Back to Dog

Behavioral evaluations are 90-minute in-person or virtual sessions to assess root causes of behavior issues and create a customized plan. Private lessons are one-on-one, one-hour sessions held on-property or by request, typically scheduled weekly or bi-weekly. Board and train is an immersive, home-based program where dogs stay on Rachel’s 11-acre property with daily training, followed by owner follow-up lessons to maintain progress. Holistic boarding provides a calm, enriching stay with individualized care for dogs of all temperaments. Shelter and rescue services include behavior assessments and placement support.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is not publicly listed; services are customized based on individual needs. Behavioral evaluations, private lessons, and board and train programs are tailored to goals, with follow-up lessons included in board and train to ensure transfer to home life. Additional fees apply for in-home visits outside the primary service area.

Back to Dog, founded in 2019 by Rachel Weaver (now Rachel Medick), is a dog training and boarding business based in Broadalbin, NY, serving pet owners across Fulton, Montgomery, Saratoga, and Schenectady Counties. Rachel offers personalized training solutions rooted in understanding a dog’s natural instincts, genetics, and past experiences—focusing on behavior modification, trust-building, and real-life application. Services include private lessons, board and train programs, holistic boarding, and behavioral evaluations designed to uncover the root causes of issues like reactivity, fear, aggression, and anxiety. Rachel’s approach is compassionate, evidence-based, and tailored to each dog’s unique needs, with an emphasis on helping owners communicate effectively and create lasting change. She also supports shelters and rescues with behavior assessments and placement guidance. Her 11-acre property provides a home-like environment for boarding and training, ensuring dogs receive enrichment, rest, and individual attention.

Rachel’s training philosophy centers on honoring the dog as an individual, avoiding quick fixes, and prioritizing emotional well-being. She works with puppies, adolescents, adults, and seniors, addressing everything from basic obedience to complex behavioral challenges. Clients appreciate her honesty, deep knowledge, and commitment to helping both dogs and humans thrive together.

In addition to training, Back to Dog offers holistic boarding, shelter/rescue support, and enrichment-based day care in a calm, home-style setting. Rachel’s background includes working with the local shelter’s adoption and behavior team, giving her extensive experience with rescue dogs and high-needs cases.

Accomplishments

Rachel has been a professional dog trainer since 2019 and previously led the adoption and behavior team at her local shelter, gaining extensive hands-on experience with rescue dogs, aggression cases, and behavior modification. She is deeply committed to ongoing learning and has built a reputation for thoughtful, individualized training.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients begin with a behavioral evaluation, a 90-minute consultation to assess the dog’s behavior, environment, and goals. After the evaluation, Rachel provides a clear summary and recommends next steps such as private lessons, board and train, or management strategies. Evaluations are typically held at her Broadalbin facility, though some may be conducted in-home if appropriate.