At Barks and Rec, we help dogs and their humans move beyond surface-level obedience to build real connection, trust, and calm. While we’re always happy to help with leash manners, separation anxiety, or resource guarding, we believe those problems rarely exist in isolation. More often, they’re symptoms of a deeper issue: a breakdown in the relationship between dog and handler. That’s where we come in.
Our training approach focuses on the why behind behavior, not just the what. We work with everyday owners who want their dogs to be more than just compliant. They want a dog they can understand, trust, and live with peacefully. We prioritize emotional regulation, clear communication, and mutual respect, using training as a tool to build stability and confidence on both ends of the leash.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we help people understand their unique dog’s mindset, triggers, and needs. Whether we're working through anxiety, reactivity, or just teaching calm presence in everyday life, our curriculum is designed to foster long-term change, not quick fixes.
At the heart of it all is a belief: when dogs feel safe and understood, and humans feel equipped and confident, everything else starts to fall into place.
Approach to dog training
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FOUNDATION AND COMMUNICATION
Clear communication creates reliable behavior. We focus on building strong foundations through consistency, timing, and practical structure. Dogs learn how to respond calmly in everyday situations, not just during training sessions.
• Sit, down, stay and recall with reliability
• Leash skills and public manners
• Impulse control and household structure
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CONFIDENCE AND BEHAVIOR SUPPORT
Behavior challenges are not solved with pressure or shortcuts. We address the root of reactivity, anxiety, and over excitement by improving regulation, clarity, and exposure at the right pace for your dog
• Reactivity and anxious behaviors
• Structured socialization
• Calm responses around distractions
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OWNER GUIDANCE AND REAL WORLD APPLICATION
Training does not stop when the session ends. We work with you to ensure skills transfer into daily life with realistic expectations and practical next steps
• Clear, actionable homework
• Honest feedback and ongoing support
• Adjustments based on your household
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One-on-One Training Sessions
$45 per session | Virtual Sessions available
Personalized sessions built around you and your dog, focused on coaching you as the handler so progress continues beyond our time together. Sessions, take place in your home, a public setting, or a private training space for dogs with more complex behavior needs.
Virtual sessions cover the same things remotely. Submit video through a shared drive between sessions so I can analyze what is happening and come prepared. During the session I demonstrate techniques live so you can see exactly what to do, not just hear it described.
Monthly Bundles click here Group Classes click here
Day Training Program
Two week accelerated program | $525
A hands on alternative to traditional board and train. Over two weeks your dog receives six one hour sessions at a private training space, with pickup and drop off included. You get your dog back the same day without the stress or cost of a traditional board and train facility.
Each session is filmed and includes an owner coaching hand off so you stay informed and know how to reinforce the work between visits. Ideal for dogs who need more intensive structure to build momentum or owners looking for speedier results.
Canine Good Citizen
A well mannered dog is not just easier to live with, it opens doors. The AKC Canine Good Citizen program is a nationally recognized standard for dogs who are calm, confident, and reliably behaved in everyday situations. As a certified CGC evaluator I can work with you toward that standard and conduct the evaluation in Billings
Interested in working toward CGC in group setting? Click Here
Looking for gear to support your training? Check out our recommended equipment list for leashes, treat pouches, place beds, and more