The buttons below will take you to the websites of the recreation departments that sponsor our classes.  Use the search function on the recreation website to find our classes and enroll.  To view descriptions of the courses listed below, click here.


Click here to review all course policies

  • Class fees: Fees range from $155-$220 to attend with a dog and $75-$100 without a dog, depending on the class and the sponsoring Recreation Dept.  Please visit the Rec Dept website for fees for each class.

  • Class length: All classes are an hour long each week; for Therapy Dog Academy, the first class is 1.5 to 2 hours long.

  • Attend with or without a dog: Humans are welcome to attend any class solo at a significantly reduced fee—an excellent option if your dog isn’t ready for group class, the class is full, or you’re preparing for a future dog and want training support and information ahead of time.


ESSEX Junction

Dog/Puppy Essentials: Basic Training and Social Skills

  • Saturdays, March 28—May 9, 9:30am AND 10:45am sessions (no class 4/4)

  • Mondays, May 11—June 22, 6:15pm (no class 5/25)

  • Thursdays, August 20—Sept 24, 6:15pm

  • Saturdays, Sept 12—Oct 17, 9:30am AND 10:45am sessions

Beyond Basics

  • Mondays, May 11—June 15, 7:30pm (no class 5/25)

  • Saturdays, Sept 12—Oct 10, 9:30am AND 10:45am sessions

Therapy Dog Academy

  • Saturdays, March 28—May 9, noon (no class 4/4)

  • Thursdays, August 20—Sept 24, 7:30pm

    Contact Essex Junction Recreation at 878-1375 or use the button to go to their website.

 
[Deb] Artfully addresses each dog and owner’s needs...She is a true gem.
— Valerie and Balsam (Golden), Essex Junction
Have worked with other trainers…by far this is the best class I’ve taken yet.
— Heather and Kora (Pit mix), St Albans

ST. ALBANS

Dog/Puppy Essentials: Basic Training and Social Skills

  • Tuesdays, March 10—April 21, 6pm (no class 3/17)

  • Tuesdays, May 12—June 16, 6pm

  • Tuesdays, June 30—August 4, 6pm

  • Tuesdays, September 8—October 13, 6pm

  • Thursdays, October 15—November 19, 6pm

Beyond Basics

  • Tuesdays, June 30—July 28, 7:15pm

  • Thursdays, October 15—November 12, 7:15pm

Therapy Dog Academy

  • Tuesdays, May 12—June 16, 7:15pm

  • Tuesdays, September 8—October 13, 7:15pm

Contact St. Albans Recreation at 524–1500 or use the button to go to their website.

 
Makes class fun, adjusts techniques when a dog needs it, and has the knowledge and instinct to deal with everything canine!
— Courtenay, Matt, and Lola, Waitsfield
[Deb’s] overall expertise in all areas of dog training were absolutely without question the best I have ever enrolled in…her interpersonal skills made us feel so relaxed...
— Kathy and Bailey (Golden), N. Ferrisburgh

WILLISTON

Dog/Puppy Essentials: Basic Training and Social Skills

  • Sundays, April 26—June 7, 2pm AND 3:15pm sessions (no class May 12)

  • Saturdays, July 11—August 15, 9:30 AND 10:45 sessions

  • Wednesdays, August 26—September 30, 6:15pm

  • Saturdays, November 7—December 19, 10am AND 11:15am sessions (no class Nov 28)

Beyond Basics

  • Saturdays, July 11—Aug 8, noon

  • Saturdays, November 7—December 19, 12:30 (no class Nov 28)

Therapy Dog Academy

  • Sundays, April 26—June 7, 4:30pm (no class May 12)

  • Wednesdays, August 26—September 30, 7:30pm

This class is offered through both the Williston and Hinesburg Recreation Departments. It meets in Williston, and the fee is the same. You can register through either town—if one site says a class is full, try the other!

 
Hands down, the best trainer I’ve worked with.
— Ellyn and Maple (Yellow Lab), Richmond
Deb at Goldstar is exactly the kind of trainer every dog owner needs. People will stop us and comment how good our young dog is.
— Deborah and Piper (Bernese Mountain Dog), Underhill