Los Angeles, CA
Scholars in Collars Academy
Nikki McGaughey, the trainer behind Scholars in Collars Academy, has been training dogs and their owners in the Erie area for more than ten years. What started as a part-time job while she attended Gannon ended up being her calling. Upon graduating with her biology degree, she took on the role of training pet instructors for the largest pet retail company in North America. She opened Scholars In Collars in April 2021.
Training Philosophy
Scholars in Collars Academy focuses on positive reinforcement training methods.
Services
Scholars in Collars Academy offers a variety of services, including:
- Group Classes: Four levels of group classes are available, including puppy training, basic obedience, advanced obedience, Canine Good Citizen, and Therapy Dog training.
- Private Training: Private training programs are available for dogs with specific needs, such as reactivity, anxiety, or basic manners. These programs include unlimited lessons and ongoing support.
- Day Training: Day training allows owners to drop off their dogs for a day of training and socialization. Training videos track the dog's progress daily.
- Day School: Day school is a five-week program where dogs are dropped off twice a week for a day of socialization, training, and enrichment activities.
- Board and Train: Board and train programs allow owners to leave their dogs with the trainer for an extended period of time for intensive training. These programs include unlimited lessons and guaranteed results.
- Dog Daycare: Daycare is a different model for doggy daycare, which focuses on the dog's physical, emotional, and mental needs. It includes mental enrichment, physical enrichment with small, monitored play groups, and structured rest periods.
- Dog Photography: Photography sessions are held on the grounds of Scholars In Collars Academy. All sessions are outdoor shoots, weather permitting.
Certifications
Nikki McGaughey is a KPA CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) and a SDC (Service Dog Coach). She is also an evaluator for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test and Therapy Dogs United.
Specializations
Scholars in Collars Academy specializes in a variety of areas, including:
- Puppy training
- Basic obedience
- Advanced obedience
- Canine Good Citizen
- Therapy Dog training
- Reactivity training
- Anxiety training
- Socialization
Training Methods
Scholars in Collars Academy uses positive reinforcement training methods. This means that dogs are rewarded for good behavior and never punished for bad behavior.
Customer Reviews
Amberlee & Maric
Nikki helped us teach Maric to sit, wait, and walk on a leash. We REALLY appreciated her help when Maric went through his mouthy puppy phase.
Liz & Ellie
We've taken many classes with Nikki! She has helped me understand and work through all of my dog's individual needs. She is very positive, knowledgeable and experienced!
Kim & Maggie
Nikki set us up for success from day one. It was immediately apparent that she has extensive knowledge in dog behavior, a solid education in training, and years of experience. With Nikki's help, Maggie and I have fostered a trusting relationship that will last a lifetime.
Social Media Links
@Catchingupwithcobalt on Instagram
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.
