Why We Train the Way We Do at Mountainside Mutts (And Why It Might Sound Outrageous to Some)

I’m a big nerd. An unapologetic introvert. A self-improvement junkie. TED Talks, Masterclasses, dog behavior webinars—I’m all in. A rainy day? Perfect. More time to curl up with a science-based book on animal behavior or learning theory.

I say this with pride because it’s shaped not only who I am, but also how I train dogs—and why Mountainside Mutts does things differently. In a world where quick fixes and outdated training myths still circulate freely, we proudly stand out. Call us the square peg in a round dog-training world. That’s okay with us.

The Misunderstood Pup—and Trainer

I’ve always felt a strong connection with the dogs that get labeled as “difficult.” The ones that bark too much, lunge on leash, seem “stubborn,” or just can’t settle. They aren’t bad dogs. They’re doing their best with the tools they’ve been given. They’re overwhelmed, confused, or scared—and trying to cope the only way they know how.

So when those dogs land at Mountainside Mutts, I get them. I see them. And I want to help them not just stop unwanted behaviors, but thrive.

That’s why we’ve made the “outrageous” decision to train using only modern, humane, evidence-based methods. In a local landscape still dominated by punishment-based techniques and tools like shock and prong collars, that makes us different. And we’re fine with that.

Why Choose Modern, Force-Free Training?

Because it works—and because it matters.

I’ve been in your shoes. I’ve brought home a dog who turned out to be more of a challenge than expected. I’ve heard the outdated advice: “Show her who’s boss.” “Use a prong collar.” “Correct her when she pulls.” It never felt right.

So I dug deep, as geeks do. I immersed myself in the science of behavior and learning theory. I studied under industry leaders and completed a rigorous certification process through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)—making me the only certified dog behavior consultant in Rutland County.

This isn’t a weekend workshop or a flashy title. It involved extensive case studies, behavior assessments, ethics exams, and demonstrated experience working with complex cases. In an unregulated industry, credentials matter. Continuing education matters. Your dog’s well-being matters.

A Training Philosophy Rooted in Compassion—and Motivation

The foundation of modern training is this: Dogs are sentient beings capable of learning when we meet their needs and motivate them properly.

Unlike old-school approaches that focus on punishing “bad” behavior, we teach dogs what we do want—by setting them up to succeed and reinforcing desirable choices. That might sound idealistic. It’s actually incredibly practical.

But here’s the key: motivation matters. If a dog is afraid of trying something new because they’ve been punished in the past, they’ll stop offering behavior altogether. It’s our job to find out what truly motivates them—whether it’s food, toys, sniffing, movement, or praise—and use that to build trust and reinforce learning.

And no, not all dogs like head pats. You may think you’re rewarding your pup, but if they’re leaning away from your touch, that’s feedback. They’re saying, “No thanks.” Good training means listening, adjusting, and respecting their preferences.

Who We’re For

Mountainside Mutts is for people who want a great relationship with their dog—not a power struggle. We’re for the folks who:

• Are uncomfortable using pain or fear to train

• Are tired of being told their dog is “too much”

• Want to understand their dog’s behavior, not just suppress it

• Love their dog but feel stuck or overwhelmed

• Cringe when off-leash dogs charge at them on walks

• Are managing leash reactivity, resource guarding, or fear issues

• Don’t have a backyard, or feel trapped indoors in Vermont winters

• Want training that’s fun, effective, and grounded in kindness

We see you. We’ve been there. And we’ve helped hundreds of families just like yours.

Call Us Crazy (But We’ll Keep Doing It This Way)

We believe dog training should be ethical, effective, and enjoyable—for both you and your dog. We believe you can train without fear, force, or pain. And we believe that dogs, like people, deserve the chance to learn in a way that builds trust and confidence—not shuts them down.

So if you’ve been told your dog needs “more discipline,” and it didn’t sit right…

If you’re skeptical of quick fixes and harsh tools…

If you’re curious about how training can actually enhance your relationship with your dog…

Then welcome. You’re our kind of people.

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Mountainside Mutts: Smart, humane, and proudly different.
Because you and your dog deserve better than outdated methods and questionable tools. You deserve training grounded in science, compassion, and connection.