Welcome to Bark 4 Joy's Dog-gone Delightful Group Classes!

View our group class options below. From mastering basic commands to building impulse control and coping skills, this calendar is your roadmap to a long-lasting relationship with your four-legged family member. Whether you're a seasoned dog owner or a novice pet parent, participate in one of our classes for a tail-wagging good time.

Group Classes

Select From One Of Our Tail-ored Classes

Socialization &
Play

$25

  • Join a workshop to provide your puppy not only with dog socialization and play, but additional socialization and training. The trainer will provide opportunities for socialization, resiliency building, and coping skills.

Body &
Awareness

$40

  • Dogs are not always great at recognizing where their body is, which sometimes can result in chaos! This class will help your dog learn to recognize where their paws and butt are as well as build great proprioception and confidence. Through the use of different surfaces and tools, your dog will be prepared to navigate small areas, orient with your body, or even start agility. $40/dog. Location will be announced prior to the start of the class.

Kids &
Canines

$75

  • This 2 hour class is excellent for kids ages 8-18 looking to build skills with dogs. Through strategic teaching and handling exercises, kids will learn proper leash handling, dog greetings, dog body language, and safety. At the end, kids will receive a certificate, an excellent example of their dedication to learning and improving their skills.

Pints &
PORTL

$55

  • PORTL, or Portable Operant Research & Teaching Lab, is an amazing way for handlers, teachers, behaviorists, and more to understand behavior principles and different behavioral phenomena. Yes, it's kind of for the nerds in the crowd, but trust us, it's a lot of fun! You'll better understand different principles that apply to your dog, classroom, or even spouse.

Cooperative &
Care

$300

  • Have you ever wondered how a tiger receives a tooth exam without sedatives? What about an ape who willingly allows for a blood draw? Your dog may not be a tiger or ape, but the principles of training remain the same. Join us for this amazing group class to learn cooperative care for more successful veterinary and grooming visits. These skills can also apply to at home care and management, too. Equipment is provided which is yours to keep after the group class ends.

Old Dogs &
New Tricks

$260

  • Senior dogs (ages 8+) are at risk of experiencing Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, gradual and degenerative changes in the brain which can cause disorientation, changes in interaction, sleeping, and activity, as well as house soiling or an increase in anxiety. Studies show that dogs who participated in a 4 week group class had no significant increase in CDS symptoms up to a year following the class! Join us for a fun-filled course to teach your dog new tricks and learn more about this syndrome.

Joyful &
Foundations

$260

  • Offered based on interest. A joyful start for puppies 8–20 weeks old! Welcome to the newly reimagined Joyful Foundations Puppy Class —a dynamic and engaging class designed specifically for young puppies during their most critical learning stage. This class sets the stage for a lifetime of good behavior, confidence, and connection. We’ll focus on: Settling and calm behaviors Impulse control and manners Basic obedience foundations Safe, thoughtful socialization with people, puppies, sounds, and environments Our goal is to help you and your puppy build strong communication and trust—while having a ton of fun along the way. Cost: $260 total Who it’s for: Puppies 8–20 weeks old at the start of class Let’s kick off your puppy’s training journey with confidence, clarity, and connection!
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Veterinary Victory Visits

75% of dogs exhibit signs of stress, fear, and anxiety before even entering a vet clinic.

Victory Visit - 15 minutes

This short visit is perfect for every dog. During your time in the clinic, you'll have the opportunity to get your dog onto the scale and sit in an exam room. We will conduct a "treat ladder" and provide different items to help your dog feel at ease. We recommend completing a series of these for the best results.

Mock Exam - 30 minutes

While we do our best to replicate an exam setting, nothing beats an actual vet or vet tech joining us! This mock exam will allow real-world practice to ensure your dog gains confidence.

Desensitization Visit - 30 minutes

We will work through training techniques that can aid in the dog's exam. This is called cooperative care, a training method commonly utilized with zoo animals. It is important to help dog's feel that they have a say so in their care.

“Our partnership with Alpine Animal Clinic is an amazing step forward for veterinary care and our community. I hope that these courses will be beneficial for dozens of dogs in Helena. I look forward to meeting more clients through this innovative sessions.”

madie-sig

Owner of Bark 4 Joy Dog Training, LLC