Frequently Asked Questions

If your question isn’t answered below, shoot me an email at rachel@scholarlydog.com

What area do you service?

I live in Broadalbin and cover Saratoga, Schenectady, Fulton, and Montgomery County. I also cover parts of Albany county. If you aren’t sure if you’re within my travel radius, send me an email to rachel@scholarlydog.com

How Do We Get Started?

We start every client with a 60 minute in person consultation. This gives me a chance to observe your dog, their environment, and their relationship with you. It also gives you an opportunity to get to know me and make sure we are a great fit for you and your dog. I will give you some tips and training exercises to get started on the right paw until our second meeting. The initial consult is $125. 

Are you Certified?

Yes. However, dog training is a completely unregulated industry and literally anyone can say they are a dog trainer.  My certification is through the Karen Pryor Academy. Additionally, I have completed Michael Shikashio’s Aggression in Dogs Master Course. I’m currently also attending the Academy for Dog Trainers and Leslie McDevitt’s Control Unleashed certification program. I’m also a supporting member of the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) as well as the APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers).

I take continuing education seriously, and am always participating in courses, webinars, workshops, etc.

I also believe competing with your own dogs is important in testing your capabilities as a dog trainer. I compete in a variety of dog sports with my own dogs and have put multiple titles on my own dogs.

how many sessions will my dog need?

It depends on a variety of factors such as your dog’s presenting problem and the effort you put in between sessions. Keep in mind that a behavior that has been happening for a long time will not change overnight. I’m here to help you every step of the way! I will do my very best to give you an estimate of how many sessions may be needed but please remember each dog is an individual and this can change depending on how our training progresses. 

How Much Does It Cost And When Do I Pay?

This will depend on how many sessions you need. Payment is due up front. For payments $500 or more, I offer payment plans.

Ready to Sign Up? Start by Filling Out This Form

After you fill out this form, you will receive an email from me within 48 hours with instructions for payment to secure your spot in class.