The Bark Side

11/19/2025

11/17/2025

We had a mix of training wins and flops today!
Gogo wasn’t feeling the frisbee game, but she did pull off her burrito trick for the first time! It’s not perfect yet, but she’s working hard — and doing it in a brand-new environment makes the progress even sweeter

11/17/2025

After more than fifteen years of training dogs, the sound of a clicker has become reinforcing for me just as much as it is for the dogs I work with. I’ve used it thousands of times—with puppies, reactive dogs, shelter dogs, fear-based dogs, and high-drive working breeds—and every single “click” marks a moment of clarity, connection, and communication. What started as a simple tool has become second nature: a tiny sound that signals progress, understanding, and trust. Watching a dog’s eyes light up the instant the click lands, knowing they get it, is still one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Clicker training isn’t just effective—it’s a language I’ve grown fluent in, and one that continues to shape the way I teach, connect with, and empower the dogs in my care.

11/16/2025

Just a friendly recommendation: don’t try to do your training sessions in the goose p**p capital of your county. That is all.

11/15/2025

Do people still get Christmas puppies? If you do, start potty training right away!

Don’t fall into the trap of not taking your puppy outside until they’re done with their shots.

Still need help? Call or text me! 937-470-7084

11/15/2025

Chaos has a name. It’s Django Subotai.

11/14/2025

I spent nearly all of my twenties working in a daycare and boarding facility that truly fed my heart and soul ❤️. My dogs and my child came to work with me every day, and together we were surrounded by hundreds of dogs whose personalities, quirks, and challenges shaped me as a trainer 🐶.

When you’re responsible for a room of 100+ dogs, you quickly learn the importance of structure, control, and clear expectations. New dogs filtered in and out all day, and I became skilled at managing the unruly, the over-helpful shepherds, and my beloved cattle dogs who were determined to keep everyone in line 😆🐕‍🦺.

It was in that environment that I sharpened my abilities and realized firsthand that “positive-only” methods don’t always meet the needs of every dog. You don’t often hear stories about positive-only trainers evolving toward a more balanced approach—but I did, because the dogs demanded it. That experience, combined with the realities of working in the field as an animal control officer—where sometimes you must safely corner and control truly aggressive dogs—reshaped my entire philosophy 💡.

I do miss those days of wading through a sea of wagging tails and wet noses 🐾. One day, I’ll build something like it again.

Until then—let’s train some dogs! 🦮✨

11/12/2025

🪐 THE BARK SIDE
Episode I: A New Leash

It is a time of imbalance in the canine galaxy.
Once-thriving training and daycare facilities have fallen under the control of the “Friendly Dog Only” alliance, turning away those who struggle with fear, reactivity, or anxiety.

From the shadows of compassion, one trainer rose to bring balance to the Force.
After fifteen years as a Head Trainer, General Manager, and Groomer, Katrina Whitlock saw countless misunderstood dogs cast aside—left without guidance, patience, or hope.

Driven by purpose, she founded The Bark Side, a sanctuary for every dog—fearful, reactive, or misunderstood—where training is guided by empathy, structure, and science.

Her mission: to build a new kind of academy, a place where all dogs may learn, grow, and find harmony among the stars.

Because in this galaxy,
every dog deserves a chance to shine.

11/12/2025

After years of working with reactive dogs (including my own), I’ve found great success using clicker training to reward calm behavior before a reaction happens.
If your dog is reacting, you’re simply too close to the trigger.

Not all reactivity comes from fear — some dogs are just overexcited or underexposed. Safely removing the “novelty” through controlled group play can make a huge difference.

✨ The goal isn’t punishment — it’s building calm, confident dogs through timing, distance, and positive association.