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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 5pm

Bark to Bliss

Professional dog trainer of over 15 years helping find positive solutions for happy families!

09/30/2024

Still a few spots available for October! I would love to help you and your pup this month!!!

09/13/2024

One of the most rewarding aspects of dog training isn’t just teaching commands or tricks—it’s empowering our dogs to make their own good choices. With positive reinforcement training, we’re not just managing behavior, but helping our dogs develop confidence, self-control, and a more positive emotional connection with us and their world.

When we give our dogs the freedom to make decisions and then reward those good choices, something incredible happens: they *want* to do the “right” thing. Instead of constantly trying to control their behavior, we create an environment where our dogs feel empowered to manage their impulses. This is particularly transformative when it comes to common behavioral challenges like counter surfing, chasing the cat, jumping on guests, or pulling on the leash.

Rather than using corrections, positive reinforcement shifts the focus toward encouraging better alternatives. When your dog is given the tools to choose calmly over impulsively, they begin to regulate themselves, showing more patience and self-control in challenging situations. Suddenly, counter surfing turns into sitting politely, chasing the cat becomes a chance to practice a “leave it,” and jumping on guests transforms into sitting or waiting calmly.

Empowering our dogs with the opportunity to make these good decisions is key to lasting behavioral change. Each time they choose the better action, they are actively learning how to control their impulses, which reduces frustration and stress. This doesn’t just create better behavior—it builds a more positive emotional response which can build confidence and trust.

Training should always be a joyful partnership. When we trust our dogs to make decisions—and guide them with love and patience—we set them up for lifelong success. After all, the journey isn’t just about obedience—it’s about fostering a relationship built on trust, understanding, and compassion.

The next time your dog pauses to make a decision, take a moment to celebrate them. You’re giving them the tools to be thoughtful, independent, and confident—and that’s the greatest gift we can offer them to creating positive emotional responses that last a lifetime. 🐾❤️

08/03/2024

🎉🐾🐕 BIG NEWS!!! STARTING SOON!!!🐕🐾🎉

🐾 Bark to Bliss is excited to now offer a Board and Train option in partnership with Sunland Acres! 🐾

During this immersive two-week stay, your dog will receive daily, individualized instruction from an experienced trainer, focusing on practical, everyday obedience using all positive and force-free training methods.

🦮Your dog will learn the following skills:

• Sit
• Down
• Stay
• Place
• Come
• Leash Manners
• Auto sit when stopping
• Threshold Manners
• Impulse control / Leave it
• Generalized Manners

🐩Dogs will gain confidence and even enjoy a few socialization outings to solidify their new skills! Our program also includes a one-hour one-on-one session that details everything your dog has learned and how to help them succeed at home, as well as a follow-up session two weeks after the training is complete.

🔥Board and Train spots are limited and will fill quickly! 🔥

🎉Private lessons and group classes will continue to be available!

📲Message or inquire below for details!

08/03/2024

When you come home from dog training to see 🐾 featured in this month’s Link magazine 💗💗💗 Sadie was very excited to be in the spotlight of course 🐕 and insisted on showing it off to Bindi 🤣😉🎉

Thank you Dylan Thomas and Victoria Ann Thomas for the highlight this month 💗

07/23/2024

We had so much fun training with our advanced puppy group!!! 🎉🎉🎉 This week Tucker and Gus who are 6 month old rockstars worked on solidifying their stay in new places, confidence building drills, and worked on heel! My Sadie jumped in to help them in their training!

07/16/2024

Congrats to our latest Bark to Bliss puppy class grads!!! 🎉🎓These little cuties and their families have been working hard over the past five weeks to help their puppies grow into happy, confident, and well mannered pups 😍 🐶🐾

07/04/2024

🧨🇺🇸Happy Fourth 🇺🇸🧨

A few quick tips to keep your pets safe for the holiday!

1) Make sure your pet has a collar and ID tag in them. If you need a quick one put your number on a piece of tape around their collar. More pets get lost on the 4th of July than any other holiday.

2) Keep pets inside during fireworks. Make sure to take them out early and exercise them before the fun starts.

3) Give them a safe and quiet place to hang out during the festivities. Giving your dog some ambient noise or a sound machine also helps muffle the loud noises.

4) Give them something safe to lick or chew on (like a stuffed frozen Kong or chew bone) to keep them occupied during the noise.

5) Make sure not to feed pets human food or alcoholic drinks as these can be harmful to pets.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July 🎉🇺🇸🧨 🇺🇸💥🇺🇸

06/29/2024

🎆🐾 **Desensitizing Your Dog to Fireworks** 🐾🎆

Fireworks can be stressful for many dogs, but with positive reinforcement training, you can help your furry friend stay calm and relaxed. Here’s a step-by-step guide to desensitize your dog to fireworks using a noise app or YouTube videos:

**Step 1: Create a Calm Environment**
1. Choose a quiet room where your dog feels safe.
2. Have your dog’s favorite treats and toys ready.
3. Ensure the training sessions are short and positive.

**Step 2: Start with Low Volume**
1. Play firework sounds at a very low volume using a noise app or YouTube video.
2. Watch your dog’s reaction. If they seem relaxed, give them a treat and praise.
3. Repeat this for a few minutes, then stop the sounds and end the session on a positive note.

**Step 3: Gradually Increase Volume**
1. Over several days, gradually increase the volume of the firework sounds.
2. Continue to reward your dog with treats and praise whenever they remain calm.
3. If your dog shows signs of anxiety, lower the volume to a level where they feel comfortable.

**Step 4: Vary the Sounds and Duration**
1. Use different firework sounds and vary the length of each session.
2. Practice in different rooms and at different times of the day.
3. Continue to reinforce calm behavior with treats and praise.

**Step 5: Practice Regularly**
1. Consistency is key! Practice these sessions regularly leading up to firework events.
2. Keep the training fun and stress-free for your dog.

**Bonus Tips:**
- Pair the sounds with playtime or mealtime to create positive associations.
- Use a Thundershirt or calming pheromone spray if your dog needs extra comfort.

📱 *Recommended Noise Apps/YouTube Channels:*
- Relax My Dog - Relaxing Music for Dogs
- Fireworks Training Playlist
- The Wolf and Bears

By taking these steps, you’ll help your dog feel more comfortable and confident during firework displays. Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are your best tools! 🐶💖

06/08/2024

New Puppy Classes starting this Sunday, Monday, and Thursday!!! 🐾🐶Only a few spots left!!! 🦮Message me for details! I would love to help you in your new puppy journey to grow into a confident and well mannered family dog 💗

06/02/2024

With summer heating up ☀️🔥 don’t forget to keep your dogs safety in mind too! 🐶🐕🐕‍🦺🐩
While we have shoes… they don’t! 🐾 It’s it’s too hot for your bare feet it’s too hot for their paws!
It is WAY to hot to be walking your dog in the middle of the day! 🥵🔥☀️ Save walks for early morning or later in the evening!

Never leave your dog in the car even just for a quick run in (which also happens to be illegal here in Florida) 🔥🚘

Make sure your dog has plenty of water 💦💧especially when playing outside in the heat.

05/25/2024

Can your dog(s) do this? shared this of her FOUR dog crew rocking their training at the door! 🎉🎉🎉 My favorite part of my job is getting these amazing update pictures 😍 So proud to see their hard work paying off 🎉🎉🎉

05/11/2024

🐶🐾Calling all PUPPIES 🐾🐶
Needing some help with potty training or help with training your new puppy? Bark to Bliss is here to help you and your puppy find harmony in a PAWsitive way 💗

🐾🐶Small group classes starting in JUNE right here in Rivertown!!! 🐾🐶
Your puppy will start to learn basic manners and commands, address common puppy issues and potty/house training as well as have the opportunity to socialize in a safe and controlled environment. Spots are LIMITED!
Comment below or message me for details! 🐾

✨May Special✨
1 hour personalized Puppy Welcome session including help with all basic puppy problems like potty training, socialization, basic manner development, housebreaking, puppy safety, and all the common puppy issues like nipping, jumping, chasing kids, as well as learning some basic commands. Only a few spots left for this! 🦮🐾

🐾Message me for details and to schedule 🐾🐶

03/16/2024

We had a fun training outing today at the Mandarin Garden Club with at their Orchids Gone Wild show today! 🌷💐🌺🌹 Sadie of course was a rockstar and was the perfect angel! My sidekick was also great help holding my new orchids 😍🤩

Today we worked on:
✅ignoring all the new sights and smells
✅crowded areas with all the people
✅tight spaces
✅and staying in a close heel through the crazy!

02/11/2024

🐶 Unlock the blissful potential in your furry friend with Bark to Bliss Dog Training! 🐾 Does your dog need some manners or maybe just a few things here and there? Or maybe you have a new puppy and need help with starting out? 🦮

🐾 🦮 From common puppy problems, basic obedience and manners, to complex behavioral issues, I can help with all of your dog training needs!

🐩 Sign up now to secure your spot and experience a PAWsitive transformation firsthand. Let us help you on the path to household pet happiness and harmony. Contact us today! 🐶🐶

01/23/2024

Let’s talk training methods… did you know that positive reinforcement is a form of operant conditioning that is backed by REAL SCIENCE 🤯 Positive reinforcement is also the same method that animals care takers in zoos and aquariums use all over the world to train all of their animals to be active participants in their own healthcare by training for necessary health checks and veterinary procedures, be able to learn more about our animals, promotes educational opportunities, plus provides mental stimulation and enrichment! It’s also the same method of training that is recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) and vets around the world!

So what is POSITIVE reinforcement? Basically when an animal performs a behavior that produces a positive stimulus (something the animal finds of value), the animal is likely to repeat the behavior in the near future. The positive stimulus is termed a positive reinforcer because it reinforces, or strengthens, the behavior. When a positive reinforcer immediately follows a behavior, it increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated.

So does that mean if I use positive reinforcement I have to always carry treats? NO! In fact today I was using Sadie’s favorite new toy and a game of tug as her primary reinforcement to work on her agility skills today! Yes for some specific things she received some treats (because we were working on placement things and I need her head down in a particular spot to train positioning 🤣) Our other dog Bindi loves to work all day just for her ball and a game of fetch!

Do your own research and look into the REAL science behind your next trainer. Also ask yourself if you want lasting results or a quick fix that could be costly long term. And yes those are my pictures of myself and some friends from back in the day 😘

Here’s a great starter resource 💗 https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/p/resources.html

01/10/2024

Aggression. I hate this word. Well the “label” 😢 Once a dog is “labeled” aggressive it’s like a neon sign that follows that dog for life. Often times aggressive behavior is misunderstood and is simply a negative instinctual reaction to a stimulus out of fear, stress, or lack of training. No matter what the situation, an “aggressive” response can be scaring and unsettling for everyone involved. This can also lead to further problems and the behaviors becoming rehearsed or habitual which can be a nightmare to train out.

Today I was “discussing” aggression with a group of other trainers a particular case I’m working with to get more professional opinions on the behavior modification plan I have laid out (which basically confirmed we were headed in the right direction and various options). I have worked with many challenging cases and while I proceed with caution for all parties involved I strive to find the “why” and the solution to the behavior we are seeing.

However the discussion quickly took a wrong turn… When I explained the situation that had occurred, that in my opinion the dog’s negative response was clearly warranted, the trainer said “once a dog is labeled aggressive I’m out.” I was shocked that someone could give up on an animal so easily no matter what the situation was. How can you just give up?! That doesn’t help the dog or the family! To be fair… I felt the dog was doing the best it knew how given the situation it was put in. Just like humans… dogs have their limits and boundaries too. Some things are just not comfortable for them and can result in stress responses.

My definition of aggression is literally trying to eat every thing in sight or a threat to human or animals. When you have seen “aggression” you will know it. And within that there can be various types… dog aggressive, people aggressive, resource guarding, fear reactivity, boundary aggression, and the list goes on.

So instead of giving the dog the label of “aggressive” strive to understand the WHY behind the behavior and what’s causing the response you are seeing.

01/09/2024

Do you do fun things with your dog? Monday mornings are slowing becoming our favorite day of the week because that’s our agility day! And what a great way to start a week off by doing some fun things (and a double workout 🤣😅)!!!

Take your dog on an adventure to the local park or hiking trail! Maybe on a ride along (if trained to do so safely 😉) to pick up the kids from school or to the pet store to pick out their own toy! Or in our neighborhood golf cart rides are a favorite! Some days we just need a mommy-doggie day out for some fun!

Tell me one thing or dog sport you think would be fun to do with your dog 😍

Address

Saint Johns, FL
32259

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 5pm

Website

https://linktr.ee/bj.buffington

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Did you add a new furbaby to your family this holiday? 🐶🐾 ✅Start your new puppy and your family off to great start with starting training early! Bark to Bliss here in Rivertown is offering a limited time New Puppy Starter Package! Did you know that most behavior issues can be prevented by working with an experienced trainer from the start? 🤯 Save yourself the stress, money, and time by starting early all while helping to build confidence, a well socialized pup, and lifelong manners! 💗🤗 Feel free to message me with questions or to set a date to start 💗 ‼️Limited spots available for January and February‼️

Goals!!! What are your GOALS for your dog? Do you have big aspirations or just want them to “behave” in your house? One of the things I always love to ask my clients… What are their goals for their dog or as a family? Once we have goals… whether that’s as simple as a being a well rounded family dog or a higher level of skill with specific needs… we can start helping both the owner and the dog achieve their goals together. 🦮👬 I love helping those dreams come true for my clients! I’ve been fortunate to help train dogs for service, sports, worldwide ventures, and countless other successes. Some of my fondest training memories are watching owners see their dreams for their dogs come true 💗🥹🥹🥹 Two years ago when we got our Sadie I knew I had big dreams for her… I would LOVE for her to run agility like our border collie did in her younger years but ultimately it’s up to HER to have the drive to work and desire to run. While some of that drive to work CAN be trained… it’s still up to the dog ultimately to run the course and follow the handler through a course. There are soooooo many things we did with her as a young puppy to help her be successful. Many of which were mistakes we made with our first agility dog. It is SO much fun seeing dreams in the making 💗😍#dreams #dreamitdoit #dogsofinstagram #doggoals #traininggoals #dogtraininggoals #dogtraining #fortheloveofdogs #agilitydog #dogagilitytraining

Building confidence through exposure and exploring! 🎉🎉🎉 Even at 13 years old… Sam is learning and working toward better manners out and about. It’s been amazing watching Sam learn to RELAX and enjoy his environment on his decompression walks! 🦮🐾 Decompression walks are invaluable for dogs, especially those who need to build confidence. These walks provide a safe environment for dogs to explore and decompress from the stresses of everyday life. 🧘‍♀️😊 They offer mental stimulation, allowing dogs to engage their senses and investigate new surroundings at their own pace. 🐾 For dogs lacking confidence, decompression walks offer an opportunity to gradually build trust in their environment and themselves. 🐶 The varied terrain and sensory stimuli encountered during these walks challenge dogs both mentally and physically, promoting resilience and self-assurance. Through consistent exposure to new experiences in a controlled setting, dogs learn to navigate obstacles, overcome fears, and develop a sense of independence. 🐕‍🦺 Moreover, decompression walks foster a strong bond between dogs and their owners, as they explore together and build mutual trust. Overall, these walks are essential for nurturing a confident, well-rounded canine companion.🐾🐾🐾 #decompressionwalk #decompressiontherapy #dogtrainingatwork #mentalstimulationfordogs #barktobliss

Some puppy cuteness and kisses from 9 week old little Miss Olivia today! 🤩😍 How can this adorableness not brighten your day 😍 Welcome to training @livvywolfl you are so loved! I can’t wait to watch you GROW even more into the beautiful and confident girl you are! 🐶💕💕#goldensofinstagram #goldenretriever #puppylove #barktobliss

Who else enjoyed this beautiful day with their dog? Sadie decided she needed to take advantage of the pool today 🤣🤦‍♀️ #goldenpuppy #puppyproblems #canttrainoutthebreed #leftunattended

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