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Certified dog trainer
Madelyn Joy Slaton-Sanford
Madelyn Joy Slaton-Sanford

Helena, MT

Bark 4 Joy Dog Training

Bark 4 Joy Dog Training was founded in 2018 as Madie Brustkern'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.

Training Philosophy

Bark 4 Joy Dog Training strives to provide high-quality training to new puppy owners and individuals seeking service dog or animal assisted intervention services through cutting-edge programs and proactive training methods. Bark 4 Joy believes in fostering a bond built on trust, communication, and positive reinforcement. The training approach is positive reinforcement with a deep understanding of canine psychology and behavior.

Services

  • Puppy & Dog Training: Comprehensive programs cater to dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments.
  • Private In-Person: In-home sessions, day training sessions, virtual training resources, and communication with a trainer during the program.
  • Facility, Service, Therapy: Training for dogs with jobs, such as facility dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs.
  • Puppy Daycare: Board & Train in their home.
  • Virtual Training: Asynchronous programs, Zoom sessions, and custom courses.
  • Dogs are Family: Wedding & Events - dog attendant for your events.
  • Travel Companion: Flight Nanny - CPR and first aid certified.

Certifications

  • 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

Specializations

  • Puppy Training
  • Service Dog Training
  • Animal Assisted Intervention Services
  • Obedience Training
  • Behavior Modification
  • Loose Leash Walking
  • Socialization
  • Public Manners
  • Flight Nanny Services
  • Wedding & Event Dog Attendant Services

Training Methods

Positive reinforcement with a deep understanding of canine psychology and behavior.

Customer Reviews

- "Madi has been invaluable with training not only our dog Bruno but my family and I as owners as well. Madi is patient, upbeat, and knowledgeable and can instantaneously get Bruno to respond to training, new skills, and tasks. We fully expect with Madi’s training Bruno will be able to pass a series of tests to become an official service animal. Thank you Bark 4 Joy!" ~ Brian Huff - Helena, MT

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.

Want to train your dog independently?

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