Your dreams of calm canine cohabitation are out the window. Sure, you accepted that happy hour was a thing of the past, sleeping in on Saturdays no longer an option and all shoes must be hidden under lock and key. But you never dreamed you’d be walking a lunging lunatic at the end of the leash or that you’d be embarrassed by the pooch who must pounce on every passerby. Barker Behavior, Inc. can mend your Mastiff’s manners; fix your Frenchie’s fearfulness and banish your Berner’s barking.
Experience
Brandi Barker, MFA-CPDT-KA
With the last name “Barker”, Brandi was destined to work with dogs! A lifelong animal lover; she formally began training dogs in 2001 at the Anti-Cruelty Society. After spending years coaching people and training dogs; she launched Barker Behavior in 2006 and has been loving every minute of helping her clients.
Knowledge
Brandi has a Master’s degree from DePaul University, specializing in Developing Behavior Management Practices to Enhance Understanding in Human/Animal Relationships and is also Certified Pet Dog Trainer. She uses this knowledge in conjunction with the active listening, relationship development and creative problem solving skills she acquired from a decade in the corporate world.
Commitment
Brandi is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers; has been published in Chronicle of the Dog and Chicagoland Tails and she regularly writes training articles for the Columbus Examiner (her hometown) and Dogtime. Brandi also actively supports Big Hearts Fund, a non-profit dedicated to animals with heart disease. She shares her home with a lovely rescued chocolate lab named Finnigan, whose early behavior inspired her dog training career.
Experience
Megan Ores-Uhrich CPDT-KA
Megan became addicted to dog behavior when she adopted her first pup in 1999. She quickly immersed herself in the field while tending and training her own growing family of dogs. In 1999 she also launched her own very successful dog walking service to further her education in the needs of the city dog and their families.
Knowledge
To hone her craft, Megan completed three separate dog training internships. She has been a member of the behavior department at the Anticruelty Society since 2005 and helped craft their original Bully buddy adoption program. Megan is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Best Friends Animal Society Community Training Partner, and Safe Humane volunteer. She is an exceptional matchmaker and loves any opportunity to assist in finding the perfect dog.
Commitment
Megan commits what spare time she has to her own dog family. Believing exercise and good basic manners to be the bedrock of a great dog companion, she works hard to keep everyone on their toes. She is currently working toward agility competition with her sweet Russell/Poodle named Marcel. She also shares her home with Zuzu (Blue Heeler Mix), Cobweb and Myra (Jack Russell Terriers), Kid (puppy mill Toy Poodle) and her very dear and good humored husband Andy.
* Photo of Brandi and Finn by Rhonda Holcomb, rhondahphoto.com
