Gayle Persons Dog Training

Training is structured in progressive obedience levels: Level 1 (8 weeks) teaches sit, down, heel, stay, and recall; Level 2 (7 weeks) adds off-leash work and hand signals; Level 3 (7 weeks) fine-tunes skills for competition prep; Level 4 (6 weeks) introduces jumping and retrieving. Agility (6 weeks) includes obstacle training with tire, teeter, tunnel, weave poles, and jumps. CGC prepares dogs for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. All levels require completion of prior levels. Private sessions offer individualized training. Classes are held twice weekly in the evening.

Pricing Summary

Group obedience classes range from $145 to $190 per 6- to 8-week session. Private sessions are $35 for a 30-minute session. Agility and rally classes follow similar session-based pricing. Fees are non-refundable and require pre-registration.

Policies

Classes require pre-registration and payment in advance. No refunds are offered. Dogs must complete prerequisite levels before advancing. No dogs are allowed in the first week of Level 1 class. Attendance is expected weekly, and progress is assessed through end-of-session evaluations.

Gayle Persons Dog Training is a dog training business located in Hilton, NY, offering structured obedience programs from Level 1 to Level 4, as well as agility, rally, and Canine Good Citizen (CGC) training. Classes are held in a private facility and focus on positive reinforcement, with an emphasis on building strong handler-dog communication and confidence. Training is available in small group settings (8–10 dogs per class) and private one-on-one sessions. The business has been operating for over 20 years, with multiple experienced trainers including Gayle Persons, Kelly Hair, Paula Warner, and Caroline Andrews. Clients report long-term loyalty, with many returning for multiple dogs and advanced programs. The facility includes indoor and outdoor training areas, with agility courses set up seasonally in a large country yard and a shop for winter training.

The training philosophy centers on understanding both the dog and the handler, helping owners recognize how their behavior affects their dog’s performance. Programs are progressive, requiring completion of prior levels before advancing, ensuring foundational skills are mastered. The business also supports therapy dog preparation through CGC and advanced trick training offered by partner Lauren Lederman.

Trainers are known for high expectations, personalized attention, and consistent feedback. Clients appreciate the balance of fun, structure, and accountability, with daily practice encouraged at home. The business does not offer boarding, grooming, or pet sitting services, focusing exclusively on training.

Gayle Persons has trained dogs and handlers for over two decades, with many clients citing her as the best trainer in the Rochester area. Her methods are praised for their effectiveness with diverse breeds, including high-energy retrievers, pit mixes, and therapy dogs.

The business is not affiliated with any national certification bodies, but its long-standing reputation and client testimonials reflect deep expertise in positive reinforcement-based training.

Accomplishments

Gayle Persons has been training dogs and handlers for over 20 years. Many clients have completed multiple levels and trained multiple dogs through her program. Her students have successfully earned Canine Good Citizen titles and therapy dog certifications. Her facility has hosted agility training for decades with seasonal outdoor and indoor setups.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must register online via the registration form. New students begin with Level 1 obedience, which requires no dog in the first week. Private sessions can be scheduled by phone or email. Prerequisites must be met for higher levels.