Benefit from our solid experience combined with certified, positive techniques for the best possible dog training results.
Living with a dog can be hard! Does your dog pull on leash? Jump on you or your guests? Growl at humans or other dogs? Is your dog afraid of everything?
Blue Rock Dog Training can work with you to educate your pet to be well-mannered, friendly and confident with other dogs and people. We have the training solution for every behavior challenge, from basic house training for puppies or ‘new to you’ dogs, through resolving advanced behavior challenges like leash pulling or bolting. Our full-service, private training programs can turn your dog into your ideal dog.
Choose the Solution That Works Best for You
Private Dog Training
Are you having real challenges with your dog’s training? Do you lack the time or flexibility to travel to classes? Some dogs have behavior issues that would make attending class difficult or unsafe. Personalized, private sessions may be the answer for you.
Group Training Classes
Group classes are great for puppies and dogs that need basic training, or the opportunity to socialize and work around other dogs. We can work on overall skills and manners, or a specific one such as polite leash walking and recall. We keep our classes small, so you and your dog get individualized attention.
Why Choose Us to Train Your Dogs?
We love dogs, and motivate them to learn through only positive reinforcement techniques, and never use pain or intimidation. Learning should be fun, and bond you with your dog.
Why Choose Us to Train Your Dogs?
We love dogs, and motivate them to learn through only positive reinforcement techniques, and never use pain or intimidation. Learning should be fun, and bond you with your dog.
Meet the Trainer
Barbara Eriksson, Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA
Barbara has a long history of training and modifying the behavior of animals, from farm horses to her own dogs, and the dogs of her clients. She finds genuine joy in training and its results, and wants to pass on that excitement to others. Not only does she rely on her personal experience, but she has achieved some of the top honors available in dog training.
Barbara is amazing! At our house, we affectionately refer to her as “the dog whisperer”. Before Barbara began working with Sophie, our Australian Shepherd/Australian Cattle Dog mix, Sophie would “lose her mind”, jumping when anyone entered the house-at one point knocking someone’s hat off. We had actually started boarding her when we were having company. After just a few training sessions Sophie no longer “loses her mind” and settles down quickly when someone enters the house. Barbara’s gentle approach worked wonders. I cannot praise Barbara enough.
Maureen
Follow Us on Facebook
Facebook Posts
We have openings in a few classes that start soon.
Two openings left: Canine Good Citizen- This advanced level class will help you and your dog prepare for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. Practice classes are on Wednesdays at 5pm starting 1/15 with the test scheduled for 2/19. The $180 class fee covers all 5 practice classes plus the test. Dogs that pass the test are able to get their certification from the AKC stating that their dogs are Canine Good Citizens. This is often a requiment from landlords or insurance companies or therapy dog organizations. To register for this class:
app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72425338
Three openings: Tricks class: Thursdays at 6:30 starting 1/16- In this fun class you and your dog will learn tricks, starting with easy tricks and gradually getting more challenging. This is a great Intermediate level class for dogs that are bored, need to build confidence, or just need a fun activity to do with their human! During this 5 week class, you will learn how to teach your dog tricks and have the oportunity to earn Trick Titles from the AKC. The cost for this 5 week class is $160. To register:
app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72420150
Two openings left: Cooperative Care Class with Lottie Hains: Does your dog have trouble going to the vets? Hate nail trims, ear cleaning, getting medications, or getting groomed? Learn how to help your dog feel safer and be a willing partner in their care in this 5 week class that meets on Saturdays starting 1/25. The cost for this class is $160. To register:
app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72338460
Two openings left: Intro to Rally and Obedience: In this class we will learn about the fun sports of Rally and Obedience and begin to learn the exercises in both. We will work on heeling, sit, down, stay and more as well as fun body awareness games. This is an Intermediate level class, dogs should have taken classes before and have an understanding of basic skills. This 5 week class starts 1/26 at 10:30am. The cost is $160. To register:
app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72453249
2 openings-Agility Foundations: This Intermediate level class is perfect for dogs that have taken some classes and are ready to learn fun agility basics. We will cover body awareness, build your partnership with your dog, introduce obstacles, and continue to build your dog's basic skills while having fun on Sundays! This 5 week class starts 1/26 at 12pm. The cost is $160. To register:
app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72453518
Puppy Kindergarten! This class is the one for young pups to get started on the right paw in their new homes. For puppies up to 4 months old, we will cover house training, nipping and biting, jumping on people, how to teach your dog all the skills they need to be a great companion, and how to socialize to get the best behaved, most confident dog as well as answering all your questions and meeting other puppies in our safe, clean training space. This 5 week class starts at 2pm on 1/26 and costs $160. To register:
app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72873223
And, only 1 spot left:
For those pups who are older, or dogs who haven't had a class before and need to work on manners, Beginner Life Skills on Sundays at 3:30 starting 1/26. This 5 week class will cover all the basic skills you and your dog need to be a great family dog and companion. This beginner level class will cover basic skills like sit, down, come when called, stay, settle, leave it and more. To register:
app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72874567
Register today to save your spot!
Huge congratulations to Denise Leonard and her dog Nick for earning his Intermediate Tricks Title this week.
I've known Nick since he was a wee pup. Denise got him shortly after I got Kite, and they have both turned out to be challenging dogs! (I will share Kite's story another day)
Nick developed worries around people when he was an adolescent. He started growling at people when he was at the vet's office and needed to wear a muzzle for vet visits. He would stiffen and sometimes growl when strangers got too close to him. He even jumped toward someone who bent over to pet him, causing a minor injury. All of these reactions from Nick were fear based. He, like many dogs, had developed a fear of strangers during adolescence. Maybe because he was a Covid puppy and didn't get to go out and about during that crucial time, but maybe for reasons we will never know. Denise was worried about him when strangers were around and wanted him to be better.
Denise has done a ton of work with him. She took a puppy class with him, she took the Cooperative Care Class with Lottie Hains here at BRDT (Another will be offered later this month for those of you who are looking for such a class), she did our Continuing Education class, took the Canine Good Citizen class just to practice being approached by strangers as a positive experience, and now they just finished the Tricks class. Nick is also a working dog and helps manage the sheep on Denise's farm as well as competing at sheepdog trials.
All that work is paying off! Nick's circle of acceptable-to-him people has grown and he is more relaxed around strangers. He is a happier, safer-to-be-around dog. He loves his one-on-one time training with Denise, and learning tricks has been a fun way for him to learn more, bond better, and become more relaxed. Denise is still cautious with him around strangers, but she is also able to be more relaxed.
Congratulations and Happy 4th Birthday to Nick!
We're enjoying getting to know Nick in Rally class. Congratulations, Denise Leonard on Team Nick's Trick Dog Intermediate!
💜 Congratulations Nick& Denise!
Congratulations!!
Congratulations
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
Our January classes have been filling quickly, so we now have two more added to the schedule.
Puppy Kindergarten-For puppies up to 4 months- Sundays at 2pm starting 1/26-to register:
app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72873223
And Beginner Life Skills-For older puppies or dogs who haven't taken classes before: Sundays at 3:30pm, starting 1/26-to register:
app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72874567
Register to hold your spot before these classes fill too!
It's cold out there!
But it is warm at Blue Rock Dog Training center! We have a Tricks class for you and your canine pal to have a fun thing to do in the winter.
Learning tricks is a great way to boost your dog's confidence, build your relationship, and learn better communication.
Join us on Thursdays at 6:30 starting 1/16. We will meet for an hour each week. You will learn how to teach your dog tricks, starting with very easy ones, and working toward harder tricks. Most teams earn at least their Novice Tricks Title with the AKC, many go on to earn Intermediate or Advanced Tricks Titles as well. Come have fun, learn tricks and stay warm on chilly winter evenings. The cost for all 5 weeks is $160. Dogs should be able to work in a room with other dogs without excessive barking. Dogs do not need to be purebreds or registered to attend.
To register click this link:
app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=70182128
Questions? Call or email- 978-895-9773 or barbara@bluerockdogtraining.com
Pic of Reed in the snow for interest!
Yesterday I got a text from a client I had worked with over a year ago.
Here is what she wrote, "Hi Barbara! I figured we would give you an update!! We decided to keep Josie and oh my goodness thank God we did! She is the best dog ever! We all love her so much she is so smart and funny. Thank you so much for all your advice and helpful tips training her. If we need anything in the future or someone needs a recommendation we will point them your way."
A little backstory, when I started working with them, Josie was a very young mini Aussie (Miniature American Shepherd) that was super sensitive and was submissively urinating multiple times a day. Her humans were at their wits end. They had tried working with another trainer, had increased her crate time, put her on a more frequent potty schedule, and other strategies to solve the problem. It was very difficult to not get annoyed when Josie urinated in the house, but Josie was so sensitive that she picked up on the tension which only made the problem worse. It was a busy household with young children and a baby on the way. There were tears and frustration. After ruling out a medical issue, we came up with a training plan to reduce stress (as much as possible) and build Josie's confidence. Her human family loved her, but were unsure if they could continue dealing with this problem. I am so pleased to get this update and hear the happy ending for Josie, who's people now think she's "THE BEST DOG EVER"!
Just shows that seeking competent professional help can turn things around. What a wonderful happy ending for everyone!!!!
Best recommendation ever!
Blue Rock Dog Training in Action! Click for a larger photo and details.
No more posts
“I’m Bored” – Part 1, Intro
“There’s nothing to do” Remember saying these things when you were a kid? I sure do! And, if your dog chews your shoes, spends the day poised at the window waiting to express his inner Cujo when neighborhood dogs walk by, creates whole-house artwork with the roll of...
“I’m Bored” – Part 2, Training
Training to Prevent Boredom in Pets Mental stimulation is at least as important as physical exercise for developing a well-rounded dog that is a pleasure to live with. Just as you might be tired after a few hours of challenging math problems or learning to drive with...
“I’m Bored” – Part 3, Feeding for Enrichment
Feeding for Enrichment, or, 'Ditch the Food Dish' Wild dogs spend their days foraging, exploring, digging, and playing, as well as resting. Domestic dogs often spend their days in the same environment day after day with little challenge or stimulation. Many dogs are...
Barbara Eriksson is an IAABC Associate Certified Behavior Consultant.