Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Barker.
Brandi, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I rescued the coolest, silliest, most vibrant dog in the world named Finn. And, I loved him so much that I almost combusted every time I looked at him. Finn was beyond naughty – he broke into my parents’ pool, knocked our Christmas tree into a fish tank chasing the cat, almost killing my brother’s lizards, he got stuck between a hot tub and fence trying to get to a tennis ball. You name it, he was into it. And, I was always by his side, to save him from trouble that ensued when curiosity overtook him.
We dropped out of our first obedience class. Barbaric abuse marketed as training, I ran away and never even asked for a refund. We flunked our second obedience class. I hated the weekly sessions. The trainer kept yelling at me, “YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG!” And, I remember thinking, “Well, duh, why do you think I’m here?”
Then, my Finn was attacked by two dogs who yanked their person across the street. It was awful, every time one of the dogs tried to bite Finn, he jumped to avoid their chomp. But, would endure a nip, trying to protect me. Our frequent walks and trips to the dog park became stressful, scary and less frequent because Finn’s fear of other dogs put him on the defensive- barking and lunging – to save us both from another blitz.
Every trainer I called told me I would have to put a shock collar on Finn to go back peaceful walks. I might have been clueless about dog behavior at the time. But, I refused to hurt my dog.
Eventually, I found a positive trainer who specialized in what I now intimately understand, dog-dog reactivity. And, over the course of the next year or so, Finn learned to look at me when we passed another dog. I watched him relax when he realized I would protect him. And, the bond that I had with my imperfectly amazing dog grew with every training session we tackled, together.
I completed an apprentice program at the Anti-Cruelty Society where I gobbled up every handling session, book, and test that I could. And, I went back to school to obtain my master’s degree, specializing in Developing Behavior Management Practices to Enhance Understanding in Human/Animal Relationships and I worked, for years, alongside experienced, positive trainers.
Then, I launched Barker Behavior in 2006 where I taught gentle, humane training classes, with an emphasis on kindness to the humans trying to learn how to communicate with their pups. My business began to flourish and I hired experienced, certified trainers that I trusted to teach classes. Then, we grew again, into a private, at-home training and class business model.
In 2012, the space we used to teach classes was re-purposed to expand the facility’s grooming business. So, we made the leap to an all-private training business. And, we are grateful to still be serving Chicagoland dogs and their humans.
In 2014, I co-launched a dog treat company called Bark Pouch. Our innovative, easy-to-use, small batch blends were inspired by the many dogs we’ve worked with who needed a high-value reward. But, were too stressed to eat traditional treats. Bark Pouch makes treating at the right moment a breeze. And, because our clients can squeeze the teeniest tiniest amount, dogs aren’t gaining weight or spending post-training session days sleeping in a food coma.
At Barker Behavior, we love being able to get to know our clients, where they are most comfortable. And, find the dogs learn much quicker when they learn new or alternate behaviors in the places they spend their time. And, Bark Pouch is so grateful to be a part of a process that helps make life easier and more rewarding – for dogs and the people who love them.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I can’t say it’s been a smooth road. But, it’s certainly been a fun ride. The biggest struggle I would say I’ve faced is the business side of things. Dogs – I can’t get enough of our furry friends.
But, running a business is not always about the passion that gets me out of bed in the morning. As a small business owner, I am the accountant, tech support, marketing guru, poop scooper, efficiency expert – all before 9am, every day. Those roles are important. And when I balance it all JUST RIGHT….wow, it’s spectacular.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Barker Behavior and Bark Pouch story. Tell us more about the business.
BARKER BEHAVIOR
We are an all-private, at-home dog behavior and training business, our specialty is training humans AND dogs with the kindest, gentlest, most intuitive training approach. Each of our trainers has 9+ years of training experience and a deep passion for making sense out of the science of dog training for our clients so they can enjoy their time with their dogs.
What I’m most proud of is how much our trainers care. They truly want success for each and every one of their clients.
BARK POUCH
We specialize in dog training treats. And, we are the only company that offers ANY of the following, made in Chicago:
-Fresh, human-grade ingredients
-Innovative, easy-to-use pouch
-Two ingredients or less
-Five flavors, to accommodate varying sensitivities
-HOME DELIVERY!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t know if it’s luck or karma. But, in the past 11 years, when I hit a speed bump, it’s less jarring because I have people I know I can trust and lean on. That sense of security and community surrounds me because I believe in treating people with respect and dignity, no matter what.
And, when faced with big or difficult decisions, what drives my thought process is how can I do right by the people involved. Always.
Pricing:
- Barker Behavior at-home training sessions – $108 per hour, discounts available for packages
- Bark Pouch dog training treats -$4.35 per pouch
Contact Info:
- Website: www.barkerbehavior.com and www.barkpouch.com
- Phone: 773.658.9866
- Email: training@barkerbehavior.com and treats@barkpouch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barkpouch/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Barker-Behavior-136041759771559/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/brandibarker
Image Credit:
Personal photo – http://www.christygregory.com/
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
