Albany, NY
Rebecca Hutchins
Rebecca Hutchins, the owner of Good Choice Dog Training, adopted a 3-year-old yellow labrador named Sally who had a lot of baggage inhibiting Becky's ability to train her. After many disheartening attempts at various training facilities around the area, Becky decided to create a place where all dogs and their owners are welcome, comfortable, and included.
Training Philosophy
Good Choice Dog Training uses scientifically based reinforcement training methods that are completely humane — meaning you can teach your dog how to behave, walk with you on the street, come when they're called, and more, all without force. Our trainers are certified experts and teach you the skills to help your dog make good choices, whether in a class, at home, or in new environments. Our rewards-based methods are approved by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and are designed to help you and your pup become BFFs.
Services
Good Choice Dog Training offers a variety of classes for all types of dogs, from puppies to seniors. They also offer private training sessions to address specific challenges. Their services include:
- Puppy Class & Enrichment
- Puppy Too
- Life Skills
- Let's Get Connected
- Intro to Scent
- Mark Training
- Where are my Manners?
- Scent Work Trial Prep
- Canine Good Citizen Prep
- Community Canine
- Rally — Novice to Advanced Coursework
- Aggression Training
Certifications
Becky Hutchins is a certified knowledge-assessed professional dog trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and is an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She is also a member of the Association for Professional Dog Trainers, has completed Michael Shikashio's Aggression in Dogs Master Course, and is a member of the Pet Professional Guild. In addition, she is a mentor for CATCH Canine Trainer's Academy and Animal Behavior College (ABC).
Specializations
Puppy training, obedience training, manners training, scent work, agility training, Canine Good Citizen preparation, Community Canine preparation, Rally training, aggression training
Training Methods
Positive reinforcement, reward-based training, force-free training
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
