We educate owners and teach skills to ensure all dogs have happy, healthy home lives.

Good Choice Dog Training uses scientifically based reinforcement training methods that are completely humane — meaning you can teach your dog how to behave, walk with you on the street, come when they’re called, and more, all without force.

Our trainers are certified experts and teach you the skills to help your dog make good choices, whether in a class, at home, or in new environments. Our rewards-based methods are approved by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and are designed to help you and your pup become BFFs.

Our Story

After welcoming a beautiful black labrador named Lucy to her family, Good Choice Dog Training Owner Becky Hutchins adopted a 3-year-old yellow labrador named Sally. Unlike Lucy, who joined Becky’s family shortly after she was born, Sally had a lot of baggage inhibiting Becky’s ability to train her.

Becky and Sally went to many classes together, but because of Sally’s unique challenges and circumstances, they felt like the odd ones out.

Each of our dogs teaches us something. Sally showed Becky that a space that provided humane, science-based training for all dogs was sorely needed in New York’s Capital Region. After many disheartening attempts at various training facilities around the area, Becky decided to create a place where all dogs and their owners are welcome, comfortable, and included. 

Meet Becky ➜

Our Core Values

Safety

The reward-based training we offer at Good Choice Dog Training places emphasis on the safety of both dogs and humans to help create loving, lasting connections.

Compassion

We know that each dog, owner, and situation is unique. We train from a place of understanding so that you and your pup feel comfortable and confident when learning new skills.

Science

All the skills and techniques we use are backed by science. We know that reinforcement training is significantly effective and humane. You don’t need many tools to train your dog, just a cheeseburger!

Fun

The playful elements in all of our classes ensure that training isn’t a chore and you and your pup are making happy memories together while simultaneously learning important skills.

Meet Our Trainers

Becky Hutchins, CPDT-KA

OWNER OF GOOD CHOICE DOG TRAINING
Email Becky | Call Becky

With over a decade of experience training dogs (and their owners), Becky knows how to help pups make good choices! Becky teaches a variety of classes for all types of dogs, from puppies to seniors. She is especially proud of creating inclusive classes that are welcoming to all dogs and pet parents.

Becky is a certified knowledge-assessed professional dog trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and is an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She is also a member of the Association for Professional Dog Trainers, has completed Michael Shikashio’s Aggression in Dogs Master Course, and is a member of the Pet Professional Guild.  In addition, she is a mentor for CATCH Canine Trainer’s Academy and Animal Behavior College (ABC).

In her free time, Becky has volunteered as a dog trainer with the Albany Damien Center’s PAWS program, helping clients with HIV/AIDS manage and care for their dogs, and worked with shelter dogs at the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in Menands, NY and Saratoga County Animal Shelter in Saratoga, NY. 

Becky has trained and competed with her dogs in agility and obedience, earning multiple titles and awards. She currently has three Cairn terriers, Calvin, Finnegan, and Bette, a Pitbull named Bhindi, and a rescue dog named Rollins. Can you guess which three are included in the Good Choice Dog Training logo?