Williston Recreation & Parks, VT
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Dog Training- Therapy Dog Academy, Age 18+ • Register • View Cart •

Person petting dog
Therapy Dog Academy

So, your dog wants to be a therapy dog? This 6-week course is exactly what you need! Led by Deb—a seasoned therapy dog handler since the mid-1990s with over two decades of experience directing a major therapy dog certification and training program—this course prepares both dogs and handlers not only for certification but also to excel as a therapy team. Whether you’re working toward certification or already an active therapy team looking to sharpen skills or learn new ones, this course has you covered. You’ll master essential skills like healing and polite greetings, gain tools for safe and effective teamwork, and learn to read your dog’s body language, ensuring you can meet their needs while building a strong, rewarding partnership.

Prerequisites: Instructor approval or prior participation in a Gold Star class. This course does not result in therapy dog certification, nor does it guarantee certification. Dogs must have a solid grasp of basic obedience and be free of aggression/reactivity towards people or other dogs.

There are two registration options for this class:

Option 1: Register with your dog
This registration reserves a spot in class for one dog and up to two adult household members (children are permitted to observe only; please contact the instructor in advance). 

Option 2: Register Without a Dog
This registration is for one person, or up to two household members, who would like to attend the class without a dog. It’s ideal if your dog isn’t a good candidate for a group class but you still want to work on training at home with support and information. This option allows you to benefit from the class even if it’s full, your dog isn’t ready for a group class, or you do not have a dog.

Notes:
  • Dogs do not attend the first session (and the first session is usually longer than other weeks).
  • This course does not result in therapy dog certification, nor does it guarantee certification.
  • Dogs must have a solid grasp of basic obedience and be free of aggression/reactivity towards people or other dogs.
  • Please review all class policies/restrictions (there are special policies related to Therapy Dog Academy): Gold+Star+Dog+Training+Policies.pdf (squarespace.com).
  • You will receive an email with further instructions/forms from the instructor before class.
 
Instructor: Deb Helfrich
Deb is the owner of Gold Star Dog Training LLC, based in Fairfax, VT. She enjoys working with dogs and their handlers to solve their challenges, build a healthy dog-handler relationship, and achieve their training goals. She is highly student-focused, adept at explaining concepts, helping every student feel successful, and creating training experiences that are meaningful and effective. Deb’s sense of humor, enthusiastic teaching style, and ability to work with a wide range of students are what clients seem to like about her.

Registration Information:
  • 1. Online registration is available with a credit card (a processing fee of $2 or 3.5 %, whichever is higher, plus 10 cents is added). Using this option, your balance is paid in full, and the person is enrolled.
  • 2. If a non-refundable deposit is available, it can be paid for online. However, the remaining balance is due before the registered person can attend. Some programs or camps have a specific date that the balance has to be paid.
  • 3. Offline registration is available at the Recreation Dept. with a check or cash. You have to come in to do this. Please be sure to create a Household Account online before coming in if you don't have one already.
  • 4. Registrations are NOT accepted over the phone or by email.
  • 5. Online registrations close the night before the start date of the program or on Thursday evening if the program starts over the weekend.
  • 6. Registration Deadlines: if a deadline is posted on the registration page for a program, this is to ensure that there are enough participants to offer the program. The Dept. works with other Depts. to be able to offer programs.
  • 7. No registrations are accepted after the second meeting of a program, or after the first day of a camp, or after the first day of a sports program practice.
  • 8. If a program is Full, register for the waiting list using the Online Payment Option. No fee is charged.
  • 9. Program numbers are checked one week before the start date to see if the minimum number is met.
  • Williston Residents can apply for Financial Assistance if needed. See Link Below
  • Don't Wait! Register Early! (A program might be canceled due to low enrollment or filled).

Links:
Register Activity Ages Grades Days Date/Time Fees
 
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View Registration Eligibility
Therapy Dog Academy- Spring 
18y - 99y N/A M  03/24/2025 - 05/05/2025
07:15 PM - 08:15 PM
The R.E.C. Zone 		$185.00 Res, $195.00 Non-Res
0 seat(s) available
* Adjustments and discounts will be applied during checkout if applicable. *

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