SPECIAL ADVENTURE: Off-Leash Readiness Series with Jake Belmont

ABOUT THE EVENT:
Dreaming of safe, stress-free off-leash adventures with your dog? Join Golden Dog and professional dog trainer Jake Belmont of Red Pointy Dog Training for a progressive 4-part workshop series designed to help you and your dog build the skills, trust, and communication needed for reliable off-leash freedom.

Over the course of four sessions, you’ll strengthen engagement, practice recall in real-world settings, and learn how to manage distractions and maintain connection even at a distance. Each class builds on the last, guiding you step-by-step toward greater confidence and control.

Want to know if your dog is ready for the off-leash readiness series? Watch our live broadcast interview on Facebook and YouTube with Jake Belmont Tuesday, March 3rd at 7:00pm.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to assess if your dog is ready for off-leash work
• Step-by-step recall training in progressively challenging settings
• Engagement and focus games that improve trail manners
• Safe group dynamics and trail etiquette
• How to maintain reliability without using aversive tools or e-collars
• Confidence-building strategies for both handler and dog

Program Structure:

Sessions 1–3: Foundational training at The Golden Dog Playground (fenced area in Barrington)

• Duration: 75 minutes each
• Focus on recall cues, engagement, and leash-to-long-line transitions
• Weekly homework assignments and progress check-ins
• Progress reports will be provided via email within 24 hours after each session to help you understand your dogs progress and additional skills to work on before the next in-person training.

Session 4: Off-leash field trip on private land in Barrington (75 acres)

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Dogs who demonstrate readiness may work off leash under supervision
• Graduation celebration for all pups with certificates/ribbons and pup cups as well as photos

Series Dates:

• Saturday, April 11 – 1:00–2:15pm
• Saturday, April 18– 1:00–2:15pm
• Saturday, April 25 – 1:00–2:15pm
• Saturday, May 9 – 1:00 – 2:30pm (field trip to private land)

Who Should Attend:

• Dogs with prior basic training experience
• Dogs who have participated in a group class before
• Dogs who are comfortable around other dogs
• Handlers comfortable handling their dogs around other dogs
• Handlers committed to practicing homework between sessions
• Not appropriate for highly reactive or fearful dogs

Special Option:

• Audit Spots available for handlers who wish to attend without their dog (ideal for reactive dogs or those not ready for a group environment).

This series offers a humane, trust-based approach to building reliable recall through positive, hands-on learning. You’ll strengthen your bond with your dog through engagement and teamwork while practicing in real-world environments under professional guidance. With exclusive access to private training land not open to the public, you’ll gain confidence and practical skills to enjoy safe, stress-free off-leash adventures together.

IS THIS EVENT GOOD FOR REACTIVE DOGS?
At this time, the Off-Leash Readiness Series is not suitable for reactive dogs. Each session involves close group work, shared space, and moments of off-leash activity where calm, stable behavior around other dogs and people is essential for safety. Dogs who bark, lunge, or experience high stress around unfamiliar dogs or people may struggle in this environment. Because the goal is to build off-leash reliability and trust, all participants must be able to focus on their handlers without reactivity triggers.  If you have concerns or questions about if this event is right for your dog, please email woof@goldendognh.com for assistance.

COST: For maximum happiness, 1 dog per 2 people please. Scroll down to purchase.

Golden Dog Members

• Attend with dog – $350/dog with up to 2 handlers (Your special pricing will be reflected in the CART.) 
• Audit in person without dog – $200/dog with up to 2 handlers

Not-Yet-Members

• Attend with dog – $385/dog with up to 2 handlers (Your special pricing will be reflected in the CART.)
• Audit in person without dog – $235/dog with up to 2 handlers

Need to cancel your reservation? Please email cancel@goldendognh.com. Full refund issued if cancellation received 5 days prior to event start time, otherwise no refund if canceled after. 

ABOUT JAKE BELMONT:
Jake has been working with dogs for his entire professional career with 9 years of training experience.

He started working in the dog world at 17, washing crates and spraying down the play yards at The Yellow Dog’s Barn. From there, he started working with the dogs in the yards before opening his own dog walking business. In 2018, Jake joined forces with his now wife, Louise, to form Red Pointy Dog Training.

Jake is a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, a Certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with a special interest in making trails and walks fun and safe for all dogs and their humans.

To learn more, visit RedPointyDog.com.

DIRECTIONS/PARKING:
Sessions 1-3 of this series are located at The Golden Dog Playground in Barrington, NH. The 4th session will be at a private location on 75 acres of land in Barrington, NH. Directions and logistics will be emailed to guests 24 hours prior to the event.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE JOINING AN EVENT:
Please review our Club Guidelines, sign our Liability Waivers & Release Forms, and read our covid guidelines on our Events & Activities page.

CANCELLATIONS:
If weather or covid conditions make gathering and walking unsafe, the event will be cancelled and registered participants will receive a email cancellation notice. It will also be announced in the Event section of the Facebook Group and on this Calendar page.

QUESTIONS:
If you have questions, text/call (603) 815-2453 or email woof@goldendognh.com.