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.
5/5My experience with Als was amazing! My dog was attacked by an off leash dog when she was little and was traumatized, she became dog reactive and would bark and snarl at any unknown dog who approached. I tried a ton of things but nothing really worked until we worked with Als at M…Read full reviewClose full review
My experience with Als was amazing! My dog was attacked by an off leash dog when she was little and was traumatized, she became dog reactive and would bark and snarl at any unknown dog who approached. I tried a ton of things but nothing really worked until we worked with Als at Mountainside Mutts. Within six weeks I saw a huge difference and she was able to walk by a dog outside of Petco and totally ignore them. I was so impressed! 5 stars, highly recommend!
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Ryan Bliss
5/5My wife & I have been taking our dog, Danby, to Mountainside Mutts for over a year now & we could not be happier with the results. Danby has learned so many new & important skills & his socialization has improved dramatically. My wife & I have learned a lot of very helpful skill…Read full reviewClose full review
My wife & I have been taking our dog, Danby, to Mountainside Mutts for over a year now & we could not be happier with the results. Danby has learned so many new & important skills & his socialization has improved dramatically. My wife & I have learned a lot of very helpful skills from Als too which has made our lives a lot easier & more productive as dog parents. We recently adopted another dog, Jet, and he will be attending Mountainside Mutts as well so that he can learn the skills that he needs to be the happiest & healthiest pup possible. Als is a phenomenal trainer - effective, knowledgable, results oriented & always positive. Danby is SO HAPPY every time he walks up the steps at Mountaiside Mutts to see Als, Nikki and his doggie buddies & he sleeps like a baby when he gets home. I would highly recommend Mountainside Mutts if you’re looking for dog training & socialization in the greater Rutland area.
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Stephanie Backes
5/5We enrolled our pup in the Puppy Start Right program and we are SO glad we did! Not only did he get the playtime needed to help shape his socialization skills, Als does a great job when it comes to training the basics. My favorite part though was WE as owners received an incredib…Read full reviewClose full review
We enrolled our pup in the Puppy Start Right program and we are SO glad we did! Not only did he get the playtime needed to help shape his socialization skills, Als does a great job when it comes to training the basics. My favorite part though was WE as owners received an incredible amount of training - Als provided hand outs, different resources, and armed us with information that has proven to be so helpful with caring for our pup. We can't wait to book more sessions in the future.
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Tom Johnson
5/5I'll be honest, this is my 3rd attempt at writing this review. My first 2 attempts were way too long because I simply can't say enough great things about Als. My wife and I originally asked her to help with one issue with a dog we planned to adopt. In they end, she took on both o…Read full reviewClose full review
I'll be honest, this is my 3rd attempt at writing this review. My first 2 attempts were way too long because I simply can't say enough great things about Als. My wife and I originally asked her to help with one issue with a dog we planned to adopt. In they end, she took on both of our dogs for an entirely different issue. She was brilliant in creating a curriculum and training my wife and I to train the dogs for the desired result. I'll say that again: she trained my wife and I to train the dogs. She didn't train the dogs, she trained us. And my wife will be the first to tell you, I'm not easy to train. But the results are undeniable. And if you don't want to take my word for it, ask my boys...
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Joe Laws
5/5I recently completed a basic dog training course with my furry friend, and I have to say, I'm extremely pleased with the results. The course covered all the essential commands, from sit and stay to come and heel, and provided us with the tools and techniques to reinforce those co…Read full reviewClose full review
I recently completed a basic dog training course with my furry friend, and I have to say, I'm extremely pleased with the results. The course covered all the essential commands, from sit and stay to come and heel, and provided us with the tools and techniques to reinforce those commands at home. Our instructor was knowledgeable, patient, and clearly had a passion for working with dogs. The class size was small, which allowed for individual attention and personalized feedback. I appreciated the positive reinforcement approach used throughout the course, as it helped build my dog's confidence and motivated him to learn. Overall, I highly recommend this basic dog training course to anyone looking to establish a strong foundation of obedience with their furry companion.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.