Dog Training Vermont. Your Source for Successful In-Home Training.
Meet Jill Halstead, certified trainer.
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Jill Halstead has been working with Vermonters and their dogs for over 20 years. Certified by the highly acclaimed Academy for Dog Trainers in San Francisco, she has helped thousands of dogs and their families.
Specializing in in-home, one-on-one training, Jill has trained all breeds of dogs, from pure-bred to mixed breeds, whether adopted, rescued or acquired from a breeder. She has worked with dogs of all ages, from puppies to longtime family members, and with excellent results. Jill remains convinced of the effectiveness of Positive (reinforcement-based) Training Methods -- even with the most difficult dogs -- as they are the only strategies scientifically proven to train dogs without unintended results like increased aggression and fear. Many area trainers and veterinarians refer people to Jill for her expertise in all aspects of training but particularly for her success with fearful and aggressive dogs. Clients also refer their friends and family to Jill, because of her success rate as well as her kind and knowledgeable approach with both dogs and owners. |
 Jill's many furry friends have included Gina, a German shepherd/Rottweiler mix; Noo Noo, a miniature poodle; Bailey, a Border collie mix; Hank, a beagle/Chessie mix and Bugsy, a sweet, friendly pit bull/Am Staff mix who loved every-one -- especially kids.
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Education and Professional Development.
1984 University of Massachusetts/Amherst. Bachelor of Arts
2004 The Academy for Dog Trainers (San Francisco SPCA).
Certificate in Training & Counselling
The Academy, directed by renowned author and trainer Jean Donaldson, offered an intensive six-week course and hands on training with the shelter's dogs. The Academy's evidence-based program covers all aspects of dog behavior and is the most comprehensive training program in the United States. The Academy is selective, rigorous and requires determination in order to graduate.
2004 – 2005. Board Member: Humane Society of Chittenden County.
2016 Webinar with Dr. Karen Overall, Veterinarian. A workshop and lecture on how elevated stress chemicals in the body can negatively affect learning, as well as new theories in training.
2017 Webinar with Dr. Nancy Kay, Veterinarian. This presentation on neutering focused on the results of recent research and how our thoughts are beginning to shift.
2018 Seminar. The Emotional World of Dogs: New Insights into Training and Behavior. Presented by Dr. Daniel Mills, Veterinarian. The latest research on dog cognition and emotion, as well as how these findings can be applied in clinical practice.
2022 – present. Homeward Bound, Addison County Animal Shelter. Consulting Trainer.
Evaluating dogs and training canine staff in dog body language and reinforcement-based dog training techniques.
2004 The Academy for Dog Trainers (San Francisco SPCA).
Certificate in Training & Counselling
The Academy, directed by renowned author and trainer Jean Donaldson, offered an intensive six-week course and hands on training with the shelter's dogs. The Academy's evidence-based program covers all aspects of dog behavior and is the most comprehensive training program in the United States. The Academy is selective, rigorous and requires determination in order to graduate.
2004 – 2005. Board Member: Humane Society of Chittenden County.
2016 Webinar with Dr. Karen Overall, Veterinarian. A workshop and lecture on how elevated stress chemicals in the body can negatively affect learning, as well as new theories in training.
2017 Webinar with Dr. Nancy Kay, Veterinarian. This presentation on neutering focused on the results of recent research and how our thoughts are beginning to shift.
2018 Seminar. The Emotional World of Dogs: New Insights into Training and Behavior. Presented by Dr. Daniel Mills, Veterinarian. The latest research on dog cognition and emotion, as well as how these findings can be applied in clinical practice.
2022 – present. Homeward Bound, Addison County Animal Shelter. Consulting Trainer.
Evaluating dogs and training canine staff in dog body language and reinforcement-based dog training techniques.
Client Reviews...
“Jill is a tremendous trainer and dog-related resource. She is extremely skilled in dog training and behavior with many, many years of hands-on experience.”
- Deb D'Agati Helfrich of Goldstar Dog Training and Therapy Dogs of Vermont
- Deb D'Agati Helfrich of Goldstar Dog Training and Therapy Dogs of Vermont
“Homeward Bound, Addison County Humane Society has had the privilege of having Jill's support and expertise on hand for years. She has helped countless of dogs both in shelter but most importantly in their new homes after adoption. Jill guides dogs as well as people with compassion, knowledge and kindness. We experience happier, more confident dogs and owners from Jill's helpful and positive methods. She acknowledges each individual and their potential to grow and succeed. Jill sees everyone in a room, four-legged or two-legged!” - Ylva Picca, Homeward Bound
Photo Credits, from the top: 1. Katie Ziegler, Positive Focus Photography, Stowe, VT. 2. K. Alexander 3. Jamie Street / Unsplash
