What are the 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

Adventure Is Barking

Home
United States
Hopkins, MN
Adventure Is Barking

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

01/26/2025

Whistle had the best time at the Cutest Puppy Contest hosted at yesterday! She worked hard charming the crowd (it’s tough being this adorable!) and is now anxiously awaiting the contest results. 🐾

A huge thank you to everyone who made this fun event possible—it was a blast! 🐶🎉

01/24/2025

Say hello to Marisol! 🐾 She’s here for a week of puppy board & train, and we can’t wait to see her progress! 🐶✨

Speaking of puppies… Don’t forget the Cutest Puppy Contest is TOMORROW at 1PM at Come cheer on Whistle and all the adorable pups! 🎉🐕💕

🐕‍🦺 Reminder: Our puppy pack walks kick off on 2/8! Sign up now via the link under events on our website to join the fun. 🌟

Have a pawsome Friday! 🎉🐾

🐕

01/23/2025

Ever wonder why your dog seems anxious, reactive, or even stubborn? 🐕 The answer may not lie solely with your dog—it could be rooted in your family’s dynamics.

Join us for our How Does Your Family Dynamic Affect Your Dog? seminar and discover the powerful connection between your household’s energy, communication, and your dog’s behavior.

📚 What You’ll Learn:
• How your dog mirrors the emotions and energy in your home.
• The impact of inconsistency, tension, or miscommunication on behavior.
• Practical strategies to create a calm, balanced environment where your dog can thrive.

✨ Key Topics Include:
• Establishing consistency for both humans and dogs.
• Recognizing and addressing stress signals in your dog.
• Using clear communication to set your dog up for success.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who Should Attend:
• Pet parents facing behavioral challenges.
• Families wanting to strengthen their bond with their dog.
• Anyone curious about the emotional connection between humans and dogs.

Take the first step toward a calmer, more harmonious household! 🏡🐾 Reserve your spot today!

01/23/2025

Teddi is here to tackle her demand barking! Her board & train focuses on real-life situations—like when her humans are working at a desk or talking on the phone—that trigger her attention-seeking barks. By replicating these scenarios, we’re helping Teddi learn calm, quiet behaviors that will set her up for success at home.

🐾 Ready to help your dog thrive? Set up a personalized board & train program today and let’s tackle those challenges together!

01/22/2025

Building Dog Friendships Starts with Respect

When introducing dogs to each other, it’s easy to focus solely on how they feel about one another—but a big part of fostering positive relationships starts with respect for the people in the room. Here’s how we set the stage for success:

1️⃣ Start with Structure
Dogs thrive on clear boundaries. Whether it’s ensuring a calm walk together before playtime or asking for a polite sit and stay during introductions, structured moments allow dogs to feel secure and reduce the chances of conflict.

2️⃣ Advocate for Each Dog
Each dog has their own comfort zone, and it’s our job to ensure that no one feels overwhelmed. Watch for signs of stress (like avoiding eye contact, stiff body language, or lip licking) and intervene if needed. Respecting their individual needs helps build trust.

3️⃣ Neutral Territory is Key
Meeting on neutral ground, like a park or open space, takes the pressure off dogs to defend their home turf. It’s easier to build positive associations when the environment is stress-free.

4️⃣ Stay Calm and Confident
Dogs mirror our energy. If we’re relaxed, they’re more likely to feel at ease. Respecting the people involved—yourself included—means being patient, present, and mindful throughout the process.

Friendships take time, and every dog moves at their own pace. By respecting each other (both human and dog), we create an environment where trust and companionship can grow.

01/21/2025

The look I get when I tell Princess she can’t get on the couch…

Do you have boundaries you set and stick to in your household?

In our home, my dogs are allowed on the furniture (it’s their favorite spot for cuddles!), but I hold a firm and consistent boundary when the front door opens. No rushing, no chaos—just calm, controlled behavior. Boundaries like this create structure, keep everyone safe, and help foster good manners, both at home and out in the world.

What boundaries have you established with your dogs? Share your tips below! 👇

01/21/2025

How Does Your Family Dynamic Affect Your Dog?

Peep this throwback of my childhood pups 🐾📸 Had to dig deep into the Facebook archives for this one 🔍💾!

Ever feel like your dog is acting out and you’re not sure why? The answer might not just lie with your pup—it could lie within your family.

As a dog trainer, I’ve often joked that I’m also a family therapist and relationship counselor. (Good thing I have formal schooling in social work 😉.) Here’s the truth: your dog doesn’t live in a vacuum. They’re deeply connected to the emotions, energy, and dynamics in your household.

When I meet families at a breaking point with their dog, the solution is often less about fixing the dog and more about fixing the communication within the home. Your dog feels your stress, frustration, and tension. They react to it, whether through anxiety, protectiveness, or even aggression. They try to help—but without the right tools, that help often becomes a behavior problem.

So what’s the fix? Start by looking inward. Ask yourself:
• Are we consistent in our routines and expectations—for the dog and each other?
• Are we communicating clearly as a family, or are we letting frustrations spill over?
• What kind of energy are we giving off that our dog might be reflecting?

When you create a stable, consistent, and positive dynamic at home, your dog will respond in kind. They thrive on clear communication and calm energy—just like we do.

The most incredible part? As you work on your family dynamic for your dog, you may find your relationships with each other improving too. It’s all connected.

So, the next time your dog’s behavior challenges you, take a step back and ask: what is this moment teaching us about our home?

📸🐾 Let’s talk: how has your dog helped you improve your family dynamic? Share your stories in the comments!

01/19/2025

🛋️ New Training Theme This Week: Cushion Courtesy! 🐾

This week, we’re focusing on Cushion Courtesy: Boundaries with Furniture, teaching dogs to respect the couch as a no-paw zone while finding their own comfy spots to relax! Through fun, structured exercises, your pup will learn to choose alternatives like their beds or mats instead of jumping on the furniture.

❄️ Why not let your pup join the fun while beating the winter chill?
Daycare is the perfect way to keep them engaged, learning, and socializing in our warm and cozy space.

📅 Book daycare today and let your dog enjoy a week of fun, structure, and training that carries over to home life. Don’t miss out—spots fill up fast!

01/18/2025

🌟 Full Circle Moments: Christina Then & Now 🌟

Christina in 2021 ➡️ Christina today!

When Christina first joined our team, she was a high school student with a natural knack for working with dogs. Fast forward a few years and a beautiful adventure in Colorado later, she’s back at Adventure is Barking—and we couldn’t be happier! 🐾

Christina has been part of our journey since the very beginning, back when we were just starting out at the house. Her calm, steady presence and ability to adapt to whatever the day brings have always made her an invaluable part of the team. Whether it’s training, playgroups, or simply being there for the pups, she brings a sense of balance and warmth that the dogs (and we) adore.

We’re beyond lucky to have Christina back as we continue to grow. Here’s to celebrating the past, embracing the present, and looking forward to all that’s ahead. Welcome home, Christina! 💙🐕

01/17/2025

Curious what the pups have been working on this week? We’ve been playing the Freeze Game! 🐾✨

This fun training exercise builds impulse control during playtime by pausing the action and cueing the dogs to ‘freeze’ (“stay”). Whether mid-wrestle or chasing a toy, the dogs stop, hold their position, and practice controlling their energy in those exciting moments.

Once they master the pause, we reward them with praise or the ultimate prize: getting back to play! 🎉 It’s a playful way to make high-energy fun both engaging and teachable.

01/16/2025

Happy 11th Birthday to my ride or die, Johnnie. 💛 When life felt like it was falling apart, Johnnie was the one constant that held me together. In the early days of my career, I had no idea what the future held. I had just ended a relationship, moved across the country, and was living out of my car trying to figure out my next step.

Johnnie didn’t care about the chaos—I was his world, and he was mine. Whether it was for the treats, the cuddles, or just the quiet companionship, he’s been by my side through every uncertain moment, every triumph, and every tear. He taught me what unconditional love really means.

Swipe through for some of my favorite Johnnie looks and memories over the years—this guy has a way of making every moment brighter. If you’re at Exploring Tails today, stop by and wish him a happy birthday. He’d love to soak up all the love (and maybe snag a treat or two). 💕

01/16/2025

🌟 Have you met McKayla? 🌟 If not, we hope you get to soon—she’s an absolute rockstar! 🎉 McKayla has been a part of the Adventure is Barking family for over 3 amazing years. She started as the manager of our Social Club when it first opened and has absolutely crushed it. Guess what?! Now, she’s officially the General Manager for ALL of AiB! 🐾👏

Fun fact: Four of us (Sara, Kati, Karleton, and McKayla) all got our start working together at Chuck & Don’s! 🛍️ It’s been such a joy to grow alongside this dream team and keep these incredible people on board as AiB continues to grow. 🚀 We couldn’t do it without them, and we’re so excited for what’s ahead! 💙

01/15/2025

Dogs thrive when surrounded by consistency and clear expectations—and we’re here to make that possible! We understand that life can get busy, and staying consistent for your pups isn’t always easy. That’s where we come in!

The trio pictured here are some of our regular daycare and boarding pups, and we absolutely love being a part of their care and training. By creating balance and extending our consistent practices into your home, we help your dogs feel secure and confident. A little unpredictability becomes manageable because they trust in the structure and care you provide.

We’re here to support you and your pups every step of the way—making life smoother for everyone! 🐾

01/14/2025

Behind every great business is a lot of late nights, glasses, and post-shower brainstorming. 💻✨

This is what a lot of my evenings look like—wrapping up the day while planning for tomorrow, the next week, and the bigger picture ahead. One of the biggest perks of owning a business is making your own schedule, but the reality is, even when I’m not actively at work, I’m still working—fielding texts, brainstorming ideas, and refining how we serve you and your dogs.

I’ve made the decision to fully commit to this chapter of my life, pouring my time and energy into creating a service that meets the standard I want to deliver. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s worth every late night because I know it’s for something bigger: building a business that puts your dogs first and creates real impact.

Thank you for your continued trust and support—it keeps me motivated, even during the long nights at my desk, to keep delivering the best for you and your dogs. 🐾

01/14/2025

🎉 3 Things You Don’t Want to Miss! 🎉

1️⃣ Big thanks to for Whistle’s BFF—her emotional support sloth! 🦥💛 This sloth is getting ALL the love.

2️⃣ Mark your calendars for 1/25! 📅 Whistle is competing in the Cutest Puppy Contest at , and she’s ready to steal the show! 🏆🐶 Come cheer her on—she’ll need her fans there!

3️⃣ Puppy Pack Walks are coming in February! 🐾✨ Get your pup signed up for some fun, fresh air, and new friends. Details are on the events link on our website—don’t wait!

Let’s make 2025 the year of happy tails! 🐕

01/13/2025

📢 Setting Boundaries = Calm & Confident Dogs! 🐶✨

Does your dog struggle with anxiety? 🤯 Instead of coddling them when they’re stressed, try setting clear boundaries. 🛑 Consistent structure helps them feel safe and secure because they know exactly what’s expected of them!

Coddling your pup during anxious moments might feel comforting ❤️, but it can unintentionally reinforce their fears. Instead, focus on building their confidence through training, routine, and clear leadership. 🐾👏

Remember: Structure = Security = Less Anxiety 🧘‍♀️🐕

📋 Tips for Boundaries:
✔️ Use commands like “Place” or “Stay” to encourage calmness.
✔️ Redirect unwanted behaviors with consistency.
✔️ Stay calm—your energy sets the tone!

👉 Build their trust, not their fears. You’ve got this! 💪🐾

01/12/2025

What Does Positive Play Look Like?

In this moment, this picture captures only part of the story; Every interaction has more than one side.

Positive play is balanced. It’s about mutual enjoyment, healthy communication, and respect between dogs. You’ll see them taking turns, offering breaks, and reading each other’s body language.

But sometimes, a snapshot can’t show the nuances. A still moment might hide whether the interaction is escalating or if both dogs are truly engaged. That’s why knowing the whole context matters. Positive play isn’t just what you see—it’s what you feel and what both dogs communicate.

01/11/2025

✨ Meet Bear! ✨
This high-energy working breed pup is here for board & train to master his off switch. 🐾 While he loves running and playing on the frozen lake ❄️, Bear struggles with settling down when it’s time to relax indoors.

We’re focusing on teaching him to disengage from the action using e-collar pressure to guide him to his “place” and encourage calmness—even when distractions are all around. 🏡👏 This is such an important skill for active pups like Bear to balance their drive with downtime!

Way to go, Bear—you’re already making strides toward becoming the ultimate well-rounded companion! 💪🐶

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

http://adventureisbarking.com/

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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

🎥🐾 Black Friday Shopping… Dog Style! 🛍️🐾 Imagine this: Your dog strutting through stores, greeting people politely, ignoring distractions, and mastering those leash manners—all while looking like the most well-behaved pup in town! 🐕✨ That’s what we’re up to today with some of our training dogs! From navigating busy aisles to practicing commands like “heel” and “leave it,” they’re getting real-world experience that builds confidence and good behavior. 💪 Now, picture YOUR dog here. With our Black Friday deals, that could be your reality in 2025! ✨ Board & Train Packages: Up to 15% off ✨ Sara’s Ultimate Training Package: Exclusive and only 2 spots available! ✨ Tail Trail Boarding: Relaxation + training walks for the ultimate enrichment These deals are only available 11/29–12/1, so don’t miss out! Let’s turn your pup into the star of your next shopping trip. 🐶🛒 📲 Visit the link in bio to grab your deal or message us to learn more! #BlackFridayDeals #DogTrainingGoals #RealWorldTraining #HappyDogs #ShoppingWithPups #TrainingAdventure #WellBehavedDogs #ShopSmall #AdventureIsBarking

Our Board & Train pups were hard at work today, mastering their Thanksgiving table manners during playtime training! 🦃🍂 With a mock holiday setup, they practiced the ‘leave it’ command to resist tempting treats and learned to settle calmly near the table. From staying out from underfoot to perfecting their ‘place’ command, these pups are ready to impress at the holiday feast! #ThankfulPups #GoodManners #BoardAndTrain #HolidayReady

🐾 Mango and I had a productive training morning yesterday as she begins her e-collar journey! 🌟 We’re introducing the e-collar in positive, confidence-building ways to ensure clear communication without fear. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about training tools like the e-collar, with some believing they can’t align with a positive reinforcement-based approach. But we’re here to educate and show how e-collar training, when used correctly, can enhance communication and build a stronger bond with your dog—without the negative stigma. 🐕 Curious about how e-collar training can transform your relationship with your dog? Reach out today, and let’s get started! #ECollarTraining #DogTrainer #PositiveReinforcement #BalancedTraining #DogTrainingTips #AdventureIsBarking #ConfidentCanines #DogLife #MinnesotaDogs #DogTrainingJourney #TrainingWithLove 💕🐶

🏀 The NBA Cup starts today! Check out Ant Jr getting all cleaned up to cheer on his pops! Let’s go, Wolves! 🐺💙 #NBACup #GoWolves #AntJr

🎃 Happy Halloween! The pups are celebrating with pumpkin painting, costume parades, and sniffing out treats in the pumpkin snuffle! There’s still time to book a Friday daycare day or a weekend getaway, so your dog can join in on the fun! 🐾 #HalloweenFun #DoggyDaycare #PawsAndPumpkins

🎃 Halloween week is in full swing at daycare, and the fun is endless! From themed treat games to spooky-themed training, we’re keeping the energy high and tails wagging. 🐾 Don’t let your dog miss out on the festive fun—spots are filling up fast, so sign them up for one of our remaining days this week of ghostly good times! 👻 #HalloweenDogFun #DogDaycare #SpookySeason

01/26/2025

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01/22/2025

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01/15/2025

01/14/2025

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01/13/2025

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01/11/2025

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