Blue Rock Dog Training

01/02/2025

Is having dog that behaves better part of your plan for 2025? If so, we have classes for you! Our full lineup for January is on the website now https://www.bluerockdogtraining.com/

The Beginner Life Skills class is the perfect class for older puppies and dogs that haven't had classes before. This is a popular class that usually fills quickly, so sign up today to reserve your spot. The class is limited to 4 dogs, so you will get plenty of opportunity to work with your dog and ask questions. We work on all the basic skills every dog should know, plus learn some games to help your dog focus on you when there are distractions. The class will meet for an houron Saturday mornings at 9:30 on 1/11,1/25,2/1,2/8 and 2/15. All 5 weeks for $160. To register click this link:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72420404

01/01/2025

This event is being held just down the road from us at Tails Pet Salon:

Sun Feb 16 2025 CAER/OFA EYE Clinic Location: Tails Pet Salon 1265 South Main St Athol, MA 01331
Times: 10am-12pm All Breed Clinic CAER Eye Exams: Dr. Ruth Marrion $55 per dog/$50 per dog paid prior to 2/1/25-
Arrive 20min early for dilation. Contact: Danielle Rouleau 978-894-7896 (text) [email protected]

12/31/2024

FREE!

I'm doing some cleaning at the training center today 12/31. If anyone could use this puppy playpen/ kitten playpen stop by! I'll be here until 4 and again tomorrow. Text or call 978-895-9773 or stop by. Free to the first person to get it.

12/30/2024

Reel #2, take 2!

12/29/2024

12/29/2024

Registration Link for Puppy Kindergarten:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72337117

12/26/2024

On my chilly morning walk this morning, I was thinking about management as a way of preventing problem behavior.

As you might know, my dog Kite is an independent soul. I don't trust that his recall is good enough to allow for off leash walks. So, as you can see in the photo, when we're outside of the fenced area, he gets a 30' long line. This allows him to join the pack on a woods walk and allows me the peace of mind of knowing I'll return home with all my dogs! Once we got back to the pasture, he got to be off the long line and could run with the pack.

I often recommend management tools (crates,x-pens, long lines, leashes, etc) to prevent unwanted behavior (house-soiling, conflict between dogs,harassing cats or children, running off, jumping on guests...).

I hope Kite won't need the long line forever, but I know that by using it now, I'm increasing my chances that he'll be able to run free with the pack in the woods someday because he's not rehearsing taking off.

What behavior is your dog rehearsing that you'd prefer he didn't perfect?

12/03/2024

This is Violet! She earned her AKC Intermediate Tricks title last weekend. One of the tricks she did to earn that title was balancing on an exercise ball. Violet has really loved learning tricks in class and coming to class has improved her behavior outside of class as well.

We have one spot left in the Tricks class that starts Thursday 12/5 at 6:30. The class meets weekly on Thursdays for 5 weeks. The cost for all 5 weeks is $160. Your dog will have the opportunity to earn AKC titles starting with the Novice Trick Dog title, but it is also just a fun way to spend some time with your dog. If you'd like to join the class, click on the link below to register:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=70182128

12/01/2024

Puppy Kindergarten class starts this week! PK is possibly the most important class your dog will ever take. Even dog trainers take their dogs to PK. Why? Because it can be really hard to get GOOD socialization opportunities in during the crucial socialization period. Here at BRDT, we will guide you on what good socialization is and provide opportunities to socialize your pup to new places, new sounds, new people, new dogs, new objects.....

Our class is 5 weeks long and costs $160. We will meet on Tuesdays at 5pm starting 12/3. No class on 12/24 or 12/31. This class is for puppies 8weeks old-4months old. To register, click this link:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=70513435

Questions? call or text Barb at 978-895-9773 or email [email protected]

Picture of baby Kite for interest. Kite just turned 4 and is training in Herding, Rally, and Agility!

11/18/2024

Our Saturday Beginner Life Skills class is full, but there's still room in the Tuesday evening class that starts 12/3 at 6:30.

This class is perfect for older puppies (5 months and up)or dogs that haven't taken classes before. Dogs should be able to work in a room with other dogs. (Some excitement when seeing other dogs is ok, but reactive dogs should be scheduled to work privately). This is a great class to work on basic training. We cover: Sit, down, recall, settle,polite greeting, leash walking, focus and more. Get help with dogs that jump on guests, pull on leash, etc.

Class meets for 5 weeks( no class on 12/24 or 12/31). Cost is $160.

To register:
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=70690264

Sunrise photo of the well behaved Brook for tax!

11/09/2024

The Blue Rock crew is having a big adventure in Oklahoma! We arrived last night and started working sheep today. Jemma and Reed both got a chance to work on the Open trial field in the morning. In the afternoon, Reed got to go back on the quad and help move sheep off the field. At the end of the day he got to move the sheep back into the field where they will graze overnight. Excellent training experiences for both dogs.
We'll be back in Massachusetts before Thanksgiving. December classes are listed on the website. Saturday Beginner Life Skills is full, but there is still room in the Tuesday evening class that starts 12/5.

11/08/2024

Puppy Kindergarten class starts 12/3 at 5pm. This class is for pups 8 weeks to 4 months. We cover all the behaviors that are challenging for puppy owners (biting, housetraining, jumping, resource guarding, etc) as well as teaching all the behaviors puppies need to learn to become well behaved dogs. The class meets for an hour every Tuesday for 5 weeks. The price is $160. Click the link below to register:
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=70513435

11/07/2024

There are no classes at Blue Rock Dog Training until after Thanksgiving. Barb and dogs are off to a clinic in Oklahoma! The dogs are excellent travelers so far. Practicing leash walking, riding quietly in their crates, and enjoying their first ever pup cups at Starbucks! (Thanks to Emily and Dwight for the tip!)

Check out our website for December classes. There's a full lineup of Puppy, Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced classes on the calendar. Some are filling fast!

10/22/2024

Is your dog in need of a little study time?

We have a Beginner Life Skills class starting soon and you can join us!

This is a 5 week class for dogs that need to work on basic manners. We will cover Sit, Down, Recall, Stay, Polite Greetings, Polite Leash Walking, Leave It, Focus and more. All taught in a postive, fun way for you and your dog to learn together. We will meet Sundays at 9:30 on 10/27 and 11/3, and 10:30 on 12/1, 12/8 and 12/15. If that weird schedule works for you, the cost is $160 for all 5 classes. The registration link is:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=69852901

10/15/2024

10/15/2024

Stop by and check out our gorgeous fall display! Huge thanks to James and Kristen Jouannet for growing the materials and putting this display together!

09/29/2024

This is true of dogs as well....

Horses are a lot like 4th graders.

I know this because my wife, Bridget, is a school teacher, and over the years, I’ve gained a pretty good understanding of what it takes to make a great student-teacher relationship... and I’ve come to realize, in many ways, it’s not that much different from the horse-trainer relationship.

Horses, like students, may not always remember exactly what you taught them on a given day, but they remember how you made them feel.

They remember whether or not you encouraged them and made them feel confident about the things they have learned.

They remember if you took time to listen to them and to build a relationship with them.

They recognize our attitudes and behaviors, and they are easily influenced by the energy we put off—both positively and negatively.

Horses, like students, need space to make mistakes.

They don’t need to be micromanaged.

They don’t need to be harshly criticized when they get the wrong answer.

Instead, they need you to guide them in the right direction and be rewarded when they find the right answer.

Horses, like students, need us to take the time to help them develop their skills.

They need us to show patience and kindness.

They need us to have understanding and excellent communication.

They need us to be committed to their growth, no matter how slow or fast it may be.

Horses, like students, need us to understand that progress is not an overnight process, but rather a lifelong journey. And, while it may be a long journey, it sure is a rewarding one.