Grateful Dog Training, Inc.

Grateful Dog Training offers structured programs including Puppy Head Start (8 days/month of facility-based training with private lessons and group meetups), Living and Learning with Puppies (private lessons with online curriculum), Canine Life Skills (foundation manners), Adolescents Anonymous (teenage behavior), and Dog Sport Foundations (agility, rally-o). Behavior Modification is available through their Soul Dog Solutions program. All programs begin with a free consultation and initial assessment to customize the plan. Group classes require a prerequisite private lesson. Programs combine hands-on training, mentor dog socialization, and educational resources like video libraries and eBooks.

Pricing Summary

Pricing varies by program: Puppy programs range from $175 to $1,290, with financial assistance available. Private lessons and group classes are offered in packages. Day training and board & train services are priced per day or week. No exact rates listed, but all programs include personalized assessments and structured curricula.

Grateful Dog Training, Inc. is a dog training business based in Manchester Center, Vermont, offering personalized, science-based training programs rooted in applied animal behavior and positive reinforcement. They provide a range of services including puppy programs, group classes, private training, day training, board & train, and behavior modification. Their unique approach emphasizes tailoring programs to each dog’s temperament and the owner’s lifestyle, with a strong focus on building strong human-dog relationships. They also offer dog daycare and mentor dog socialization opportunities. Their staff, including head trainer Caroline Edgar and trainer Cassidy Albert, are described as knowledgeable, kind, and passionate about animal learning. The business prioritizes gentle, reward-based methods and avoids aversive tools like shock collars or spray bottles.

They specialize in helping puppies 8 weeks to 5 months old through hybrid programs that combine professional training with owner education, and support adolescent and adult dogs with challenges like leash pulling, reactivity, barking, and separation anxiety. Their programs include online resources, eBooks, and structured in-person sessions to ensure long-term success.

Grateful Dog Training also provides a scholarship fund for financial assistance and offers free 15-minute consultations to help families choose the right program for their dog.

Accomplishments

Owner Caroline Edgar is highlighted as a head trainer with a philosophy centered on animal behavior science and compassionate training. Staff are described as knowledgeable and dedicated, with a focus on continuous learning and applied animal behavior principles. No formal awards or credentials are listed, but the business is praised in testimonials for its effectiveness and professionalism.

How to Get Started!

Begin with a free 15-minute consult to discuss your dog’s needs, lifestyle, and goals. After the call, schedule a first in-person lesson where a trainer assesses your dog’s temperament and behavior to design a customized training plan. From there, you’ll begin your chosen program with structured sessions, resources, and ongoing support.