Training
Our Approach
Our philosophy at Barks n’ Rec is not only to train the dog, rather to educate the human. We offer Puppy Socialization, Basic Obedience and Intermediate Group Courses, along with in home one on one lessons.
Puppy Socialization Course
This is a 4 week course and each class is about 45 minutes in length. It’s an ideal way to introduce your newbie to the outside world in a controlled environment with others of similar age. This class helps to create the bond between dog and human at this crucial development stage. Then you will start to learn the basics like ‘sit’ and ‘come’; we go over important topics like potty training too. Most importantly is the socialization, this is where they learn about manners, what is and what is not acceptable behavior, all while in a light, playful setting. This course is capped at 6 dogs and runs 4 weeks concurrent, all for just $125.00 (plus HST). Please follow the Class Registration Link for all schedules and enrolments.
My Dog Pack – Basic Obedience Course
Obedience training usually starts around 4-5 months old, but can be taught at any age. It’s never too late to add structure.
Our 6 week obedience class covers all the basic commands and helps address the most common behavioral problems. Each class is an hour, builds on the last and we do not use any obedience level gimmicks. In 6 weeks, you will learn a complete a basic obedience program on leash, to ensure safety and the ability to properly exercise your dog. Class focus is on building first time response to commands around distractions and building communication skills between you and your dog.
The course is capped at 6 per class to ensure quality one on one time, and runs 6 weeks concurrent, each class is approximately 1 hour in duration. The cost to participate is $250.00 plus HST. Please follow the Class Registration Link for all schedules and enrolments.
My Dog Pack – Intermediate Obedience Course
Our 6 week intermediate classes are designed to improve your current on leash obedience and begin to transition to off leash. Commands increase in difficulty by adding more distance, duration and distractions.
New commands include: Sit/Down in Motion, Down from a Distance, Send Out and Blind Recalls.
**Previous basic obedience training is required**
Dogs should be able to ignore most distractions and obey your commands the first time you say them before joining this class.
The course is capped at 6 per class to ensure quality one on one time, and runs 6 weeks concurrent, each class is approximately 1 hour in duration. The cost to participate is $250.00 plus HST. Please follow the Class Registration Link for all schedules and enrolments.
Our MDP courses will equip you with knowledge and techniques, upon completion you will have the confidence and tools to be the Pack Leader.
1 on 1 In Home Private Lessons
Tailored to you and your dog, convenient, we come to you. It can be at your house or out in public ( park, shopping mall, street walk etc. ) 4 weeks, 45 minutes per session, $500.00 plus HST.
For 1 on 1 private training please follow the link. Schedules and dates to be determined between trainer and client upon completion of registration and payment.
Private training is available Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs Evenings from 4-9pm and Sundays from 10am to 6pm.
Meet our Trainers
Matt B
Trainer
Matt B is passionate about dogs. Working with dog’s fulltime since 2009 he is well versed in the behaviors and subtle cues dog parents sometimes misidentify, confuse or otherwise misunderstand. Matt is driven to help people and their beloved companion to better understand one another. Knowledge and insight combined with years of hands on experience is what Matt shares with his students. A firm believer in exercise, discipline and affection, along with setting clear boundaries and being an active leader is the key to a successful relationship with your dog. Results are achieved when using his 6 C approach to dog training exclusive to our MDP or My Dog Pack Group Training Corse. Matt is the founder of Barks n’ Rec, a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers, and a St. John Ambulance therapy dog volunteer.
Sarah S.
Trainer
Sarah S is an energetic, fun and interactive trainer, aspiring to own her own dog training business. She grew up around many dogs and loved getting to know everything about them. From beginning her Co-op to becoming a dedicated team member with us at Barks n’ Rec she began to learn the different behaviors dogs display and developed a passion towards training dogs. Sarah took advantage of the Covid Closures to completed her training apprenticeship from Sit Happens Dog Training in 2020 (Thanks Britnie) Sarah has been our lead trainer or pack leader since early 2021. With 3 years of experience, training 200+ dogs Sarah will equip you with knowledge and techniques, and skills to be a pack leader.
Sarah has always felt a fulfilment from helping others, and watching her clients achieve their goals has always made her happy. Knowing every dog is unique, Sarah continues to learn, by taking workshops, seminars and sitting in with other trainers. Her passion is helping people and their dog’s bond, so to better understand one another, gain trust and respect in the home and beyond. Guiding her clients to a lifelong relationship with their dog, in becoming the best pack leader on the block.