Muttessori Dog School
Rutland’s original “Dog School” — where training meets enrichment.
Welcome to Muttessori Dog School, the original “Dog School” in Rutland, Vermont!
Since opening our training and enrichment center in November 2021, we’ve offered busy pet parents a trusted option for professional care, structured learning, and socialization — all grounded in humane, evidence-based methods.
Our program is ideal for dogs who need more structure and engagement than typical daycare can provide. Think of it as “daycare plus” — part learning lab, part playground, part rest and reset.
What is “Muttessori”?
The short answer: Rutland’s most exclusive prep school for dogs! 🐾
Just like a Montessori classroom for kids, we recognize that every dog is an individual with unique learning needs and interests. Our goal is to nurture confident, curious, and well-adjusted companions by creating a supportive environment that blends structure, enrichment, and fun.
Program Benefits
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Professional, qualified staff trained in positive reinforcement and canine behavior.
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More structure than daycare — with calm routines, enrichment blocks, and guided play.
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Low staff-to-dog ratio (no more than 10 dogs per qualified team member).
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Balanced day with supervised social time and essential rest periods.
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Customized training add-ons available to target your dog’s individual goals.
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Mentally enriching activities like puzzles, scent games, and confidence-building exercises.
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Small “class” sizes for personalized attention.
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Indoor training space: 1,250 sq. ft. rubberized flooring for safety and comfort.
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Outdoor area: the largest fully fenced training yard in Rutland, VT.
We follow the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s recommendations on early socialization to ensure that even young puppies can safely attend Dog School.
How to Join Muttessori Dog School
Because Muttessori is a structured, training-based program rather than traditional daycare, all new dogs go through a short admissions process to help set them up for success.
Our preferred route into Muttessori is following successful completion of Puppy Start Right, Basic Manners, or one of our private training packages.
Because dogs who already understand our training style tend to transition most smoothly, we keep only a limited number of additional places available outside of these routes.
Step 1: Meet & Greet | $100
This 1-hour pre-attendance session allows us to:
- get to know you and your dog
- review any training you’ve already done
- discuss the skills we’ll continue to build together
- determine whether Muttessori is likely to be a good fit
- decide whether to move forward to a try-out
Step 2: Try-Out | $35
Your dog’s try-out begins with a 25-minute assessment, during which you will remain on site.
If all goes well, you’ll then be able to leave your pup with us for approximately 1.5 hours so we can assess how they settle, learn, and participate in the group.
We’ll let you know at pick-up whether your pup is a good fit for the program.
Dog School is one part of an overall training plan. You’ll still be doing training exercises and reinforcing desired behaviors at home, but while you’re at work we can supplement pup’s training and speed-up the learning process.
The first step in the entry process is to complete one of our private or group training programs. Pup may then be invited to join our Muttessori program. Weekly report cards &/0r videos will keep you updated of pup’s activities and highlight any areas for cutomized training.
Let us help you train and socialize your young dog in our safe and secure setting.
FAQs
After-school group training classes
Our learning doesn’t stop when the bell rings!
In the evenings, Mountainside Mutts offers group training classes for:
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Puppies
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Basic Manners
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Tricks & Enrichment
Stay in the loop with our newsletter for class announcements, or contact us to express interest in a specific course.
What makes Mountainside Mutts different? We combine science-based training with heartfelt care — because we know your dog is family.
See for yourself: watch our award-winning video ➜
See for yourself: watch our award-winning video ➜
