The Barking Dog, Ltd. - Training Services

The training staff at The Barking Dog, Ltd. is highly qualified to assess your dog and work with you, or for you, to achieve the level of behavior you seek. Training effectively opens lines of communcation between you and your dog. A pet which responds to your instruction and commands offers a much more rewarding relationship, void of frustration and confusion. We offer both group and individual training at varied times of the day and week to fit almost any schedule. The programs vary from Puppy Head Start, to Advanced Obedience. We can even offer help for those really "cranky canines". Contact us to set up your free training evaluation today.

This is a 5 week course uniquely designed for puppy owners. We cover general health, nutrition, do's and don'ts of puppy behavior, grooming, choice of toys, etc. This course includes 50% off your first groom and a free day of daycare. Click here to see when you can join this class.

If you've ever wished your dog would behave around the house, not jump on guests, etc., but don't want the commitment of a long training class, this is for you. We'll cover basic training methods and how to teach your dog "good manners". Click here to see when you can join this class.

Obedience Series - Basic, Intermediate and Advanced classes to meet your training needs.

Can your dog sit, stay, come, and heel? We'll teach you how, as well as other more advanced commands, in this series of courses. In Basic Obedience, your dog will learn to respond properly to your commands such as Sit, Down, Stay, Come when called, and Heel, along with learning the skill of loose leash walking. Good manners, such as Sit at the door, No jumping, Sit for petting, and being generally calm and obedient when in the company of other dogs will be established, or expanded upon if your dog is a Puppy Head Start graduate. During Intermediate Obedience, emphasis is placed upon "proofing". This process reinforces mastered commands in new situations with many distractions. Practical and useful commands, including Drop, Leave it, Look/Watch, are added to the line of communication along with methods of teaching your dog to ignore items at your request. You will also begin to prepare for the Canine Good Citizen test. Advanced Obedience is where we apply all that has been learned in the first two levels of obedience training to the world of "off leash". Regardless of the environment, your dog will know to follow your commands. Dogs relate through mental pictures, so every time we go to a situation we need to reinforce that Sit still means Sit, even with high levels of activity and distractions all around. "Off leash" work will be an ongoing process throughout your dog's life, but in our classes we will lay the groundwork for this important process. Click here to see when you can join any of these classes.

Does your dog sit on command when on a leash, but become hard of hearing when off leash? Does she come when called everytime? This class builds on the fundamentals you and your dog learned in Basic and Intermediate Obedience and transitions to off leash control. Unleash your dog's potential! Click here to see when the next class is starting.

E-Collar Obedience - The E-collar is the most humane and effective training tool there is when training obedience.

Would you like to train your dog in half the time of traditional training? Would you like to have your dog off leash all the time? Would you like to form the strongest bond possible between you and your canine best friend? The E-collar is the most humane and effective training tool there is when training obedience. It's fun, easy and gets you immediate results, all while improving the bond with your dog! Your dog will learn to perform commands reliably and you will learn to communicate clearly with your dog. Click here to see when the next class is starting.

This is a 6 week class that focuses only on the "recall" or getting your dog to come when called. The recall is taught in a very motivating way. Class starts out with minimal distractions and then gets more difficult as the weeks progress. By the end of the class, increased distractions are hardly noticed by the dog! You and your dog will LOVE this class! Spaces are limited to 8 dogs.

This is a six week class that has a little of everything--agility, obedience, tricks and manners all wrapped up into one! It has become a favorite with our clients and it's also a great way to train your dog! Not sure what class to take? Try our combo class to find what’s right for you! You will love it!

Ever watch dogs on TV roll over, stand up on their backs legs or carry objects around in their mouths? Your dog can be a star too! Click-a-Trick teaches you the basics of how to show your dog new tricks by shaping his or her behavior with a clicker. This class is a lot of fun for you and your dog. If you are looking for something to do with your dog besides standard obedience, or want to impress your friends with how smart your dog is, Click-a-Trick is for you!

Ob-gility - A fun combination of Basic Obedience skills in an Agility format.

Ob-gility is a 6 week course that combines Basic Obedience with Beginner Agility. This class gives you and your dog an introduction to Agility obstacle training with a focus on Basic Obedience, giving you control while building your dog's confidence. Your dog will learn valuable Obedience skills including, come when called, sit, down and stay. You and your dog will also learn to perform several Agility obstacles, such as the A-frame, Weave Poles and the Tunnel. If the Agility bug bites you, this will be the foundation for future training. The exercises are fun and practical and this class is will help you to establish yourself as a team leader in a kind and gentle manner. Ob-gility is open to everyone and no prior training is required, although it can also be a fun way to brush-up on Obedience Training. At the end of the course, your instructor will advise you what the next step is for you if you decide to continue on to more advanced training in obedience or Agility. Click here to see when the next class is starting.

Canine Good Citizen - Training and testing for AKC's nationally recognized certification.

Canine Good Citizen® is a certification program that is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program® is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the 10-step CGC test may receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club. We administer the test on a regular basis, as well as a workshop to help owners and pets prepare. Click here to see when we are offering the seminar and testing.

Would you like to enjoy the benefits of owning a well trained dog but simply can’t find the time to take a class or meet regularly with a trainer? Let our expert team of trainers work with your dog for you while he is in Daycare! The training is fast and effective because we focus on what is important to you, the owner. Initially, you will participate in a consultation with a trainer to discuss your goals, and then we’ll customize your dog’s training and develop a program specifically for him. After that, simply drop your dog off in the morning for daycare two days per week, and let us do the work! Your dog gets all the benefits of working with a professional trainer and still gets to go home with mom and dad at the end of the day. At the end of six weeks, you will receive an in depth private lesson to help you understand the training process and all the commands your dog has learned so that you can make the most of your dog’s new skills in your daily life.

Going away on vacation or a business trip? Would you like to come home to a better behaved dog? Consider sending your dog to Boarding School while you are gone. Whether your dog is a beginner, needs a refresher course or is ready to start distraction proofing, in as few as four days our professional trainers can teach your dog to walk on a loose leash, greet guests without jumping, and more. Or if your pet stays with us for eight days or longer we can teach your dog those skills plus valuable obedience skills such as heel, automatic sit, down, stay and come when called. We also offer these commands with distance control and distraction proofing for dogs staying twelve or more days.

Before making your boarding arrangements, please call us to schedule a free private training consultation to discuss your specific needs. We will design an individual training program and work on what is important to you! Upon you return you will receive an in-depth private lesson to help you understand the training process and how to utilize the skills and commands your dog has learned while you were away.

We offer Behavior Modification in private sessions with you and your pet. This one on one program is designed to curb and eliminate annoying habits that your pet may have developed. The staff understands the manner in which dogs learn, and what methods will work best in solving your individual issues. Understanding your lifestyle and needs helps set the guildines for our recommendations.

Cranky Canines^® - We're here to help if your dog does not play well with others.

Do you have a reactive Rover? A feisty Fido? Does your dog have a bone to pick with other dogs? If you are the hopeless human at the other end of the leash, Cranky Canines® is the class for you! Basic training classes are not a conducive environment for dogs who bark and lunge at other dogs, who explode at the sight of another dog on or off leash, or display any type of aggression towards other dogs.

Cranky Canines® is a specialty course designed to help owners to calm, alter and re-shape their dog’s explosive behavior. Learn calming and relaxation exercises, counter conditioning and desensitization techniques, leash handling skills, how to read canine body posture and how to positively reinforce your dog when dealing with everyday situations. Cranky Canines® is presently offered at our Exeter facility only.

Dog Sports
We offer a variety of dog sports to provide entertaining activities to do with your dog. These fun, relationship building classes range in intensity and purpose, so feel free to ask us which one would be best for you!

Rally-O is a fun way to build upon your Basic Obedience skills. This concept of Obedience training uses directional signs to guide dog and handler through a numbered course in a manner somewhat similar to the sport of Rally Car Racing. Each dog and handler heels from sign to sign, performing the exercises indicated by the signs. In this class we cover all twenty-nine exercises used in the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Level 1 program. During the second half of each class, students will have the chance to use these skills while performing an actual course. All dogs are welcome, mixed and pure breed, young and old. We do require that you have taken a class in Basic Obedience prior to enrolling in Rally-O. Click here to see when you can join this class.

We are excited to bring the amazing sport of agility to any dog of good physical health. If you have ever witnessed an agility display and pondered the possibilities, now is your chance! Come join us in one of the fastest growing dog sports and find out what all the fun is about. Agility offers a great opportunity for you and your pet to work together as a team. Whether for fun or competition, our skilled instructors will assist you and your dog in learning to maneuver through obstacles and courses designed to build your dog's confidence, enthusiasm and the relationship you share. Ask us for more information about our Basic, Intermediate and Advanced agility courses. Click here to see when you can join any of these classes. Agility is presently offered at our Derry and Exeter facilities only.

Sit. Stay. Come. Play! Agility training is the perfect antidote to doggie boredom. Come have fun with your dog and learn the basics without all the rules and pressures of competition. You will learn to strengthen your obedience and master obstacles all in the name of fun! Whether you have a Great Dane or a Tea Cup Chihuahua, this class is open for every dog.

Puppy Agility and Confidence - Help lay the foundation for obedience and confidence while having fun!

Puppy Agility and Confidence is an excellent way to build your pup's confidence and practice obedience all in the name of fun! The puppy agility equipment is the same as standard equipment but tailored for our young pups! All puppies are encouraged but not “pushed” into learning the obstacles. During this 3 week class, pups will learn to navigate through tunnels, handle a series of jumps, balance on equipment and much, much more… Come join us and get a jump start on your future competitor!

Class is for puppies 10 weeks to 7 months. There are no weave poles and the jump heights stay very low to keep those soft puppy bones safe! Puppy Head Start is recommended before attending, but not required. Puppy Agility and Confidence is presently offered at our Exeter facility only.

Flyball is a popular, fast paced team relay sport that incorporates a hurdled race course with ball retrieval maneuvers. If you have a highly energetic dog, this may be a perfect fit. Our instructors will help teach you and your dog the skills needed to get started in this sport. Your best friend will develop confidence and a sense of satisfaction, while exercising and spending quality time with you. We now offer three exciting levels, Introductory, Beginner and Intermediate, to help you master this sport. Click here to see when you can start. Flyball is presently offered at our Exeter facility only

Puppy Flyball - Start early, with the sport where tugging is a necessity and ball crazy is a must!

Does your puppy sleep with his favorite ball? Does she love to tug on her leash? Does he love to run and jump? Does he have a lot of energy that needs to be focused? Then Puppy Flyball is for you! Come join the sport where tugging is a necessity and ball crazy is a must! Puppy Flyball is a fun and social sport for both owners and their pups. Pups will learn to handle a series of jumps, focus their energy through retrieving and tugging, come when called and much, much more. Come join us and get a jump start on your future competitor! Class is for puppies 10 weeks to 9 months. The jump heights stay very low to keep those soft puppy bones safe! Puppy Headstart is recommended prior to joining the class, but not required. Click here to see when the next class is starting.

If you are interested in learning more about any of these classes, or you would like to sign up for a class or a free training evalution, please give us a call or stop by one of our locations.