Great Scott Dog Training

Great Scott Dog Training offers both private and group classes using positive, force-free, and reward-based methods. Their goal is to help dogs understand what is required of them to function and excel in a human world.

Programs include Basic and Advanced Obedience classes, with the opportunity for puppies under one year to earn their AKC STAR Puppy certificate and for advanced students to earn their AKC Canine Good Citizen. Private lessons are tailored to specific needs and can address behaviors like barking, leash pulling, jumping, excessive barking, separation anxiety, fearfulness, stealing, and recall. Behavior modification focuses on teaching alternative behaviors through a reward system, emphasizing fair, consistent leadership and owner education in animal language and needs.

Pricing Summary

Private dog training: One-hour in-house private consultations are $90-$105. Four-session packages range from $320-$380. Intensive, one-and-a-half-hour behavior consultations are $125-$145. Rates vary based on travel distance, and all packages must be used within 6 months.

Private cat training: First-time, one-hour in-house private consultations are $90-$105. Follow-up phone consultations are $40. Rates vary based on travel distance, and all packages must be used within 6 months.

Group classes: At Wickham Park Rec Center, basic and advanced obedience classes are $110 for 6 weeks (advanced includes AKC Canine Good Citizen Test). At Eau Gallie Civic Center/Crane Community Center, basic obedience and fun specialty classes (like Rally Free and Tricks) are $105 for 6 weeks for Melbourne residents and $126 for non-Melbourne residents.

Policies

Dogs must be current on vaccinations. For classes, owners should bring a 6 ft. leash (no retractable leashes), a blanket or towel for their dog to settle on, and plenty of yummy treats. Pinch or choke collars are not permitted. Reasonable footwear (no high heels or flip-flops) is required. All training packages must be used within 6 months of purchase.

Great Scott Dog Training provides professional dog and cat training services in Florida, focusing on positive, force-free, and reward-based methods. The business is led by Christine Scott, a certified professional dog trainer with a background in clinical science, ensuring a science-based approach to training. They also have Diana Short and Tonya Napoli on their team, who bring additional experience in puppy raising and force-free training.

They offer both private and group lessons tailored to individual pet needs, covering a wide range of behaviors for dogs such as basic and advanced obedience, leash pulling, jumping, excessive barking, separation anxiety, fearfulness, stealing, and recall. For cats, services include addressing litter box issues, cat/dog introductions, cat/cat fighting, door dashing, and inappropriate scratching. Tonya Napoli specializes in “Walk and Learn” sessions to improve leash walking and fundamental obedience.

Accomplishments

Christine Scott, the owner, transitioned from a 20-year career as a clinical microbiologist to dog training. She is a graduate of Animal Behavior College, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KSA), a Certified Trick Dog Instructor, and an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator. Christine also serves as a Mentor Trainer for Animal Behavior College and CATCH Canine Trainers Academy. Her own dogs hold titles in AKC CGC, Advanced CGC, Trick Dogs, and Canine Performance Events (CPE) Agility.

Diana Short has extensive experience, including 7 years as a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind and 2 years on the Whelping Team of the Guide Dog Foundation. She is also a graduate of Animal Behavior College and a member of the Pet Professional Guild. Tonya Napoli is a graduate of the Catch Canine Academy force-free, R+ training program and is pursuing certification as a professional dog trainer and behavior consultant.

How to Get Started!

To get started, interested individuals can call or send a message to inquire about dog and cat training services and rates. For group classes, registration is required by the last Friday before the class begins. A contact form is available on their website for inquiries.