At Bark Avenue Daycamp, we provide both obedience and behavioral dog training.  The dog trainer’s ability to build a trusting relationship with dogs of all sizes and breeds makes her a very effective trainer, capable of addressing even the toughest issues.  As a dog owner, you will work with the trainer to learn the skills necessary to bring out the best in your pet and to ensure that they are well behaved at all times.  Bring your dog or pup from Hoffman Estates, St Charles, Elgin or Schaumburg to our dog training center. You will learn the importance of providing leadership to your dog in addition to the love and affection they already receive from you.  Above all, you’ll build a relationship based on trust and respect.  Combining leadership with love and affection creates an unbreakable bond between you and your pet.

If these dates/times don’t work for you, call us and we can set up a special appointment that accommodates your schedule and dog training needs.

Start your puppy off on the right paw and learn how to succeed with your new furry family member! Establish a strong relationship with your puppy during their development. Learn how to communicate and build confidence, while exposing your puppy to new sights, sounds and textures through our puppy training. Topics of discussion will include potty training, crate training, chewing/teething, feeding, socialization and more. We encourage all our fur’ends to bring training treats to class!

9/28-10/26, Saturday, 11:00-11:30am (No class 10/19)

11/2-11/23, Saturday, 11:00-11:30am

This class will teach you and your dog basic commands like “sit,” and “down,” along with skills such as how not to pull on leash. Owners will also discover how to manage and eliminate unwanted behavior, including discussion in a variety of training techniques and options. We encourage all our fur’ends to bring training treats to class!

Recommended for dogs at least 4 months old. If dogs are less than 4 months, we recommend Puppy Pre-School. Note: If your dog is reactive/vocal towards people and/or dogs, please contact us for other training options.

11/2-11/16, Saturday, 10:00-11:00am

11/6-11/20, Wednesday, 6:30-7:30pm

11/23-12/14, Saturday, 10:00-11:00am (No class 11/30)

12/4-12/18, Wednesday, 6:30-7:30pm

This class builds on the skills learned in Basic Obedience (Level 1). Increase your dog’s focus, duration, and continue to improve their training skills. Your dog will learn to run to their “place” and stay, “heel” and walk nicely on a loose leash, as well as “come” when called.

Requirement: Completed Basic Obedience (Level 1) or equivalent or have Trainer’s approval. 

10/17-11/7, Thursday, 6:30-7:30pm (No class 10/31)

11/2-11/16, Saturday, 11:30am-12:30pm

11/14-12/5, Thursday, 6:30-7:30pm (No class 11/28)

11/23-12/14, Saturday, 11:30am-12:30pm (No class 11/30)

The Holiday Countdown class is designed to help dogs and their owners prepare for the festive season. This class focuses on essential behaviors that will ensure a smooth, enjoyable holiday experience for both pets and guests. Class includes doorbell training, greeting guests, managing begging for food, counter surfing prevention, and safe holiday foods that dogs can eat.

11/9-12/14, Saturday, 1:00-2:00pm (No class 11/30)

E-collar training, also known as electronic collar training or remote training, involves the use of a specialized collar that delivers remote signals to your dog. Contrary to misconceptions, this training method prioritizes positive reinforcement and clear communication over punishment. In this class, you will learn the principles behind e-collar training and how to use this tool to build a strong bond with your dog while achieving desired behaviors.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to E-Collar Training:

• • Gain insight into the functionality and features on an e-collar
  • Understand the importance of choosing the right collar for your dog’s size and temperament

2. Positive Reinforcement Techniques:

• • Emphasize the use of positive reinforcement in conjunction with e-collar training
  • Implement reward-base strategies to encourage desired behaviors

3. Basic Commands and Behavior Modification:

• • Teach fundamental commands such as place, heel, recall, sit, down and stay and more using e-collar cues
  • Address common behavior issues like jumping, pulling, and excessive barking

4. Hands-On Training Sessions:

• • Practice using the e-collar in a controlled environment under the guidance of experienced trainers.

5. Troubleshooting and Problem Solving:

• • Learn how to troubleshoot challenges that may arise during the training process
  • Develop strategies for adapting the training to your dog’s individual needs

Requirement: All dogs must complete obedience training either at our facility or elsewhere prior to enrolling in class.

8/22-9/12, Thursday, 7:30-8:30pm

Intermediate Obedience (Level 1)

When:  Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30pm | Saturdays, 1:00-2:00pm
Duration:  5 drop-in* classes | one hour per session
Cost:  $200

Intermediate Class is intended to build upon Basic Obedience (Level I & II) by improving your dog’s reliability and response. This class will incorporate more advanced dog training techniques and distractions.

Requirement: Completed Basic Obedience (Level II) or equivalent or have Trainer’s approval. *While this is a drop-in class, please call/text to reserve your spot in class.

Intermediate Obedience (Level 2)

When:  Thursdays, 7:30-8:30pm | Saturdays, 2:30-3:30pm
Duration: 5 drop-in* classes | one hour per session
Cost:  $200

This class aims to develop more formal obedience skills by increasing duration and distance. Promote higher levels of response under increased distractions.

Requirement: Completed Intermediate Obedience (Level 1) or equivalent or have Trainer’s approval. *While this is a drop-in class, please call/text to reserve your spot in class.

Let’s mix it up! You will have the opportunity to explore each skill and introduce your dog to a variety of activities. With an environment full of positive reinforcement and motivation, you and your dog will be sure to have a great time learning and bonding together. This dog training class is filled with fun, challenges and rewards!

Nose Work –An introduction to teaching your dog the basics to scent work and encouraging them to use their biggest asset, their nose!

Agility – Guide your four-legged friend through our obstacle course that includes running through tunnels, scaling an A-frame, navigating a teeter-totter, weave poles, and various hurdles.

Tricks & Brain Games – You can always teach any dog a new trick! Learn to communicate more effectively with your dog, build confidence and increase their attention and focus. Here is a few tricks you’ll be able to choose from to teach your furry family member:

• • • • • Paw
        • Dance
        • Spin
        • Roll-over
        • Play dead
        • Touch
        • Jump
        • Take a bow
        • Open/close door
        • Skateboard
        • Weave through legs
        • Circle around me

11/4-12/16, Monday, 6:30-7:30pm (No class 11/11)

Dog Training Camp at Home

Cost:  $1,080 – 5 Pack + 1 private lesson
           $2,130 – 10 Pack + 2 private lessons
           $4,050 – 20 Pack + 3 private lessons

Dog obedience is paramount for a happy and safe dog at home. The number one most important training for any dog is obedience. An obedient dog is a happy, stable and controllable dog!  Between work, family, home, and hobbies, few people have the time to train…we’re here to help. Our trainers will come to your home to train your dog, customize an immersive training program to achieve your dog’s training needs and goals, including obedience and behavioral issues.

Requirements: Owners must be home during training session(s) and live within 15-20 minutes from Bark Avenue.

Board & Train Program

Duration: 3-6 weeks
Cost: 3 week (minimum) – $3,200.  Each additional week – $900.  In-home (trainer’s home) training available – $175 per week additional.

The most popular, time-efficient, and comprehensive form of dog training is our Board & Train program. Our programs are designed to work with your dog while he/she stays at our facility or our in-home program. Your dog will experience a unique approach to training and will learn new skills through our balanced training program. Our training methodology rewards positive behavior and emphasizes dog-friendly and proven training practices.

During your dog’s stay, the trainer will work with your dog to develop obedience skills, improved behavior, as well as address areas of concern you may have. We work with all breeds and behavioral issues.

Training Process

Week 1 – This week will focus on teaching basic obedience skills and will introduce the training tools that will be used throughout the stay.

Week 2 – Distractions will start to be introduced in the facility to build the dog’s ability to comply with commands.

Week 3 – During this week, your dog will be put into “real life” situations to learn how to be successful with demonstrating good behavior in all situations and with many uncontrolled distractions. This is where your dog will learn how to live in the world without being reactive, scared, or anxious.

Weeks 4 – 6 – These weeks will mirror weeks 2 & 3 as needed to address behavior issues. When a dog is demonstrating behavioral issues, the training becomes very customized to the situation in the home.

What’s included?

• Midway update between owner and trainer:  This session will give you a look into the work that has been done to date and to show you the progress your dog has made thus far. This usually takes place during the 2^nd week of training. ($120 value)
• Final Go home meeting between owner and trainer: This session will show you the final results of the training and give you the tools to keep the training going once you are home. You will work with your dog so that the trainer can observe you and give you feedback to ensure your success. ($120 value)
• Intermediate Classes: You will get 5 sessions to our intermediate obedience classes. These classes are key to continuing to build confidence in you and your dog on their obedience skills with a high level of distraction. ($200 value)
• Unlimited phone/email/text follow-up for the life of your dog.