2-Week, 1-Hour Workshops
More a two-week, one-hour training workshops coming soon!
Hosted by the professional dog trainer Wendy McKenzie CPDT-KA, with over 20 years of experience in positive, pain-free training methods.
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ENROLL IN A TRAINING WORKSHOP TODAY!
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Training Workshops FAQ’s
Our Training Paw'losophy and Methods
Bark-A-Bout takes pride in training YOU, the real trainer.
We arm you with effective skills and knowledge that you can use outside of training sessions to elicit good behavior and mitigate future problems.
Our Certified Training Instructor, Wendy uses positive reinforcement and rewards-based training methods.
You will gain your dog’s full cooperation without physical pain, force, fear or intimidation.
Rewards-based training is proven to be the the fastest and most effective training method:
– Positive and fun
– Increases communication
– Builds mutual trust
– Respects your dog’s emotions
– Decreases negative behaviors
How do I register my dog for a Training Workshop?
PLEASE CLICK ON AN AVAILABLE CLASS LISTED ABOVE. A pop-up will appear with directions. Please create a Customer Portal if your dog does not already have one, and be sure to sign all waivers in the portal. Once you have created a Portal for your dog and signed the waivers, please call up Bark-A-Bout to give FULL PAYMENT for your Training Workshop. A Bark-A-Bout receptionist will be happy to help you and complete your payment transaction.
NON-NEGOTIABLE REFUND POLICY: Full payment is due at the time of class registration. In following social distancing guidelines, limited student count is required. Due to tight restrictions on class size, full refunds will only be issued for cancellations made more than 24 hours prior to the start of class. For cancellations made within the 24-hour window prior to the start of class, $60 will be deducted from your refund. Once class starts, no refunds will be issued.
About Bark-A-Bout's Trainer, Wendy MacKenzie, CPDT-KA
Wendy MacKenzie
Proudly uses ONLY positive, rewards-based training methods.
Wendy believes all pets should enjoy the training process. This will lead to a happier, more confident and well-adjusted pet.
Wendy’s Accreditations & Certifications:
– Dog Obedience Trainer (20 years)
– Educated 4,000+ dogs/owners of all breeds/ages, including blind, deaf and special-needs dogs.
– Association of Pet Dog Trainers – CPDT-KA Certified
– Pet Professionals Guild Member (Fear-free, Pain-free, Force-free group)
– American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator (AKC/CGC)
– Owned her own Obedience Training facility (3 years)
– Learned about dogs internally as a Veterinarian Surgical Assistant. (3 years)
What vaccinations are required for my dog?
To ensure the safety of all dogs participating in class, each dog is required to be vaccinated for the vaccines listed below. To ensure your dog has met all vaccination requirements, we require you to submit all vaccine documentation prior to the start of class by either uploading them to your dog’s Customer Portal, emailing them to medical@barkabout.net, or faxing them to (586)685-7040. Please include your pet’s full name and your contact information.
Required:
In addition to following your veterinarian’s age-appropriate vaccine protocol, Bark-A-Bout requires dog to have received:
— Bordetella Vaccination (Click here for non-negotiable waiting period requirements)
— A fecal screening showing “negative” test results
How old does my dog have to be to enjoy a Training Workshop?
Workshops are tailored for puppies 8 weeks and older. It is beneficial to start your puppy out on the right paw by enrolling them into training classes before they form negative behavioral habits. Regarding vaccinations, puppies are ready as soon as they’ve had a Bordetella vaccine and a Fecal test with negative results. This could be as early as 8-10 weeks. If you have questions as to whether a Bark-A-Bout Training Workshop is right for you and your pup, please call us at (586)566-8900 and a fur’endly receptionist will answer any questions you may have.
What do I bring to class?
Each workshop is different. Some workshops are designed to bring your dog, and others are just for humans.
1.) PROOF OF PURCHASE OF CLASS:
If you have a receipt or print-out of your proof of purchase of the class, please bring it with you to class.
2.) AGE-APPROPRIATE VACCINATION RECORDS:
PUPPIES UNDER 6 MONTHS: To ensure the safety of all dogs participating in class, each dog is required to be vaccinated for the vaccines listed below. To ensure your dog has met all vaccination requirements, we require you to submit all vaccine documentation prior to the start of class by either uploading them to your dog’s “Customer Portal“, emailing them to medical@barkabout.net, or faxing them to (586)685-7040. Please include your pet’s full name and your contact information.
Required:
— Bordetella (Click here for non-negotiable waiting period requirements)
— DHLPP (Puppies are required to have a minimum of 2 in the series before beginning class)
— A negative Fecal Screening
— 2 Influenza bivalent vaccines
3.) 5-6 FOOT REGULAR LEASH
Please bring your dog to class on a REGULAR 5-6′ leash. No retractable leashes or choke/prong collars permitted.
4.) TRAINING BAG FULL OF SOFT CHEWABLE TREATS:
We ask that you have a fanny-pack style training bag and tiny soft treats. (1/4 pea size of soft, stinky, high value treats such as chicken, turkey or soft doggy treats.
5.) A FEW “BUSY ITEMS”
A bully stick, lick mat and/or a stuffed Kong or chew toy is also helpful to keep your dog settled and occupied.
**Bark-A-Bout sells leashes, fanny-pack style treat bags, and a wide selection of chewable treats and incentive toys in our Pet Boutique for your convenience.
6.) SMALL TOWEL OR BLANKET
What happens if I've already started taking a class, and now I need to be absent for a week?
Class duration is kept short to accommodate busy schedules. Please plan accordingly as we build on behaviors and skills each week. Meanwhile, please speak to Bark-A-Bout’s Obedience Trainer to discuss your absence.
What is your return policy if I want to cancel my registration?
NON-NEGOTIABLE REFUND POLICY: Full payment is due at the time of class registration. In following social distancing guidelines, limited student count is required. Due to tight restrictions on class size, full refunds will only be issued for cancellations made more than 24 hours prior to the start of class. For cancellations made within the 24-hour window prior to the start of class, $50 will be deducted from your refund. Once class starts, no refunds will be issued.
What are your Social Distancing Guidelines?
To minimize possible exposure to Covid-19, Bark-A-Bout strictly adheres to all CDC Guidelines regarding social distancing and mask mandates. As of May 15, 2021, masks are not required. Hand sanitizer will be provided. Please visit here for further details.