David Rodes Dog Training

11/02/2025

10/20/2025

Meet Our Trainer — David! 🐾
If you’ve met David, you know how passionate he is about dogs and how deeply he understands them. As co-owner of Berk & Kai’s House, his heart is to help dogs and their people build lasting bonds through positive, trust-based training.

🎓 GROUP CLASSES BEGIN SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25TH!
*Edited to add November evening classes*
📅 6-week course — 1 hour each week
💰 $135 + tax (October special!)

🐶 Puppy Level 1 (8 weeks–6 months) Learn basic obedience, tackle common puppy challenges like nipping and house training, and focus on safe, positive socialization to help your pup grow into a confident, well-adjusted dog.

🐶 Adult Level 1 (7 months & up) Build a strong training foundation, address common behaviors like jumping and leash pulling, and help your dog become a well-mannered companion in everyday situations.

🕐 Puppy Level 1: Saturday, October 25th 11:30am–12:30pm
🕑 Adult Level 1: Saturday, October 25th 1:30pm–2:30pm
🕐 Puppy Level 1: Monday, November 17th 6:00pm–7:00pm
🕑 Adult Level 1: Tuesday, November 18th 6:00pm–7:00pm
📍 Berk & Kai’s House | 1772 US-60 Huntington, WV 25705
📞 (304) 699-3414 to reserve your spot — spaces are limited!
📷 Photo credit: Christina Rodes

10/17/2025

To answer everybody’s questions, this New Members Guide will fill you in!

10/13/2025

WE ARE BOOKING STAYS FOR FALL AND WINTER NOW!! LETS TALK ABOUT DAYCARE!

🎉 Grand Opening Pre-Sale Starts NOW! 🎉

We’re so excited to welcome you (and your pups!) to Berk & Kai’s House — your new home for dog boarding, daycare, and training!

To celebrate our Grand Opening, we’re offering special October-only pre-sale deals:
🐾 $10 off your first boarding stay
🐾 10% off all training, including Board & Train programs

And don’t forget — your pup’s first day of daycare is always FREE!

These pre-sale offers are available throughout October only, so don’t miss your chance to join the Berk & Kai’s family and save!

📞 Call us today at (304) 699-3414 to schedule your first visit!

09/29/2025

We are GROWING! Wonderful new things to come in the world of dog services!!!

06/13/2025

A landmark study that directly addresses this question is:

Cooper, J. J., Cracknell, N., Hardiman, J., Wright, H., & Mills, D. S. (2014). The welfare consequences and efficacy of training pet dogs with remote electronic training collars in comparison to reward based training. PLOS ONE, 9(9), e102722. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0102722
Summary of Key Findings:

Study design: This was a controlled, scientific field study conducted by researchers at the University of Lincoln. It compared three groups:

Dogs trained using e-collars (shock collars) by experienced industry trainers

Dogs trained by the same trainers but without shock

Dogs trained by independent force-free trainers using positive reinforcement only

Trainers were certified and professional, with Group A and B trainers belonging to the Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association (ECMA) and having extensive experience using the devices.

Key results:

There was no significant difference in training efficacy between the groups using shock and those not using it.

Dogs trained with positive reinforcement exhibited fewer signs of stress and anxiety.

The study concluded that the use of shock collars was unnecessary and posed welfare risks without added training benefits.

Salivary cortisol levels, behavioral stress indicators (e.g., yawning, lip licking), and vocalizations were higher in the shock collar group.

Conclusion:

The researchers explicitly stated that the use of e-collars "has negative welfare consequences for some dogs" and "no clear advantage over reward-based training"—thus the use of shock collars is not justified.

So, even if the person operating the collar is a manufacturer-trained professional, this study showed the results were no better than training without shock, and the use of electronic collars resulted in unnecessary stress.

Cindy Ludwig, MA, BS, RN, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Owner, Canine Connection LLC
Voted Best Springfield, Missouri Dog Trainer

02/13/2025

https://www.adoptapet.com/pet/43515474-martinsburg-west-virginia-american-pit-bull-terrier?

Be a friend, tell a friend

Pictures of Hopper a American Pit Bull Terrier for adoption in Martinsburg, WV who needs a loving home.

12/06/2024

It's cold and miserable, and we are all busy preparing for Christmas.... but we still have dogs that need walks and exercise. Let me brunt the cold with your four legged pal and take one item off your plate this season. Message me for walk pricing and different exercise packages!

11/28/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18XBCLJXfD/?mibextid=WC7FNe

11/07/2024

Hezekiah would have turned 9 today. He was taken too soon and we still miss him. In the spirit of remembering him and how much he loved walks, I am SO excited to announce (due to a spike in interest) dog walking as part of the list of services I will be offering!

Now the weather is cooling down (kinda) and the sun sets sooner, the opportunities for walking are dwindling. Allow me to exercise your dog so you don’t have to!

Message me if you’re interested and we’ll discuss the different options

02/09/2024

Meet Coal. Coal is a ~2 year old, intact GSD who’s owner has recently passed away. Coal is looking for a loving home. (She will still need spayed) Please message me if you have any questions or know of anyone who would like to bring her into their home!