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Meet Your Instructor!
Deb Helfrich, Gold Star Dog Training LLC
Email: deb@goldstardog.com

Deb is owner of Gold Star Dog Training LLC, based in Fairfax, Vermont. She enjoys working with dogs and their handlers to solve their challenges, build a healthy dog-handler relationship, and achieve their training goals. She is highly student-focused—adept at explaining concepts, helping every student feel successful, and creating training experiences that are meaningful and effective. Deb’s sense of humor, enthusiastic teaching style, and ability to work with a wide range of students are what clients seem to like about her. 

Deb has been a therapy dog handler since 1996 and the volunteer Director of Training and Certification for Therapy Dogs of Vermont (TDV) since 2005. Deb also volunteers with rescues and other organizations as an advisor, training resource, and author.  Read more: www.goldstardog.com

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Deb directly at 802-849-2363 

DOG/PUPPY ESSENTIALS: BASIC TRAINING AND SOCIAL SKILLS
This class shows you how to have a happy, confident, well-behaved dog. It consists of: practical straight-up obedience (don’t get dragged down the street, have a dog that comes when called, etc.), life skills (don’t jump on my friends, chill out, don’t chew on me, etc.), and understanding how your dog communicates.
Along with a simple 4-step approach for teaching your dog almost anything, you'll also get a course booklet and weekly training guides; force-free training; free email/phone support after the class ends; and a student-focused instructor with 20+ years’ experience teaching people and dogs (and a sense of humor).

 
BEYOND BASICS (Pre-requisite: Deb's BASIC dog class, or instructor approval)
This class elevates your training by exploring different levels and applications of various skills. If your dog’s leash work is solid, we’ll help you advance it further. If “leave it” is still a challenge, we’ll focus on problem-solving and reinforcing the basics. The environment is supportive yet challenging, with an emphasis on helping each student understand training techniques, troubleshoot issues, read their dog’s responses, and refine their own skills to achieve their goals and become the best partner for their dog.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval or prior participation in a Gold Star class. Dogs should be free of aggression/reactivity towards people or other dogs.

 
THERAPY DOG ACADEMY
So, your dog wants to be a therapy dog? This 6-week course is exactly what you need! Led by Deb—a seasoned therapy dog handler since the mid-1990s with over two decades of experience directing a major therapy dog certification and training program—this course prepares both dogs and handlers not only for certification but to excel as a therapy team. Whether you’re working toward certification or already an active therapy team looking to sharpen skills or learn new ones, this course has you covered. You’ll master essential skills like heeling and polite greetings, gain tools for safe and effective teamwork, and learn to read your dog’s body language, ensuring you can meet their needs while building a strong, rewarding partnership.
Prerequisites: Instructor approval or prior participation in a Gold Star class. This course does not result in therapy dog certification, nor does it guarantee certification. Dogs must have a solid grasp of basic obedience and be free of aggression/reactivity towards people or other dogs.

 There are 2 ways to attend these classes. 

Option 1: Register with your dog
This registration reserves a spot in class for one dog and up to two household members..  

Option 2:  Register without a dog
This registration is for one person, or up to two household members, who would like to attend class without a dog. This is ideal if your dog isn’t a good candidate for a group class, but you still want to work on training at home with support and information. This option allows you to benefit from the class even if it’s full, your dog isn’t ready for a group class, or you do not have a dog.
Attending without a dog--receive the benefits of attending class for a reduced rate:  

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT THE ABOVE CLASSES:
  • Dogs do not attend the first session.
  • If your dog has any reactivity/aggression/barking/lunging toward people or other dogs, contact the instructor before registration to discuss.
  • Please review all class policies/restrictions prior to registration (note special policies related to Therapy Dog Academy): Gold+Star+Dog+Training+Policies.pdf (squarespace.com)
  • You will receive an email with further instructions/forms/required paperwork from the instructor prior to class.
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DOGGIE DRILLS WITH DEB (DOG TRAINING PRACTICE NIGHTS)
 
  Do you miss the camaraderie, fun, and challenge of a group dog training class?  Then come join us! During each session, the instructor will run a variety of training exercises in a supportive setting and offer light coaching and instruction.  It's all about having a great time while practicing skills!  Please note this is not a traditional obedience class covering a set curriculum; these are skills practice sessions.
  • 2-week session, 1 hour each week
  • $50 per dog
Requirements:
Checklist to attend this program:
  • My dog and I have attended a Gold Star Dog Training class in the past (exceptions: instructor permission in advance).
  • My dog does not exhibit aggressive or defensive behaviors (barking, lunging, growling, showing teeth) around other dogs or people.
  • My dog is not disruptive (barking, whining, leaping, lunging, unable to focus) and I can maintain physical control of my dog at all times.
  • My dog’s vaccinations for rabies, distemper, and parvo are current.
  • I understand that if I do not meet the above criteria, or if the instructor deems my dog’s behavior/training level unsuitable or unsafe for participation, I may not be permitted to continue without a refund.

What’s next? Once you register, you will receive an email from the instructor requesting your dog’s vaccination paperwork and responses to a brief online form. Both must be submitted at least one week before class. The email will also include class instructions. Please check your spam and junk folders!

*These classes fill up FAST!  If you try to register and the class is full-please add yourself to the wait list.  A second class from 7-8pm may open if there is enough interest. 

 

Gold Star Dog Training
  • Payment must be made at time of registration.
  • Once registered, no refunds are issued unless class is cancelled.
  • We cannot accept wild-dog canine crosses (i.e. wolf hybrids)

Register Activity Ages Grades Days Date/Time Fees
 
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Dog/Puppy Essentials (6 weeks) 
16y and up N/A Tu  08/12/2025 - 09/16/2025
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
St. Albans City Hall Auditorium 		$165.00 R, $214.00 NR
Training and Social Skills
 
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Therapy Dog Academy 
16y and up N/A Tu  08/12/2025 - 09/16/2025
07:15 PM - 08:15 PM
St. Albans City Hall Auditorium 		$170.00 R, $221.00 NR
This class does not result in Therapy Dog Certification. Participants must have taken Dog/ Puppy Essentials prior to joining this class.
 
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Dog/Puppy Essentials (6 weeks) 
16y and up N/A Tu  10/07/2025 - 11/11/2025
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM
St. Albans City Hall Auditorium 		$165.00 R, $214.00 NR
Training and Social Skills
 
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Beyond Basics (5 weeks) 
16y and up N/A Tu  10/07/2025 - 11/04/2025
07:15 PM - 08:15 PM
St. Albans City Hall Auditorium 		$155.00 R, $200.00 NR
Participants must have taken the puppy essentials course to enroll in the Beyond Basics course.
* Adjustments and discounts will be applied during checkout if applicable. *

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