About us
Meet the Barkhaus team
We love dogs
We’re experienced, certified dog trainers and behavior consultants offering dog training, doggy daycare, and dog walking. We tailor our services to each individual dog, and as such we keep our walking and daycare groups small to ensure that each dog has sufficient space to play, explore, and rest.
Nick
Certified Dog Trainer & Behavior Consultant.
My name’s Nick and I’m a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant under German Animal Welfare Law (§ 11) and internationally through the International Canine Behaviourists, as well as a Fear Free certified Animal Trainer through Dr. Marty Becker’s program. I have worked with dogs full-time for more than 8 years, and I’m a graduate of the Professional Dog Trainer course at the DoGenius Institute, which I graduated with distinction after 18 months of study, and also a graduate of world-renowned dog trainer Michael Shikashio’s “Aggression in Dogs Master course.”
What started as a passion for looking after dogs and spending time with them quickly turned into an obsession about understanding dog behavior, how to train and modify their behavior, as well as the many factors influencing the behavior of the dogs we live with.
I teach force-free, science-based training methods, meaning I don’t use any physical or psychological intimidation when I work with dogs and their caretakers but rather focus on reinforcing desirable alternative behaviors and their overall lifestyle. I focus on relationship-building between the dog and human(s) and aim to help you better understand your dog’s behaviors, as well as the emotions underlying the behaviors – teamwork makes the dream work, as they say.
I offer individual training and consultations in the following areas:
Reactivity & Aggression
Fear & Anxiety
Puppy training
Separation Anxiety
Rescue Dogs
Scent work
Predatory Behaviors
Loose leash walking
Frustration
Repetitive & Compulsive behaviors
Happy vet visits & care
Pre-adoption consultations
…And many more
I offer in-person consultations in Porto & the Porto Metropolitan Area as well as online consultations worldwide.
Phone & WhatsApp: +351 966 216 221
Email: Nick@Barkhausdogs.com
To maintain my behavior and training credentials I’m committed to undertaking a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education annually in the form of courses, webinars, and workshops including industry leaders like:
Dr. Kristina Spaulding, Dr. Chris Pachel, Dr. Jessica Hekman, Steve Mann (IMDT), Jean Donaldson, Dr. Sophie White, Kim Brophey, Kathy Sdao, among many others.
I’m currently in the process of finalizing my Level 6 diploma (equivalent BSc) in canine behavior at the International School for Canine Psychology and Behaviour (ISCP), and am currently conducting research on nosework and aggression via a survey; if participating in this would be of interest to you, feel free to get in touch.
If you are a dog trainer or behavior professional and you feel stuck with a case, I offer second opinion consultations on complex behavior cases.
Additionally, I freqently deliver webinars and in-person presentations on a variety of behavior topics and K9 nosework. For inquiries, please get in touch via email or WhatsApp.
Sarah
Dog trainer & Behaviour Practitioner.
A lifelong dog cuddler and lover foremost, my name’s Sarah and I’m a dog trainer and behaviour practitioner, dog sitter, dog walker and have a passion for canine nutrition. I have a UK regulated level 5 diploma as Canine Behaviour Practitioner. Having settled in Berlin, and later Porto, after years exploring the world, a desire to hang out with dogs again sparked the birth of Barkhaus dogs. Beginning as a hobby, hanging out with dogs soon became our career over 6 year ago and we couldn’t be happier. Watching dogs interact with us, each other and the world around them gave us the desire to know more about why they do what they do, and that has led to what Barkhaus Dogs is today: Doggy daycare, walking and certified training with a focus on welfare.
I have a keen interest in anxious dogs, and improving their confidence so they can live a better life outside and inside the home, including those with separation anxiety. In addition to my work with dog behaviour and training, I am currently undertaking a Certification in Canine Nutrition as I believe how we fuel our dogs impacts their mental and physical welfare, and ultimately behaviour.
So, no matter their personality, if your dog needs company while you ‘make the bacon’ for their bacon, please contact us about doggy daycare or walking.
And if you need help with any behavioural issue, please get in contact so that we can help you and your dog live a more relaxed life together.
Email: Sarah@Barkhausdogs.com
