The Owners-
Cervantes Dog Training, established in 2017, is a family-owned and operated business in Northfield, VT. Francisco and Amia Cervantes are dedicated to improving the lives of owners and their dogs through the company’s variety of programming and state of the art facility. Francisco is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals, an organization established to develop and promote the highest standards of professional and business practice among canine professionals.
“Cervantes treats dogs with respect and kindness.”
-Julie Philips, South Burlington, VT
The Training Center-
Cervantes Dog Training Center is conveniently located just a half mile off I89 Exit 5, on a quiet road, in a peaceful country setting. The owners live on site and the dogs are supervised 24/7. The newly renovated facility includes a waiting room, training room, two boarding rooms, multiple play yards with secure fencing and gates, and walking paths maintained throughout the 21 acre property. Equipped with radiant floor heat, an air exchange system, and HVAC system, various technologies are utilized for the control of temperature, humidity, and air purification. Cleaning and sanitation protocols as well as recorded health checks are completed multiple times each day by the center’s attentive and well trained staff.
“Francisco and Amia approach each dog with compassion and an individualized plan. They educate dog and human alike. As someone who works a lot with dogs with unknown pasts and plenty of baggage, it’s refreshing to see a pair of people so dedicated to the “underdogs”. Cervantes Dog Training has and will continue to save lives!”
-Meghan Burrows, Burlington, Vermont
Our Philosophy-
We do not train for service or emotional support work, Schutzhund, or any other sport. Instead, we focus on the family dog. Our drug-free balanced training techniques utilize practical obedience for behavior modification, focusing on building confidence in the skill set your dog relies on as part of their daily life. We teach with pressure and release implemented through the skillful use of specific training tools, as well as with spatial awareness, voice commands, and reward. At Cervantes Dog Training we believe behavioral change is possible, and that every dog deserves a chance-demonstrated by the many “problem” and rescue dogs we have helped. We listen to you, and to your dog, and aim to improve your relationship and quality of life. Environment affects behavior, and a dog’s owner is an integral part of that equation, fundamental to their success or failure. Dog owners must be open and committed to making the changes needed to ensure their dog’s improved behavior. Our ideal client is one that is as dedicated to their success as we are!
“Before training with Francisco and Amia, our dog Tilly had significant anxiety issues and serious reactivity to other dogs and cars. Since working to develop a solid foundation of rituals to ease her anxiety, we have been able to eliminate Tilly’s issues and were confidently able to introduce a new puppy. We could never have done this without the insight and support of the Cervantes training team and we are forever grateful to them.”
- Ben Schweitzer, Bethel, Vermont
Fees & Policies
We require up to date Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella vaccinations.
Payment is due at the time of reservation and is nonrefundable/not exchangeable.
A credit card processing fee of 3% is added to all credit card transactions.
A $25 fee is added to reservations if drop off/pick up is outside of our designated time slots.
A $5 fee (per day) is added to reservations with any medication administration. For over two types of medications, or, administration of over two times per day, there will be an additional fee added of $5 (for a total of $10 per day).
For reservations on holiday/peak dates, we require notice of cancellation 5 business days before the reservation start date. If this cancellation guideline is not met, the client will be charged 100% of the total reservation.
Holiday/Peak Dates:
New Years Eve/Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas