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 shoes must be locked away the instant you walk in the door. 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 pounces on every passerby. Barker Behavior, Inc. can mend your Mastiff’s manners, free your Frenchie’s fearfulness, and banish your Berner’s barking.
Experience
Megan became addicted to dog behavior after adopting her first puppy in 1999. She quickly immersed herself in the training field and applied every new skill she learned to her growing family of dogs, so they thrived in the city. Megan also launched a successful dog walking service to help other urban families give their dogs the care they deserve in downtown Chicago.
Knowledge
To cultivate her craft, Megan completed three separate dog training internships. She has been a valued member of the Anti-Cruelty Society’s Behavior Department since 2005 where she co-created their Bully Buddy Adoption Program. Megan is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Best Friends Animal Society Community Training Partner, and Safe Humane volunteer. She is an exceptional matchmaker and would love to help you find the perfect dog to complete your family.
Commitment
Megan commits what spare time she has to her own dog menagerie. She keeps her canine crew on their toes with exercise and good basic manners—the bedrock of enjoying life with dogs. Megan’s 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.
Experience
Melissa has adored dogs all her life. She discovered her professional calling in 2008 when she fell in love with Timmy (Pointer Mix puppy) while volunteering. To keep her high-energy, super-smart puppy in her good graces, Melissa taught Timmy a plethora of tricks and lots of life skills (manners and obedience) via positive training. Tricky Timmy’s YouTube channel has over 1,000 subscribers!
Knowledge
Melissa continually improves her knowledge and skills by studying with other trainers and stays up-to-date on the latest canine behavior research via books, journals, and seminars. She is an accredited trainer, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and APDT member. Melissa is a fantastic people coach and tenacious partner always excited to help you and your dog succeed.
Commitment
Melissa is obsessed with helping her clients—dog and human. In her free time, she adds to Tricky Timmy’s long list of behavioral achievements and Karma (her Cattle Dog mix) often joins in the training fun. Timmy’s “fetch me a drink” trick has been featured in USA Today Weekend, Steve Dale’s Pet World, and twice in American Dog Magazine.
Experience
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.
Knowledge
Brandi has a Master’s degree from DePaul University, specializing in Developing Behavior Management Practices to Enhance Understanding in Human/Animal Relationships. Brandi is an accomplished writer—Chronicle of the Dog, Chicagoland Tails, Columbus Examiner, and Dogtime have featured her work. She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer, Association of Pet Dog Trainers member, and Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Brandi 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 to resolve your dog’s troublesome behaviors.
Commitment
Brandi actively supports multiple rescues by conducting evaluations, giving presentations, and teaching classes to help raise funds for animals in need. She said goodbye to her dear, sweet Finnigan in 2013. While Finn will always be missed, honored, and at the heart of everything she does, Gavin is now the four-legged light of her life. When he’s not scaling trees, learning a new trick, or romping with his friends, Gavin is an ambassador dog for Safe Humane.
Brandi co-owns Bark Pouch—a handy dispenser with high-value, human-grade, small-batch treats created to make training easier for you and your dog.
Photo of Brandi and Gavin by Christy Gregory www.christygregory.com
