Awesome Paws Dog Training Services
Contact Us Today!
**Please complete this form to get started on your journey with your dog to a better trained future.**
The time to start correcting unwanted dog behavior begins today! We look forward to working with you!
Training Your Dog
Does your dog have behavior issues that need to be resolved? Do you wish to have your dog become the ideal companion? Here at Awesome Paws, Michelle LeBlanc is your guide to improving both your dog’s skills and your skills as a dog handler with the direct approach to solving specific issues or challenges you may be facing.
Awesome Paws Dog Training Service was inspired by Michelle’s first working dog, Casko, who was her K9 partner while working for the Vermont State Police. While Casko is no longer with us, his legacy remains with the generations of dogs trained by Michelle.
Dog training occurs at our facility specifically designed for that purpose on Gage Street in Bennington, VT. We can also work at your home or do training in real world situations such as at the park, dog friendly businesses, or on the street. Hours currently are by appointment only for individual training sessions. We plan on expanding to group training lessons once the pandemic is over.
Meet the Trainer
Michelle LeBlanc has worked over 20 years devoting her life to training dogs, 11 years as a State Police handler and assistant K9 trainer. Michelle’s experience has inspired her to begin a non-profit organization dedicated to training service dogs for service personnel and first responders, called Vermont Paws and Boots. Our same dog training experience and expertise is now available to the general public.
Services Include:
- Puppy Training
- Basic Obedience
- Heeling and Walking
Michelle’s awards and specialized training include the following:
K9 Related Awards
- Inducted into National K9 Hall of Fame – 2019
- National K9 HOF Committee – 2018 – 2022
- National K9 HOF President – 2019 – 2022
- Vermont Police Canine Association President – 2009 – 2011
- Vermont Police Canine Association Vice President – 2006 – 2009
- Two-time recipient – K9 Team of the Year
- Two-time recipient – Tracking Team of the Year
- Four-time recipient – Dedicated Service Award
- Recipient – Lifesaving Award
- Recipient – K9 Apprehension Award
- Multiple Public Service Awards (Federal, State, Local)
Specialized Training
- Combat Medic – U.S. Army
- Military Police Investigations – U.S. Army
- Interdiction Course – VSP
- Interview & Interrogation Course – VSP
- Advance K9 Tracking Course – VSP
- Key Elements to Training Service Dogs – 2016
- The Dog Training Secrets – 2018
- Learn, Practice, Master, and Begin Again workshop – 2019
Individual Lessons
$85/ hour
Prior to your first visit, make sure to fill out our registration form. Contact Michelle if you have any trouble accessing this form.
Training sessions are one hour long. Please arrive promptly at the start of your time period at our training facility at 114 Gage Street, Bennington, VT. Bring with you your dog’s favorite toy, and/or a good supply of your dog’s favorite treat. Payment in full is due when you arrive if not prepaid.
Your session will follow a structure. We start the hour by discussing the training goals for the day and reviewing any concerns since the last training. From there we will do goal-specific exercises and training for about 40 minutes. The final 5-10 minutes will be discussing “homework” for your next training session.
Basic Obedience Package
$425 for six one-hour individual lessons – BEST VALUE
Learn new skills (or a refresher on skills you may already know) to build a stronger bond and have more fun with your dog. The Basic Obedience Package is a six-week program (one day a week) tailored to help you and your pup grow together as team. Not only will you both learn how to properly socialize with humans and other dogs, but you will also be taught essential commands needed to go to the next level including how to properly walk with your dog on leash so you can enjoy a stroll after dinner or a visit to your local park.
Group Lessons
coming post-pandemic
Payment Options
Payment in full is required at your first appointment with either cash or check.
Military and First Responder Discount
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If you have enjoyed our services and would like to, we would appreciate if you could take a moment to leave a review on either Google or your favorite social media platform.
Testimonials
Working with Michelle has been amazing! Mollie is much improved after just two sessions. In addition to training Mollie, I am learning to be a much better handler as well. I highly recommend Michelle to assist you in making your dog the best companion possible!