New Nonprofit Makes Training about Connection, not Commerce

In a world where professional dog training often comes with a hefty price, The Free Dog is challenging the idea that only some families can afford well-behaved pets. 

Founded and operated by Marnie Fitzgerald of Rutland, The Free Dog is a new nonprofit organization with the belief that all dogs and their owners deserve access to compassionate and effective training. The mission is simple, “The Free Dog envisions a world in which no animal suffers due to misinformation or barriers to care.”

The goal, according to Fitzgerald, is to keep dogs out of shelters and with their families. Fitzgerald remembered she was often frustrated when she was working as an animal control officer (ACO) in Westfield, Mass.

“During that time … I had the feeling that I was unable to change the outcome of many of the cases I encountered,” Fitzgerald said. “It seemed like the ACO was called once something had already gone very wrong…I always wondered what may have happened if someone had intervened sooner,” she continued.

Over time, Fitzgerald decided to create a program that would allow full access to dog training for all, regardless of income or other barriers. She felt strongly that training should be done with positive reinforcement, not through punishment. She also wanted the name to reflect her mission.

“When starting my organization, I wanted to conjure an image of a dog that is running freely; happy and free from pain, stress, and fear,” Fitzgerald said. “For decades, positive reinforcement has been scientifically proven to be the most humane, efficient, and effective dog training method,” she elaborated. 

She also wanted to make sure everyone had access to quality information. “I believe that animal welfare knowledge has historically been distributed for profit,” Fitzgerald said. “This not only limits access to necessary information, but it also compromises the quality of the information,” she explained.

Fitzgerald credits a young bulldog puppy for teaching her how important training can be. This dog had been harshly trained on a choke collar and leash. However, with patience on both the owner’s and Fitzgeralds’ part, the dog was able to transition to a regular harness and leash without any aversive equipment. On a regular harness, the dog even passed its Canine Good Citizen Test through the American Kennel Club, which includes a leash walking portion. Triple win: the dog remained at home, and the owner is now a trainer herself.

As Fitzgerald continued to witness dogs being surrendered simply because the owner did not have access to quality training, she knew she could help.

“I believe that everyone should have access to the most scientifically accurate dog welfare knowledge possible,” Fitzgerald explained. “I believe that this should be a right, not something that is hidden behind a paywall. It is my dream to see a world where everyone can provide food, vet care, and training for their dog without worrying about cost,” she continued. 

The Free Dog currently offers free group training sessions. However, Fitzgerald admits that this can be difficult for people with reactive dogs who do not do well in a group.

“It is my hope that as our organization expands, we will have the resources and staff to be able to offer free one-on-one lessons both virtually and in person,” Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald hopes to soon start a trainer apprenticeship program. She is also seeking donations, partnerships with vets and animal welfare groups, and volunteers. 

“My main goal for the next five years is expanding our reach and impact,” Fitzgerald said. “I believe that helping even just one dog makes it all worth it. I never want anyone to feel like they have no options and nowhere to turn when they are struggling with their dogs,” she said. “I will always do anything I can to help families who are facing surrender.”

To learn more about The Free Dog, to volunteer, donate or partner, please visit https://www.thefreedog.org/ or email [email protected]