BarkSide

About Josh

Quality Dog Training

For the last 10+ years, Josh has been working with reactive and aggressive dogs. With experience in dog behavior modification and dog training, Josh's range of knowledge can be used to benefit you and your dog's relationship.

Certifications

Quality Dog Training

On top of years of experience, Josh is certified as a Canine Training and Behavior Specialist (C.C.T.B.S.) as well as an Advanced Canine Training Professional (C.A.C.T.P.) through the Animal Behavior Institute of North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact us if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What is behavior modification, and what is the difference between a behaviorist and a trainer?

Behavior Modification is the systematic approach to changing a specific behavior a dog is displaying such as reactivity and aggression. Dog obedience training is the act of training a dog to perform a specific action when requested while behavior modification is changing the dog's reaction to a situation, person, object, or animal. Behavior modification often uses components of basic obedience training. A behaviorist specializes in understanding why dogs are displaying behaviors and how to change them.

Behavior modification takes time and consistency. We help our clients identify behaviors that need to be changed and a plan on how to do that.

What is your training style and what tools do you use?

With our training, we want to help you and your dog establish a healthy and happy bond. We believe this bond is greatly developed by you providing your dog with structure, leadership, and guidance. By ignoring or taking away the behaviors we do not like, and rewarding the behaviors we do like, we show dogs the consistency they need to be happier and more confident. You and your dog will be able to have more confidence and be able to achieve the goals that you would like to reach.

The only tool we use on dogs we are training is a soft leash, also called a slip-lead. We sometimes introduce a head collar such as a Halti or gentle-leader to clients and their dogs to assist with better head control. Lastly, we may ask clients to place a muzzle on the their dog if there is a risk for biting. We do NOT use any kind of shock or prong collars.

Where are you located and where will the training sessions take place?

We are based out of Reno, Nevada and we offer public and in-home training. We are currently only seeing clients within Reno & Sparks. Training locations will differ on a client-to-client basis, depending on what's best for you and your dog. For some clients, sessions may occur in the home and for others it may occur at local parks or pet friendly stores. We can discuss locations in which work best for you and where you and your dog will be most comfortable.

If you live outside of the Reno & Sparks area and are willing to travel to us, please reach out to us directly so we can set up a time and place that will work for you and us.

How can I get started with your training?

First, you will need to book an initial evaluation session. These will be required for all new clients and dogs. These evaluations will be 30 minutes long and will be used to establish what you want to work on with your dog. We then offer 30 minute and 1 hour long sessions for further hands-on training.

Do you offer training packages?

We do not currently offer training packages. We like to give our clients the options to book us when it is convenient for them, and as many times as they need us. If you only need to see us for the evaluation session and we have answered your questions and gave you the help you needed, then we did our job! If you need continued help after the evaluation, we will see you as often and as many times as needed to get you and your dog feeling confident with your training goals.

Do you guarantee your training?

No, and please use extreme caution when a trainer guarantees their training will "fix" your dog. Each dog is individually different, and as their owners so are we. We can't press a button to fix your dog's behavior, but we will give you the knowledge and tools to help you and your dog gain confidence and reach your training goals.

Schedule A Session

Online Scheduling

Use the links below to schedule a new session with us! You will receive email confirmation once you book a session. Please make sure to include where you would like Josh to meet you for the session within the Reno/Sparks area.

Evaluation Session (30 min.)

New clients will need to schedule an evaluation appointment. Please click the link below to schedule an evaluation:

https://barkside.hbportal.co/schedule/6309454745f389164bc83132

Training Session (30 min.)

Please click the link below to schedule a 30 minute Training Session:

https://barkside.hbportal.co/schedule/630946afefa2e8002c89e76d

Training Session (1 hour)

Please click the link below to schedule a 1 hour Training Session:

https://barkside.hbportal.co/schedule/63094808876c1313276e0ebb

Other services offered

Dog Walking (45 min.)

We are now offering 45 minute dog walks for previous and existing clients/dogs! You must have at least completed an evaluation session with us. Walks can occur within the Reno/Sparks area.

Dog Walk

$50

This is more than just a "walk". Josh will work with your dog on previously discussed goals that you have for your dog. This can include loose leash walking, dog and stranger reactivity, confidence building, and even recall. These sessions are meant for your dog and Josh only. Sessions with client present will be Training Sessions.