Shelby Semel Dog Training

Shelby Semel Dog Training offers a wide range of group and private classes, both in-person and virtually, designed to fit specific needs and goals. Their approach focuses on Positive Reinforcement Dog Training, building trust and respect without using fear or intimidation.

Group classes cover topics from puppy socialization and kindergarten to basic, intermediate, and advanced obedience, as well as specialized classes for impulse control, loose leash walking, tricks, and Canine Good Citizen preparation. They also offer classes for shy or distracted dogs and those with reactivity.

Private sessions address a comprehensive list of behaviors including puppy training (socialization, leash, crate, house training, manners), obedience (basic, intermediate, advanced, tricks), and behavior modification for issues like excessive barking, aggression, separation anxiety, resource guarding, and fearfulness. Specialized ‘Fast Track’ programs are available for puppies and reactivity, offering intensive training over several weeks. They also provide a ‘Virtual Separation Anxiety Package’ and ‘Home School’ sessions where trainers work solo with the dog.

Pricing Summary

Group classes vary in price: Weekly Puppy/Adolescent Play and Q&A is $25 per 45-minute class, with a package of 4 getting the 5th free. Six-week cycles for Puppy Kindergarten, Basic For Young Dogs, and Basic Obedience are $350. Intermediate Obedience and Mind Your Manners! are $375 for a six-week cycle. Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Preparation + Test Class is $400 for a six-week cycle. Circus Pups & Play is $300 for a four-week cycle, with a second cycle at $275. Advanced Walking is $185 for a 3-week cycle, and Scentwork is $225 for a 3-week cycle.

Private in-person initial sessions range from $175-$325 depending on the trainer’s level. Follow-up sessions start from $135, with prices ranging from $120 to $1,572.50 based on trainer level and package size (5 or 10 sessions, with a 10% discount on packages). Virtual initial sessions range from $150-$200, and virtual follow-up sessions range from $65-$150, depending on trainer level and session length (30 or 60 minutes).

Fast Track programs include Puppy at $1,500 and Reactivity at $2,350. A Virtual Separation Anxiety Package is $525 for 5 sessions. Home School packages are $525 for 5 sessions (45-minute) or $1000 for 10 sessions (45-minute). Additional services include $50 for an additional dog, $50 for a helper dog/human, and $35 for travel time outside their zone. Payments are preferred by credit card or Venmo and are required at least 24 hours before the appointment.

Policies

Payment reserves a place in class, and fees are not refundable. Registration is not confirmed until payment is received. For basic level group classes, one makeup class is permitted in the next cycle if the instructor is notified via email or text 24 hours in advance. No makeup classes are allowed for Puppy K or Specialty classes. If no advance notice is given, the basic makeup class will not be available. Any refunds given will not include the credit card processing fee.

For private appointments, a 48-hour notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling. Without this notice, 50% of the fee will be charged. If cancellation occurs within 5 hours of the session, 100% of the fee will be charged. Once payment is processed for private sessions, there is a “no refund” policy, but training time may be transferred to another dog or, in some cases, to another client. All private session packages expire within 6 months of the purchase date.

Shelby Semel Dog Training is a New York City-based canine behavior expert and trainer. They promote and utilize Positive Reinforcement Dog Training techniques, a humane, reward-based training method used to build a relationship of trust and respect between you and your dog. Their trainers focus on not only training your dog but also teaching owners how to best communicate with them without using fear, submission, or intimidation.

They provide a wide range of both private and group classes to fit specific needs. Their trainers are equipped to help clients achieve their goals even after training sessions. They welcome questions and encourage updates by email or phone, free of charge, for all clients. Their goal is to work with clients until desired goals are reached.

Accomplishments

Shelby Semel is the Senior Trainer and Founder of Shelby Semel Dog Training. The business has been operating since 2010.

How to Get Started!

To sign up for a group class, clients must fill out the appropriate form on the group sign-up page and the waiver. They also need to ensure their dog fits the class criteria and forward vaccination records. For private sessions, clients are required to fill out an intake form first. After the form is submitted, the business will pair the client with a trainer based on their needs and area. Once contacted by a trainer, the client can then proceed to purchase a session. An initial evaluation is required for service dog training to determine eligibility and recommend a training plan.