Vermont Paws & Boots
Ranked #1 in Bennington and #6 in Vermont
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Service Dog
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Private Facility
Program Formats
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
Dog Training Methodology
Equipment:
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
Vermont Paws & Boots aims to save the lives of veterans and first responders struggling with PTSD, TBI, MST, and physical disabilities by pairing them with rescue dogs to form service dog teams. The program begins with the successful pairing of each human and dog, a process that can take months due to the importance of finding the right match.
Once paired, the focus shifts to building a strong bond and trust between the handler and the dog, which is crucial before formal training commences. The program is rigorous and requires a significant time commitment, often lasting up to a year. It is guided by Michelle LeBlanc, a military veteran and retired Vermont State Trooper and K9 handler.
The program emphasizes quality over quantity, aiming for a few highly successful service dog teams each year. This commitment and follow-through help restore participants’ self-confidence, purpose, and self-worth.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
The program is free to students; it is funded by donations.
Testimonials
“Having Freedom has lifted me up when feeling down. A no questions asked partnership in the daily pursuit to assist each other from the darker days.A level of security, comfort, care, respect and responsibility.”
– Shannon and SD Freedom
“Having Luna as my service animal has improved my life for the better.She helps me in so many ways that improve my life and dealing with multiple disabilities.First, she helps me with everyday life, I have kids and picking up after all the little people was a daunting task.Since having Luna and going through the program, picking up has become a game for us because that is how we trained and that is how I do it at home.She loves the “get it” command, whether it is the kids toys, my phone, keys or her food bowl just before dinner, she gets excited to help me out.She is there for me like a battle buddy would be, she helps me focus and if I need it, she is more than happy to do a pressure drill with me.Thank you VT Paws & Boots, Michelle you are doing an amazing job!”
– Steven and SD Luna
“She has made me feel like I am not afraid of anything.If I am going to breakdown, she makes me more comfortable relieves my symptoms of PTSD.”
– Daniel and SD Kimber
About the Trainer
Vermont Paws & Boots is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of veterans and first responders who are struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and physical disabilities. They achieve this by pairing and training rescue dogs with handlers to become service dog teams.
The program is led by Michelle LeBlanc, the Executive Director and K9 trainer, who brings extensive experience from her military service and time as a Vermont State Trooper and K9 handler. Michelle deeply understands the challenges faced by veterans and first responders, having walked in their shoes.
A unique advantage of Vermont Paws & Boots is Michelle’s expertise in successfully pairing each human and dog team, a process that can take months. Once paired, she focuses on building a strong bond and trust between the handler and the dog before intensive training begins. The program is rigorous and requires significant commitment, often taking up to a year to complete.
Vermont Paws & Boots prioritizes the quality of a few successful service dog teams graduating each year over a high volume. The program is provided free of charge to its students, with all staff and the K9 trainer serving as volunteers. Donations cover the operating costs, allowing them to expand and reach more individuals in need.
Accomplishments
Michelle LeBlanc, the K9 trainer and Executive Director, has an extensive background including military service and over 20 years as a Vermont State Trooper and K9 handler. Her K9-related awards include induction into the National K9 Hall of Fame in 2019, serving as National K9 HOF President (2019-2022), and President (2009-2011) and Vice President (2006-2009) of the Vermont Police Canine Association. She is a two-time recipient of the K9 Team of the Year and Tracking Team of the Year awards, a four-time recipient of the Dedicated Service Award, and has received the Lifesaving Award and K9 Apprehension Award, along with multiple Public Service Awards.
Her other accolades include the Congressional Medal of Honor (1986), a Vermont State House Resolution (2017), the American Red Cross EveryDay Heroes Award (2019), numerous Letters of Commendations, and the Colonel Sinclair 6×6 Physical Fitness Award (2012). Michelle’s specialized training includes Combat Medic and Military Police Investigations (U.S. Army), Interdiction, Interview & Interrogation, and Advance K9 Tracking Courses (VSP), and specific service dog training courses like “Key Elements to Training Service Dogs” (2016) and “The Dog Training Secrets” (2018).
To date, nine classes have successfully graduated from the Vermont Paws & Boots program, with a tenth class scheduled to begin soon, demonstrating the program’s consistent success.
How to Get Started!
Individuals interested in the program for a veteran or first responder can contact Michelle LeBlanc, Executive Director and K9 Trainer, via email at Vermontpaws257@gmail.com or through private message on the Vermont Paws & Boots Facebook page.
