Positive, Reward Based Dog Training and

Behavior Counseling @ The Behavior Barn!

The Behavior Barn offers dog owners a unique opportunity to develop your dog into a well behaved family companion. Our training method is based on canine learning theory. Canine learning theory is essentially how a dog's brain works in order for them to learn. We use this information to develop an efficient way of communicating with your dog. Our classes and curriculum are based on this theory and, in turn, you get fantastic results!  

Click here for our Dog Training Class Calendar

What is positive, reward based training?Positive dog training methods use positive reinforcement(usually food)to encourage a dog to repeat a desired behavior. With positive reinforcement your dog will be a willing participant and you will see how quickly your dog will change it's behavior for the better. We sincerely believe a well behaved dog starts with a positive bond with its owner. That bond cannot be formed without a clear understanding of how a dog learns and what motivates them to do what you ask. Your dog will learn the necessary behaviors needed to be a well behaved, family companion. You will learn how to "talk to your dog" in a way he will understand. 

Rebecca joined our staff in 2015 to share her expertise with dog owners and the community. Rebecca has over 20 years of experience earning her the title of Master Trainer.  Rebecca fell into dog training when she adopted a puppy that was human aggressive. She sought advice and training techniques from every source she could find, including a breed rescue. The techniques she used with her puppy worked well and she was quickly asked to help the breed rescue with more puppies and adult dogs who needed to be rehabilitated for adoption. After a few years spent rehabilitating and evaluating homeless dogs, Rebecca took a position at Stray Haven Humane Society Inc. She worked directly with many different dog breeds and temperaments, specializing in behavior modification, rehabilitation and dog communication.  Rebecca then spent the better of 7 years training family dogs in a large pet store chain. This is where she trained thousands of dogs from puppy class to AKC Certified Canine Good Citizens and certified therapy dogs. Rebecca traveled to multiple stores where she trained other associates to be dog trainers. 
                                                

Rebecca is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, a Certified AKC Evaluator, an Evaluator for Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs Inc. and a Mentor Trainer for the Animal Behavior College. She is owned by a twelve year old Australian Shepherd who is a retired certified therapy dog.    

Rebecca enjoys sharing her training experience and skills with students of the Animal Behavior College. Students must complete several stages to include basic studies of canines, learning theory, training tools, classroom management, public speaking and more. Once they complete those stages, they must work under a Mentor Trainer to build hands on skills with dogs and their owners. Rebecca is proud to be offered this opportunity to create great dog trainers for the future. 

Click here for our dog training class calendar. 

As of summer 2018 we are offering unique class opportunities. We have changed several of the 6 week classes to 4 week classes to help people get in their training time while still having time for life. The following are the new 4 week classes as well as our 6 week options. 

Level 1

• Puppy Scouts-A 4 week class for any aged dog that has not had previous training. We start to introduce basic command, focus and good manners.
• AKC STAR Puppy-A 6 week class for puppies 3 to 7 months of age. Basic behaviors, manners, playtime and the STAR puppy test are all included. 

Level 2

• Kalm K9's-A 4 week class for dogs who have taken some sort of class previously. This class continues the basic behaviors adding in distraction, distance and duration. More emphasis on staying calm and focusing around distractions. We work on walking well on a leash and greeting strangers politely. 
• K9 Olympics-A 4 week class for dogs who like a challenge. We will work on multiple physical and mental activities, jumps, weave poles, tunnels and learn many fun tricks. This is a great class for high energy and/or unfocused dogs.
• Focus Fun & Tricks-a level 2 class for all ages, this class brings focus exercises, boundary games, recall games and fun tricks to keep your dog busy in the winter. 

Focus Fun photos                      

K9 Fitness photos            

Level 3

• Off Leash Recall Games-A 4 week class that brings games and activities that orient your dog back to you in all situations. Dogs learn multiple games that help them focus and respond to you, with the goal of being able to enjoy life off leash. 
• K9 Partners-This 4 week class is a continuation of Kalm K9's where we will take our skills out in public.
• AKC Canine Good Citizen-A 6 week class to prepare your dog to pass the 10 item test. 
• K9 Fitness- A 4 week class to build muscle tone, building on shaping from previous tricks/focus fun class. 

Level 4 

• Therapy Dog Prep-This is a 4 week class to prepare your dog to pass the evaluation to be a therapy dog. 
• AKC Community Canine-This is a prep class to refresh skills needed to pass the AKC Community Canine test
• AKC Urban Dog-This is a prep class to build the proper skills to pass the AKC Urban Dog test

We also offer the following 

• AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class(6 weeks) and testing
• AKC Canine Good Citizen testing 
• AKC Community Canine and Urban Dog testing
• AKC Trick Dog testing and titles
• Adult Basic Training Class
• Adult Advanced Training Class
• Canine Social Skills
• Puppy Playtime
• Dog Daycare 
• Boot Camp
• Private lessons for behavior modification
• Home visits
• Temperament Evaluations
• Training consultations 
• Radio Fence Training

Private training sessions are available in your home or at The Behavior Barn at Day Hollow Animal Hospital. Private session are a great solution for dogs with behavior problems or who are not social with other dogs. Private sessions cover basic behaviors, behavior modification, seperation anxiety, some forms of aggression and more.

The following are also available...

• 
  Home Visit(s)-Benefits dogs with reactive behaviors, guarding, fear, and/or anxiety. A good option for owner's with multiple dogs. 
  • Available in single lessons to begin the training process. Provides owner with a temperament evaluation and behavior plan.
  • 4 Pack of Home Visits-four individual visits to your home to help you and your dog build the proper foundation to change behavior. 
• Private Lesson(s) at The Behavior Barn-Individualized for your particular needs. Excellent option for those with busy schedules. This is a great option for dogs who are not social with other dogs. Also great for owners with multiple dogs. 
  • Available in single lessons to begin the training process. Provides the owner with a temperament evaluation and behavior plan. 
  • 4 Pack of Private sessions-four individual lessons tailored to your dog's particular needs. Gives you and your dogs the time needed to build the proper foundation needed to change behavior permanently. 
• Boot Camp- A drop off training session with Rebecca. Perfect for dogs who struggle learning at home. Custom behavior plan and training program. Includes consultation with owner to maintain new behaviors at home. 
• Temperament Evaluation-available to those who may need it for apartment rental, court ordered and/or newly adopted dogs.

 The following are the medical requirements for joining any group service at The Behavior Barn

• Dogs must have up to date vaccinations, including the Distemper Combo, Rabies, Kennel Cough vaccines and a fecal test with negative results before joining a group class, daycare or puppy playtime. Daycare dogs MUST be on Vet approved intestinal parasite prevention and flea and tick preventative. 

Please call for more information! 

(607)687-1750 

   Daycare is available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday's from 9:00-5:00    

Daycare offers social dogs a supervised play time to burn off energy and have tons of fun! We have an indoor and fenced in outdoor area where dogs can play and run with their friends while you work or run errands. There is occasional use of crates, but never a set amount of time. Dogs are provided training to instill manners, puzzle toys, games, and lots of love. For a small additional fee dogs can get one on one training sessions, bath, nail trims, leash walks or tooth brushing. Half and full day sessions are available. See our Doggie Daycare page for more information or give us a call.

PUPPY PLAYTIME!-Bring your puppy (under 6 months of age) to play and socialize with other puppies in a safe and supervised environment. Sessions are supervised by Rebecca, our Dog Trainer. Puppy owners can chat with Rebecca during playtime to get tips and solutions for any issues at home. Puppy Playtime is being held every Tuesday evening at 5:00. All participants must be up to date with vaccinations, including kennel cough and be on parasite prevention. $5.00 per session. Preregistration is required as space is limited.

            A few of our dog training class graduates! 

Please call (607)687-1750 for more information!

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