Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosina Barker.
Hi Rosina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I worked as a veterinary assistant for five years and loved what I did. I wanted to further my knowledge and my career, so I decided to go back to college to become a veterinary technician. Trying to find a veterinary clinic to work with my school hours proved to be too difficult. That’s when I was first introduced to dog training. I worked in a pet store as a dog trainer while I was in college. What I did not expect was how much I was going to fall in love with dog training. I did complete my schooling, passed the VTNE exam, passed the board exam, and became a licensed veterinary technician. When I started my career as an LVT I couldn’t stop talking about dog training. One of the doctors I worked with, Dr. Lang, suggested that I open my own business and do dog training on the side. That was the birth of Barker Canine Academy, in 2018.
During my time working at the pet store, I saw so many pitfalls of group training sessions. There is always that one dog that isn’t picking the behaviors up as quickly and one that is ahead of the class. One gets left behind and is unable to keep up with the class and the other stands around, both end up feeling like they did not benefit from the training. That’s why I approach dog training differently. I personalize each training session to fit the needs of the dog while incorporating the owner’s goals. I move at the speed of the dog and teach owners how to intergrade the behaviors into their daily routine to ensure that their training will last a lifetime. I have had several behavior modification cases as well. With my approach to dog training, those cases have been very successful. My slogan is “There’s no cookie-cutter way to do dog training.”
With each client and each dog, I learn something new. After weeks, months, and sometimes years working with each dog and owner I form a bond, a relationship with them. I get such fulfillment from what I do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest struggle I faced since I’ve opened is probably similar to several others. When COVID-19 hit the United States, and everything shut down I really thought to myself “This is going to be the end of my business.” I spent a lot of time searching for the right course of action to take. Most of my training takes place within my clients’ homes. With everyone being quarantined that was not a possibility anymore. Thankfully, my husband is very tech-savvy and assisted me with doing remote dog training. With this new capability, I am now able to train dogs in Houston and all over the world! I have trained dogs remotely from Indiana to Belize. Most importantly I was able to stay operational and my business survived Covid-19.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The services I offer are obedience, AKC Canine Good Citizen, and behavior modification training. My personal specialty is behavior modification. I think my biggest case was my first client when I opened Barker Canine Academy. The dog’s name was Evie. Evie had separation anxiety, thunderstorm anxiety, animal aggression, and destructive behaviors. In our first session, her owner placed a whole pile of medications on the couch. Evie had chewed several doors, walls, and kennels. She had attacked the neighbor’s dog, which resulted in the dog going to an emergency clinic. Her owner was so stressed and couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Her dog was the world to her, and she hated to see Evie so stressed all of the time. By the end of her training, her separation anxiety and thunderstorm anxiety was managed with very little medication. Her animal aggression basically disappeared, and her destructive behavior was resolved. She is the case of that I am most proud.
I think my training methods set me apart from others. I do not have a set curriculum, I move at the speed of the dog, I design the curriculum for each dog, I teach owners how to train their dogs, and teach them how to integrate it into their daily lives. I understand that people have busy lives and try to be as flexible as possible. This allows them to juggle their schedule and still keep up with their dog’s training. I also think that by going to their homes and training there I am able to see the dog when it’s the most comfortable. Most behavior issues happen while the dog is at home. This allows me to observe these behaviors and correct them in the environment they are happening. If I am to be completely honest, I think the best thing that sets me apart is that I do not just see dogs, I do not just have clients, I form a bond with the dogs, learn to understand them and how they think, and I get to know their owners on a personal level.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
So, my business is based out of Houston. So, I honestly do not know much about Dallas. However, I will say that I love living and working in Houston. I am originally from northern Indiana. Every city there is small compared to Houston. It was a bit of an adjustment for me. I love that anything you could possibly want to eat, or visit is right at your fingertips. Texas is absolutely beautiful! I love the weather, even the hot months. The whole state and its plant life are breathtaking to me.
Pricing:
- Private Obedience $85 per session
- Group Obedience $65 per session
- Behavior Modification depends on severity of the behavior
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.barkercanineacademy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barkercanineacademy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarkerCanineAcademy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4QcyPr1eiMtZte1G7df-Jw
Image Credits
Athena A Barker
