If you live, work, or play in downtown Burlington you know your dog needs specific skills to successfully navigate all of the great things our city has to offer - polite leash manners, a good recall, and the ability to gracefully handle people, noises, bustle, and other dogs in close proximity.

How We’re Different

Our clients are local
They are our neighbors, friends, and family - not a number or a dollar sign. They walk to work. They care about the environment. They care about our community. Their dogs are family. We run into them at City Market, or cross paths walking our dogs on the bike path. We develop lasting relationships with each and every dog and human who comes through our door, and are there to support them for the life of their dog.

Education and experience
Dog training is currently an unregulated industry - literally anyone can hang a shingle and call themselves a dog trainer. What sets Fetch the Leash apart is credentials. A world-class education covering all aspects of dog behavior, ethology, the scientific principles of learning, mastering the mechanical skills necessary to be an efficient trainer, effective coaching and class teaching, and more. A network of colleagues with extensive experience and education in training, behavior, veterinary medicine, and force-free animal handling and care. Decades of hands-on experience training shelter and rescue dogs, as well as hundreds of loved family pets of all ages, sizes, and abilities.

Small class sizes & personalized training experiences
Small class sizes with a certified trainer ensure you and your dog will learn all the skills you need to stroll down Church Street with confidence. Need 1:1 help or more dedicated, consistent training? Our day training and private training programs are designed to help meet your needs and dog’s needs in today’s faster-paced lifestyle.

Truly humane training methods
Our top priority is for your dog to be an active and happy participant in the training process. Positive, rewards-based training helps dogs develop the skills they need using treats, games, and praise - all the fun stuff in life! We never use painful collars, scary corrections, or other outdated training devices or techniques.

Location & Parking Information

Fetch the Leash's training facility is right downtown so you can walk to class, drop your dog off for training during the week, or swing by the farmer's market on your way home.

We are located at 85 Pearl Street near Battery St in downtown Burlington. There are several parking options within walking distance of our facility:

Metered parking spaces are available on Pearl Street directly in front of our building, on upper Pine Street around the corner, and in a large lot across the street. Free after 6pm and on Sundays and holidays.
Public garages are located just one block south. Parking in these garages is inexpensive (and free on Sundays and holidays). Entrances are on Cherry Street next to Hotel Vermont and on Battery Street next to the Hilton.

Two dogs sitting on a brick sidewalk in front of a building with a 'Northfield Savings Bank' sign. One dog is wearing a pink checkered bandana and the other a blue checkered bow tie, both leashed.

About Us

We train with positive, reward-based methods to help dogs develop the skills they need using treats, toys, and praise. We never use painful collars or other outdated training devices or techniques. We continue to develop our knowledge of dog behavior, as well as stay current with the latest humane training and handling practices.

Our certifications, affiliations, & awards

Winner of the Daysies Award for Best Dog Trainer in Vermont in 2025, 2024 and 2023.
Nominated for the Daysies Award every year since 2018.
Passionate commitment to reward-based, humane training practices.
Completed rigorous education and certification requirements through the Academy for Dog Trainers.
Member of Pet Professional Guild, Certified Behavior Consultant & Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer.