Gold Star Dog Training, LLC

12/03/2025

🐾 A Little Gold Star Update! 🐾

I’m excited to share that, alongside running Gold Star Dog Training, I’ve taken on a new role as a Part-Time Volunteer Coordinator for the Snowdrop Hospice Program at Bayada Home Health Care. 💛

Don’t worry—classes, leash ninja training, and treat-powered breakthroughs will all continue as usual! This new chapter opens up a meaningful way to connect two passions:
helping people train wonderful dogs, and supporting compassionate work in hospice.

And yes… it does create a lovely bridge for current and future therapy dog teams who might someday want to bring comfort to hospice clients. (No pressure, pups—just planting a gentle, peanut-buttery idea.)

So here’s to new opportunities, wagging tails, and connecting the dots in ways that just feels right. 🐶💛✨

Send a message to learn more

11/26/2025

11/23/2025

3 Must-Know Dog Skills for a Canine Superstar!

Teach your dog the three critical skills: Look, Touch, and Leave It!

These commands are essential for a well-behaved pup. Imagine your dog looking at you attentively or leaving that tempting piece of food on the ground. It's like having a canine superstar by your side!

These skills are not just about obedience; they're about building a strong bond with your furry friend. When your dog learns to look at you, it strengthens your connection. Touching your hand on command can be a fun game that also reinforces trust—and gives you a powerful tool for building their confidence. And teaching your dog to leave it? That's a lifesaver in so many situations. Get started today and watch your dog transform into a superstar!

Check out the short training guide in our library: https://buff.ly/P6nxBbX

Look for the "3 Critical Skills (Look, Touch, Leave It)" article in the "Training Tips" section!

11/18/2025

Grab the last spots, don't miss out! There are only 2 days left to register. https://www.essexvt.gov/1626/Doggie-Drills-with-Deb

11/17/2025

We have a couple of spots left! Registration ends Wednesday!

NEW PROGRAM!!! Dog Training Practice Group Sessions!

3-Week Dog Training Tune-Up—Starts Nov 20 (Westford)

Miss the fun and camaraderie of a group dog class? Want to brush up on you and your dog's skills along with other dogs? Join me for a fun, relaxed 3-week practice series!

We’ll brush up on real-life skills like attention, loose-leash walking, recalls, polite greetings, and impulse control—no pressure, just progress (and some laughs).

📅 Wednesdays, Nov 20, Dec 4, Dec 11
🕖 7:15–8:15 pm
📍 Westford Elementary School
💲 $65 per dog (covers the three sessions)

The FINEPRINT:
--Open to dogs who have already taken a class with Gold Star Dog Training (or have received instructor permission before signing up)
--Dogs should be comfortable around people, non-reactive, not disruptive, and able to focus in a group setting.

➡️ Register here: https://www.essexvt.gov/1626/Doggie-Drills-with-Deb

11/16/2025

Sit. Stay. Ponder. Musings on Dog Training Methods

How Do I Know if I’m Pushing My Dog Too Far?

As dog owners, we want our dogs to feel confident and comfortable in all kinds of situations. But how do we know when we might be pushing them too far? Whether it's meeting new people, encountering unfamiliar dogs, or navigating busy places, it’s easy to wonder if we’re rushing them into something they’re not ready for.

• So, how do you know if your dog is really comfortable with a situation?
• How do I know if my dog really wants to be in that crowd at the park?
• How do I know if my dog wants to walk into that busy store with me?
• How do I know if my dog is ready to approach that new lawn ornament that was terrifying just last week?
• How do I know if my dog wants to be greeted by my 5-year-old niece or my 50-year-old grandpa?

Here’s the simple answer: THE DOG ALWAYS DECIDES.

This is your mantra. Instead of dragging your dog into new experiences or pushing them into uncomfortable situations, INVITE them in. Keep the leash loose and relaxed, and let them explore at their own pace. Take your dog’s lead. If they’re unsure, give them space to assess the situation and don’t rush them.

If they hesitate, pull back, or seem uneasy, that’s their way of saying, “I’m not ready yet.” If they approach calmly and with curiosity, that’s their way of saying, “Okay, I can handle this.”
By letting your dog decide how and when to engage, you're building trust, ensuring positive experiences, and keeping things stress-free. The dog always decides—trust them to let you know when they’re ready.

11/15/2025

🚫 Retractable Leashes: Just Don’t.

We know they look convenient — a shiny handle, a long cord, and the promise of “freedom.” But retractable leashes are one of the worst inventions in the dog world. Here’s why:

🐾 Zero control. When your dog is 15–20 feet ahead, you have no control over what they run toward — traffic, another dog, a child, or a squirrel. You can’t reel them in fast enough when things go south.

🐾 They get dropped — and it’s chaos. The big plastic handle slips out of your hand (it happens to everyone), hits the pavement, and chases your dog as it retracts. Many dogs bolt in terror, dragging the noisy handle behind them. Some run into traffic, others are too scared to be caught for hours.

🐾 They cause injuries. Rope burns, cuts, tangled legs, and even amputated fingers — yes, it happens. Those thin cords act like cheese wire when they whip around you or another dog.

🐾 They teach bad habits. Dogs quickly learn that pulling = more leash. That’s the opposite of loose-leash walking, and it’s why you see people getting yanked down sidewalks.

🐾 They create instant chaos. Picture this: you’re walking your calm, friendly dog. Suddenly a 20-foot missile on a retractable leash is charging toward you. It’s a recipe for panic, bites, and tangled humans.

🐾 They break. The mechanisms jam or snap all the time — especially with bigger or strong-pulling dogs. Once that happens, you’ve got a runaway on your hands.

If you want a safe, enjoyable walk, stick with a 4–6 foot standard leash and keep that connection between you and your dog. It’s safer, saner, and far less likely to end in rope burns, runaway dogs, or regret.

Let’s retire the retractables for good.

— The DCHS Team ❤️🐾

11/12/2025

NEW PROGRAM!!! Dog Training Practice Group Sessions!

3-Week Dog Training Tune-Up—Starts Nov 20 (Westford)

Miss the fun and camaraderie of a group dog class? Want to brush up on you and your dog's skills along with other dogs? Join me for a fun, relaxed 3-week practice series!

We’ll brush up on real-life skills like attention, loose-leash walking, recalls, polite greetings, and impulse control—no pressure, just progress (and some laughs).

📅 Wednesdays, Nov 20, Dec 4, Dec 11
🕖 7:15–8:15 pm
📍 Westford Elementary School
💲 $65 per dog (covers the three sessions)

The FINEPRINT:
--Open to dogs who have already taken a class with Gold Star Dog Training (or have received instructor permission before signing up)
--Dogs should be comfortable around people, non-reactive, not disruptive, and able to focus in a group setting.

➡️ Register here: https://www.essexvt.gov/1626/Doggie-Drills-with-Deb

11/06/2025

We have one spot left in the basic/puppy class starting tonight!!

Let Deb from Gold Star Dog Training help your fur baby be on it's best behavior this holiday season!
https://www.essexvt.gov/1597/Gold-Star-Dog-Training

11/06/2025

Does your dog need a refresh? Register for these fun skills practice sessions with Deb from Gold Star Training. Click for more information and to register today: https://www.essexvt.gov/1626/Doggie-Drills-with-Deb

11/03/2025

Keep Those Paws Happy: Nail Trimming Hacks!

Nail trimming doesn’t have to be a battle! With the right techniques, it can be quick, easy, and stress-free—for both you and your dog. Check out this rapid-read guide!

Read all about it: Happy Feet (Nail Trimming Tips)
(in the "Living with/Caring For Dogs" section of the library)

https://www.goldstardog.com/visit-the-library