Barbara Lloyd, Faculty

Founder and Lead Trainer, The Dog’s Den Training School Barbara Lloyd, with over 24 years of experience, is a trailblazer in the world of dog training. As the owner of The Dog’s Den Training School, she has dedicated her career to transforming the lives of both dogs and their human companions.

Barbara has raised, trained & competed with 25 personal dogs of her own in a variety of sports: Herding, Protection, Agility, Rally-O, Therapy Dog, Sprinter, Obedience & Tracking.

Over her 24 year career she has owned and trained dogs from every group : Terriers, Sporting, Working, Herding, Hound, Non- Sporting, and Toy, so her knowledge of dogs is unparalleled.

Changing the Landscape: Cognitive Challenges Framework Barbara’s innovative approach to dog training centers around her groundbreaking Cognitive Challenges framework.

Recognizing that every dog is unique, she has developed a series of challenges that give key insights into understanding the individual cognitive abilities, learning styles, and emotional needs of dogs. She then uses this information to tailor training methods to individual dogs and handler teams.

Because of Barbara’s emphasis on truly understanding how each individual dog she works with thinks, she effectively empowers dogs to thrive and overcome obstacles.

Her commitment to evidence-based practices and positive reinforcement has revolutionized the way we approach dog behavior modification. Barbara’s workshops and seminars have inspired countless trainers, pet owners, and professionals to adopt a more compassionate and effective approach to training.

Barbara also is very accomplished in the herding dog world and she has invested heavily in Immersive Herding Training travelling to the United Kingdom a few times per year to work with top ISDS Trainers and Judges.

Meet the Stars of The Dog’s Den: Dori Time and Pearl Girl Barbara’s own dogs are living proof of her expertise. Dori Time, the esteemed head of her Mongrel Empire, has earned the prestigious title of CKC Top Dog in Herding. Dori’s journey from a rescue dog with an uncertain past to a top performer showcases Barbara’s ability to unlock a dog’s potential through patience, understanding, and skillful training.

And then there’s Pearl Girl, Barbara’s remarkable Border Collie. In a remarkable feat, Pearl Girl achieved her CKC Herding Championship in a single weekend. With multiple high-in-trial awards, impressive high aggregate scores in both arena and stockdog trials, and unwavering focus, Pearl Girl exemplifies the pinnacle of herding excellence.

Barbara’s passion extends beyond accolades and titles. She believes that every dog, regardless of their background or challenges, deserves a chance to thrive. Her commitment to education, advocacy, and community building has left an indelible mark on the dog training industry.

Pronouns: Barbara goes by she/her.