Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in New York's Hudson Valley
Becky Stowe, CPDT-KA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
Claverack, NY
(518) 965-7358
Second Act Dog Training
Specializing in re-homed and adopted dogs… Because there are lots of Second Acts in American lives.
My passion is helping people develop the best possible relationship with their canine family members. Whether you’re a first-time pet parent, an old hand having some difficulties with a new addition to your pack, or just want to have more fun with your Furry Best Friend, I’m here to help.
Bringing a new dog into your life is a great joy -- but it can also be a big challenge.
All dogs are individuals and come with their own personalities, abilities, likes and dislikes, skills and quirks. And, if they're rescues, they come with everything they've learned in life so far: some good things and some not-so-good things.
I've been working with (and living with!) shelter dogs for over a decade and I understand the challenges and joys of opening your heart and your home to these wonderful, deserving animals.
My goal to is to give you the tools you need to understand your dog and to help you communicate with her in a positive and humane way.
Training should be fun: something both you and your dog look forward to! You can learn how to replace behavior you DON'T want -- like jumping -- with behavior you DO want -- like sitting politely -- through Positive reinforcement training.
Positive reinforcement isn't just about giving your dog lots of cookies. And it's not about "bribes." A reinforcement can be anything your dog loves: play, affection, a chance to go sniff or dig or chase a ball. I will show you how to use the things your dog loves to strengthen the behaviors you want.
Science shows us that positive choice-based training has better, longer-lasting results than old-fashioned force-based training. And common sense tells us that a dog who trusts us and finds joy in training is happier and more emotionally stable than a dog who fears us and works because he doesn’t want to get punished.
For more information about private training or classes, see the descriptions below.
Private Training
A trained dog is a happy dog
In home training
In-home private training to help you, your family and your dog/s have the best relationship possible. Issues I can help you with include:
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Building confidence in shy/fearful dogs
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Learning how to understand your dog's emotions through Body Language
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Creating calm behavior
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Jumpy/mouthy dogs
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Coming when called
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Multi-dog household management
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Crate training
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Puppy nipping/jumping
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Behavior modification
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Loose leash walking
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Greeting behavior
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Excessive barking
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Destructive chewing
When needed, I will work with your Veterinarian, Vet Behaviorist, or Nutritionist to come up with a holistic plan to address your dog’s needs.
Please note new prices beginning January 1, 2023:
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Initial one-hour consultation $125
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Subsequent 45-minute private session $95
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3-pack $275
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1/2 hour phone follow-up (for "Packages" only) $50
Mileage charge for travel beyond 15 miles: $25 per session
Other Services
Special Needs Dog Walking
Are you having some trouble with leash manners? Does Fluffy lunge and bark at dogs, bikes, people in funny hats? Is Brutus scared of his own shadow?
If your dog needs special handling on her walks, I can develop a program to help both you and your dog build confidence: whether you're out for a walk in the woods or a stroll around the block.
Prices:
Walk and Train Consultation $95/hour
30-minute walk $50
Mileage charge for travel over 15 miles $25
Group Classes
Group classes are a great way to bond with your dog while learning new behaviors and building canine social skills.
I teach group classes with the team at Hanna Fushihara's Hot Fuzz Dog Training. We offer a full range of classes, including Fundamentals, Reactive Rover, Tricky Tricksters, Therapy Dog training and other classes designed to build skills and just have fun: check out all the offerings here
COVID update: Check website for updates on group classes
Two-fer's
Friends make training more fun! Get twice the bang for your buck by training with a friend and their dog! Sessions are one hour long and each team gets individual attention as well as the opportunity to learn by observing.
Sessions are conducted in-home and dogs must be previously introduced and tolerant of each other. Sessions will be on-leash and dogs will not be allowed to play or interact during the session.
$100 for one-hour session with 2 dogs/2 handlers
3-pack $275
“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm”