Consistency
Patience
Repetition

Force-Free Dog Training

Services

Group classes and private training
Training and certification for A.K.C. Canine Good Citizen and S.T.A.R. Puppy.
Training and certification for Alliance of Therapy Dogs
Impulse Control and Reactivity Coaching
W.A.I.T. - A fun and interactive dog safety program for adults and kids
Darby's Play Yard
OFOD-Overcoming Fear of Dogs
The ADA and Service Dogs - What it means for your business

Class Schedule

Saturdays
Tuesdays

11:00 - drop in
1:00 - drop in

Tuesdays @ Noon
Advanced training, please call for more information.

Please call, text or email me if you plan to attend a class.

Tuition

Cash, Check or
Venmo@Barbara-Thomas-428

Group Classes
$15 each or $75 for 6 Class Punch Card

Private Sessions
$25

Home Visits
Call for pricing

Contact Information

barbarakthomas@outlook.com

303-883-5720

Office hours are 8:00 - 5:00 daily

Gold Beach, OR

About Barbara

I began training dogs professionally during the pandemic in 2020 when friends reached out to me, in desperate need of a dog trainer. At first it was just friends, stopping by to get advice but it quickly escalated and became a mission for me. Seeing a need, I began studying in earnest and graduated from CATCH Canine Trainers Academy in 2022. I became an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator in 2021 and a Tester/Observer for Alliance of Therapy Dogs in 2022.

I employ the BAT (Behavior Adjustment Training) method in my training. BAT helps rehabilitate reactive dogs by empowering them to make their own choices in a safe, controlled environment, helping them build confidence and learn acceptable behaviors to cope with triggers. My emphasis is on impulse control, good manners and relationship building. I'm a force-free, positive reinforcement trainer and strive to create "real world" experiences within the safe environment of Darby's Backyard.

You may see me doing super silly things on my Facebook page but there is a reason behind the silliness. Every time your dog is exposed to a novel experience it can be interpreted as either good or bad and can have a lasting impression. By exposing them to wheelchairs, crutches, cap guns, masks, hats, skateboards and many other seemingly silly distractions in a controlled environment we can influence your dog's experience and help your dog understand that these things can be fun.

Continuing Education

9/19

5/21

10/24

4/25

10/25

2020-25

12/25

2/26

Dog Bite Prevention Educator

Teaching a Group Class

Pet First Aid

Canine Defensive Handling

Canine Confidence Course

The Bitey End of the Dog

Non-Aggression Problem Solving

Therapy Dog Training

DogNostics

APDT

Pro Trainings

Puppyworks

DogNostics

M. Shikashio

Puppyworks

Biscuit

CGC, CGCA, CGCU, THDD

Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs offer significant mental, emotional and physical benefits by reducing stress, anxiety and loneliness, while boosting mood, socialization and motivation through unconditional love and not-judgmental presence, helping with conditions from dementia to PTSD in hospitals, schools and homes.

Our Therapy Dog Teams in Curry County offer comfort in many settings: Curry General Hospital, Curry County Courthouse, Riley Creek Elementary School, Curry Public Library, Shore Pines Senior Living, Hospice Care and others.

Darby's Backyard offers training to prepare you and your dog for therapy work and Therapy Dog certification by Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

My Story:

On Memorial Day 2008, the day that we were scheduled to pick up our new puppy, I found THE LUMP. So, here I have an 8 week old Lab and am scheduled for cancer treatments; many, many treatments. This was a challenge to say the least! Fortunately Joe was a great puppy and we managed to get his basic training in. While I was undergoing chemo treatments, folks would bring their therapy dogs to me, these dogs were such a blessing! Chemo is no fun but those therapy dogs made the time go by so much faster. While undergoing chemo I decided that I would give some of that love back and make Joe a therapy dog, now this was something of a challenge. I knew nothing about therapy dogs or dog training so there was a steep learning curve, to say the least. Joe was my first therapy dog, then come Darby and now Biscuit, over the years we have touched many lives and I'm so grateful for that opportunity.

If you would like to learn more about therapy dogs or would like a team to visit please contact Darby's Backyard

Alliance of Therapy Dog Teams of the
Southern Oregon Coast

Click here to learn more about ATD

Darby's Small Challenges Course

Build confidence and trust while having fun!

My obstacle course is designed to provide easy-to-achieve goals that your dog can master.

The suspension bridge, "A" frame, jumps, wobble boards, teter, and walking surface challenge, are a manageable size for most dogs and encourage confidence and trust.

Shelter Partnerships

Darby's Backyard offers training to Wild Rivers Animal Rescue and South Coast Humane Society. Volunteers may bring a shelter dog to any group class free of charge. We offer "CGC Ready" classes to prepare dogs and new owners for the Canine Good Citizen Test.

Anyone that adopts a dog from these shelters may attend three free training sessions.

Darby's Play Yard

Darby's Play Yard is 1/3 acre of fully fenced, grassy and flat land. Dogs are welcome to play by appointment.

Let your dog sniff, play ball or run with their buddies.

Buy a three visit punch card for $10

W.A.I.T.

W.A.I.T. is a super fun, interactive dog safety program for kids and adults.

Biscuit and I teach children how to ask to pet a dog, how to approach a dog and how to pet that dog. We also learn what to do if a dog is running loose and times that you should never touch a dog.

Check out my W.A.I.T. video in the gallery below.

Biscuit's Book of Manners

Biscuit's Book of Manners is full of fun graphics for parents and caregivers to explore with young children. The simple "SAFE" and "NOT SAFE" art encourages discussion about dog safety.

Biscuit's Book of Manners is available to borrow at Curry Public Library or contact Darby's Backyard to purchase a copy.

OFOD
OVERCOMING FEAR OF DOGS

The OFOD protocol is an easy-to-follow, ten-step program based on exposure therapy. It uses a hierarchy of exercises that gradually increases your child's comfort around a dog. This method involves using a certified therapy dog that has been throughly vetted to ensure a positive experience for your child.

Required Materials:
"Overcoming Your Child's Fear of Dogs"
and "How to Face My Fear Of Dogs" workbook
by Stefani M. Cohen

Canine Good Citizen Test

Saturday April 18, 2026 @ Noon

Darby's Backyard's fee is $10

AKC charges

$20 for certificate only or

$30 for certificate and title

Advanced registration is required

Click here for more information about the CGC

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The Americans With Disabilities Act and Service Dogs

Learn about:

Your rights under the ADA as a business owner
What questions you are allowed to ask a handler
When you may request a dog to leave your business
The difference between a Service Dog, a Therapy Dog and an Emotional Support Dog

Testimonials

Happy Clients Speak

Our clients love the transformation they see in their dogs after our training sessions. Discover what they have to say about their experiences with Darby's Backyard.

Darby's Backyard has brought so much joy to me and so many others with their pups. Barb is the dog whisperer for sure and helps so many dog owners to become better dog parents.

Sue

I got a new puppy and wanted to do the responsible thing for her and me and get some obedience training. I was referred to Barbara from a dear friend. My thought was to go a few times and get some basic skills down and work at home with my pup. Well now, two years later and a pup who has received her CGC titles and is a certified therapy dog. We go every Saturday weather permitting. This has been life changing for both of us. I've met some amazing friends along the way! We plan on continuing this journey with Barb.

Kelly