Our Mission Statement

We enhance the joy of dog ownership through holistic, reward-based training that strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners. Our advanced education empowers families to build positive, enriching, and lasting memories with their dogs.

Madie Brustkern,M.S., CPTD-KA, C-AAIS, FFCP
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Our Values

"Training and owning a business was exactly what she wanted to do"

Bark 4 Joy was founded in 2018 as Madie's hobby while she was attending Carroll College. In graduate school, Madie realized that training and owning a business was exactly what she wanted to do. In 2021, Bark 4 Joy became an LLC. All together, the Bark 4 Joy team has 20+ years of experience.

Slowly, Madie has been growing the team to include additional trainers with incredible expertise in other areas of training. Each trainer at Bark 4 Joy has one goal in mind: Help the client achieve their training goals.

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Passion

Above all else — Passion. Each of our trainers finds joy in their job, and their passion should shine through! We love what we do!

Professionalism

Just as any other professional, we hold ourselves to high professional standards. Every client should feel that they are cared for every step of the way.

Continuous Learning

Learning is never over, so each of our trainers continues to further their education through in-person and virtual training.

Collaboration & Partnership

Bark 4 Joy isn't able to serve every request, so we partner with a lot of other pet professionals to provide you with an all-inclusive experience!

Commitment to Customers

Each person at Bark 4 Joy is committed to providing the best customer experience. We don't want to be cookie cutter, so we work with the person (and dog) in front of us.

THE TRAINERS

meet our expert team

Each trainer at Bark 4 Joy has one goal in mind: Help the client achieve their training goals.

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Madie Brustkern

CEO & Founder
B.A. in Anthrozoology, M.S. in Animal Science, Certified Professional Dog Trainer- Knowledge, Assessed (CPDT-KA), Certified Animal Assisted Intervention Specialist (C-AAIS), Certified Dog Bite Prevention Educator, Fear Free Certified Professional, Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI), AKC CGC Evaluator, Pet First Aid and CPR Certified, 6 years of professional dog training experience, Professional Member with Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Instructor of Anthrozoology Carroll College.
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Trish Brustkern

Assistant
Proficient in PowerPoint, herding dog in training, Professional Backyard Frisbee Catcher.
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Kailey Passon

Dog Trainer
B.A. in Anthrozoololgy, AKC CGC Evaluator, Blaine County 4H Instructor, Pet First Aid and CPR Certified, Owner of Hi-Line Canine, 5 years of professional dog training experience.
dog trainer, facility dog in training, shodair hospital

Audrey Brown

Trainer
B.A. in Anthrozoology, 1 year professional training experience, candidate for the CPDT-KA Exam, Helena/Big Fork/Whitefish areas
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Sherman Brustkern

Field Worker
Assists with training sessions, AKC Canine Good Citizen, Will sit on sofa for treats.