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Certified dog trainer
Sarah Westcott
Sarah Westcott

Brooklyn, NY

Doggie Academy

Training Philosophy
Doggie Academy offers full-service dog training and behavior counseling for New Yorkers and their dogs. They are educated in a wide variety of training techniques and are able to draw from an extensive toolbox to help you reach your goals. Each client receives a customized lesson plan based on his or her dog, needs and lifestyle. They think outside the box to find a solution that works for you.

Services
Doggie Academy provides a wide variety of services, so whether you need assistance with pet selection, pre-pet planning, puppy manners, basic obedience, advanced obedience or behavioral issues, they will help. They also offer enrichment training in agility and tricks that improve dog-human communication skills and strengthen the bond between you and your best friend. Doggie Academy trainers are recommended by several area veterinarians.

Certifications

  • Sarah Westcott, CPDT-KSA
  • Kate Naito, CDBC, CPDT-KA
  • Toni Walton, CPDT-KA

Specializations
Puppy training, basic obedience, advanced obedience, agility training, tricks, behavior modification, leash aggression, separation anxiety, resource guarding, destructive behavior, house training, jumping, leash walking, pet selection, pre-puppy prep, puppy care, puppy nipping, rally obedience, trick training, Canine Good Citizen

Training Methods
Positive reinforcement, clicker training

Customer Reviews

  • Stephanie T. with Sierra - So amazing. I can't wait to take another class. I've always loved training and working with Sierra but after this freestyle class, I feel so much more motivation. I am so excited to take future classes there with Sierra!
  • Denise J. with Mufasa - Sarah was wonderful. She was timely, friendly and Mufasa seemed to love her! We really appreciated her thoughtful approach and willingness to talk about anything we threw at her.. and we threw out a lot
  • Melissa R. with Stanley - Thank you so much for all of your help and guidance. We really learned a lot and had a great time in the process!
  • Sharon S. with Reilly - Very pleased with our experience at Doggie Academy. Reilly clearly enjoys it. It's fun to see that he's an eager learner and it's great exercise for him physically and mentally. Sarah sized up Reilly right away and gave specific suggestions for training our speedster.

Media Appearances
Sarah & Fever on AKC.tv Ask The Expert
Sarah, Fever & Doggie Academy Alumni on News 12
Kate on AKCtv's Ask the Expert
Sarah, Kate & Fever on The Pet Show with Dr. Katy

Fever's Rover.com Commercial
Sarah & Fever on Fox & Friends
Fever on Blacklist: Redemption
Fever & Hank in a campaign for The Body Shop
Sarah & Kate on the Japanese television show Made in NY
Made in NY 43 ドッグトレーナー from Broadway Caprice on Vimeo.
Hank in The Hunt with John Walsh (viewer discretion is advised)
Sarah on Good Morning America

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

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.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

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.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

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.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

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.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

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.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

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.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

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.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

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.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

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.

Want to train your dog independently?

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