BARKS & REC
Where Play Meets Progress, One Paw at a Time.
Welcome to Barks & Rec., our innovative learning-through-play program designed to elevate your dog’s social skills and confidence. In Barks & Rec., dogs embark on a journey of self-discovery through engaging play, positive group interactions, and skill-building exercises. Our program equips dogs with essential life skills while fostering a strong sense of comfort and confidence in various social situations. Join us and let your furry companion thrive!
Program Overview:
Open to dogs 20 weeks and older, Barks & Rec. is perfect for those who enjoy the company of their fellow furry friends. As a dedicated drop-off program, you can leave your dog in the capable hands of our experienced trainers.
Please note that Barks & Rec. is not a typical daycare or drop-in service but a structured learning experience supporting long-term growth and development.
We offer half day programs or full day programs.
Our Training Philosophy:
At Good Dog, DYNO, we believe in building confidence and trust through positive reinforcement. Our training approach focuses on rewarding desirable behaviors, creating a happy and stress-free learning environment for both you and your dog. We are committed to using humane, reward-based methods that strengthen the bond between you and your canine companion.
Program Details:
- Duration: Half-Day or Full-Day Programs Available
- Half-Day Program Times (Mondays through Fridays):
AM Sessions: Drop off 6:40am – 7am – Pick up 10:40am – 11am
PM Sessions: Drop off 12:40pm – 1pm – Pick up 4:40pm – 5pm - Full-Day Program Times (Mondays through Fridays):
Drop off: 6:40am – 7am
Pick up: 5pm – 5:15pm
- Half-Day Program Times (Mondays through Fridays):
- Eligibility: Dogs must be at least 20 weeks old, as well as at least 15 lbs to participate in Barks & Rec.
- Evaluation: Each dog undergoes a comprehensive evaluation to ensure program compatibility.
- Evaluation Process: Evaluations last approximately 30-45 minutes and take place at our Lakewood training facility. Appointments are available during weekdays in the morning and afternoon.
- By Appointment: Evaluations are conducted by appointment only to provide individualized attention.
Key Learning Objectives:
- Mastering Fundamental Cues: Your dog will start with the essential cues such as SIT, DOWN, STAY, LEAVE IT, DROP IT, TAKE IT, WATCH ME, SWING, LOOSE LEASH WALKING, COME WHEN CALLED, TOUCH, BACK UP, GO TO YOUR SPOT, greetings, name recognition, and more. These cues are practiced in the presence of fellow dogs, enhancing focus amidst distractions. Then, once those cues are understood, they will work on advancing their skills!
- Socialization and Play: Positive and controlled interactions with other dogs foster healthy socialization skills and confident play.
- Confidence Building: Through engaging activities and positive reinforcement, your dog will build confidence in various social situations.
- Trick Training: Introduce fun and novel tricks to boost your dog’s adaptability and enjoyment.
Contact Us For Pricing
FAQs
Barks & Rec is a social learning program for dogs looking to build their social skills. With small groups focused on individual learning, Barks & Rec works on teaching through play with positive interactions.
- Dogs who enjoy the company of other dogs in a play and work setting
- Dogs working on good social manners, who may have some overexcitement when playing with dogs
- Dogs who like dogs, but are looking to build confidence around other dogs in a positive environment
- Dogs looking to build generalization working with new people and distractions
- Dogs who like to play in smaller group settings
- Dogs who struggle with reactivity and fear of other dogs
- Dogs who dislike other dogs or strangers
- Dogs who cannot be touched by new people
- Dogs with food guarding or resource guarding
- Dogs who have extreme confinement anxiety and cannot be contained behind an x-pen
All dogs must be over 20 weeks of age to participate in Barks & Rec. There is no age limit in Barks & Rec!
As long as they are a happy and safe participant, dogs can remain in the Barks & Rec program for as long as they would like. Many dogs stay for years in the program! Dogs graduate when they are no longer enjoying the program, or they are ready to move on.
Each dog is individually Evaluated to find the best class for them. Every day’s class and time is a different group dynamic, and the Evaluation shows the Trainer which day your dog will best thrive. Some classes are geared more towards play, and some classes focus more on training; the Evaluation will help find your dog’s best placement.
No, unlike a typical daycare once you are committed to a day and time, you may only attend that day and time. Each class day dynamic is different and this is not a drop-in program. When you join Barks & Rec, you are committing to the day and time you are initially assigned and scheduled to.
We will do our best to try and accommodate your schedule once your dog is in the program, however we can only switch your dog’s day once. Once you are in a new class, you are committing to that day and time.
If you miss three sessions without notification, you are liable to be removed from the program without refund.
Your dog will be introduced to dogs of various sizes and energy levels to see how they do with each dog to find what class they will best thrive in. The Evaluation runs about 40 minutes, and we ask that you are present for them, so you can see what the Trainer sees! The Evaluation is typically run on weekday afternoons.
The Evaluation is not a pass/fail; it is just a way to get information about your dog! If your dog is not a good fit for Barks & Rec right now, the Trainer will recommend a training course of action to help get your dog more prepared. This may be in the form of a group class, private training, or a trial session of Barks & Rec.
Your dog will work on proper socialization and good play manners, taking breaks in play, how to learn in a group, basic through advanced obedience skills, trick training, confidence building, leash skills, and individual training skills. At the end of each day, you will receive a report card that shows pictures and video from your dog’s day, as well as a homework assignment to work on at home!
Send an email to info@GoodDogDyno.com to sign up for an Evaluation!
We look forward to welcoming you and your dog to our Barks & Rec. community!