Adventure Is Barking

Adventure Is Barking All levels of dog training with real world distractions, dog friendly social events and adventures.

One Year.One year ago today, Jake and I were sleeping on the floor of Exploring Tails, running on adrenaline and sheer d...
03/05/2025

One Year.

One year ago today, Jake and I were sleeping on the floor of Exploring Tails, running on adrenaline and sheer determination as we prepared to open our doors for the very first daycare day. Two weeks of overnights, training our team, making sure every detail was right. It feels crazy to say that out loud.

Today, I stand in the same place—except now, it’s filled with dogs, with life, with a team that works harder than I could have ever imagined, and with a community that has supported us every step of the way. I am so proud of what we’re building here. The services we provide. The standard we are setting. The work we do every single day to be different in an industry full of strong opinions and endless approaches.

But let me be real—none of this comes easy. This past year has been full of long days, sleepless nights, and what I’d call good stress (but stress, nonetheless). We work 24/7, 365 days a year. This life isn’t for everyone, but it’s for me. I love it.

Owning a business isn’t just about the highs—it’s about being able to push through the lows with the right people in your corner. I’m lucky to have that in my partner, in our team, and in all of you who trust us, believe in us, and continue to choose us for your dogs.

Cheers to one year of our biggest expansion yet. And cheers to what’s still to come.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We’re just getting started. 🧡 💙

Team Blue takes the lead! 💙🏆Yesterday’s competition was a close one, but Team Blue pulled ahead for the win! Check out o...
03/04/2025

Team Blue takes the lead! 💙🏆

Yesterday’s competition was a close one, but Team Blue pulled ahead for the win! Check out our story to see the Day 1 winner of our Exploring Tails Anniversary Showdown! Who will take the top spot today? Stay tuned! 🔵🧡

A huge thank you to all our amazing clients who voted for us in Best Of awards! As a newer name in the industry, it’s a...
03/02/2025

A huge thank you to all our amazing clients who voted for us in Best Of awards! As a newer name in the industry, it’s an honor to be recognized alongside some of the best daycare and boarding facilities in the area. Even more special? We’re sharing this recognition with two facilities I highly respect and have personally trusted with my own dogs— and There are many philosophies on the “right” way to train and care for dogs, but I’m grateful to have collaborative relationships with both of these businesses, where the focus always remains on providing the best for the dogs in our care.

Thank you for your support—this means the world to us! 🐶❤️

🎉🐾 Happy 1st Anniversary, Exploring Tails! 🐾🎉We’re celebrating a whole year of fun, learning, and wagging tails with a f...
03/01/2025

🎉🐾 Happy 1st Anniversary, Exploring Tails! 🐾🎉

We’re celebrating a whole year of fun, learning, and wagging tails with a friendly competition—Team Blue vs. Team Orange! 💙🧡

🔹 Team Blue: Dogs with names A–M
🟠 Team Orange: Dogs with names N–Z

It’s all about teamwork, challenges, and of course, plenty of fun as we mark this special milestone. Who will take home the bragging rights? Stay tuned to find out! 🎊🐶

One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to curb unwanted behaviors—like barking at people passing by—is focu...
02/27/2025

One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying to curb unwanted behaviors—like barking at people passing by—is focusing only on stopping the behavior instead of teaching what should happen instead.

If we just correct the barking without giving the dog a solid foundation of commands (leave it, come, place) and the ability to exist calmly in the yard without fixating, we’re not solving the problem—we’re just managing it through punishment.

Instead, our approach focuses on teaching new expectations rather than just suppressing unwanted behaviors. By building a strong foundation that applies to multiple situations, we create lasting change. The goal isn’t just to stop barking—it’s to help dogs develop self-regulation skills so they can navigate the world with confidence.

Because a well-trained dog isn’t just one that stops doing “bad” things—it’s one that knows what to do instead.

Nothing like seeing a bear (actually a Newfoundland) in an outdoor-themed store, huh? Bosun turned heads during his boar...
02/26/2025

Nothing like seeing a bear (actually a Newfoundland) in an outdoor-themed store, huh? Bosun turned heads during his board & train outings to local dog-friendly spots like . Big dog, bigger adventures! Want to add some fun outings to your dog’s next stay? Let’s make it happen!

Finally getting some warmer weather—woohoo for outdoor training! But we’ve been making the most of our indoor outings to...
02/22/2025

Finally getting some warmer weather—woohoo for outdoor training! But we’ve been making the most of our indoor outings too. Summit and Ella had a blast at , practicing their skills while soaking up all the love (and treats!) from the friendly employees at the Eden Prairie location. Great training, great socialization, and a great way to prep for more adventures ahead!

Furniture Privileges: Yes or No? 🛋️🐶 (Swipe to see both options!)How do we decide if our dogs can be on the furniture or...
02/21/2025

Furniture Privileges: Yes or No? 🛋️🐶 (Swipe to see both options!)

How do we decide if our dogs can be on the furniture or if they should stick to their cozy beds on the floor? First off—it’s completely up to you! There’s no right or wrong answer, just what works best for your home and lifestyle.

In our house, I don’t mind if my dogs are on the furniture, but that privilege comes with boundaries:

✅ They have to move when I ask. If I say “off,” they need to get down immediately—no negotiation. This helps prevent issues with resource guarding or stubborn behavior.

✅ They must be able to share. If a dog starts guarding the couch from others, pushing for more space, or showing any tension, they lose access. Furniture is a shared space, not a personal throne.

✅ They need to be respectful. That means no zooming onto the couch at full speed, no clawing at people for attention, and definitely no treating my lap like a trampoline!

For some dogs, having clear rules around furniture can actually reduce stress. Without guidance, dogs may feel like they need to “claim” space, which can lead to guarding or tension with other pets. By setting fair expectations, we create a home where everyone can relax—whether that’s on the couch or a comfy bed on the floor.

What’s your rule—couch privileges or floor beds only? Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️🐕

Noir, one of our two-week board & trains, has been making the most of our local dog-friendly spots—for training outings ...
02/19/2025

Noir, one of our two-week board & trains, has been making the most of our local dog-friendly spots—for training outings and to escape the cold!

Have you treated your pup to a meal at dog-friendly patio or grabbed a freshly brewed coffee (and a pup cup!) from on a chilly day?

If not, what are you waiting for? Check them out ASAP—your dog will thank you!



🐶☕️❄️🍴🐾

Did you know our training and daycare options are great for our senior dog friends too?Meet Dexter, a 12-year-old standa...
02/19/2025

Did you know our training and daycare options are great for our senior dog friends too?

Meet Dexter, a 12-year-old standard poodle who doesn’t always love being left home alone when his mom is at work. This distinguished gentleman gets the best of both worlds—plenty of cozy nap time and mental stimulation with daily training tailored to his needs as a senior pup.

Whether it’s working on gentle obedience refreshers, confidence-building, or just keeping his mind sharp, we’re here to make sure dogs of every age feel comfortable, engaged, and loved.

Because you’re never too old to learn something new!

Teaching “place” is one of the best foundational skills for puppies—it helps build focus, confidence, and impulse contro...
02/17/2025

Teaching “place” is one of the best foundational skills for puppies—it helps build focus, confidence, and impulse control. We start by guiding pups onto a mat (or cot) and rewarding them for all four paws on. Pairing the word “place” with gentle leash guidance helps them understand, and we celebrate every success with treats and praise. As they get the hang of it, we add distance and duration, teaching them to stay put even when distractions pop up. It’s a game-changer for settling down at home, in public, or when guests arrive. Start small, stay patient, and watch those lightbulb moments happen!

Muppet or dog? Sometimes it’s hard to tell… Osa is here for the start of her board & train, and we’re already obsessed w...
02/15/2025

Muppet or dog? Sometimes it’s hard to tell… Osa is here for the start of her board & train, and we’re already obsessed with this shaggy face!

Happy Valentine’s Day!Celebrate your love for your pup by planning a fun training outing this weekend!If I were planning...
02/14/2025

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Celebrate your love for your pup by planning a fun training outing this weekend!

If I were planning my Pawfect Valentine’s Date with my dog, here’s what it would look like:
❤️ Pick out a new toy from
❤️ Grab a coffee from
❤️ Swing by for a bag of treats
❤️ End the day with dessert + something off the dog menu at

Training outings are a great way to bond, work on skills in new environments, and spoil your pup all at once.

What would your dream Valentine’s Day with your dog look like? Drop your ideas below!

📸

Redirection Aggression: What Is It and How Do We Work Through It?We recently worked through a small incident of redirect...
02/13/2025

Redirection Aggression: What Is It and How Do We Work Through It?

We recently worked through a small incident of redirection aggression—a behavior that can happen when a dog is frustrated or overstimulated by something they can’t get to (like another dog), and instead redirects that frustration toward whatever is closest (sometimes a person).

In this case, a dog became very triggered by another dog in a nearby crate. Unable to reach the other dog, he redirected his frustration onto a trainer, biting at her shoe. While no one was hurt, it was an important reminder of how quickly frustration can escalate.

How Did We Respond?
1. Safety First: We secured the dog and muzzled him to ensure safe handling.
2. Turning it into a Learning Moment: Once he was calm, we used the situation as a training opportunity. We practiced the “leave it” command as the other dog walked by, teaching him that he could see the trigger without reacting.
3. Building Long-Term Tolerance: We will continue crating him near other dogs to help him build neutrality, but for safety, we won’t move him from the crate while those dogs are in view.

Why This Matters:
Dogs can easily learn that reacting aggressively makes what they don’t like go away. That’s not a pattern we want to reinforce. Instead, we work to teach dogs that staying calm is what leads to positive outcomes.

Takeaway for Dog Owners:
• Don’t just avoid triggers. Avoidance alone doesn’t solve the problem; it can actually make it worse.
• But don’t force it either. Pushing a dog too hard can lead to dangerous outcomes.
• Focus on controlled exposure. Find the balance—exposing your dog to their triggers in a safe, controlled way, while rewarding calm behavior.

Training isn’t always pretty—it can get messy. But every tough moment is an opportunity for growth.

Have you experienced redirection aggression with your dog? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

Redirection Aggression: What Is It and How Do We Work Through It?We recently worked through a small incident of redirect...
02/13/2025

Redirection Aggression: What Is It and How Do We Work Through It?

We recently worked through a small incident of redirection aggression—a behavior that can happen when a dog is frustrated or overstimulated by something they can’t get to (like another dog), and instead redirects that frustration toward whatever is closest (sometimes a person).

In this case, a dog became very triggered by another dog in a nearby crate. Unable to reach the other dog, he redirected his frustration onto a trainer, biting at her shoe. While no one was hurt, it was an important reminder of how quickly frustration can escalate.

How Did We Respond?
1. Safety First: We secured the dog and muzzled him to ensure safe handling.
2. Turning it into a Learning Moment: Once he was calm, we used the situation as a training opportunity. We practiced the “leave it” command as the other dog walked by, teaching him that he could see the trigger without reacting.
3. Building Long-Term Tolerance: We will continue crating him near other dogs to help him build neutrality, but for safety, we won’t move him from the crate while those dogs are in view.

Why This Matters:
Dogs can easily learn that reacting aggressively makes what they don’t like go away. That’s not a pattern we want to reinforce. Instead, we work to teach dogs that staying calm is what leads to positive outcomes.

Takeaway for Dog Owners:
• Don’t just avoid triggers. Avoidance alone doesn’t solve the problem; it can actually make it worse.
• But don’t force it either. Pushing a dog too hard can lead to dangerous outcomes.
• Focus on controlled exposure. Find the balance—exposing your dog to their triggers in a safe, controlled way, while rewarding calm behavior.

Training isn’t always pretty—it can get messy. But every tough moment is an opportunity for growth.

Have you experienced redirection aggression with your dog? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

Ant Jr. is showing off some of our Valentine’s Day fun this week! Have you picked up a Valentine’s Day banana for your p...
02/12/2025

Ant Jr. is showing off some of our Valentine’s Day fun this week! Have you picked up a Valentine’s Day banana for your pup yet? We’ve got a table set up at Exploring Tails where you can grab one anytime through the weekend!

Meanwhile, our Social Club pups have been busy creating their own Valentine’s masterpieces—painting special gifts for someone they love at home. ❤️🐾 Stop by and join in the fun!

In honor of the Best in Show being awarded tonight, here’s a throwback to one of my favorite memories—stepping onto tha...
02/11/2025

In honor of the Best in Show being awarded tonight, here’s a throwback to one of my favorite memories—stepping onto that green carpet at Madison Square Garden with my Cavalier, Willie.

There’s nothing quite like the energy of Westminster, the history, the lights, and the honor of competing on that stage. Wishing the best of luck to all the dogs and handlers chasing their dreams tonight!

Did you know some dogs smile?Not all dogs that show their teeth are being aggressive—some are actually showing a submiss...
02/08/2025

Did you know some dogs smile?

Not all dogs that show their teeth are being aggressive—some are actually showing a submissive grin! This is a friendly, appeasing gesture that some dogs use when they’re excited to greet their favorite people. You’ll often see a loose body, wagging tail, and soft eyes to go along with it.

If you’ve got a pup who loves to flash their pearly whites, consider yourself lucky—it’s their unique way of saying, “I’m happy to see you!” Have you ever seen a dog smile like this? Share your smiling pups in the comments!

Address

10921 Excelsior Boulevard, Suites 113 & 121 (New)
Hopkins, MN
55343

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 9:30am
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Tuesday 7am - 9:30am
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Wednesday 7am - 9:30am
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Thursday 7am - 9:30am
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Friday 7am - 9:30am
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Saturday 7am - 9:30am
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Sunday 7am - 9:30am
4:30pm - 6:30pm

Telephone

612-751-7277

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Adventure Is Barking posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Adventure Is Barking:

Videos

Sully the Golden just wrapped up his week-long board & train and is headed home with a stronger foundation in confidence and trust! This week was all about helping him feel secure in following the person at the end of the leash. Early morning, chilly training sessions like this are some of my favorites—simple engagement and obedience work go a long way in building trust and shaping a more confident dog. Proud of the progress Sully made! #BoardAndTrain #GoldenRetriever #ConfidentCanine #DogTraining

This week, dogs are learning to take training into their own paws—literally! 🐾 We’re introducing them to a talking button that says “Yes!” so they can mark their own good behavior. Instead of waiting for verbal praise or treats, they’re discovering how to actively participate in their training by pressing the button at the right time. Through curiosity, interaction, and guidance, they’re building problem-solving skills, engagement, and a stronger understanding of reinforcement. It’s a fun challenge that keeps their minds busy while they enjoy playtime at daycare! There’s still space left this week—get Your Dog in and try it! 🐶🔘 #YesYouCanine #SmartPups #DogTrainingFun #TalkingDog #ProblemSolvingPups #PositiveReinforcement #EngagedLearning #DogTrainerLife

There’s something special about the early mornings here. The roads are quiet, the town still waking up. No other businesses are open when we pull in, coffee in hand, ready for another full day ahead. The facility is still dark, but as the lights flicker on, the dogs start to stir—some stretching, some wagging their tails, already excited for what’s to come. This work never stops. 24/7, 365 days a year, we show up—because they need us, and because we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Every morning is a fresh start, a new opportunity to grow, to teach, and to create joy. And in those first quiet moments, before the play and training begin, I’m reminded just how special this place really is. Here’s to another great day! #DogLife #MorningMagic #DogTrainer #DaycareDogs #DogsOfInstagram #EarlyMorningVibes #DogsMakeMeHappy #TrainingWithLove #PlayAllDay #GrowingEveryDay #DogLovers #WorkThatMatters

Is anyone as excited for the Super Bowl tonight as Bosun was about yesterday’s snow?? ❄️🏈 But really, who else wishes the Vikings were in it? Maybe next year!! 💜💛 #Skol #SuperBowlSunday #SnowDayHype

Missed National Golden Retriever Day yesterday, so making up for it with a golden appreciation post today! Here are some of my favorite golden moments from the past six months—because every day is a good day to celebrate these lovable, goofy, and loyal dogs. #GoldenRetrievers #BetterLateThanNever #GoldensOfInstagram

Today’s training was all about boundaries! 🐾 We practiced two different types: 1️⃣ Formal boundaries – Like staying on a mat or designated spot. This is perfect for moments like guests arriving, keeping things calm and controlled. 🧘‍♀️🐶 2️⃣ Informal boundaries – Like staying behind a door threshold. This is great for everyday moments, like grabbing an Amazon package or stepping outside for a quick second. 🚪📦 Teaching these skills helps create structure and keeps your pup safe while giving them clear expectations in different situations! 💡✨ #DogTrainingTips #BoundariesMatter #GoToYourPlace #CalmAndConfident #WellManneredDogs #TrainingGoals #AdventureIsBarking

☀️ Good Morning from Our Weekend Boarders! 🐾 We’re kicking off the day with wagging tails and happy hearts! Boy, are we thankful for our warm, cozy indoor play and potty options on these chilly winter mornings. ❄️🐕 These pups are staying busy, staying warm, and soaking up all the love and fun this weekend. Whether it’s playtime, training or snuggle breaks, we’re making sure they feel right at home! ❤️ Wishing you all a pawsome weekend! 🐶 #AdventureIsBarking #WeekendBoarders #HappyDogs #DogDaycare #DogBoarding #DogLife #StayCozy #PlaytimeFun #WarmAndWagging #WinterWithPups

Shortcuts

Share