Mountainside Mutts is a premier, female-owned small business in Rutland County, Vermont, specializing in modern, rewards-based dog training and behavior consultation. We offer both private coaching sessions and group classes to meet all your dog training needs. Our passion is helping dedicated pet parents set their new dogs up for success. Our signature Puppy Start Right program provides foundational training and socialization for puppies aged 8 to 16 weeks. As the only certified dog behavior consultant in Rutland County, we address common behavior problems like nuisance jumping, leash-pulling, and fear of strangers using humane methods, without resorting to aversive tools like prong, choke, or shock collars.
Training & services
Training goals
Behavior consultationProgram details
This meeting is designed for us to get to know each other, determine your objectives, and to provide you with advice and recommendations so you can implement behavior change at home. · Listed price: [object Object]
You consider your dog well-trained but he does one or two things that drive you nuts. Perhaps he barks incessantly or lunges on leash. Behavior modification will involve training but is more often concerned with changing your dog's emotions about something. · Listed price: [object Object]
House trainingProgram details
Leash trainingProgram details
Puppy trainingCustomer-reportedProgram details
Recall trainingProgram details
SocializationProgram details
Behavior support
Aggression trainingProgram details
Fear and confidenceProgram details
Jumping upProgram details
Reactivity trainingProgram details
How training happens
Group classesProgram details
Owner coachingCustomer-reportedProgram details
Private trainingProgram details
Package includes: 75 minute initial consultation, four 1 hour training sessions at our facility, 2 (1 hour) training field trips, and a 2 Hounds Design Freedom Harness. This basic manners package is designed for the adolescent dog who hasn't had any formal training. We'll introduce marker training, build attention, name recognition, sit, down, stay, relax on a mat, teach polite walking and greetings, and set the foundation for a fabulous recall. · Listed price: [object Object]
Dog age
Adolescent dogsProgram details
Adult dogsProgram details
Training level
Beginner trainingProgram details
Training approach
Force-free trainingProgram details
Positive reinforcementProgram details
Additional services
DaycareProgram details
Dog daycare at Mountainside Mutts offers a safe, enriching space for dogs to enjoy companionship, gentle play, and rest all under the guidance of professionals who understand canine behavior. Perfect for pet parents who want peace of mind and pups who thrive on company and routine. · Listed price: [object Object]
Dog daycare at Mountainside Mutts offers a safe, enriching space for dogs to enjoy companionship, gentle play, and rest all under the guidance of professionals who understand canine behavior. Perfect for pet parents who want peace of mind and pups who thrive on company and routine.
A negative fecal taken with 7 days of first attendance and proof of vaccinations (Distemper, Parvovirus, DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella) will be required before attending. · Listed price: [object Object]
Other listed services
View 17 additional details
Basic Manners For Real LifeProgram details
Designed for dog parents navigating the challenges of adolescence, this course helps address common nuisance behaviors such as jumping on guests, pulling on the leash, and unreliable recall. Ideally suited for graduates of Puppy Start Right, this program builds on foundational skills to promote better behavior in everyday situations.
The course includes five group sessions plus one private 30-minute coaching session to provide personalized guidance. New students must schedule their private session at the time of registration.
Proof of vaccinations (Distemper, Parvovirus, DHPP, Rabies) will be required before attending. No aggressive, reactive, or overly fearful dogs. No females in heat. · Listed price: [object Object]
Puppy Start Right (Mondays)Program details
Puppy Start Right is a fun, hands-on group class designed for puppies aged 8 to 16 weeks. Each weekly session focuses on introducing your pup to new experiences, people, and the foundations of training using positive, force-free methods. While social play is included, its a small part of the curriculum and only takes place when puppy temperaments are a good match.
Our open-enrollment format means you can start anytime your schedule allows or soon after bringing your puppy home. With a maximum of 5 puppies per class, youll receive plenty of individual attention. Theres no minimum enrollment, so if no other puppies are registered, youll enjoy the bonus of private instruction at a group rate!
Classes are informal, supportive, and engagingcome ready to learn, laugh, and participate!
To attend, puppies must be 12 weeks or younger at their first class. We require proof of Distemper, Parvovirus, DHPP vaccinations, and a negative fecal test dated within 7 days of the first session. · Listed price: [object Object]
Initial Strategy SessionProgram details
With the exception of puppy programs, all of our private training services start with an initial 75-minute meeting. This is a chance for us to get to know each other, determine your objectives, design a training plan, and start some foundation work with your pup. You will be able to upgrade to one of our training programs within 7 days of the initial meeting. · Listed price: [object Object]
Puppy Start Right PlusProgram details
Everything you need to get your pup off to an extraordinary start. This package is designed to provide the fun and support of our popular Puppy Start Right class but with the benefit of private fine-tuning for crate & potty training, and dedicated targeting for your unique puppy problems. · Listed price: [object Object]
Real Life Manners CoachingProgram details
Package includes: 75 minute initial consultation, four 1 hour sessions at our facility, & 1 customized training field trip. If your pup has completed some basic training already, but appears to have forgotten everything, this is the package for you. We'll refresh pup's memory of basic manners such as sit, down, and place, and build their loose leash walking and recall skills against distractions. · Listed price: [object Object]
Behavior CoachingProgram details
A comprehensive, supportive program for dogs struggling with fear, reactivity, aggression or other complex behavior challenges. · Listed price: [object Object]
Puppy JumpstartProgram details
Set your puppy up for success from day one.
Well cover the foundations that make life easier including focus, calm, behavior, handling, and preventing common issues like biting, jumping, and pulling. Youll learn how to communicate clearly with your puppy, using modern, reward based training.
Perfect for young puppies and first time puppy owners.
This is a 5 session private coaching package designed for pups first few weeks at home. Well start with a (1 hour) strategy session and then schedule 4 (45 minute) sessions.
This package if for puppies under 6 months old. · Listed price: [object Object]
New Dog JumpstartProgram details
Help your new dog settle in and start off on the right foot.
This program is designed for newly adopted or rehomed dogs. Well focus on building structure, understanding your dogs behavior, and establishing good habits right from the beginning.
Whether your dog is a rescue, rehome, or simply adjusting to a big life change, New Dog Jumpstart helps you create clarity, structure, and a calmer start from the beginning.
Includes one 90 minute initial strategy session and three 1 hour coaching sessions at our facility.
This package is for dogs 6 months of age and older. · Listed price: [object Object]
Muttessori (Thurs)Program details
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Basic MannersProgram details
A 6 session course for dogs between 16 weeks and 6 months of age. No aggressive, reactive or overly fearful dogs.
This class is intended for new dog parents who may not have attended a training school before. This is a foundational course and will cover basic training principles and core pet dog manners. The first class will be for people only - no dogs in attendance until week 2. One of the 6 sessions will be a private 40 minute training class - to be scheduled with the instructor.
Proof of vaccinations (Distemper, Parvovirus, DHPP, Rabies) will be required before attending. · Listed price: [object Object]
Bmod single sessionProgram details
Stand alone behavior modification sessions. Mileage fees will apply for appointments held elsewhere than our facility. · Listed price: [object Object]
Muttessori (Fri)Program details
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Muttessori (Tues)Program details
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Muttessori Meet & GreetProgram details
This is a 1-hour pre-attendance session where we:
1) Get to know you and your dog
2)Review any training youve already done
3)Discuss your goals
4)Determine whether Muttessori is likely to be a good fit
5)Decide whether to move forward to a try-out · Listed price: [object Object]
Dog School 3xProgram details
A subscription to Muttessori (our "day care plus" program) provides a 10% discount on weekly bookings. · Listed price: [object Object]
Indoor Dog GymProgram details
An all-weather exercise option for you and your dog. Youll have exclusive use of our gym, Fit Paws equipment and obstacles for 30 minutes. · Listed price: [object Object]
Private Dog ParkProgram details
Tired of off-leash dogs? Fed up with a dirty dog park? Looking for some fun with your dog without having to worry about other people and their out of control dogs? Our private and fully-fenced play area is available for your exclusive use. · Listed price: [object Object]
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Business-stated qualifications
Qualifications stated by the business, not independently verified.
5/5Mountainside Mutt and Als provide an exceptional, sound and humane approach to dog training. I heard great things about Mountainside from friends, and was in contact even before we picked up our rescue puppy (mixed breed). Have done private lessons, group lessons, and weekly pupp…Read full reviewClose full review
Mountainside Mutt and Als provide an exceptional, sound and humane approach to dog training. I heard great things about Mountainside from friends, and was in contact even before we picked up our rescue puppy (mixed breed). Have done private lessons, group lessons, and weekly puppy socialization training/classes. Now our puppy is 7 months old, and we are "raising" a great dog. I could not imagine doing this without Mountainside. Als' approach is based on positive reinforcement and being clear to your dog of your expectations. It works and is not punitive. Highly recommend.
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Sandra Predom
5/5We had no expectations when we adopted our 3 year old pitbull mix but knew we wanted her (and us) to have the best life possible. We talked to several trainers before we decided on Mountainside Mutts because we did not want to use negative reinforcement for our Elsa as she is su…Read full reviewClose full review
We had no expectations when we adopted our 3 year old pitbull mix but knew we wanted her (and us) to have the best life possible. We talked to several trainers before we decided on Mountainside Mutts because we did not want to use negative reinforcement for our Elsa as she is such a gentle soul. Elsa has learned so much. "leave it", "go to your place", "stay" etc. Als was great and I learned so much from the training. She is patient and compassionate and realistic when it comes to any ill-conceived expectations from the owners of the dogs. I would recommend her to anyone who wishes to live a beautiful life with their companion dogs.
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Marci Matson
5/5I’ve cared for over 50 dogs in my adult life and always felt that I could provide appropriate training. Well, that all changed when we adopted Dexter Morgan. He is a rescue from Alabama who is 1/2 Great Pyrenees, 1/4 Lab and 1/4 Golden Retriever and is large and in charge. Altho…Read full reviewClose full review
I’ve cared for over 50 dogs in my adult life and always felt that I could provide appropriate training. Well, that all changed when we adopted Dexter Morgan. He is a rescue from Alabama who is 1/2 Great Pyrenees, 1/4 Lab and 1/4 Golden Retriever and is large and in charge. Although he is a mix , his personality is very much that of a guardian dog. We reached out to Als and she’s given us the tools to not only bond more with Dex, but to also teach him to want to do what I ask of him through positive reinforcement and using treats and markers. Als is an excellent communicator, teacher and is nonjudgmental. She gives clear instructions and reinforces them with handouts that I found especially helpful. I highly recommend Als and Mountainside Mutts!
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Ann Anderson Evans
5/5
Als has a force-free training method . Why yell at your dog when a whisper will do? She is well organized, direct, and clear. She responds quickly and has offered a mixture of home visits and classes at Mountainside Mutts, where my puppy can mingle with other puppies. She's made me and my puppy happier, much happier. Recommend without hesitation.
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Jeffrey Candee
5/5
I am a dog lover but l needed help with my dog Harley Thanks to Al,s I now have a dog that listens and obeys commands and without punishing her to get results truly a great class
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.