Bark 4 Joy Dog Training, LLC

Bark 4 Joy Dog Training, LLC Learn to train proactively! We’ve been voted Best Dog Trainer in MT 2022, 2023, and 2024! Schedule a call to learn more about our program offerings today!
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We provide holistic training that ensures the best welfare for your pup. We train basic manners, behavioral issues, and service/therapy/facility dogs. portal.busypaws.app/customers/bark-4-joy-dog-training-llc

08/24/2024

We are appreciative to everyone who shared our post for our Victory Visits! 🙌🏻

We have a winner for a free 15 minute Victory Visit 🥁🥁🥁

Lindsay Walt

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who entered! 😁

Meet Loki 👋🏻This small pup is getting a kick start to training at his ripe age of 8 weeks old ❤️We’ve been working on so...
08/23/2024

Meet Loki 👋🏻

This small pup is getting a kick start to training at his ripe age of 8 weeks old ❤️

We’ve been working on socialization, loose leash walking, polite greetings, ignoring animals, and basic manners!

Welcome to the Bark 4 Joy family 😁

We love to hear a good story! 📖For our Assistant Dog, Trish, it would have to be the first time she ever went swimming 🏊...
08/22/2024

We love to hear a good story! 📖

For our Assistant Dog, Trish, it would have to be the first time she ever went swimming 🏊 She went into the water at Clark's Bay, and when she no longer could touch, she bobbed in the water like a buoy. She then learned she could hop up and down on her back legs and still touch the bottom 🤣

For our Field Assistant, Sherman, his best story would be when we had professional photos taken last year. It was Halloween 👻, so naturally, Sherman had to be dressed as a ghost. He kept stepping all over his sheet and was walking around unable to see, as the eye holes continued to shift 🤦‍♀️

Share the best story you have with your pet in the comments!

“I can’t get my dog to relax.”“My dog goes crazy and jumps all over visitors.”“I’m frustrated when my dog barks at dogs....
08/22/2024

“I can’t get my dog to relax.”

“My dog goes crazy and jumps all over visitors.”

“I’m frustrated when my dog barks at dogs.”

🐕 Dog training is sometimes the only thing that can bring peace ☮️ to a household, so let us help you!

With programs for every owner from retired to long shifts or out of town jobs, we can assist with your dog training needs 😄

All you have to do is schedule a call to learn more!

Your dog is family, which means they deserve the best ⭐️This is especially true when it comes to dog training. With so m...
08/20/2024

Your dog is family, which means they deserve the best ⭐️

This is especially true when it comes to dog training. With so many methods, ideologies, and opinions, it can be difficult to navigate 🫨

😵‍💫Currently, the dog training world is unregulated, meaning that anyone can consider themselves a dog trainer.

Here are a few things to look for when you’re wanting to hire a dog trainer -

🐶 Education!

🐶 Certification with a national organization such as CCPDT, IAABC, IACP, etc.

🐶 Methodology that fits your wants and needs (We recommend reward-based, positive trainers)

🐶 Years of experience

🐶 Recommendations from clients and businesses

All of these combined will help ensure you receive the best care for your pup rooted in communication, science, and love ❤️

08/19/2024

Recall at its finest 👌

This is a difficult behavior to teach, but typically due to human error. Watch out for these traps!

🪤 Saying the command too many times

🪤 Letting your dog off-leash before they’re ready

🪤 Punishing your dog for coming back

🪤 Not reinforcing your dog for returning to you

Does your dog struggle with recall? 🤔

What breed is this? ⬇️🐩The names of breeds are often mispronounced and misspelled, this breed being one of the most comm...
08/17/2024

What breed is this? ⬇️

🐩The names of breeds are often mispronounced and misspelled, this breed being one of the most common!

Type your answer in the comments. No cheating and no autocorrect! Give us a good laugh 🤣

Last call ☎️ Our Patio Pup class begins next Tuesday! We will be at Scenic Brew August 20, 27, and September 3 from 6-7p...
08/17/2024

Last call ☎️

Our Patio Pup class begins next Tuesday! We will be at Scenic Brew August 20, 27, and September 3 from 6-7pm.

This one of a kind class is certainly one you don’t want to miss! Join us with a coffee and pastry in hand to learn about several helpful behaviors when visiting outdoor patios with your dog. 🐕

Sign up today! 😁

How about a giveaway? 🥳🥳We want to provide 1 individual the opportunity to attend a 15-minute Victory Visit at Alpine An...
08/16/2024

How about a giveaway? 🥳🥳

We want to provide 1 individual the opportunity to attend a 15-minute Victory Visit at Alpine Animal Clinic free of charge!

To enter, please share this post and comment that you’ve shared! Don’t forget to hit the like button, too 😁 Giveaway will end Saturday August 23rd at 11:59pm! Winner will be selected soon after.

Why do Victory Visits with us? These visits will help your dog feel more confident when they need to get a regular check-up 🩺

This will reduce the need for a muzzle and make vet visits safer for everyone 😇

These visits are just $20, but we also have longer training visits available for $35. Get started TODAY ‼️

Here comes Santa Paws 🎄Wait a second… I think Chloe is a bit too excited for winter to be here, so we are working hard t...
08/15/2024

Here comes Santa Paws 🎄Wait a second…

I think Chloe is a bit too excited for winter to be here, so we are working hard to get her loose leash walking under control NOW instead of when it’s snowing ❄️

Does your dog need help loose leash walking? We find it best to avoid ice skating ⛸️ unless you’re intentionally going…

Drop a comment below if you need help! 🚶‍♀️

🧀 Why do trainers use food 🥕Food serves as a primary reinforcer which means it is of utmost value to dogs! 🐶 Using food ...
08/14/2024

🧀 Why do trainers use food 🥕

Food serves as a primary reinforcer which means it is of utmost value to dogs!

🐶 Using food when teaching a dog a new behavior will help the learning process go faster. Initially, we recommend a 1:1 ratio, so every time the dog offers the behavior, they receive a reward!

Here’s some recommended treats:

🍗 Freeze dried liver or chicken

🥕 Carrots

🧀 String cheese

🫐 Blueberries

There have been a lot of concerns recently with puppies participating in classes prior to being fully vaccinated. We com...
08/13/2024

There have been a lot of concerns recently with puppies participating in classes prior to being fully vaccinated. We completely understand the importance of safety, but we wanted to share a few statistics 📊

🐾 Research has shown numerous times that puppies who attend socialization classes are no more likely to contract parvo than those who don’t.

🐾 Studies have shown that ZERO puppies have contracted parvo from a group class.

🐾 The first parvo shot should be given about 7 days prior to the start of a group dog training class.

🐾 One parvo shot has proven effective in a puppy’s protection from the illness.

Here are the RISKS that owners run when their puppy is not properly socialized during their socialization window (8-13 weeks of age):

👎🏻 Reactivity towards people and dogs

👎🏻 Noise sensitivity

👎🏻 Potential aggression

👎🏻 Lack of regulation in stressful situations

👎🏻 General anxiety

👎🏻 Difficulty adapting to new locations

While no dog is fully safe from contracting an illness, it is unlikely in a class setting. However, the risks of not socializing a puppy can last for an entire lifetime and often cause dogs to be rehomed.

We understand that people still might be nervous, so we have some easy ways to ensure your puppy is safe in our classes! We do not allow any contact between puppies, and we recommend laying down a blanket before you bring your puppy out.

Please reach out if you have any questions about your puppy ☀️

Who is ready for a puppy class??? 🙋‍♀️We are so excited to offer a 4 session puppy class! This class will be held on Aug...
08/13/2024

Who is ready for a puppy class??? 🙋‍♀️

We are so excited to offer a 4 session puppy class! This class will be held on August 28, 29, and September 4, 5. From 6-7pm, we will be working on a variety of behaviors in locations across town from parks to downtown🚦

☘️These will include:
- Relaxation techniques
- Place command
- Ignoring other dogs
- Polite greetings
- And MORE!

This class is designed for 8-20 week old puppies. Pups do not need to be fully vaccinated, but we ask that you provide the most updated copy of their vaccination records.

We only have 4 more spots available, so don't delay! Sign up today 😁

08/12/2024

Our next Patio Pup Class is coming up at the end of this month 🤗

August 20, August 27, and September 3, join us at Scenic Brew from 6-7pm!

You’ll receive one coffee ☕️ and one pastry 🥐 each visit in addition to all of the amazing training advice 😉

Each session, we will introduce an important aspect of Patio Pup training such as loose leash walking, leave it, settling, and more.

Interested in signing up? 😁

Have you heard of our Breed Match program? 🤔You might qualify if:🐶 You’re searching for a new puppy🐾 You’re looking to a...
08/11/2024

Have you heard of our Breed Match program? 🤔

You might qualify if:

🐶 You’re searching for a new puppy

🐾 You’re looking to adopt a dog from a shelter

🐩 You’re interested in a dog being rehomed

Our program has clients complete a questionnaire and call that provides us with more information about your needs and desires.

Next, we provide you with the recommended breeds and places to find that specific dog - both breeders and shelters!

Biscuit (right) went for a trial run with a client. We did an evaluation to determine if we feel she’s a good fit for the new family.

🪄 We determined Biscuit is a great match for the new family, so she will be joining her parents and starting training with us!

Want to schedule your call? ☎️ Send us a message today!

Our business provides holistic dog training to produce the best results for you and your dog 🐕 What does this mean? 🥸 We...
08/09/2024

Our business provides holistic dog training to produce the best results for you and your dog 🐕

What does this mean? 🥸 Well, we are committed to producing results, but we achieve this through -

💙 Advocating for the dog

💜 Providing the dog with a voice

💙 Setting the dog up for success

💜 Ensuring that training meets the dogs’ needs

When working through behaviors, we won’t just focus on stopping the bad. Rather, we will investigate WHY a behavior is occurring and how to prevent it instead! This is where our holistic training methods shine.

Are you ready to get started? 🙋🏻‍♂️ Drop a comment below!

Our first Victory Visits 🥳🥳Flynn and Odin joined us to become more comfortable in a veterinary setting. 👉🏻Whether there ...
08/08/2024

Our first Victory Visits 🥳🥳

Flynn and Odin joined us to become more comfortable in a veterinary setting.

👉🏻Whether there have been previous bad experiences or you’re preparing a dog for a future exam, our visits will prepare you for anything life might throw your way!

Interested in participating? Our next Victory Visits and first Desensitization Visit will be held Monday August 19 at 6pm 😁

Drop comments or questions below ⬇️

08/07/2024

One of our core values is continuing education 🧑‍🏫

This means we are constantly reading books, attending conferences, and listening to webinars 💪🏻📚

One of our most recent training additions includes a new pattern game. Our clients know pattern games well, as they provide routine and consistency for both owners and dogs.

🎥This video provides a quick example of a game called “Flip the Script”. This is a great game for dogs who are too excitable with people and like to jump.

Stella made huge progress in just about 20 minutes, as shown below! Help us give her a round of applause!

Vet visits are a MUST 🩺 but that doesn’t mean they are fun for your dog. 🐕 75% of dogs experience stress before even ent...
08/06/2024

Vet visits are a MUST 🩺 but that doesn’t mean they are fun for your dog.

🐕 75% of dogs experience stress before even entering the building! That stress then can impact the dog, the owner, and the care team, potentially putting everyone at risk - stress can make dogs do things they may not normally do 😕😖

Help your dog overcome this fear by registering for a spot with us tomorrow! We have space at 6, 6:15, 6:30, and 6:45pm!

We can’t wait to see you at Alpine Animal Clinic! 😄

We want to welcome to the team, Audrey Brown! 🥳 Because of Audrey, we will be serving the Bigfork area 🙌🏻🙌🏻Audrey recent...
08/05/2024

We want to welcome to the team, Audrey Brown! 🥳 Because of Audrey, we will be serving the Bigfork area 🙌🏻🙌🏻

Audrey recently graduated with a B.A. in Anthrozoology at Carroll College. She spent about a year interning with Madie to learn everything about working with clients and training. She will be completing her exam this fall to become a certified trainer with CCPDT.

Earlier this year, Audrey began taking clients. Over the summer, she really jumped into training leading many group classes and private sessions 😊

Clients have said awesome things about Audrey-

📣“Our vet fearful dog was so much calmer after working with Audrey.”

📣“I did the group training and socialization classes with Madie and Audrey. They are both great trainers and very knowledgeable and kind. The classes were so much fun and my puppy loved it!”

If you’re in the Bigfork area, Audrey would love to work with you! 🥳

🐾We’ve worked with so many awesome people over the last several years, but we want to know what you think of us!Our futu...
08/05/2024

🐾We’ve worked with so many awesome people over the last several years, but we want to know what you think of us!

Our future clients depend on your reviews, and we appreciate them more than anything 🫶

If you have worked with us, please go rate us on Google or Facebook by dropping some ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‼️

Who can tell us where Chloe was training? 🤔🙋🏼‍♀️Chloe is doing a 4-day training package with us! She’s been working dili...
08/04/2024

Who can tell us where Chloe was training? 🤔🙋🏼‍♀️

Chloe is doing a 4-day training package with us! She’s been working diligently to walk nicely, ignore dogs, and become comfortable when she’s away from people.

💜We love to improve our furry friends’ lives through training! Have something you’d like your dog to learn?

Let us know below! ⬇️

Bark 4 Joy strives to provide every client with the same experience, making it easy to work with us! 😁First, we recommen...
08/02/2024

Bark 4 Joy strives to provide every client with the same experience, making it easy to work with us! 😁

First, we recommend you check out our programs and training philosophy on our website 💻

📱Next, scheduling a free call will allow us to learn more and recommend a training program we feel will help you accomplish your goals.

💳 After, you’ll purchase your tailored program and finally schedule your sessions!

Interested in learning more? Schedule your free 15 minute call! ☎️

It’s crazy what two years can do to a pup 🥹Ryker was with us in summer 2022 for basic puppy training. Now, he’s back for...
08/01/2024

It’s crazy what two years can do to a pup 🥹

Ryker was with us in summer 2022 for basic puppy training. Now, he’s back for a three week training boot camp 💪🏻

🎢We are so thrilled that he is back!

Whether your dog is 2 months old or 2 years old, training is always a great option. If you’re headed out of town or need a break from your pup, we are here for your training needs! 😁

Our first scheduled Victory Visits at Alpine Animal Clinic will be on August 7th with slots every 15 minutes from 6-7pm!...
07/31/2024

Our first scheduled Victory Visits at Alpine Animal Clinic will be on August 7th with slots every 15 minutes from 6-7pm! 😁

🐕If you have a puppy (fully vaccinated) or a fearful dog, this would be the perfect opportunity for training. During your scheduled visit, we will make things fun and exciting for your dog.

With only 4 spots open, be sure to snag your spot, NOW! 🚨

There are a lot of reasons dogs may express “bad behaviors”…🧬 Genetics⏰ Lack of sleep🧠 Need for mental stimulation🏃🏻 Not...
07/31/2024

There are a lot of reasons dogs may express “bad behaviors”…

🧬 Genetics

⏰ Lack of sleep

🧠 Need for mental stimulation

🏃🏻 Not enough physical stimulation

😓 Stress or uncertainty

A great example is a jumping dog. 🌪️ People automatically assume a dog is being naughty, but it may be caused by another form of fight or flight called “fidget”.

Tell us about a “bad behavior” you want to decipher 🎙️

07/29/2024

We have another Hiking and Recall class this Friday! 🥳

With the smoke setting in later in the day, we will be hosting this class at 10am instead.

Come join us to practice your dog’s recall and additional behaviors that will build your confidence when your dog is off-leash 😊

Class will be August 2nd from 10-11:30am and costs $55.

⬅️ 1……… or ………. 2 ➡️Let us know in the comments 😁
07/28/2024

⬅️ 1……… or ………. 2 ➡️

Let us know in the comments 😁

Our Downtown Vibes class was a success 🎉This awesome group of ladies and their dogs did amazing for SO many distractions...
07/27/2024

Our Downtown Vibes class was a success 🎉

This awesome group of ladies and their dogs did amazing for SO many distractions (not pictured was the sweet, Millie).

We had dozens of people, bikes, strollers, kids, skateboards, the pedal trolley, and so many more distractions. Despite it all, they were rockstars! 🙌🏻

Our group classes have been so much fun, and with only a few more left, don’t miss out!

Visit our website for more information 😇

Drum roll please 🥁After a few months of planning and several months of research, we have secured a partnership with Alpi...
07/26/2024

Drum roll please 🥁

After a few months of planning and several months of research, we have secured a partnership with Alpine Animal Clinic 🥳

This partnership will allow us to provide lunch and learns for staff to gain more knowledge on fear free practices in vet clinics as well as animal behavior.

Even more exciting, we are providing two days a month for structured Victory Visits! 😄 These are designed to help your dog become more comfortable in the clinic setting without actually receiving vet care.

🧑‍🏫We will teach you ways to help your dog feel more comfortable and give training tips to make your dog’s experience more cooperative!

Who is ready to get on our August schedule? 🙋🏼‍♀️🙌🏻

Address

Helena, MT
59601

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

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A little more about Bark for Joy

Madie Sanford is a dog lover, just like you!

She is among the first few hundred people in the United States to receive a Bachelor’s in Anthrozoology. She studied horses and dogs and had the opportunity to train in many disciplines. Trish, one of Madie’s dogs, was trained in her undergraduate program. There, Trish learned narcotics detection, tracking, and an array of therapy/service tasks. Madie also worked with a friend to fully train a psychiatric service dog in just six months. While training the service dog, Madie assisted in rewriting Montana’s service dog law and testified as a proponent for the bill on two occasions.

Madie owns two dogs of her own: Trish (or Patrisha) and Sherman. Trish, who came from a shelter, is a Border Collie/Cattle Dog mix. Sherman was recently adopted from a rescue out of Fort Worth, TX called SPIN. Madie enjoys working with her dogs to help keep her training skills sharp.

Bark for Joy Dog Training was founded in 2018, the summer before Madie’s senior year at Carroll. She has been professionally training dogs ever since. She specializes in PTSD/psychiatric service dogs, but also does basic obedience, scent work, therapy training, and trick training. Currently, Madie is preparing to take her CPDT-KA exam. She also is earning her master’s degree in Companion Animal Science. Her thesis is on the environmental effects on canine olfaction.