“I originally came to North Star to train my dog and now I come for me.  In training my dog I have learned more about myself as a human being.  How do I learn, how do I deal with stressful situations, how do I teach a dog (or person) to do something, how do I interact with other people, etc., etc.   I’ve learned the importance of consistency, clarity, patience, flexibility and balance.  I’ve also learned the importance of play and not taking myself too seriously.

Carolyn is a genius, both in dog training and people training.  She is patient, compassionate, brilliant and fun with a great sense of humor.  I look forward to each class – I always learn something – about my dog or myself or my interaction and her interaction with the world.

It is a privilege to be able to come to North Star.”

Deborah Granquist, Weston, VT

“Why I came to North Star – a unique mix of all of us people sharing the goal of bonding with our dogs into a partnership.  The breakdown of problems is excellent.  I have learned more about myself (as a trainer and in general) than I have about my dogs!

I find it a privilege to share in North Star.”

Patti Hunt, Weston, VT

“I have learned at North Star that patience pays, that consistency is key, but ABOVE ALL, have fun with your dog!  I am a loyal supporter of Carolyn and her training methods.  She takes into consideration that each trainer is an individual, each dog is unique and that no problem is identical.  She constantly evaluates trainer and dog and then modifies her feedback and training methods to assist the individual.

Carolyn emphasizes that we must appreciate our dog’s good behavior.  She also considers it the handler’s responsibility to provide information/feedback to the dog in order to correct unwanted or wrong behavior.  She does all this with patience, consistency, firmness yet kindness.

I consider Carolyn my mentor and I’m fortunate to have had the opportunity to have trained with her for the past two years.  Of course, without Kathy, there is no North Star!  I consider Carolyn and Kathy my friends and thank them for allowing Paul, Lincoln and myself into their lives!  I am a much better handler/trainer and person for knowing them.”

Debby DuBay, Ret., USAF

Rutland, VT

“Magic and I came to North Star for Canine Good Citizen class.  It was my first real experience with training which was more than basic pet obedience.  We worked hard and were so proud when we passed the test!  Magic’s natural physical ability encouraged us to enroll him in agility classes.  The past two years have been a real journey for both of us.  North Star classes have helped me be a better trainer, and have helped Magic focus his enthusiastic attention more on the task at hand.  Finally, we are beginning to work more as a team!  We look forward to trying our new skills in novice agility trials this coming spring.

Most of all, we both thoroughly enjoyed the 7-month tracking class!  It was AWESOME.  As a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, Magic is a natural tracker.  Carolyn helped us develop those natural skills so we became a real tracking team. We will continue to track and to improve our skills together. North Star has given us the tools we need to be successful in this activity and BRAVO TO ALL THE NORTH STAR TRACKING STARS!

AND BRAVO TO CAROLYN for her enthusiastic and helpful guidance!

Sue Engle, Mt. Holly, VT

“Originally, I started at North Star puppy school with my Black Lab, Keeta, 5 years ago and I thought that would be it.  Boy was I wrong!  The more you know, the more you know you don’t know and I learn something new about my dogs and myself at every North Star session.  I have learned just how complex the canine/human relationship is and what a challenge it is to get inside your dog’s mind and be aware that the way they process information is very different from the assumptions you tend to make.

Carolyn has an uncanny ability to analyze and correct problems that arise with my dogs and to move the relationship forward in a positive way.

I enjoy the friends I have made at North Star and also learning from them and their dogs in a non-judgmental atmosphere.

Mimi  Neff, Weston, VT

“Carolyn has the ability to look at a dog-owner relationship and pinpoint the problems the two are having.  Then with directions, demos and humor, she works with the pair to help solve their problems, whether they are simple or huge.

My dog and I love to come to North Star and by being a part of a class, we learn from every experience all of us are having.  And, most of all, it’s fun!!  We’ve come to North Star for almost 7 years and Sadie and I have accomplished amazing things, earned numerous AKC titles and become a better team through our experience.”

Doris Ingram, Weston, VT