Our Staff
Caroline Albert- Owner & Trainer, KPA-CTP
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
Caroline’s passion has always been animals. Her professional career began over 25 years ago; teaching horseback riding, and training young jumper, dressage and event horses at some of the finest facilities on the east coast.
Upon moving back to Vermont in 1998, Caroline began her exploration into clicker training and applied animal behavior (how animals learn). Having spent years in the traditional training world, marked by cookie cutter and aversive methods, Caroline was delighted and relieved to find a better way. Clicker training, known for its cross species applications, opened up new and exciting opportunities, broadening Caroline’s base to include dogs and other animals.
In 2009 Caroline graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy of Animal Training and Behavior. Caroline is dedicated to the welfare of all animals and enjoys being part of the unique bonds that develop between handlers and their pets. She has a special interest in behavior modification, and early learning and socialization; believing as caregivers we are responsible for preparing our animals for a lifetime spent with people.
Grateful Dog Training, Inc. was opened with the intent to provide exceptional training and care for pet dogs and their owners. We offer compassionate, positive solutions to common behavior problems, training goals, and pet care. Caroline dedicated Grateful Dog Training, Inc. to the memory of Stella, her lovely Australian Cattle Dog who inspired her quest for aversive free training.
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
Caroline’s passion has always been animals. Her professional career began over 25 years ago; teaching horseback riding, and training young jumper, dressage and event horses at some of the finest facilities on the east coast.
Upon moving back to Vermont in 1998, Caroline began her exploration into clicker training and applied animal behavior (how animals learn). Having spent years in the traditional training world, marked by cookie cutter and aversive methods, Caroline was delighted and relieved to find a better way. Clicker training, known for its cross species applications, opened up new and exciting opportunities, broadening Caroline’s base to include dogs and other animals.
In 2009 Caroline graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy of Animal Training and Behavior. Caroline is dedicated to the welfare of all animals and enjoys being part of the unique bonds that develop between handlers and their pets. She has a special interest in behavior modification, and early learning and socialization; believing as caregivers we are responsible for preparing our animals for a lifetime spent with people.
Grateful Dog Training, Inc. was opened with the intent to provide exceptional training and care for pet dogs and their owners. We offer compassionate, positive solutions to common behavior problems, training goals, and pet care. Caroline dedicated Grateful Dog Training, Inc. to the memory of Stella, her lovely Australian Cattle Dog who inspired her quest for aversive free training.
Cassidy Albert- Trainer, CPDT-KA
Cassidy has been an integral part of Grateful Dog Training, Inc. since its inception. Growing up on a small farm she learned how to care for and train multiple species of animals at an early age. As her passion grew, she developed her skills and knowledge of animal training and behavior by attending many seminars including the Clicker Expo in 2013, ‘15, ‘17; and the Aggression in Dogs Seminar with Michael Shikashio and Trish McMillan in 2017. She successfully competed in Rally Obedience, with her dogs Enzo and Little Bear, and taught her first group class at the age of 15 years old. Cassidy has trained multiple deaf and blind foster dogs and always enjoys behavioral challenges. Cassidy is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and CPR, Pet First Aid and Safety Response Certified.
Cassidy has been an integral part of Grateful Dog Training, Inc. since its inception. Growing up on a small farm she learned how to care for and train multiple species of animals at an early age. As her passion grew, she developed her skills and knowledge of animal training and behavior by attending many seminars including the Clicker Expo in 2013, ‘15, ‘17; and the Aggression in Dogs Seminar with Michael Shikashio and Trish McMillan in 2017. She successfully competed in Rally Obedience, with her dogs Enzo and Little Bear, and taught her first group class at the age of 15 years old. Cassidy has trained multiple deaf and blind foster dogs and always enjoys behavioral challenges. Cassidy is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), a Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and CPR, Pet First Aid and Safety Response Certified.
Sarah Karczmarczyk
Born in Alaska, Sarah grew up surrounded by animals, both domesticated and wild. Having four cats and three boxers throughout her childhood of many moves (she's lived in AK, MA, ME, CT, WA, and VT) she understands how special, and important, the bond of love and companionship with pets can be. Their love is powerful, but it is their trust that stands sacred. If you can earn their trust, you've made a friend for life. Sarah splits her time between working the switchboard at Rutland Regional Medical Center and herding puppies at the Grateful Dog. Sarah finds genuine joy in building a special connection, and friendship with each of the dogs here.
Born in Alaska, Sarah grew up surrounded by animals, both domesticated and wild. Having four cats and three boxers throughout her childhood of many moves (she's lived in AK, MA, ME, CT, WA, and VT) she understands how special, and important, the bond of love and companionship with pets can be. Their love is powerful, but it is their trust that stands sacred. If you can earn their trust, you've made a friend for life. Sarah splits her time between working the switchboard at Rutland Regional Medical Center and herding puppies at the Grateful Dog. Sarah finds genuine joy in building a special connection, and friendship with each of the dogs here.
Ann Pierce
Ann Pierce has lived in the area for over 40 years. She has raised a daughter and a son in the local schools. Ann has always been working in child care or pet care, and has coached many youth sports teams. Anne is best known locally as the “Pony Lady,” doing pony rides and riding lessons for many occasions. At Grateful Dog, Anne is the aft closer, specializing in playing and hugging.
Ann Pierce has lived in the area for over 40 years. She has raised a daughter and a son in the local schools. Ann has always been working in child care or pet care, and has coached many youth sports teams. Anne is best known locally as the “Pony Lady,” doing pony rides and riding lessons for many occasions. At Grateful Dog, Anne is the aft closer, specializing in playing and hugging.
Kelli Raymond
Kelli was born and raised in West Rupert, Vermont. She is the Animal Control Officer and Health Officer for the Town of Rupert. She has lived in West Rupert all her life, and has worked with and been around dogs her entire life as well. She has her Professional Dog Tracking License, which allows her to take her two Bloodhounds out into the woods to track wounded deer. She is the youngest of 10 children. She’s been married for 25 years and loves long walks in the woods.
Kelli was born and raised in West Rupert, Vermont. She is the Animal Control Officer and Health Officer for the Town of Rupert. She has lived in West Rupert all her life, and has worked with and been around dogs her entire life as well. She has her Professional Dog Tracking License, which allows her to take her two Bloodhounds out into the woods to track wounded deer. She is the youngest of 10 children. She’s been married for 25 years and loves long walks in the woods.
Wayne Albert- Co Owner
Wayne has been a business owner since 1989; first in the field of carpentry and then, for the past 20 years as an A.F.A. Certified Farrier (a specialist in equine hoof care; trimming, balancing, and putting shoes on horses’ hooves).
In his work as a farrier, Wayne has a strong and loyal customer base, and is respected as a source of knowledge by veterinary, horse trainer, and farrier colleagues. Wayne is known for his gentle, calm and patient manner; a manner that lends itself well when caring for and supervising the dogs.
Wayne’s behind-the-scene skill and support have been crucial to the development and success of Grateful Dog. Wayne is enjoying the transition to caring for a smaller species, and is dedicated to delivering outstanding service and customer care (two and four legged).
Wayne has been a business owner since 1989; first in the field of carpentry and then, for the past 20 years as an A.F.A. Certified Farrier (a specialist in equine hoof care; trimming, balancing, and putting shoes on horses’ hooves).
In his work as a farrier, Wayne has a strong and loyal customer base, and is respected as a source of knowledge by veterinary, horse trainer, and farrier colleagues. Wayne is known for his gentle, calm and patient manner; a manner that lends itself well when caring for and supervising the dogs.
Wayne’s behind-the-scene skill and support have been crucial to the development and success of Grateful Dog. Wayne is enjoying the transition to caring for a smaller species, and is dedicated to delivering outstanding service and customer care (two and four legged).