Our Philosophy

We believe in good choice dog training – the training philosophy that dogs are making choices every time we ask them to respond to us. Dogs will either make the choice to do as we want, or not. It’s our job as trainers (and dog parents) to motivate them through positive training to make the choice we want them to make. For us, it’s all about Good Choices!

Working with Becky or any trainer at Good Choice Dog Training, you will learn positive strategies that will help your dog become his or her best self, cementing your relationship as each others’ best friend!

Our Facility

The Good Choice Dog Training Center is located at 18 Railroad Avenue, Albany, New York. The large, bright space has a cushioned floor for the comfort and safety of your canine friends, with movable dividers that provide extra security for dogs who are anxious or easily excitable to ease into the training experience.  There are easily accessible bathrooms for the humans, and plenty of parking.

Our Trainers

Becky Hutchins is the owner and primary trainer at Good Choice, but she is joined by other trainers who share her philosophy of positive dog training designed to help dogs make good choices, and help their people learn to support good choice making.  Posted announcements for classes include the name and contact information for the instructor.

​Our Classes

Classes at Good Choice Dog Training emphasize enrichment; we know that an engaged, interested dog is a happy dog.  Dogs learn a lot in our classes, and their humans learn just as much, if not more.  Good training outcomes are a priority, with the emphasis on fun!  Classes like Rally, Tricks, Scent Games, and Beginning Agility focus on helping you become a strong dog and human team - and dogs go home happily exhausted!  As skills develop, dog and human teams may decide to proceed to more advanced classes, and everyone has the opportunity to compete in trials to become certified in various dog skill areas.

We also offer dogs the opportunity to become certified as AKC Canine Good Citizens, Therapy Dogs through Therapy Dog International - and even AKC S.T.A.R.s through the Puppy Primer class!

Our Trials

It's fun to participate in classes, and sometimes, it's fun to see how we stack up as human-canine teams in competition.  We've offered trials in Scent Work, World CynoSport Rally, and Barn Hunt - and we will continue to offer these and other trial opportunities.

Our Workshops and Seminars

We realize that people like to learn more about dogs - their psychology, their physical development, and how they like to interact with humans and other dogs.  For that reason, we have offered classes and seminars in topics like Reactive Dogs, Tellington Touch, and The Muzzle Up Project.  We will always offer classes and seminars that provide the most up-to-date and evidence-based information so that we can all be the best possible pet parents.

Behavior Consultations & Private Classes

​If your dog is exhibiting behaviors that make it hard to enjoy being a dog parent, the behavioral issues may require intensive one-on-one sessions or periodic training meetings. Private lessons are by appointment only and last approximately one hour.  Click here for more information.