A Bark Above

06/08/2024

Postponed start date for our level 1 class! Rescheduled to start this coming Saturday 10th of August 🐾
A foundation class where we build basic skills such as name recognition, sit, mat training, recall and loose lead walking, while adding in our three D’s!
For information or to book, see our website in the bio 🐾

03/08/2024

I often hear during my training sessions about people being worried about using reinforcement such as treats and play as something they’re hesitant about 😯

Instead, I like to put it in a different perspective, so instead of thinking that your dog will rely on food (this comes into the human mechanics of trainings to make sure this isn’t the case) or that’ll you’ll always need to use it in training, to think of it as a currency to motivate your dog to do the behaviour we want to see 🦴 just remember, you wouldn’t go to work if you didn’t get paid 🤔 same can be said for our dogs!

This doesn’t mean we always stick to the same reinforcement rate and schedule, but does mean that reinforcement will always be needed in training to maintain a behaviour 🐾

If you’re struggling with this or understanding reinforcement values, rates or training mechanics, a 1:1 session can be really helpful to teach you about this 💚

30/07/2024

I’m a qualified IMDT trainer ❤️
In June last year, I decided to undertake another qualification, in May this year, I completed this to receive a Certificate IV in Dog Behaviour and Training 🐾
Along with this qualification, I also become affiliated with IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers) and am now a qualified and approved IMDT trainer.
Furthering my knowledge is something that is very important to me, because what we learn about dogs is constantly changing, so if you don’t stay up, you get left behind - those who trained with me at the beginning of my professional dog training journey would be shocked at how different my recommendations of training may be now 🤯

It’s also been a goal of mine over the last year, to affiliate myself with force free organisations, and IMDT is the beginning of this journey for me. On a look, this allows you to see that I have relevant training to be a dog trainer (as it’s an unregulated industry, anyone can stay they’re a dog trainer, regardless if they’re qualified or not), that I’m completing professional development yearly as well as bound by ethics to upkeep a high training and ethical standard 🐶

For all your dog training and behaviour consultant needs, hit me up 🐾

23/07/2024

Bookings for Level 1 foundation class are open! Next class starting on Saturday 3rd August at 9:30am 🐾

Bookings can be made via our booking link - https://abarkabove.com.au/bookings

Or alternatively for enquiries or bookings:
🐶 DM
📧 [email protected]
☎️ 0437 515 427

23/07/2024

IM BACK FROM HOLIDAYS! and I’m ready to get back into training all your furry family members become the best versions of themselves 🐾

All bookings can be made via our website - https://abarkabove.com.au/bookings
Or alternatively you can DM me or email [email protected]

See you in training soon ❤️

25/05/2024

I’m ON LEAVE ✈️☀️
During this time I will not be responsive to enquiries. All enquiries taken during this time will be responded to upon my return in July.

Group classes and puppy school will be resuming in late July, with dates to be announced closer to my return 🐶

For anyone wanting assistance with training, I would recommend checking out PPG (pet professional guild) - https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/Owners/Directory
Or for online sessions a IMDT affiliated trainer - https://www.imdt.com.au/find-a-qualified-imdt-trainer

Looking forward to training with you all once I return.
Sharni x 🐾

09/04/2024

New intake for Puppy School is next Tuesday 15th April at 6pm 🐾

Bookings can be made via our website - https://abarkabove.com.au/puppy-school

For information or enquiries.
☎️ 0437 515 427
📧 [email protected]

07/04/2024

Level 1 Beginners class 🐶
Learn the foundations of recall, loose lead walking and creating a calm relaxed dog in a fun supportive environment 🐾
Next class starts Saturday 13th April at 9:30am

For bookings - https://abarkabove.com.au/group-classes

For enquiries or questions
☎️0437 515 427
📧 [email protected]

A Bark Above offers dog training and behaviour consulting to the Ballarat and surrounding areas. A B

04/04/2024

⭐️ UPCOMING DATES ⭐️
🐾 PUPPY SCHOOL - Tuesday 15th April at 6pm
🐶 LEVEL 1 beginners class - Saturday 13th April at 9:30am
✈️ LEAVE - 27th May until 22nd July

These are the last two classes I will be running before I take time off to travel America 🇺🇸
Bookings can be made via our website: https://abarkabove.com.au/bookings

For enquiries or questions:
☎️ 0437515427
📧 [email protected]

15/03/2024

PUPPY SCHOOL 🐶 Get your puppy off on the right paw 🐾
Next class starts Wednesday 20th March at 6pm
Limited spots available!

5 weeks plus introductory video for $160

Bookings or information can be found via our website- https://abarkabove.com.au/puppy-school

📧 [email protected]

11/03/2024

Congratulations to Tebba, Mini, Maeve and Oddy who graduated Puppy School last Wednesday night 💚🎓 Such a cute group of puppies 🥰

With the upcoming closing of The Waggery, sadly last Wednesday was our last week running group classes from this location 😢
I’m still on the hunt for a long term solution (if you know a great space that will allow dogs inside, please let me know) but for the mean time, puppy school classes will still be running at a smaller capacity from my home location. (TBA for level 1 classes).

Next class details:
5 week course with compulsory introduction video
When: Wednesday 20th March
Where: Brown Hill (Address confirmed upon booking)
Time: 6pm
To book: https://abarkabove.com.au/bookings

Please DM or email me with any questions!

Sharni 🐶

19/01/2024

⭐️ Would you like a free 1 hour 1:1 training session? ⭐️ (NO LONGER TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR THIS)

I have an upcoming assignment that I need require two dogs for. If you meet the below requirements and are interested, please send me a DM (please allow time for me to review and reply).

- I require one to be a puppy or adolescent (4-18 months of age)
- the other I require to be a breed that is not classed as a toy or utility breed according to the ANKC breed groups
- MUST only be for loose lead walking or jumping (manners training)
- Complete information as required
- Allow me to take videos and photos for content
- Available on a Tuesday or Thursday

If you are interested, please DM me. Only 2 spaces available 🐾

Sharni

18/01/2024

Puppy school 🐶🐾
Do you have a new addition that you want to help get off on the right paw?

We provide a fun, controlled and informative environment to help you navigate the puppy stage!

Infomation and bookings can be made via our website - https://abarkabove.com.au/puppy-school

A Bark Above offers dog training and behaviour consulting to the Ballarat and surrounding areas. A B

16/01/2024

Group class training is back for 2024 ⭐️

Are your goals for 2024 to have a dog who is well behaved in public?
Who comes back when called?
Who can walk on a loose leash?
Do you want to train in a safe and fun environment?

Then come along to our level 1 beginners class! Suitable for all skill levels and ages (must be fully vaccinated and in good health) 🐾

Next class is starting on Monday 22nd of January 🐶

For bookings -
abarkabove.com.au/group-classes

For enquiries -
📧 [email protected]
Or DM

A Bark Above offers dog training and behaviour consulting to the Ballarat and surrounding areas. A B

05/01/2024

2024 is here and classes are nearly back!
Are you ready to start or continue your training journey in 2024? ⭐️
Do you want a dog who is more responsive? Or a puppy who you can set up for success as an adult dog! Our group classes are for you!
See below for start dates for group classes 🐾
Bookings can be made via the website - abarkabove.com.au

1:1 sessions also resume on Tuesday 9th Jan, these are sessions tailored to you and your dog, giving you the knowledge and skills to teach, train and understand your dog 🐶

Contact us for any questions!
📧 [email protected]
Or DM us

24/12/2023

Merry Christmas 🎄🎅🏼
Wishing you all wonderful day filled with love, food and fun ❤️

19/12/2023

Congratulations to our last group of graduates for 2023 🐾
Auggie, Bob, Myrtle, Louie and all their wonderful humans for the hard work over the last 5 weeks ☺️ I can’t wait to see you all in future training sessions and see all your progress 🐶

12/12/2023

Santa paws is coming to town 🎄 which means we’ll soon be winding up another wonderful year ⭐️
Thank you to all my wonderful clients who allow me to be apart of your training journey 💚

Sessions will come to an end on Thursday 21st Dec & classes and consults will resume from 8th of Jan 🐾

Class dates:
Monday 8th - Level 1 intake
Monday 10th - Puppy school intake

Wishing you all a safe and happy festive season ❤️

07/12/2023

Congratulations to Honey and John who graduated puppy school last night 💚
These two are our last graduates for 2023 🎓
Can’t wait for a new year of puppies in 2024 ⭐️

07/12/2023

I’m excited to announce that we’re now stocking LickiMats 🐾 I LOVE LickMats and recommend them almost daily to clients - they have so many benefits such as reducing boredom, anxiety, mentally stimulating them and meeting their needs 🐾
Stock can be purchased online or in person (at sessions or classes) 🐶

I’m looking to source other items that are my favourites, if you have something you wish for me to stock, let me know!

30/11/2023

⭐️ HELP NEEDED ⭐️
I’m currently doing further study and need a dog and owner to help with an enrichment assignment.

The details:
- I require one dog who I can design and implement an enrichment plan for 🐾
- I need to record (so you have to be happy with the session being recorded and being on video) 2 x enrichment sessions - sessions will be approx 30-45 minutes long. An initial session and a follow up session 🐶

You must be available on a Tuesday or Thursday for two sessions a fortnight apart in December or January🎄

This will only be to develop an enrichment plan and for this purpose only, therefore would be suitable for people who are looking at ways to enrich your dogs life’s, not to target behavioural issues (there may be opportunities for this in assignment in the future) 🐶

There will be no charge for this session but must be happy to meet the needs that I require to pass the assignment.

Please send me a DM if you’re interest. Only one space is available, please send through a little bit of a spiel why you’d like this for your dog ❤️

14/11/2023

Another group of cute graduates from our level 1 class last night🎓💚
Congratulations Zoe, Lily, Peppa and Billie and their humans for all the hard work you did over the last 5 weeks 🫶🏻

30/10/2023

It’s scary to think 2023 is almost over, but the class dates don’t lie 🤯
Our last classes for 2023 are starting in the coming weeks! Book in now to avoid missing out ➡️ bookings can be made online

https://abarkabove.com.au/puppy-school

https://abarkabove.com.au/puppy-school

17/10/2023

I often get asked if I provided pet sitting services and unfortunately i’m unable to provide this service but coming into a time where people are heading away and wanting care, I wanted to share my go to for pet sitting 🐶
I highly recommend Tristan for all your pet sitting needs ❤️🐾 she truly cares for your animals like they’re her own which is exactly what I want from a pet sitter 🫶🏻

A pet sitter can be a great alternative to kennels if your dog becomes stressed in a unfamiliar or high intensity environment 🐾

I am an animal lover through & through, having grown up for 30 years with both cats and dogs of all breeds and sizes, including ones with special needs. I have...

04/10/2023

Congratulations to Stevie, Oreo, Lenny and their humans for graduating our Level 1 class on Monday night 💚🎓

I can’t wait to see how far you all go in your training in the future 🐶

Our next intake for our level 1 class is on Monday 16th Oct - spaces limited!

02/10/2023

WE GRADUATED 🎓💚
Congratulations to Millie, Luna, Albie and Millie and their humans on graduating puppy school last Wednesday 🐾

We have one space remaining in our next puppy school intake on Wednesday night (4th of October) 🐶 Bookings can be made online - abarkaboveballarat.com.au

03/09/2023

How cute are these graduates 🎓💚 these three graduated our puppy school class on Wednesday night 🐶

We wish you the best of luck on your training journey Roy, Archie and Storm 🥰

26/08/2023

Happy international dog day (better late than never!) 🐶🥳

International Dog Day is a wonderful day to reflect on the incredible bond between humans and our furry companions. This special day reminds us of the unwavering loyalty, boundless love, and endless joy that dogs bring into our lives 🥰 As we commemorate these loyal friends, let's reflect on the importance of nurturing a positive relationship with our dogs. By fostering trust, providing care, and teaching them our expectations in a positive way, we not only ensure their wellbeing but also enrich our own lives. International Dog Day serves as a reminder that these remarkable creatures deserve our respect and kindness, inspiring us to create a world where humans and dogs thrive together in harmony 💚🐶

14/08/2023

Congratulations to our level 1 graduates, Pepper, McCoy, Bear and Arnie who graduated out beginner class last night 🎓🥰🐾

You all came so far during the 5 weeks of training and I can’t wait to see how far their skills progress in the future 💚

Our next intake for our level 1 class is on Monday 21st August at 6:15pm. See our website for information and bookings 🐾