School of Rock

Having a reliable recall is one of the most important skills to teach your dog. By playing recall games in our workshop, you and your dog will learn how to work past distractions and demonstrate proofing for reliable recalls in any situation. Sarah Power has been holding this workshop for several years in a variety of locations with fantastic results!

Bark n’ Roll offers Basic & Advanced Obedience Training through Private In-home, In-studio or On Tour Field Trip Courses & Sessions. We will work out a realistic program that specializes in the needs of you, your dog and your home/environment that can include basic obedience cues, obedience refresher sessions, troubleshooting problem behaviors, helping you prepare for welcoming a new puppy into your home, potty/crate training basics, and more.

We believe in the Power of PAWSITIVE Training and use only positive methods when working with dogs.

Please contact us for more details and pricing for Private Training for some Solo time! You can also save a few buckaroos by setting up In-Studio Duet Sessions when you book Semi-Private In-Studio sessions with a friend or family member!

Packages are non-refundable and to be paid in full at first private session. We have a 24-hour cancellation policy.

If you are not local to Bark n’ Roll to meet for an in-person behavioral evaluation, this option allows you to work with one of our certified behavior consultants or trainers experienced in working with behavioral issues such as aggression and anxiety.

We would schedule to meet by remote video chat (Zoom), where we will provide a thorough evaluation, and follow up with an email including recommendations and training and management program goals. Remote consultations are typically between 60 to 90 minutes in length.

Contact us for more details or to schedule a session.

A spot in class will be saved for you only after you have completed payment. Once payment is received for class it is NON-REFUNDABLE. 

Puppies under 1 year must have Negative results of a Fecal Exam (including Giardia) within 2 weeks of the class start date or provide proof they are on a treatment regimen.

Curriculum for course to include:

• Basic Obedience Cues as well as some more advanced/useful cues to include: Focus, Sit, Down, Stay, Intro to Heel, Greeting Politely On-Leash, Targeting, Drop It, Leave It, Come When Called. Hand-outs will be provided as we cover material for study at home.
• Focus on Proper Socialization, Play, and Doggie Body Language.
• Specific Problem Behaviors & Management Methods—using your cues to manage every day real life situations in your dog’s environment.

Group will meet for a total of 7 sessions. First lesson attendance is MANDATORY and is for HUMAN STUDENTS ONLY. Doggie students will attend classes 2-7. Our first class will cover what to bring in addition to your furry friend to the following sessions. A notebook and pen or pencil would be handy for the first meeting. Bring your questions as well and we will cover appropriate topics during any remaining class time.

Training methodology:  Our training methods are POSITIVE and family-friendly. We use reward-based training (treats or anything appropriate that your dog finds rewarding enough to motivate him to learn new behaviors. We will teach the steps to move on to a random reward schedule as well once new cues are reliable.).

You will learn the basics of clicker theory as well as alternative methods to train if the clicker isn’t for you (though we believe that the Clicker is Quicker!).

All dogs must be on a 4 to 6 foot non-retractable leash for class. We DO NOT use pinch, choke or prong collars in class so please make sure your dog is wearing the proper collar or harness. If you need assistance choosing equipment please feel free to contact us.

Included with class enrollment: 

• 2 Clickers
• Package of Bil-Jacs training treats
• BnR training waist pouch
• Soda Pup durable treat dispensing toy

A spot in class will be saved for you only after you have completed payment. Once payment is received for class it is NON-REFUNDABLE.

Puppies under 1 year must have Negative results of a Fecal Exam (including Giardia) within 2 weeks of the class start date or provide proof they are on a treatment regimen.

Curriculum for course to include:

• Basic Obedience Cues as well as some more advanced/useful cues to include: Focus, Sit, Down, Stay, Intro to Heel, Greeting Politely On-Leash, Targeting, Drop It, Leave It, Come When Called. Hand-outs will be provided as we cover material for study at home.
• Focus on Proper Socialization, Play, and Doggie Body Language.
• Specific Problem Behaviors & Management Methods—using your cues to manage every day real life situations in your dog’s environment.

Group will meet for a total of 7 sessions. This course will have a focus on passing the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Evaluation administered in class at Session #6 for dogs under 1 year of age. For more information please visit: AKC.

First class:  First lesson attendance is MANDATORY and is for HUMAN STUDENTS ONLY. Doggie students will attend classes 2–7. Our first class will cover what to bring in addition to your furry friend to the following sessions. A notebook and pen or pencil would be handy for the first meeting. Bring your questions as well and we will cover appropriate topics during any remaining class time.

Training methodology:  Our training methods are POSITIVE and family-friendly. We use reward-based training (treats or anything appropriate that your dog finds rewarding enough to motivate him to learn new behaviors. We will teach the steps to move on to a random reward schedule as well once new cues are reliable.). You will learn the basics of clicker theory as well as alternative methods to train if the clicker isn’t for you (though we believe that the Clicker is Quicker!).

Included with class enrollment (see above):

• 2 Clickers
• Package of Bil-Jacs training treats
• BnR training waist pouch
• Soda Pup durable treat dispensing toy

Bring to class: All dogs must be on a 4 to 6 foot non-retractable leash for class. We DO NOT use pinch, choke or prong collars in class so please make sure your dog is wearing the proper collar or harness. You will also need to bring a small blanket, towel, mat or bed to class for your pup for training exercises. If you need assistance choosing equipment please feel free to contact us.

Come Rock Out with your pups under the supervision of our team trainers!

When:  Two Saturday opportunities per month.

Where: ~ 211 Main Street, North Reading, MA.

Who:  Puppies that have been vaccinated current to their age, for puppies 8 weeks to 6 months (up to 1 year if dog is under 15 pounds) Puppies should wear a flat (non-choke) collar, no harnesses please. Owners must provide proof of current vaccinations to participate. Puppies under 1 year must have a recent Negative result of a Fecal Exam (including Giardia) or provide proof they are on a treatment regimen.

What:  An opportunity for your puppy to socialize off-leash with other puppies similar in size and play style.  The group class will help puppy parents learn about managing puppy play, positive puppy handling techniques and to read canine body language. Team Bark n’ Roll Trainer(s) will organize and oversee the group.

Why:  Puppies will naturally behave in a way that may be considered inappropriate to humans but completely normal to other puppies.  When paired with other puppies, your pup will learn natural manners from his peers and gain experience with canine body language. What if I already have a dog or a few dogs that my puppy socializes with in our home or nearby?  Your puppy has been socialized to only a small number of dogs in a world of many dogs.  She will benefit from meeting and playing with a variety of new friends.

Space is limited. Reserving your spot in advance is required. Email Power@bark-n-roll.com to register. 

Please contact us to see if your dog would be appropriate for this specialized course.

Class size is intimate for this course to provide maximum comfort and 1-1 attention to our “socially challenged” students and their humans in the first few weeks of class. If deemed necessary to assess on-leash reactive behaviors and leash handling skills, 1 private session may be required with you and your pup prior to class start date.

Curriculum for course to include:

• Behavior Adjustment Training Techniques that teach your dog to cope with his or her environment through practice confronting his or her triggers in a controlled and rewarding way. Our Punky Pups class specifically addresses on-leash reactive behaviors by using positive motivation and does not attempt to recreate a stressful situation to send a dog over threshold (point of tolerance or point at which a dog begins to feel fearful) in order to ‘bring out’ a fear-based response. We don’t aim to encourage barking/lunging in order to ‘correct’ this behavior, instead addressing how best to encourage your dog to remain calm in proximity to other dogs using positive focusing techniques.
• Focus on properly reading Canine Body Language and proper leash management techniques.
• Specific Problem Behaviors & Management Methods—using your cues to manage challenging every day real life situations in your dog’s environment in order to make them less challenging over time.

First class: Group will meet for a total of 6 sessions. The first session is HUMANS ONLY. Dogs will be coming in pairs to sessions 2-5 and all dogs will attend session 6 if their humans and class instructors deem appropriate.

Included with class enrollment: Waist Leash

Training methodology:  Our training methods are POSITIVE and family-friendly. We use reward-based training (treats or anything appropriate that your dog finds rewarding enough to motivate him to learn new behaviors. We will teach the steps to move on to a random reward schedule as well once new cues are reliable.). You will learn the basics of clicker theory as well as alternative methods to train if the clicker isn’t for you (though we believe that the Clicker is Quicker!).

Bring to class:  All dogs must be on a 4 to 6 foot non-retractable leash for class. We DO NOT use pinch, choke or prong collars in class so please make sure your dog is wearing the proper collar or harness. If you need assistance choosing equipment please feel free to contact us.

A spot in class will be saved for you only after you have completed payment. Once payment is received for class it is NON-REFUNDABLE.

Please plan to attend all class dates as each class builds on the last. There are no make ups available for missed classes. 

This class will fine tune your dog’s basic obedience cues and enhance communication skills! During this six-week session, you will help your dog build impulse control in multiple scenarios and environments.  You will practice proper leash walking etiquette, including loose leash and heel techniques.

Each class will build on strengthening the reliability and duration of cues around distractions and at a distance. Working together on these goals will deepen your bond and encourage a relationship grounded in mutual respect and improved ability to read body language and speak fluent ‘dog.’

This class is also a rockin’ representation of the skills needed to practice toward becoming a headliner in our three-week Advanced CGC Prep Course and/or taking the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test.

Prerequisites:  Completion of a positive reinforcement Puppy or Beginner class OR three private training sessions with one of our certified trainers. Family members must be able to successfully request through use of positive reinforcement and motivation Sit, Stay, Down, and Watch Me cues. As we support a force free and fear free training approach, harsh verbal commands or actions and aversive equipment (e.g., prong, shock, pinch, choke collars) will not be permitted on stage.

Have you heard about our awesome add ons? We recommend adding an optional waist leash as well as a Bark n’ Roll waist training pouch. Contact us to order prior to the start of the course.

A spot in class will be saved for you only after you have completed payment. Please note all classes are non-refundable.

Please plan to attend all class dates as each class builds on the last. There are no make ups available for missed classes. 

Group will meet for a total of 6 sessions. Dog students will attend all classes.

If you are enrolled in class on a Monday evening the test will be the following Monday evening after course completion.

If you are enrolled in class on a Saturday morning the test will be scheduled on a Sunday date provided when enrolling after course completion.

Our training methods are Least Invasive and Minimally Aversive with a focus on Positive Reinforcement.

During class you will:

• Refine basic obedience skills to improve on your 3D’s: Distance, Duration & Distraction, along with the 3 C’s: Calmness, Clarity and Consistency
• Practice the skills and requirements of the AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluation.
• The CGC Evaluation will be administered bi-monthly on dates to be announced in advance. Cost to take the AKC CGC Evaluation will be included in class fee.
• Work on polite greeting of humans and other dogs, accepting grooming tools without fear, extended stays, recall at a distance, loose-leash walking, heel, automatic sit, and walking through a crowd.
• Transition from using food-based rewards (treats) to reward-based training using voice and body language. We help you teach your dog to perform the cues without requiring food, as food lures are not allowed during the CGC evaluation.
• Increase familiarity with scenarios that a therapy dog may experience.

Please note: manually or verbally forcing a dog into position or jerking/popping the leash is not permitted.

The following are the 10 test items on the CGC test:

1. Accepting a friendly stranger
2. Sitting politely for petting
3. Appearance and grooming
4. Out for a walk (walking on a loose leash)
5. Walking through a crowd
6. Sit and Down on command / Staying in place
7. Coming when called
8. Reaction to another dog
9. Reaction to distractions
10. Supervised separation

Bring to class:  All dogs must be on a 4- to 6-foot non-retractable leash for class. We DO NOT use pinch, shock, remote, choke or prong collars in class.  Please make sure your dog is wearing the proper flat buckle collar or harness. If you need assistance choosing equipment please feel free to contact us.

Disclaimer:  Passing the CGC Evaluation does not ensure that your dog will behave safely in all conditions or scenarios.  We advise that you continue to work on positive behavior and training throughout your dog’s life.

A spot in class will be saved for you only after you have completed payment. Once payment is received for class it is NON-REFUNDABLE.

Please plan to attend all class dates as each class builds on the last. There are no make ups available for missed classes. 

Rock & Stroll: Rock Your Walk Level 2 is the ultimate dog walking class for adventurous pups and their humans who love to hit the trails. Whether you’ve got a high-energy hound or just want to add some rhythm to your routine, we’ll teach you the essentials of trail etiquette, pack walking, and how to build up to off-leash confidence – all with a rock n’ roll attitude. (Class will follow local leash laws, utilize long lines and work recall/check ins on long lines)

Each session is fueled by epic trails, expert training tips, and a crew of like-minded dog lovers ready to take the path less traveled. Taking your Rock Your Walk skills on trail, we will make every step legendary! Prerequisite: Rock Your Walk Level 1 graduates or 1 year old and up that walks politely on leash with a flat buckle collar or harness.

Trained somewhere else before and want to jump up levels? Do you want to audition to see what one of our classes might fit your dog best? Questions? email power@bark-n-roll.com Ready to rock?
Register to get scheduled for a class placement evaluation with our Training Director Sarah Power.
This will take place on site at Bark n’ Roll at a specifically scheduled time, you will have an opportunity for your dog to show the behaviors that they know in a new environment, potentially with another dog present.

Our program is unlike any other Board & Train option out there. We honor the special relationship we have with our best friends and build a foundation of mutual respect and trust. We do not use aversive methods based on force or fear-based tactics or promise a quick fix to “cure” unwanted behaviors. We pride ourselves in being transparent and adhering to the philosophy of LIMA: least invasive and minimally aversive, which means we truly respect your dog and his or her needs, preferences and limitations, and set expectations that set your dog and you up for success!

Contact us for availability and rates.

Nosework or Scent detection is a great way to help relationship building between owners and their dogs. Providing an enriching activity for dogs and handlers of all kinds, young or old, shy or bold, able-bodied or those with decreased mobility. As long as your dog has a nose, they will love scent detection. Limit 6 dogs to a class.

Novice is the next level class after Beginner Nosework/Scentwork.

Pre-requisites: Dogs must be a minimum of 8 months old, preferably over a year old, have taken Beginner Nosework/Scentwork or equivalent and be able to attend group classes.

**Contact our Training Director Sarah Power at power@bark-n-roll.com for more information or questions**

Nosework or Scent detection is a great way to help relationship building between owners and their dogs. Providing an enriching activity for dogs and handlers of all kinds, young or old, shy or bold, able-bodied or those with decreased mobility. As long as your dog has a nose, they will love scent detection. Limit 6 dogs to a class

Pre-requisites: Dogs must be a minimum of 8 months old, preferably over a year old, have taken Beginner Band or equivalent and be able to attend group classes.

**Contact our Training Director Sarah Power at power@bark-n-roll.com for more information or questions**

BnR will be holding a Kids n’ Canines virtual seminar to discuss dog and child safety and management within the home and community. It will cover many topics ranging from preparing the family dog for a new human addition to the household, life with dogs and little ones in the home, as well as welcoming a dog into a home with kiddos of all ages and abilities, from newborns to teens.
This is open to expecting or new parents and those with dogs who currently live or interact with kids of varying ages on a daily, weekly, or otherwise regular basis. Grandparents, aunts and uncles, family friends, caregivers, etc. are encouraged to attend as this 1.5hr ZOOM seminar will be geared toward an adult audience, with time for questions encouraged during the last half hour of the presentation.

Your BnR Canine Behavior Specialist will advise you if the issues you present in your questions would best be addressed further via scheduling a Behavior Evaluation should an individualized training plan be determined as needed for your specific dog and child home situation

Being family-friendly trainers, we truly believe in the importance of the information that will be presented in this seminar and look forward to educating our local community on this vital topic and engaging in an active discussion with all present. We believe that proper preparation, professional guidance and management can prevent injury, family tension, as well as the re-homing or worse of the family dog due to miscommunication and lack of training and education. In our experience not enough attention is paid to this topic until it is unfortunately too late. We hope to encourage pro-activity over reactivity!