Business Details
23 Years
experience
Expert Dog Training & Behavioral Solutions in Philadelphia
At Opportunity Barks, we revolutionize dog training through our lifestyle-focused approach, empowering both pets and their owners. Founded two decades ago by Leigh, our team comprises seasoned professionals from diverse backgrounds in training, veterinary care, and animal behavior. We prioritize real-world applicability, teaching skills that enhance daily life for urban dogs and their humans. Our methodology emphasizes understanding each dog's unique personality while fostering communication and trust. With over 10,000 dogs trained, we've developed an internal certification program to maintain industry-leading standards.Our commitment extends beyond trainingwe cultivate a community where dogs thrive through structured socialization, mental stimulation, and physical exercise. By integrating science-backed techniques with practical solutions, we address behavioral challenges while preserving each dog's individuality. Our transparent, client-centered philosophy ensures owners gain the confidence and tools needed to sustain progress long after formal training concludes.
Services
Day School
Boarding School
Farm Dog Program
Private Lessons
Behavior Modification
Group Classes
Adventure Walks
Puppy Socialization
Reactive Rover Training
Farm Day Adventures
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- Award-winning lifestyle dog training methodology developed over 20 years
- Team of certified professionals with 10,000+ dogs trained collectively
- Customized training plans addressing urban-specific behavioral challenges
- Proven success with reactive, anxious, and high-energy dogs
- Holistic approach combining physical exercise, mental stimulation, and owner education
What people say
Transformed our lives
Highly recommend
Amazing results
Lifestyle-changing
Expert guidance
Services
City Dog Day School
Philadelphia's premier urban dog training program addresses city-specific challenges through immersive daily instruction. Dogs learn sidewalk navigation, impulse control, and real-world manners while owners receive personalized coaching. Our structured curriculum builds confidence for both pets and handlers, transforming chaotic walks into controlled experiences. Programs include field trips to practice skills in authentic environments with professional guidance.
Boarding School Program
Our intensive residential training combines foundational obedience with behavior modification in a controlled environment. Dogs receive daily one-on-one instruction while owners participate in follow-up sessions to maintain progress. The program addresses reactivity, anxiety, and basic obedience through science-based methods. Graduates receive ongoing support through refresher courses and community resources.
Farm Dog Adventure
This unique program offers off-leash experiences at our Bucks County farm, focusing on recall training and natural behaviors. Dogs enjoy trail hikes, creek exploration, and structured socialization while developing essential skills. The program bridges urban living with rural experiences, teaching controlled freedom through professional guidance. Participants receive remote collar training for enhanced safety during outdoor adventures.
Private Lessons
Customized training sessions address specific behavioral challenges while empowering owners with practical skills. Our trainers develop personalized plans for moderate reactivity cases and basic obedience needs. Lessons combine in-person instruction with video resources and community support. The program emphasizes owner education for sustained success beyond formal training.
Behavior Modification
Targeted programs address severe behavioral issues including reactivity, separation anxiety, and resource guarding. Our experts create structured plans using low-level remote training collars when appropriate. The multi-week curriculum focuses on gradual desensitization and positive reinforcement. Clients receive ongoing support through follow-up sessions and digital resources.
People
Leigh
Founder
Pioneer of lifestyle dog training with 20 years experience. Developed Opportunity Barks' methodology focusing on urban dog challenges. Leads a team of certified professionals while maintaining hands-on client involvement. Recognized for transforming difficult cases and educating owners through practical techniques.
Katherine
Operations & Outreach
Brings operational expertise from multi-location dog rescue experience. Combines music industry background with animal care knowledge to create efficient systems. Oversees logistics while maintaining client-focused approach. Lives with a husky mix and foster kittens in Philadelphia.
Rachel
Farm Dog Program Manager
Specializes in pack leadership and training with extensive hands-on experience. Known for calm confidence in managing challenging dogs. Focuses on mentorship while maintaining strong client relationships. Particularly skilled with shepherd breeds and nervous animals.
Chelsea
Trainer
Rapidly advanced from kennel experience to leadership roles. Combines compassion with structured training methods. Specializes in connecting with anxious dogs while mentoring new team members. Maintains active involvement in dog training communities.
Laura
Trainer
Develops strong connections with dogs through patient, instinctive training methods. Focuses on farm dog programs while maintaining client communication. Combines trail experience with behavioral expertise. Continuously expanding skills in leadership roles.
Questions
What makes Opportunity Barks different from other dog trainers?
We specialize in urban-specific training with a lifestyle approach that empowers owners. Our team has collectively trained over 10,000 dogs using methods that preserve each dog's personality while addressing real-world challenges.
Do you work with reactive or anxious dogs?
Yes, we specialize in behavior modification for reactive, anxious, and high-energy dogs through customized programs that include both dog training and owner education components.
What Philadelphia-specific training challenges do you address?
Our programs tackle urban issues like crowded sidewalks, street food avoidance, elevator navigation, and managing interactions with strangers in apartment complexes and public spaces.
Can I see results without full immersion training?
We offer private lessons for moderate cases, though immersion programs typically produce more lasting results through consistent reinforcement and professional handling during critical learning phases.
How do you involve owners in the training process?
We provide personalized coaching sessions, video updates, and educational resources. Owners receive actionable strategies to maintain progress through daily practice and structured interactions.
What happens after completing a training program?
Graduates receive ongoing support through refresher courses, community forums, and advanced training opportunities. Our Farm Dog Membership maintains skills through regular practice sessions and mentorship activities.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Amy Kazakidis
Jun 06, 2022
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Leigh is fabulous. She immediately analyzed Sammie's problems and provided insight and training exercises to help us. After one lesson, Sammie has already begun to respond in a more positive way. Love Opportunity Barks
Lianne Stovold
Apr 29, 2022
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It's hard to find a trainer that shares your philosophy and genuinely wants to see your puppy succeed in there training program. I know I tried two other trainers before going to Opportunity Barks. I enrolled my mini golden doodle in to Farm Dog Adventures after his first day I saw a change in his walking skills. Now, as his 3rd week comes to end I know it was the best thing I did for him. On the days he is at the farm, I received a report card and videos that helped me continue to work with my puppy at home. I love Opportunity Barks, the staff are helpful, caring and most importantly knowledgeable.
Kristi Hughes
Mar 28, 2022
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I did a virtual training with Leigh and she was super helpful with my issues with my puppy. She's so knowledgeable and had practical tips for me to try out. She had me try them on my dog while she watched and gave feedback, and she even got a dog and demonstrated what I should be doing. Really helpful, money well spent. She knows her stuff!
Lauren Purpura
Mar 14, 2022
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We love Opportunity Barks! We first started working with Opportunity Barks when we enrolled our puppy in socialization classes, puppy foundations classes and occasional tune up classes. We love the opportunity barks farm in Bucks county. When we drop off our dog he is always so excited to see the trainers and the farm, he runs straight to the door and is so happy to be there. We are so grateful that we can leave our dog in their care and not have to stress about him. Thank you Opportunity Barks!
Linda Gdowik
Jan 26, 2022
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Freddie, my puppy, Chrissy my sister and I really enjoyed our first lesson. Our fellow classmates, Butter and Sky seemed to enjoy their lessons also, as did their owners. The class was about an hour long and we learned sit, come, leave it and down. Freddie and I are still struggling with down, but otherwise class went well. Our teachers were patient and thorough. We can't wait until the next class!
