BARK University

BARK University offers a variety of structured programs including private training sessions tailored to individual needs, small group obedience and specialty classes (e.g., agility, trick dog, nosework), six-week intensive courses, and a 2-week board and train program. All programs begin with an initial in-person consultation to assess goals and create a customized plan. Seminars and drop-in classes address specific issues like recall or door manners. Daycare add-ons integrate training into existing daycare services. Training is designed to build communication, reinforce desired behaviors, and support long-term harmony between dogs and their owners.

Pricing Summary

Private training begins with an in-person consultation, followed by individual sessions or packages available for sessions within 10 miles of Northport. Pricing for sessions outside the 10-mile radius requires direct inquiry via email. Packages can be purchased for private sessions, and board and train programs are offered as 2-week immersive programs. Group classes and specialty courses are available on a session or six-week basis.

Policies

A phone screening is required for dogs with severe behavioral issues, including aggression, before scheduling any in-person consultation or private sessions. No other cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated in the provided content.

BARK University is a small, local, woman-owned dog training business based in Northport, Alabama, serving the Northport and Tuscaloosa areas. They offer a range of positive reinforcement-based training services including private in-home or on-site sessions, small group obedience classes, puppy kindergarten, agility, trick training, board and train programs, and specialty six-week courses. Their training philosophy is rooted in Least-Invasive, Minimally-Aversive (LIMA) principles, avoiding dominance-based methods and focusing on building communication between dogs and owners through rewards, redirection, and mutual understanding. Trainers are educated through ongoing professional development, including certifications from national organizations and attendance at the Association of Professional Dog Trainers conference. BARK University also partners with local daycares to offer daycare add-ons like grooming prep and enrichment camp, and operates out of Hot Diggity Doggie Camp, which provides boarding and daycare services.

They emphasize personalized training plans tailored to each dog’s needs, whether addressing mild behavioral issues like leash reactivity or separation anxiety, or enhancing skills through fun activities like tricks and agility. Their team includes experienced trainers who undergo extensive on-the-job training and must pass canine body language certification. BARK University honors its founders’ dogs—Bentley, Aljo, Riley, and Koda—and is inspired by their legacy to create harmonious relationships between dogs and their families.

Accomplishments

All trainers must complete canine body language certification and undergo hundreds of hours of on-the-job training. Lead trainers receive funding for national and international certifications. BARK University sends a delegation annually to the Association of Professional Dog Trainers Conference to stay current on canine learning science. The business was founded by Brooke and Liz, who identified a need for affordable, flexible training in the area and expanded from their daycare business to meet community demand.

How to Get Started!

Begin by scheduling an in-person consultation through the website. During the consultation, the trainer observes the dog and discusses the owner’s goals to create a personalized training plan. After receiving the emailed plan, clients can schedule private sessions individually or as packages.