Learn to train proactively! We’ve been voted Best Dog Trainer in MT since 2022. We provide holistic training that ensures the best welfare for your pup.
We train basic manners, behavioral issues, and service/therapy/facility dogs. Schedule a call to learn more about our program offerings today! portal.busypaws.app/customers/bark-4-joy-dog-training-llc
11/23/2025
We know, it’s not even Thanksgiving 🍂
Bear wanted to visit Stitch, and we couldn’t deny that sweet face 🥰
For a young pup, consistency and socialization is critical. Here’s a few suggestions for anyone with a pup between 4-12 months old!
🍁 Provide structure with routines that include exercise, sleep, and training
🍁 Continue visiting new locations
🍁 Support them through moments of excitement and fear
🍁 Provide agency by allowing them to make choices when applicable
Young and adolescent pups are tough, but don’t go through the journey alone! Drop a comment below for more information on our Adolescent Academy 🙂
11/22/2025
HELLO EVERYBODY!! 🐾🌸
It's me, Candy, here to roll my way into your heart!
I took the opportunity recently to Break Out of the shelter with a super kind Bark 4 Joy trainer! 🌿
We went on an adventure around the Capitol building, explored a park close by, and enjoyed rolling around in the frost! ❄️💗
Here’s a few more things about me:
🎀 I’m about 4 years old
🚶♀️ I am very calm out on walks
🐾 I have lived with other dogs and cats and have done well
🤍 I love to roll around and get pats
🏡 And I am the perfect size!
The trainer said she loved how calm I was while we were out. It was very therapeutic! She thinks I am a sweet soul who loves her people, and she is right! 🌟💞
So if you are looking for a lovable companion with a desire to explore and sniff, come meet me at Lewis and Clark Humane Society! 🎾💛
11/22/2025
We just wrapped up another Joyful Foundations Puppy Class! 😁
Our off-leash style provides a focus on healthy play and work, a fantastic balance for a young pup 🐶
These 6 puppies learned how to build resiliency, confidence, and manners that will last a lifetime! 😍
Looking to kickstart your pup’s future? Join us December 3, 10, and 17th for our next Joyful Foundations!
See you there 😉
11/20/2025
HELLO EVERYBODY!! 🐾🌟
'Tis me... The wonderful Daisy Mae!
I am so excited to announce that I went on such a FUN Breakout Adventure! 🌄
We went on some very interesting walkies, socialized with a new dog friend, and gained some surface confidence with playground equipment! 🎉
Here’s a few more things about me:
🌼 I’m about 9 months old
💨 I desire to run super fast
🧠 I am super smart and learn really quick
🤗 I love to be with my person and get pats
📣 And I am such a great listener!
The trainer said she admired my desire to speed! She thinks I could potentially do great on hikes, in sports, and running in any form! 🏃♀️🐕
That all being said, if you’re looking for a lovebug of a spitfire, come meet me and toss a ball at Lewis and Clark Humane Society! 🎾💛
11/20/2025
We just love a group training outing 😍
Bear (the pup in front) and Squampus (the pup in the back) worked in tandem at Home Depot today!
Squampus is a 2 year old in training to become a service dog, and Bear is working to be his best self 🥳
We are so proud of both of these pups! 🐶
11/18/2025
Oh... hi!! 🐶✨
It’s me, Scarlet! The blue eyed beauty!
You might have already guessed, but a super kind and gentle trainer took me out for a play day! 🌲
We did some socializing to new environments in the car, learning how to hop in and out of a car, and playing with my new dog friend! 💕
Here’s a a few more things about me:
🐾 I’m about 1 year old
🚗 I am full of zoomies
🐕 I do wonderful with playful and confident dog friends
🍬 I love to taste test treats
🏠 And I am super shy at first, but after settling a bit, I am the biggest lover!
The trainer said I seriously impressed her with how quickly I warmed up to walkies with a dog friend. 💞
That all being said, if you’re looking for a best friend to zoom with after some patience, love, and pats, I am your Blue Eyed Beauty! 🦴💙
Come say hi at Lewis and Clark Humane Society!
11/17/2025
Why should you use a leash? Because safety starts with responsible ownership. 🐾
Here in Helena, leash laws help keep our community safe. If your dog isn’t in an enclosed area (like a dog park) or on your property, they must be leashed.
We know your pup would love to run wild, but keeping them safe in public spaces comes first. 🐶✨
Leash laws help with:
✨ Making everyone feel comfortable while walking or training
🎓 Creating structured, safe training moments
🚗 Protecting dogs from traffic, triggers, & wildlife
🤝 Encouraging calm, predictable interactions
Ignoring leash laws can lead to:
😟 Stress for people who are afraid of dogs
🐕 Anxiety for dogs who struggle with other dog greetings
🏡 Concern from neighbors in residential areas
⚠️ Unsafe situations for pets and people
Safety matters to us at Bark 4 Joy, and strong communities start with responsible dog owners. 🌟🐾
Show us your dog's favorite leash in the comments! 📸👇
11/16/2025
Meet our lovely new client, Faith 😌
This sweet girl was adopted from Lewis and Clark Humane Society several weeks ago. She’s proven to be the most loyal, sweet companion 💙
🫣 Faith, however, doesn’t love when her mom is gone 💔 She begun to show separation-related behaviors, and that’s when Faith’s mom called us.
Through structured systematic desensitization, Faith and her mom are on a long journey to ensure Faith can be secure and comfortable 💟
Does your dog experience unsettling behaviors when you step out the door? 🚪 Drop a comment below or send us a message, and a trainer will reach out!
11/15/2025
🌟Board and Train: Bear! 🌟
👀 You may recognize this adorable fluff ball from a past post about his previous board and train… The bouncy Bear is back!
🐕 As he grows, his family has some things they want us to work on with him, such as:
🐾 Basic Obedience such as sit, down, stay, and more!
🐾 Loose Leash Walking and general polite manners!
🐾 Puppy teething tendencies such as sitting politely for petting and playing without nibbling!
🐾 General public manners such as polite greetings and being patient!
💞 We are SO excited to work with him for the duration of this stay🎉
11/11/2025
This Veterans day, we are taking the time to honor our clients who have served as well as the working dogs that we have had the pleasure of working with.
Thank you, Veterans!
11/09/2025
🐾 Ready to start your dog training journey?
Here are 4 simple concepts to begin with:
✨ Place – Teach your dog to go to a designated spot and stay there until you call them or return.
🐕 Loose Leash Walking – A must-have skill for safe, enjoyable outings.
💪 Confidence Building – Help your dog feel comfortable around new dogs, people, environments, and sounds.
🤝 Polite Greetings – Perfect for social pups or households that love having guests!
Not sure where to start or struggling with one of these?
📞 Book a discovery call today — we’ll help you and your pup get on the right track!
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She is among the first few hundred people in the United States to receive a Bachelor’s in Anthrozoology. She studied horses and dogs and had the opportunity to train in many disciplines. Trish, one of Madie’s dogs, was trained in her undergraduate program. There, Trish learned narcotics detection, tracking, and an array of therapy/service tasks. Madie also worked with a friend to fully train a psychiatric service dog in just six months. While training the service dog, Madie assisted in rewriting Montana’s service dog law and testified as a proponent for the bill on two occasions.
Madie owns two dogs of her own: Trish (or Patrisha) and Sherman. Trish, who came from a shelter, is a Border Collie/Cattle Dog mix. Sherman was recently adopted from a rescue out of Fort Worth, TX called SPIN. Madie enjoys working with her dogs to help keep her training skills sharp.
Bark for Joy Dog Training was founded in 2018, the summer before Madie’s senior year at Carroll. She has been professionally training dogs ever since. She specializes in PTSD/psychiatric service dogs, but also does basic obedience, scent work, therapy training, and trick training. Currently, Madie is preparing to take her CPDT-KA exam. She also is earning her master’s degree in Companion Animal Science. Her thesis is on the environmental effects on canine olfaction.
Here at Bark 4 Joy, we like to call ourselves positive reinforcement enthusiasts. We use treats and praise for good behavior, but also utilize time outs when a dog engages in the incorrect behavior. We pride ourselves in ensuring your dog can continue to be themselves while also not developing any negative feelings towards you. Our mission is to ensure that your reach your training goals. To do so, we believe that it isn’t just the trainer’s responsibility to train but also yours! This means that Madie strives to teach you how to train your dog. After all, life is better with a (trained) dog!
