Frequently Asked Questions

Barks and Rec utilizes a Force-Free, Positive Reinforcement based training approach. Our methodology is steeped in up-to-date scientific research and the belief that all individuals (human or dog) have a right to learn in an intimidation-free setting.  

I could go on and on about the reasons "Why" for a very, very long time. However, I will boil it down to the three main reasons why I choose a Force-Free approach:

1. There is a plethora of scientific evidence to support Positive Reinforcement as the most effective means of influencing behavior. 
2. Force-Free is ethical and humane. Our dogs deserve to learn new skills and have their behavioral issues treated with kindness... just as we would desire for ourselves. 
3. Much research has been done on the effects of punishment-based training, and suffice it to say, the risks are greater than the reward. Punishment suppresses behavior; it does not modify it. This means that the undesirable behavior can come back (usually, even worse than before).. as the dog is unable to suppress their behavior forever. Punishment has a huge risk of fallout; from negatively impacting your dog's mental health, to creating unwanted associations (i.e. Fido learns that oncoming dogs predict a sharp pain around his neck... and over time, develops an aversion -- and possibly even aggression towards -- other dogs.) At the beginning of my career, I did comfortably use punishment-based training tactics. This is something I am very open about, and am happy to discuss at-length if you're interested! In short, after experiencing the fall-out of punishment first-hand, I figured there had to be a better way to train. And there was. So I crossed over to Force-Free. The improvements that I saw in the dogs' (and owners'!) behaviors were astounding. The joy that Force-Free training has brought to me, my clients, and their dogs is far greater than I ever could have achieved through punishment.

The short answer is YES!

The long answer would take up far too much space here. However, I am more than happy to send you resources if you request them. 

I have successfully used positive reinforcement to help dogs that have bite histories, severe fear-related aggression, chronic anxiety, resource guarding issues, intense reactivity to other dogs, and many other behavior challenges. And I can confidently say... it works far better than punishment.

Also, if you want resources and peer-reviewed journals to reference, I am happy to send some over! Just ask!

This is one of the MOST frequently asked questions. And unfortunately, the answer is one that nobody likes hearing... "It depends." And that's the truth.

• I like to counter the question "How long will it take for my dog to be fully trained?" with another question...
  • How long will it take for you to be “fully fit?”
  • It takes time to see change. Once you’ve made those changes, you must work to maintain them. Otherwise, you’ll regress. Dog Training is no different. 
  • What is your dog’s “Behavior Weight”?
    • The more “weight,” the longer it will take to “lose.”
  • Things that impact the training plan: 
    • Owner Cooperation
    • Current Environment & Management
    • Dog’s Learning History
    • Dog’s Genetics
    • Needs Met?
    • And Many Other Factors

I will say that most people choose to train with me for an average of 3 to 6 months, but that does vary drastically. 

We meet at your house for the Consultation and most follow-up sessions. I do not have a facility. 

However, depending on the dog, I will occasionally offer to meet in different locations (parks, hardware stores, breweries, etc.) if 1) the dog is safely capable of doing these things and 2) the dog has mastered their skills in low-distraction environments, first.

The Consultation lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Follow-Up sessions are 45 minutes to an hour. 

No, I do not train service or therapy dogs.