 'Stay' to Stop a Dog from Jumping on People

Picture this: I tell you to sit in a chair and not move. Easy enough, right? Now imagine I invite all my friends over to shower you with affection—hugging, kissing, touching. Your personal space? Gone. That cozy bubble of comfort? Popped.

Your choices?
1. Break my command (cue stress and guilt).
2. Suffer in silence (zero fun for you).
3. Completely lose your marbles and punch the next person who gets too close right in the nose (zero fun for them).

And when you act out, that poor soul clutching their bleeding nose will probably think, "Wow, that was uncalled for!"—all because I took away your simplest, most reasonable option: just getting up and moving away.

That’s exactly what we do to dogs when we use "stay" while someone wants to pat our dogs. We trap them in an awkward situation with no escape—kind of like forcing you to endure a room full of overenthusiastic huggers. Instead of letting them step away when they’re uncomfortable, we make them sit tight—tolerating it uncomfortably or possibly feeling the need to react.

Sit. Stay. Stress.

Let’s skip that. Give them the freedom to make a better choice.

04/18/2025

04/16/2025

🐾 Woof! What’s the Dog Saying? 🐾
May 10, 10:30-noon (Waterbury)

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

May 10, 10:30-noon (Waterbury)
Sponsored by: Waterbury Public Library
Location: 28 N Main St Ste 2, Waterbury, VT 05676
Cost: FREE

04/13/2025

🐾 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/avPbrTP
FEES/REGISTRATION: https://buff.ly/hhYda4B

COLCHESTER
Dog/Puppy Essentials: Basic Training and Social Skills
6-week course: $170/ Take the course without a dog: $70
• Mondays, May 12—June 16, 6pm

Therapy Dog Academy
6-week course: $190/ Take the course without a dog: $85
• Mondays, May 12—June 16, 7:15pm

FAIRFAX
Dog/Puppy Essentials: Basic Training and Social Skills
6-week course: $165 (Take the course without a dog: $65)
Wednesdays, April 16—May 21, 5:30pm and 6:45pm

WILLISTON
Dog/Puppy Essentials: Basic Training and Social Skills
6-week course: $165 resident/$175 non-resident (Take the course without a dog: $65/$75)
• Thursdays, May 15—June 26 (no class May 29) 6pm

Beyond Basics
5-week course: $150 resident/$160 non-resident (Take the course without a dog: $65/$75)
• Thursdays, May 15—June 19 (no class May 29) 7:15pm

04/12/2025

Something a little different! Latest from my travel blog!

Say hello to Bob.

In life: janitor at the Baths of Caracalla.
In death: blinged out holy relic

He’s one of the famous Heavenly Bodies—bejeweled saints shimmering with gold and gems… and a good measure of scandal.

I tracked them down in a quiet German village.

Want to see the glittering bones and read the wild backstory?

Dare to look closer:
https://www.goldstardog.com/debby-does-destinations-blog/waldsassenskeletons

Would YOU visit a church full of rhinestone-wrapped skeletons? Drop a comment!!!

Discover the dazzling afterlife of Roman catacomb relics, including 'Bob the Bejeweled Skeleton,' as they transform into jeweled saints. Explore Waldsassen Abbey and Germany's opulent Heavenly Bodies in this quirky, historic adventure.

04/11/2025

We love our pups just as much as you do, which is why when we see lost dog running around we do all we can to get them home safely. And though we understand mistakes happen we wanted to take some time to remind everyone that dogs do have to be on leash in both the City and the Town unless you are in a designated off leash area. This rule is not just to keep our dogs safe from cars and animals but also people who may be afraid of dogs and other dogs who may be reactive.

To read your ordinance go to:

Town Ordinance: 4.04.050 Running at large
https://essexvt.org/.../Town-of-Essex-Local-Ordinances-on...

City Ordinance 510 - RUNNING AT LARGE
https://www.essexvt.org/.../City-of-Essex-Junction...

04/10/2025

Dog Classes Starting Next Week (4/16) in Fairfax!
**The classes are filling up! If you don't get a spot, ask to be on the wait list as we may add sessions!!**

Dog training classes through the Fairfax Recreation Department starting April 16

These classes are all about you—I'm here to explain, simplify, and make sure you (and your dog) feel like rockstars. I create training that's not just effective, but something you'll actually use long after the class ends. My approach is positive, practical, and grounded in decades of experience--no equipment/techniques that employ force, pain, or fear (for dogs or humans)! My goal is to teach you to read your dog and apply the training--and have good fun while we're at it.

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

CALENDAR/LINKS to REGISTRATION: https://www.goldstardog.com/register

Dog/Puppy Essentials: Basic Training and Social Skills
--Wednesdays, April 16—May 21, 5:30pm
--Wednesdays, June 18—July 30, 5:30pm (no class 6/23)

Beyond Basics
--Wednesdays, April 16—May 14, 6:45pm

Therapy Dog Academy
--Wednesdays, June 18—July 30, 6:45pm (no class 6/23)

Questions? [email protected]

04/06/2025

Unlock Your Dog's Social & Confidence Superpowers: Free Program for Pawsome Adventures!

Are you ready to kick-start your dog’s social skills and boost his or her confidence with my unique, easy-to-apply, super-fun approach? Check out "Pseudo-Socialization: A Kick-Start Program" by Gold Star Dog Training! This step-by-step guide is designed to build your dog's confidence, provide thoughtful exposure, and deepen your bond. It achieves this with:
• A super fun game that doubles as a powerful socialization tool
• An emphasis on understanding dog body language
• Tips to safely socialize your dog without causing fear
• Countless ideas for introducing new experiences

Perfect for dogs of all ages, this program offers easy steps, video tutorials, and our popular guide to understanding your dog’s body language. Equip your furry friend with the skills they need to navigate the world with ease!

🔖 And the best part? It's a FREE download!
https://buff.ly/ljO6iyC
Look for "Pseudo-Socialization: A Kick-Start Program" about half-way down the page!
🦮 Transform your pup's world into an adventure where your dog becomes the superhero.

04/02/2025

Gold Star Dog Training Classes in Fairfax! Classes starting April 16

My classes are all about you—I'm here to explain, simplify, and make sure you (and your dog) feel like rockstars. I create training that's not just effective, but something you'll actually use long after the class is over. My approach is positive and practical--no force, pain, or fear (for dogs or humans)! My goal is to give you practical tools to work with your dog for life--and have good fun while we're at it.

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

Dog/Puppy Essentials: Basic Training and Social Skills
6-week course: $165 (Take the course without a dog: $65)
--Wednesdays, April 16—May 21, 5:30pm
--Wednesdays, June 18—July 30, 6pm (no class 6/23)

Beyond Basics
5-week course: $150 (Take the course without a dog: $65)
--Wednesdays, April 16—May 14, 6:45pm

Therapy Dog Academy
6-week course: $185 (Take the course without a dog: $80)
--Wednesdays, June 18—July 30, 6:45pm (no class 6/23)

Questions? Reach out! [email protected]

04/02/2025

🐾 Woof! What’s the Dog Saying? 🐾
April 13, 5-6:30pm (Hinesburg)

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

Sponsored by: Hinesburg Recreation
Location: 10632 Route 116, Hinesburg. In the main room at Town Hall
Cost: $15 per person
Registration: buff.ly/nf5fnfQ
Questions: [email protected] or 802-482-4208

03/29/2025

🐾 Woof! What’s the Dog Saying? 🐾 April 13, 5-6:30pm (Hinesburg)

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

Sponsored by: Hinesburg Recreation
Location: 10632 Route 116, Hinesburg. In the main room at Town Hall
Cost: $15 per person
Registration: www.hinesburgrec.com
Questions: [email protected] or 802-482-4208

03/29/2025

Gold Star Dog Training is Coming to Colchester & Fairfax! 🐶🎉

We'll be bringing dog classes to Colchester and Fairfax!

Our classes make training practical, effective, and fun—for both ends of the leash—with Essentials for beginners, Beyond Basics for those leveling up, and Therapy Dog Academy for those wanting to partner with their dog to help others.

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

Huge thanks to Colchester Parks & Recreation and Fairfax Parks and Recreation for helping us bring tail wags and training to more pups and their people.

We can’t wait to meet you and your dogs! 🐕❤️

03/27/2025

Meet strays River, Rain and Reed: Inseparable rescues found wandering the streets of Central Vermont.

03/24/2025

Furry Fun at Williston’s Senior Social!
What do you get when you mix wagging tails, fluffy snuggles, and smiling seniors? A feel-good moment at the Williston Rec Department’s senior social! 🐾 The stars of the show? Gold Star Dog Training Therapy Dog Academy grads—also part of the Rec Department’s programs!

Charlie the Leonberger and his handlers Patty and Paul, and Lola the lovable Lab with her handler Courtenay, both graduated from Therapy Dog Academy and earned certification with Therapy Dogs of Vermont (TDV). We also introduced Baldr, a therapy pup in training, with his experienced handler Michelle.

A big thank you to the Williston Rec Department for hosting and to the seniors for the warm welcome! From tail wags to belly rubs, the senior social was full of love, laughter, and joy. We’re so proud of these amazing teams for spreading happiness!

03/17/2025

To anyone out there considering adding a dog to their family, please please consider adopting a shelter or rescue dog.

Rescues and shelters all over the country are seeing unprecedented numbers of dogs (and cats I would imagine) needing homes. I’m seeing it here firsthand in Vermont.

With shelters and rescues at max capacity, the outcome for so many of these sweet souls is euthanasia.