At Bark Avenue Playcare, Inc. we view training as a gift you give your dog. It enables your dog to function comfortably in a human’s world. A trained dog is one that knows what is expected and allowed behavior. Our training is designed to give your dog the skills necessary to recognize and respond to basic human communication.
Dog Training is an ever-evolving art and science. Over the years we have seen every fad training technique come and go, but a few simple principles will never change.
The most important one is this: A trainer must be able to explain to the dog what they are asking him/her to do, and teach the dog to LOVE doing it.
Every weekend* we host a FREE “Dog Training 101 Workshop”. It’s open to the public, free of charge and no strings attached. It’s our way of “giving back” to the dog community that has been so good to us for over two decades. At that workshop, I open with one simple question.
That question is this: “Why would a dog do any behavior?” I get a million different answers, some good…some not so good, but the bottom line is this. If you understand what reinforcement REALLY means, you can have a dog that LOVES to do obedience behaviors in any environment.
While we understand that every dog is different, and some dogs may have temperament challenges, with the right approach even difficult dogs can become the best possible version of themselves. Our Training Philosophy is centered on teaching solid behavioral principles. Once completed, you will know how to teach your dog a behavior any time you’d like them to learn something new.
Basically, we teach you how to train your dog.
*While the workshop is pretty much every Saturday, we will post here and on our social media about any weekend there will not be a workshop.
The most important one is this: A trainer must be able to explain to the dog what they are asking him/her to do, and teach the dog to LOVE doing it.
Every weekend* we host a FREE “Dog Training 101 Workshop”. It’s open to the public, free of charge and no strings attached. It’s our way of “giving back” to the dog community that has been so good to us for over two decades. At that workshop, I open with one simple question.
That question is this: “Why would a dog do any behavior?” I get a million different answers, some good…some not so good, but the bottom line is this. If you understand what reinforcement REALLY means, you can have a dog that LOVES to do obedience behaviors in any environment.
While we understand that every dog is different, and some dogs may have temperament challenges, with the right approach even difficult dogs can become the best possible version of themselves. Our Training Philosophy is centered on teaching solid behavioral principles. Once completed, you will know how to teach your dog a behavior any time you’d like them to learn something new.
Basically, we teach you how to train your dog.
*While the workshop is pretty much every Saturday, we will post here and on our social media about any weekend there will not be a workshop.
Training Programs Offered At Bark Avenue Playcare
Our programs are effective and reinforcement-based. Prices will be based on an evaluation, where we discuss your training goals and behavioral issues.
Puppy Training
An early start to training is critical for proper development of your puppy as it reaches adulthood. Our puppy program is a scaled back version of our adult dog program, with specific modifications made for younger dogs. Since our entire program is private lesson based, we tailor our approach to each puppy in a way that no group class can match.
Weekly Training Program
We offer three and six week training programs. If your dog has had some training, but just needs a little brush up, three weeks might be the right program for you. Our six week training program is our "Lifetime Obedience Program". Details below.
Lifetime Obedience Program
Our Lifetime Obedience Program is designed to help you communicate with your dog regardless of the environment. Dogs that run away, dogs that are “wild child” types and dogs with serious behavioral issues are all candidates for this program. If you like to frequent dog parks, or want to let your dog enjoy more freedom, this is a great program for you. This program includes FREE drop-in classes for as long as you have your dog.
Therapy Dog Preparation Training
Our Training Director, Daniel McElroy is an evaluator for the Canine Therapy Corps. Being an evaluator gives him the insight to set up a training program specifically tailored to the needs of Canine Therapy Corps and their patients. This program is designed to prepare your dog for the rigorous “Therapy Dog” test. We help prepare dogs to assist patients in hospitals and rehab facilities. Therapy dogs have been specially trained to assist patients and caregivers. These dogs are owned by volunteers who generously donate their time and their dog’s time to help others. It is very rewarding for the dog, the owner and the patient. Therapy dogs must have absolutely rock solid temperaments and very strong obedience training. While we cannot guarantee that your dog will pass the test, this program is the best place to start.
Board and Train
Board and Train programs include 2–4 weeks of boarding and training while your dog is in our care. If you can’t transport your dog to our facility for the Weekly or Lifetime programs, our Board and Train program is just the ticket.
Private Lessons
1 hour private training lessons are available at Bark Avenue or in your home. Contact Daniel for prices and availability.
Protection Sport with Windy City Working Dogs, Inc. Personal Protection and Protection Sport Training may be the least understood of all disciplines in dog training. Read more here.
