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:
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Group Classes:
Four levels of group classes are available, including puppy training, basic obedience, advanced obedience, Canine Good Citizen, and Therapy Dog training.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
