The Bark Market LLC (formerly Horse & Hound)

Practical Pet Dog Training: The Bark Market Focus

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Hundreds of Happy Dog Owners Do Not Lie
Pet Dog Training has been a main focus of our store since it's start in 1987. There is no guesswork when it comes to deciding if you and your dog will benefit from training. YOU WILL! Hundreds of happy owners and dogs over the years do not lie. Our philosophy is simple: A disciplined, obedient dog is a joy. To have a disciplined dog is the responsibility of the owner. Dogs are not born knowing how to act in a human world.

We must teach them. Practical Pet Dog Training is what we teach. In fact, we teach you and you teach the dog!

It's A Human Problem
Everyone knows of a rude, obnoxious dog with no manners. This is not a dog problem in most cases. It is a human problem. Thankfully, the canine is highly adaptable and trainable in spite of our attempts to do the opposite! It is much easier to teach what is acceptable from the start, rather than let bad habits take hold and be forced to retrain. For those of you with "second-hand" dogs you know that retraining is difficult but can be done

The Canine Good Citizen Program
We also endorse the Canine Good Citizen Program created by the AKC. This is wonderful program for any dog. It does not require that your dog be purebred or even registered. It "simulates everyday situations in a relaxed atmosphere."(Excerpt from CGC literature) Dogs completing the course are recognized and rewarded. Its purpose is to ensure that our pets can be reliable and mannerly at home, in public and in the presence of other dogs.

Classes are held year round with a break for the Christmas Holidays. The fee is $100.00 effective starting February 2012. Registration can be submitted online, in person or over the phone with a credit card. Class size is limited to provide individual attention and instruction. An average class will have 6 dogs and their handlers.

Outdoor Ed participants take to down town Lake Geneva!!

Dogs over 4 months, as required by Wisconsin Law, are required to have a rabies vaccination. We do not require Bordatella. We do not discriminate against particular breeds but do reserve the right to refuse to accept the registration of a dog that is not suited for a class of this type. Dogs with aggression or other behavioral issues may need to be evaluated by the trainer at the owners expense before attending. The safety of our clients is #1 priority in these situations.

We encourage family involvement but require children to be at least 12 years old in order to handle a dog in class. Younger children can participate at the direction of the trainer and help with certain exercises. Space for spectators is available but limited, for the safety of all participants we ask that very young children not attend. For those children that do come to spectate we ask that an adult not handling a dog be present to supervise them. Class content will include but not be limited to teaching basic skill such as Heel, Stay, Come, Off, Look here.

The Canine Good Citizen program as described above is the foundation for our classes We also prescribe to the"pack theory" as well as relationship based techniques that establish the guardian as the calm assertive leader.

New in November 2011 AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy!

An incentive program for dogs owners who have taken the time to participate in basic training with their puppy. Puppy raising questions including house breaking, chewing etc are addressed. This is a 6 week class for puppies 8 weeks to 1 year". This class is a natural lead into the next class we offer Canine Good Citizen.

For in depth info on both of these classes click on the graphics below!

We Offer Therapy Dog Certification!

Therapy Dogs International has certified our instructor Nancy Doherty as a Therapy Dog Evaluator. Therapy is a wonderful way to share your dog with individuals in hospitals, schools, retirement and assisted living facilities. For more information E-mail Nancy at ctinancy@yahoo.com for information!

About our Instructor

Nancy Doherty has participated in classes at the Bark Market with her dog Dakota since 2001. Dakota has earned both Canine Good Citizen and Certified Therapy Dog distinctions under Nancy’s handling. This pair was recently awarded Outstanding Active Volunteer for completing their 150th visit as a TDI team. They have been visiting Golden Years in Walworth for many years.
A 2004 graduate of ABC (Animal Behavior College) Nancy completed her extern and internships with The Bark Market, under Cindy Skarda, to fulfill her course requirements. Nancy has been instructing and offering private training in southern Wisconsin and Illinois for the past 2 years.
She is a certified evaluator of therapy dogs through Therapy Dogs International, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator for the AKC and is also certified in canine CPR. Nancy is also active in the ASAP group Animal Shelter Alumni Petowners through Lakeland animal shelter. Nancy donates her time to the Bright Futures training program at Lakeland Animal Shelter. Under Nancy's guidance,volunteer handlers take dogs currently at the shelter through a 6 week basic obedience class. The goal is to teach basic skills and manners to the dogs increasing their odds of finding forver homes in the community. Adoption rates for the graduates of the program are nearly 100%! We are fortunate to have an instructor with Nancy’s commitment and talents! We are thrilled to have her back at the Bark Market!

In June of 2011 our longtime friend and former instructor Cindy Skarda relocated to Florida. For 25 years Cindy has instructed 100's of dogs and their guardians as well as donate countless hours of her skill to the local shelter,rescues and individuals. The enthusiasm, energy and passion she has for all dogs is an inspiration to all. A treasured friend to all who know her and especially the Bark Market Family. We wish Cindy and her family the very best.

Cindy Skarda founded Horse and Hound Saddlery, now known as "The Bark Market" in 1987. She is a lifelong animal lover and a skilled and patient trainer. Much of her intuition and success with dogs comes from her years of studying riding and Dressage with various horses she has owned. Though no longer storeowner Cindy remains at the heart of The Bark Market and it’s training program. Cindy has also worked at a veterinary clinic and has a broad knowledge of canine health and related issues. Her focus and philosophy is to help create a well-mannered, obedient dog that you and your family can enjoy for a lifetime. Cindy does private training in the home and also Invisible Fence Training.

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Use the "Paypal" button to pay now. If you wish to pay by check or cash please call us at 262-728-7877. Registrations are handled on a first come first served basis and are not guaranteed without payment.

Please let us know what you thought about your class by filling out our Online Feedback form. This helps us to make adjustments to better serve your needs.

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