Barking Birch Dog Socialization, Training, and Outings

Programs include six-week guided play groups for puppies and small dogs, private one-on-one outings in a secure natural setting, and behavior modification sessions tailored to individual dogs. Behavior programs use incremental socialization with ambassador dogs, owner coaching, and multiple settings (facility, in-town, home) to address reactivity, fear, and aggression. Sessions combine off-leash exercise, socialization, and structured training to build confidence and communication skills. Extended stays are available for existing clients.

Pricing Summary

Socialization and outing sessions: $35 for up to 3 hours, $45 for 3+ hours. Private outings: $20 per 30 minutes or $40 per hour. Extended stays: $75 first day, $60 additional days. Puppy and small dog play groups: $180 for six-week series. Behavior consulting: $105 for initial assessment, $80 per hour, $350 for five-session series. Offsite sessions include travel fees.

Policies

Dogs must provide up-to-date vaccination records (rabies, distemper, parvo), proof of being worm-free, and a flea prevention program. Adult dogs must be spayed or neutered and fully house-trained. Extended stays are limited to existing customers only.

Barking Birch Dog Socialization, Training, and Outings is a dog training business located in Leverett, MA, led by Lee Ann Warner, an experienced animal rescuer with over 40 years of dog ownership and 10 years of professional training experience. The business offers guided group socialization and off-leash play sessions in a safe, natural 60-acre environment featuring trails through field, forest, and stream, along with private outings for dogs needing a stress-free setting. Services include puppy and adolescent play groups, small dog play groups, behavior modification for reactive or fearful dogs, and owner education on reading canine behavior and improving communication. The program emphasizes energetics, leadership, and natural dog language to help dogs achieve balance and confidence. Dogs come home calmer, more confident, and better behaved, with many owners reporting transformative results in behavior and bonding.

In addition to training, Barking Birch provides a private dog park and extended stay options for dogs needing consistent socialization and exercise. The facility is ideal for dogs recovering from trauma, reactive dogs, small dogs, and those needing a controlled environment to practice new skills. All dogs must be vaccinated, worm-free, on flea prevention, and spayed or neutered as adults.

Lee Ann’s approach is gentle, observant, and highly individualized, combining hands-on training with owner coaching to ensure long-term success. She works with dogs of all sizes and ages, including rescues, and has helped transform reactive, fearful, or overexcited dogs into calm, trustworthy companions.

Accomplishments

Lee Ann Warner has over 40 years of personal dog ownership and 10 years of professional experience working with individual dogs and packs. She is recognized by clients as a “dog whisperer” for her intuitive, gentle, and effective approach to rehabilitating reactive and fearful dogs. Her work has successfully transformed dogs with severe behavioral issues, including aggression and fear-based reactivity, into calm, well-socialized companions.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients begin with an initial assessment and rehabilitation plan development ($105) for behavior modification services. For socialization groups, interested owners can inquire about upcoming sessions. All dogs must meet vaccination and health requirements before participation.