Mountainside Mutts

Mountainside Mutts is a dog training and daycare center at 654 US-4 in Rutland, Vermont, built around force-free, science-based methods. Owners looking for dog daycare in Rutland will find a program here that mixes play with structured learning, alongside private coaching and group classes.

What does Mountainside Mutts offer?

Training comes first here, and daycare follows the same approach. The "Muttessori" dog school pairs daycare with enrichment and practice on everyday manners. Key offerings include:

• Dog daycare with indoor play and outdoor space
• Puppy Start Right, a socialization and foundation program
• Group dog classes and private training
• Behavior modification for resource guarding, reactivity, and aggression
• Service dog coaching

How are dogs trained here?

Everything runs on force-free, fear-free, positive reinforcement methods. In practice, that means dogs are taught what to do and rewarded for it, rather than corrected for mistakes. The approach is meant to build trust between dog and owner while teaching real-life manners.

The credentials listed for the business include Certified Professional Dog Trainer, IAABC Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Victoria Stilwell Dog Training Academy graduate, Fear-Free Professional, and Certified Service Dog Coach. That depth matters for owners with a reactive or guarding dog, since behavior consulting is a different skill from basic obedience.

What is the space like?

Training and play take place in a private dog gym with a fenced yard. Puppies can meet other dogs in a controlled setting, and daycare dogs get both indoor and outdoor time. The tone is warm and judgment-free, aimed at owners who feel a bit overwhelmed by a new puppy or a difficult teenage dog.

How do you get in touch?

Mountainside Mutts is on US-4 in Rutland, VT 05701. You can call 508-761-1229 or email als@mountainsidemutts.com. The website, mountainsidemutts.com, has program details, and the team also posts on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.