Creating Calmer Canines

Strengthening the human-canine bond since 2014


Certified Dog Trainers and members of the International Association of Canine Professionals

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Our Story

We are Jeff and Gillian Scarpino, a husband and wife team who not only love dogs, but have a passion to help them live their best lives possible. Our story began in 2008 when we adopted our first dog together. “Jibber” was a wonderful puppy who quickly became an assertive, confident dog and started to show aggressive tendencies. Not knowing where to turn, we brought him to a dog trainer. This particular trainer, while he was a very nice person, told us that our dog was not aggressive, just had a few quirks, and sent us on our way with no real plan on how to help our boy. Not long after that, our naivety cost him his life. He bolted out of the yard to chase a car and he was hit. Our devastation fueled our purpose, and we started volunteering to work with dogs and immersed ourselves in any education we could get our hands on. Fast forward to today, and we are honored to help people better understand their dogs, and learn to live more meaningful and peaceful lives with them!

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International Association of Canine Professionals logo

We are proud members of the International Association of Canine Professionals. Jeff Scarpino has also served on the board of directors . 

Animal Behavior College logo

Off The Beaten Trail is a mentor-ship site for the Animal Behavior College .

Off The Beaten Trail Canine Facility Location

Our facility is in beautiful Newark Vermont, about 15 minutes from Burke Mountain, 30 minutes from St. Johnsbury, and 3 hours from Boston, MA.

CONTACT & DIRECTIONS

Dog Training

A full spectrum approach to dog training, we utilize different styles to best help you and your dog. Whether your dog needs some basic obedience training or has shown signs of aggression, we offer many programs that can help. Our goals are always to take the stress out of your dog’s life and teach you how to fulfill his or her needs.

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Dog  Boarding

Whether you are a frequent traveler, taking a short vacation, or just need a few days at home to get some work done, you want to make the perfect arrangement for the care of your dog. We have dog  boarding packages in Northern Vermont that cater to all your needs.

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Doggie  Daycare

Ideal for people with busy working schedules and dogs that need to have an active lifestyle, our doggie day care in Northern, Vermont provides a great outlet for physical exercise and mental stimulation. It is also great for puppies and older dogs alike who need socialization!

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About OTBT

We have learned over the years just how misunderstood dogs are in our society, and our purpose with this business is to help as many dog owners as we can to better understand their furry family members, strengthen the bond that they share, and help the entire family live more balanced lives. 

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A light brown dog wearing an orange handkerchief sitting and waiting for a compand
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Every new dog should come with an introduction to Off The Beaten Trail! Jeff, Gillian and their staff are amazing. My 7 month old black lab has been to puppy class, boarding and now we are starting obedience training with them. I can't say enough positive about every experience we have had with OTBT. My dog loves going to board, he comes back happy, exhausted and obviously well cared for so peace of mind and no guilt when on vacation. Jeff, as a teacher, is thorough, clear and patient. He is passionate, knowledgeable and his calm confidence resonates with both the dog and the owner. We are so fortunate to have them nearby, they are an incredible resource.

Carrie Tomcyzk

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A white dog sitting wearing a blue collar sitting waiting patiently
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Absolutely amazing! Can't say enough about this place! Jeff and Gillian and the rest of the staff have done an incredible job. We just had our dog Reggie there for board and train for 2 weeks and it was so cool watching her progression and getting really helpful constructive feedback from them. We tested her skills the day we left and she did amazing! It was like night and day, I was almost in tears! It's such a huge weight off our shoulders and she's so enjoyable to be around again. Can't thank you guys enough!

Krista Yergeau

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A black and white dog sitting looking off in the distance
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I am absolutely 100% in love with this place! I put my dog here for the weekend so I could enjoy my wedding. I had no worries about her while she was in their care. I got pictures throughout the weekend to help ease my fur mama anxiety of her not being with me. They drove her to my wedding so she could be a part of pictures for our special day. When I picked her up they were able to tell me how well she did with the other dogs and how happy go lucky she was. Since arriving back home she had done nothing but sleep on the couch. I'd say that she enjoyed her time at this lovely place and I am 100% sure I'd put her here again and I will most definitely recommend them to anyone I know who loves their fur babies and wants them to be well taken care of!!! Thanks again Sarah, Jeff, and Gillian!!!

Liz Thompson

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Jeff co-owner of OTBT, standing on a dirt road with three dogs lying in front of him

DOG TRAINING

A full spectrum approach to dog training, we utilize different styles to best help you and your dog. Whether your dog needs some obedience training or has shown signs of aggression, we offer many training programs  that can help. Our goals are always to take the stress out of your dog’s life and teach you how to fulfill his or her needs.

Learn More
An employee of OTBT. in a room with four dogs sitting around her as she holds out a treat

DOG BOARDING

Whether you are a frequent traveler, taking a short vacation, or just need a few days at home to get some work done, you want to make the perfect arrangement for the care of your dog. We have boarding packages VT that cater to all your needs.

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A dog in front of the off the beaten trail sign

DOGGIE DAYCARE

Ideal for people with busy working schedules and dogs that need to have an active lifestyle, our doggie daycare provides a great outlet for physical exercise and mental stimulation. It is also great for puppies and older dogs alike who need socialization!

Learn More