Do you know the only two creatures on the entire planet that have been proven to understand the gesture of pointing?  The answer is humans and dogs.  Growing up around dogs and working as a professional trainer and behaviorist, I have long known that most dogs understand the gesture, but I recently read an article in TIME magazine that really surprised me.   It showed research that had proven that even chimpanzees with their incredibly advanced brain and almost human like behaviors didn’t understand when humans pointed at something.  This is pretty surprising considering one chimp has mastered 240 words with sign language.  What explains this phenomenon?  The answer is not that dogs are smarter, it lies in how they apply their brain.  Dogs are naturally social creatures that crave interaction with other dogs and especially with humans.  As they evolved, the most social dog was the most likely to reproduce since he would get favorable treatment from humans.  This has given us a species that from birth can understand human gestures that even other primates don’t comprehend.  I hope that this shows you the importance of using body language when training your dog.  Weak body language shows the dog that he can push you around and strong body language shows the opposite.  I also frequently see situations where a humans body language confuses a dog and makes the situation worse.  One example is when someone tells a dog to come as they walk towards the dog.  This is a clear indicator to the dog to stay where he is (when the alpha approaches they typically stay in position or lower themselves to the ground).  So the next time you are having issues with your dog ask yourself, is my body saying the same thing that my mouth is?

Matt Covey

Suburban K-9

Bark Avenue Daycamp

Bartlett, Il

Popularity: 73% [?]

Do you have a puppy (8 mos or younger)? Come play with us at our FREE puppy playtime every Saturday from 12-1pm.  Call 630-289-8470 for more details!

Popularity: 87% [?]

Listen for our advertisement on WLIT 93.9 FM on May 4th, 5th, & 6th!!

Popularity: 47% [?]

By: Michelle Sarwas

Each year, Chicagoland Tails magazine asks their readers to vote for their favorite dog trainer. This year Bark Avenue is please to announce that Matt Covey was voted as 1 of the top 5 dog trainers in the Chicagoland area. Needless to say, not only are our customers excited that they have access to such a wonderful trainer, but the Bark Avenue staff is lucky to have him on our team. If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Matt, please stop by the facility and say hello to him.

Popularity: 52% [?]

By: Michelle Sarwas

We appreciate your interest in learning about our facility so let me start by giving you an overview of what you can expect.

DOGGIE DAYCAMP

We give your canine pal 8,000 sf. of indoor space to run and play until their hearts are content. Weather permitting, they also have 6,000 sf. outside at their disposal to ensure that everyone gets plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Toys and balls of all kinds will be provided as well as equipment for climbing and in the summer, pools to splash around and cool off in. The Bark Avenue staff is certified through the ABKA (American Boarding & Kennels Association) as Certified Petcare Technicians and through the American Red Cross for Canine CPR and emergency care. Our first priority at Bark Avenue is to provide a safe environment and top notch care for your pet just as you do at home.

BOARDING

Going on vacation? Why not let your pet take one too? During the day, your dog will enjoy the activities and socialization of the daycamp and at the end of the day, they can look forward to some quiet time with our staff and of course DINNER! Keeping the dogs active during the day promotes good sleeping habits at night and lessens any anxiety they may be feeling without you near.

GROOMING

For your convenience, grooming facilities will be onsite with a professional groomer on staff. With the grooming area on site, you can leave your dog for daycamp and pick them up all clean and freshly groomed.

TRAINING

We offer all types of training both private and group. Whether your dog has not yet learned good manners or has developed some bad ones we can help. Give us a call to discuss your personal needs.

Popularity: 38% [?]

By: Michelle Sarwas
Do these commands sound familiar? They are 4 of the basic commands every dog needs to learn to be his/her best and to demonstrate good manners. If you dog has not learned these commands than our Obedience Training Class is for you. Participants in this class will meet 1 night a week for 6 weeks for a 1 hour group training session. During these classes, we will teach you how to properly teach your dogs and your dogs will learn that when they listen to you, they are rewarded with your love, praise, and attention – which is all they really want.

SIT? STAY? IN JUST A MINUTE…..MAYBE…

Ever experience this fun little challenge from your lovable pooch? You know how it goes. You and your pal go outside for a walk or to play and all of a sudden your usually obedient dog is interested in everything and anything, except you that is! You could shout commands all day long but your pup has an agenda all his/her own. If this sounds all too familiar you and your pooch are likely candidates for our Distraction Class. These group classes also meet weekly for a 1 hour training session. During this 5 week class we will help you teach your dog to obey your commands in any situation, regardless of the surrounding distractions. Sign Up Now

If you would like to reserve your spot or get additional information please call us at 630-289-8470.

Popularity: 40% [?]