Blue Rock Dog Training

03/21/2025

Tomorrow's Beginner Life Skills class has a couple open spots!

This is a five week class, meets each Saturday at 1pm, starting 3/22, for an hour each week. This class is perfect for dogs 5 months or older who need to work on the skills that a great companion dog needs.

We cover all the basic skills (sit, down, come when called, polite greeting, leash walking, settle,etc.) Plus, you and your dog will learn useful games to help reduce jumping on guests, pulling on leash, and more.

All this for $160.

To register: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=75568492

Photo of Doz out for a woods walk for interest!

03/18/2025

Three new classes start on Saturday 3/22. All classes meet for an hour each week for 5 weeks. The cost is $160 for all 5 weeks.

Puppy Kindergarten 11am- only 2 spots left
This class is for puppies 8weeks to 4 months old. To register:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=75568134

Beginner Life Skills- 1pm- This class is for dogs 5months and up that haven't taken classes before. This class is good to teach your dog basic manners and address problem behaviors. Not suitable for reactive dogs. To register:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=75568492

Canine Good Citizen Class 2:30pm, This class is for advanced dogs that want to work on the skills to prepare them for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Class. This is not a beginner level class. Prerequisite is Intermediate level class or permission of instructor. To register:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=75574852

02/25/2025

Time is running out to get your puppy enrolled in Puppy Kindergarten! Puppy owners find our class to be very helpful. Each week we will cover how to deal with problem behaviors (Biting and jumping are pretty common ones, but we also learn about the best ways to house train your pup, how to manage your pup around other household pets and more), how to teach new skills, and how to prevent problem behaviors from beginning. This is a fantastic socialization opportunity for pups 8 weeks to 4 months old. Classes are 5 weeks long (One hour each week) and the total cost is $160.

There are two classes to choose from.

Thursdays at 5pm starts 2/27 -One opening left. To register:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=73883254

Or Saturdays at 9:30, starts 3/1. To register:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=74008375

02/23/2025

If you have a puppy under 4months old, you will want to reserve a class spot now to ensure that you start your pup off on the right paw. The puppies in class now have all made incredible progress. The shy puppies are getting more confident each week which means they will be able to live a more full life without being afraid of new experiences. This also reduces the chance of them developing aggression, as most aggression stems from fear. And, the boisterous pups are learning how to settle, focus, and listen. With dog training, the earlier the training begins the easier it is to get the changes you are hoping for. Puppy Kindergarten is the best way you can ensure you are on the path to a happy, well-behaved dog.
The upcoming classes will meet each week for an hour for 5 weeks. The cost for all 5 weeks of class is $160. There are two times available as follows:
Thursdays at 5pm starting 2/27. Only one spot left in this class. To register:
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php...
Saturdays at 9:30am starting 3/1. To register:
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php...
Have an older pup or dog that needs beginner level training? Watch our website for new classes being added to the schedule or contact Barb at 978-895-9773 or [email protected]

02/16/2025

All classes are canceled today due to the weather! I hope you get to stay home and hang out by the fire like Jemma and Bel!❤️❤️

02/10/2025

Reed plays an easy version of the "find it" game. This is a good game to play when cold, snow, and darkness keep you from getting your dog outside for physical activity as much as you'd like. Reed has a great down stay, but this can be played without the stay by having someone hold your dog, by having your dog in a crate while you put out food or toys to find, or by having your dog in another room while you put them out. Harder versions would include hiding treats or toys out of sight.

02/05/2025

Puppies!!

Our Puppy Kindergarten class has been very popular lately. I currently have two full classes running and have no place in the schedule to add any more classes until the end of February and into March!

If you have a puppy under 4months old, you will want to reserve a class spot now to ensure that you start your pup off on the right paw. The puppies in class now have all made incredible progress. The shy puppies are getting more confident each week which means they will be able to live a more full life without being afraid of new experiences. This also reduces the chance of them developing aggression, as most aggression stems from fear. And, the boisterous pups are learning how to settle, focus, and listen. With dog training, the earlier the training begins the easier it is to get the changes you are hoping for. Puppy Kindergarten is the best way you can ensure you are on the path to a happy, well-behaved dog.

The upcoming classes will meet each week for an hour for 5 weeks. The cost for all 5 weeks of class is $160. There are two times available as follows:

Thursdays at 5pm starting 2/27. Only one spot left in this class. To register:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=73883254

Saturdays at 9:30am starting 3/1. To register:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=74008375

Have an older pup or dog that needs beginner level training? Watch our website for new classes being added to the schedule or contact Barb at 978-895-9773 or [email protected]

01/23/2025

This video is of Reed working on his chin rest behavior. Reed had a traumatic (to him) vet appointment late in 2023. It was necessary to take his temperature which frightened him. He is a very sensitive dog. He remembered how scary it was when he went back for his appointment in 2024. It was pretty horrible, with him trying to escape out the window and hide under the chair. He needed to go back a few weeks ago to get a booster vaccine and blood draw and he needed to be medicated before the visit to help him be calm enough to tolerate those procedures.

My training goal for him is to get him comfortable with all the handling he will need at a routine appointment, get him comfortable going to the office, and get him to the point that he doesn't need medication for his routine visits.

My steps to get him there are:
1. teach him to love chin rest and/or the bucket game to give him a sense of control so he can be happy with handling.
2. Take him to the vet's office for "fun visits" so he no longer has a fear of the office. Right now, we are at parking lot level, I hope he can happily go inside by spring, but he will tell me when he is ready.
3. Take the Cooperative Care Class taught by Lottie Hains that starts this Saturday at 11 am. Lottie has been a Vet Tech for years and has a passion for cooperative care. I know I will learn a lot from her patient, kind approach and she will slow me down when I start rushing my training!

If you would like to join me and Reed in the class, it is a 5 week class that meets at 11 on Saturdays for an hour. The cost is $160. It is limited to 5 dogs. This class is perfect for dogs like Reed who are fearful of vet visits, or for dogs that could get better at body handling tasks like grooming, nail trims, or ear cleaning.

To register:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72338460

01/13/2025

We have openings in a few classes that start soon.

Two openings left: Canine Good Citizen- This advanced level class will help you and your dog prepare for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. Practice classes are on Wednesdays at 5pm starting 1/15 with the test scheduled for 2/19. The $180 class fee covers all 5 practice classes plus the test. Dogs that pass the test are able to get their certification from the AKC stating that their dogs are Canine Good Citizens. This is often a requiment from landlords or insurance companies or therapy dog organizations. To register for this class:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72425338

Three openings: Tricks class: Thursdays at 6:30 starting 1/16- In this fun class you and your dog will learn tricks, starting with easy tricks and gradually getting more challenging. This is a great Intermediate level class for dogs that are bored, need to build confidence, or just need a fun activity to do with their human! During this 5 week class, you will learn how to teach your dog tricks and have the oportunity to earn Trick Titles from the AKC. The cost for this 5 week class is $160. To register:
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72420150

Two openings left: Cooperative Care Class with Lottie Hains: Does your dog have trouble going to the vets? Hate nail trims, ear cleaning, getting medications, or getting groomed? Learn how to help your dog feel safer and be a willing partner in their care in this 5 week class that meets on Saturdays starting 1/25. The cost for this class is $160. To register:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72338460

Two openings left: Intro to Rally and Obedience: In this class we will learn about the fun sports of Rally and Obedience and begin to learn the exercises in both. We will work on heeling, sit, down, stay and more as well as fun body awareness games. This is an Intermediate level class, dogs should have taken classes before and have an understanding of basic skills. This 5 week class starts 1/26 at 10:30am. The cost is $160. To register:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72453249

2 openings-Agility Foundations: This Intermediate level class is perfect for dogs that have taken some classes and are ready to learn fun agility basics. We will cover body awareness, build your partnership with your dog, introduce obstacles, and continue to build your dog's basic skills while having fun on Sundays! This 5 week class starts 1/26 at 12pm. The cost is $160. To register:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72453518

Puppy Kindergarten! This class is the one for young pups to get started on the right paw in their new homes. For puppies up to 4 months old, we will cover house training, nipping and biting, jumping on people, how to teach your dog all the skills they need to be a great companion, and how to socialize to get the best behaved, most confident dog as well as answering all your questions and meeting other puppies in our safe, clean training space. This 5 week class starts at 2pm on 1/26 and costs $160. To register:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72873223

And, only 1 spot left:

For those pups who are older, or dogs who haven't had a class before and need to work on manners, Beginner Life Skills on Sundays at 3:30 starting 1/26. This 5 week class will cover all the basic skills you and your dog need to be a great family dog and companion. This beginner level class will cover basic skills like sit, down, come when called, stay, settle, leave it and more. To register:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72874567

Register today to save your spot!

Send a message to learn more

01/11/2025

Huge congratulations to Denise Leonard and her dog Nick for earning his Intermediate Tricks Title this week.

I've known Nick since he was a wee pup. Denise got him shortly after I got Kite, and they have both turned out to be challenging dogs! (I will share Kite's story another day)

Nick developed worries around people when he was an adolescent. He started growling at people when he was at the vet's office and needed to wear a muzzle for vet visits. He would stiffen and sometimes growl when strangers got too close to him. He even jumped toward someone who bent over to pet him, causing a minor injury. All of these reactions from Nick were fear based. He, like many dogs, had developed a fear of strangers during adolescence. Maybe because he was a Covid puppy and didn't get to go out and about during that crucial time, but maybe for reasons we will never know. Denise was worried about him when strangers were around and wanted him to be better.

Denise has done a ton of work with him. She took a puppy class with him, she took the Cooperative Care Class with Lottie Hains here at BRDT (Another will be offered later this month for those of you who are looking for such a class), she did our Continuing Education class, took the Canine Good Citizen class just to practice being approached by strangers as a positive experience, and now they just finished the Tricks class. Nick is also a working dog and helps manage the sheep on Denise's farm as well as competing at sheepdog trials.

All that work is paying off! Nick's circle of acceptable-to-him people has grown and he is more relaxed around strangers. He is a happier, safer-to-be-around dog. He loves his one-on-one time training with Denise, and learning tricks has been a fun way for him to learn more, bond better, and become more relaxed. Denise is still cautious with him around strangers, but she is also able to be more relaxed.

Congratulations and Happy 4th Birthday to Nick!

01/08/2025

Our January classes have been filling quickly, so we now have two more added to the schedule.

Puppy Kindergarten-For puppies up to 4 months- Sundays at 2pm starting 1/26-to register:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72873223

And Beginner Life Skills-For older puppies or dogs who haven't taken classes before: Sundays at 3:30pm, starting 1/26-to register:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72874567

Register to hold your spot before these classes fill too!

Send a message to learn more

01/07/2025

It's cold out there!

But it is warm at Blue Rock Dog Training center! We have a Tricks class for you and your canine pal to have a fun thing to do in the winter.

Learning tricks is a great way to boost your dog's confidence, build your relationship, and learn better communication.

Join us on Thursdays at 6:30 starting 1/16. We will meet for an hour each week. You will learn how to teach your dog tricks, starting with very easy ones, and working toward harder tricks. Most teams earn at least their Novice Tricks Title with the AKC, many go on to earn Intermediate or Advanced Tricks Titles as well. Come have fun, learn tricks and stay warm on chilly winter evenings. The cost for all 5 weeks is $160. Dogs should be able to work in a room with other dogs without excessive barking. Dogs do not need to be purebreds or registered to attend.

To register click this link:
https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=70182128

Questions? Call or email- 978-895-9773 or [email protected]

Pic of Reed in the snow for interest!

01/05/2025

Yesterday I got a text from a client I had worked with over a year ago.

Here is what she wrote, "Hi Barbara! I figured we would give you an update!! We decided to keep Josie and oh my goodness thank God we did! She is the best dog ever! We all love her so much she is so smart and funny. Thank you so much for all your advice and helpful tips training her. If we need anything in the future or someone needs a recommendation we will point them your way."

A little backstory, when I started working with them, Josie was a very young mini Aussie (Miniature American Shepherd) that was super sensitive and was submissively urinating multiple times a day. Her humans were at their wits end. They had tried working with another trainer, had increased her crate time, put her on a more frequent potty schedule, and other strategies to solve the problem. It was very difficult to not get annoyed when Josie urinated in the house, but Josie was so sensitive that she picked up on the tension which only made the problem worse. It was a busy household with young children and a baby on the way. There were tears and frustration. After ruling out a medical issue, we came up with a training plan to reduce stress (as much as possible) and build Josie's confidence. Her human family loved her, but were unsure if they could continue dealing with this problem. I am so pleased to get this update and hear the happy ending for Josie, who's people now think she's "THE BEST DOG EVER"!

01/04/2025

Congratulations to today's graduates! These teams have all worked hard and made great progress!

01/02/2025

Is having dog that behaves better part of your plan for 2025? If so, we have classes for you! Our full lineup for January is on the website now https://www.bluerockdogtraining.com/

The Beginner Life Skills class is the perfect class for older puppies and dogs that haven't had classes before. This is a popular class that usually fills quickly, so sign up today to reserve your spot. The class is limited to 4 dogs, so you will get plenty of opportunity to work with your dog and ask questions. We work on all the basic skills every dog should know, plus learn some games to help your dog focus on you when there are distractions. The class will meet for an houron Saturday mornings at 9:30 on 1/11,1/25,2/1,2/8 and 2/15. All 5 weeks for $160. To register click this link:

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=22014575&appointmentType=72420404

01/01/2025

This event is being held just down the road from us at Tails Pet Salon:

Sun Feb 16 2025 CAER/OFA EYE Clinic Location: Tails Pet Salon 1265 South Main St Athol, MA 01331
Times: 10am-12pm All Breed Clinic CAER Eye Exams: Dr. Ruth Marrion $55 per dog/$50 per dog paid prior to 2/1/25-
Arrive 20min early for dilation. Contact: Danielle Rouleau 978-894-7896 (text) [email protected]

12/31/2024

FREE!

I'm doing some cleaning at the training center today 12/31. If anyone could use this puppy playpen/ kitten playpen stop by! I'll be here until 4 and again tomorrow. Text or call 978-895-9773 or stop by. Free to the first person to get it.

12/30/2024

Reel #2, take 2!