Fetch the Leash! Dog Behavior & Training

Fetch the Leash offers a structured progression of group classes, starting with Puppy Preschool for young puppies (8-16 weeks), moving to Puppy Intermediate (16 weeks to 8 months), and then Beyond the Basics (6 months and up), which is required for advanced classes like Out & About, Rally Obedience, and Canine Good Citizen Prep. An alternative entry point for puppies 4-6 months and adult dogs 6+ months is The Family Dog class, which also leads to Beyond the Basics. Week 1 of some group classes is a human-only orientation.

Their Discover Burlington Puppy Camp is a drop-off service for puppies under 17 weeks, focusing on foundational life skills, socialization outings, and basic manners, with weekly online support and a personalized coaching session for owners. Day Training is another drop-off service where professional trainers work with dogs 2-3 times per week for a month, followed by weekly online coaching sessions for owners. Maintenance plans are available after two months.

Private Training provides one-on-one coaching for owners to teach their dogs, starting with an online consultation to create a customized training plan. This format is recommended for specific issues like fear, aggression, or preparing for a new dog. Separation Anxiety Online Training is a remote program that includes an initial live assessment, daily tailored training plans, weekly live online meetings, and ongoing coaching to help dogs overcome panic when left alone.

Pricing Summary

Group classes range from $225 for 5 weeks (The Family Dog) to $270 for 6 weeks (Puppy Preschool, Puppy Intermediate, Beyond the Basics). Puppy Socials are $10 per social for enrolled puppies.

Day Training includes a $65 online consultation. Standard training (2 sessions/week for 4 weeks) is $1000, Fast-Track (3 sessions/week for 4 weeks) is $1400, and Maintenance (1 session/week for 4 weeks) is $450 after initial packages. An additional 30 minutes of exercise can be added for $30.

Discover Burlington Puppy Camp offers a Basic Puppy Package (6 sessions in 3 weeks) for $700 and an Empowered Puppy Package (12 sessions in 6 weeks) for $1300. The Dog Gym rental is $25 per hour.

Private Training begins with a $150/hour initial online consultation. Follow-up coaching lessons are $125/hour online or $65/30-min online, and $225/hour in-person or $165/45-min in-person. Four-week packages of lessons are available, ranging from $400 for online lessons to $1200 for 8 in-person 45-minute lessons.

Separation Anxiety Online Training includes a $65 consultation, with the first month costing $450 and subsequent months $350. All payments are due in advance, and all purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable. Packages have specific completion deadlines: 8-lesson packages must be completed within 10 weeks, and all other packages within 6 weeks after the first lesson.

Policies

All purchases for services are non-refundable and non-transferable. For private training packages, lessons must be completed within specific timeframes: 8-lesson packages must be completed within 10 weeks after the first lesson, and all other packages within 6 weeks after the first lesson.

Fetch the Leash! Dog Behavior & Training is a business dedicated to helping dog owners raise behaviorally healthy, happy, and confident dogs. They offer a wide range of services including group classes, puppy camp, day training, private training, and specialized separation anxiety training. Additionally, clients can rent their indoor dog gym for private playtime.

The business emphasizes its local client focus, treating clients as neighbors, friends, and family, and aims to build lasting relationships. A key differentiator is their commitment to education and experience, with trainers holding world-class certifications and extensive hands-on experience.

Fetch the Leash utilizes positive, rewards-based training methods, focusing on treats, games, and praise to ensure dogs are active and happy participants in the training process. They explicitly state they never use painful collars, scary corrections, or outdated training devices or techniques. Their 2,500 square foot facility in downtown Burlington, Vermont, features 1-inch thick foam tiles for comfortable and secure footing. The facility is open by appointment only.

Accomplishments

Maria, the owner and head trainer, is an honors graduate of the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers, holding a Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC). She also holds a PCBC-A from the Pet Professional Guild and a CSAT (Certificate in Separation Anxiety Training) from industry leader Malena DeMartini. Maria has extensive experience working with shelter animals since 2007 at various shelters in Northern California and taught classes for puppy raisers for Canine Companions for Independence from 2010-2013. She holds a Ph.D. in human education from Emory University and an undergraduate degree in music from Yale University.

Anna, a dog trainer at Fetch the Leash, is also an honors graduate of The Academy for Dog Trainers, where she earned her Certification in Training and Counseling (CTC). She has a lifelong passion for animals, with experience working at a boarding facility as a teenager and joining the Fetch the Leash team during her studies at the University of Vermont, from which she graduated in 2022.

How to Get Started!

To begin training, clients are instructed to find and click the “Sign Up” button on the desired service page and follow the enrollment steps. For Day Training, Private Training, and Separation Anxiety services, an initial online consultation is required. For Discover Burlington Puppy Camp, clients must complete a puppy intake form and choose a package, after which the business will contact them to start. Clients with questions before getting started can contact the business via their contact form.