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
PAWS - A fun and interactive dog safety program for kids ages 5 to 8
Darby's Play Yard
OFOD-Overcoming Fear of Dogs

Class Schedule

Saturdays
Tuesdays

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

Summer

2nd & 4th Saturdays @ 9:30
Advanced training, please call for more information.

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.

My approach to dog training is somewhat different than many trainers. 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.

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

PAWS

PAWS is a super fun, interactive dog safety program for kids ages 5 - 9.

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 PAWS video in the gallery below.

Basic Skills Assessment
Levels 1 & 2 Certificates

Skill Level 1

Skill Level 2

1. Sit

2. Down

3. Take away treat or toy

4. Stay & Come

5. Loose Leash Walking

6. Grooming

7. Free of Aggression

8. Leave It

9. Polite Greeting

10. Reaction to Another Dog

1. Come Front

2. Distractions

3. Come Front, Sit, Walk Around

4. Down or Sit, Walk Around

5. Wait at Gate

6. Wait for Food

7. Mat

8. Release Word

9. Step Back, Stop, Sit, Repeat

10. Obstacle Course

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

Up-Coming Events

Saturday October 4, 2025 @ noon

Canine Good Citizen Test

Darby's Backyard's fee is $10.00

AKC charges $20.00 for certificate only

or $30.00 for certificate and title.

Please register by 9/26

How to Speak 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