Merced is the county seat of Merced County, with a growing population and a long network of paved paths. The Bear Creek Bikeway runs along Bear Creek just north of downtown, past Applegate Park, and the city’s paths connect out to Lake Yosemite, where leashed dogs are also allowed. These are busy shared spaces, with cyclists, runners and families on the move. Big Valley Dog Training is a short drive up Highway 99 in Delhi, and we regularly work with Merced families and their dogs.
Shared paths are a great place to exercise a dog, but there’s a lot going on. Merced dog owners often tell us about:
Lunging at bikes or runners. Fast movement is hard for many dogs to ignore, particularly young or high-energy dogs.
Pulling toward wildlife. Squirrels and birds along the creek can turn a calm walk into a struggle.
Poor recall at the dog park. Merced Dog Park has fenced areas for small dogs and dogs of all sizes, and leaving can be difficult when a dog doesn’t come when called.
Our Merced-area obedience classes emphasize heeling, along with sit, down and recall. The course lasts eight weeks, one evening a week, and every class includes practice near other dogs and people. Dogs must be at least 7 months old. The course ends with an off-leash final, and dogs that pass earn a certificate of completion.
Before 7 months, private puppy training covers crate training, potty training, feeding and first behaviors. We recommend at least 2 shots before a puppy visits the training field, and owners should check with their vet first.
Some of our weekly private clients also train for protection and compete in IGP. We offer an evaluation of genetics and drive, since most dogs need to be bred for that work.
With board and train, dogs live and train with us for 6 to 8 weeks, followed by classes that teach owners how to maintain the results.
Every program starts with understanding the dog in front of us. Class students get feedback during each session, private clients receive homework after an evaluation, and board and train dogs come home with follow-up classes for their owners. Whichever program you pick, the goal is the same: skills that still hold up on an ordinary walk along the bikeway.
We have trained dogs for Central Valley families since 2019. Our program was built by Joel Monroe, a former school teacher with more than 30 years of working with dogs. Get to know our trainers.
Big Valley Dog Training also offers dog training in Atwater, dog training in Livingston and dog training in Turlock.
Tell us about your dog and where you usually walk. We’ll recommend a program and explain why we think it fits.
