Oak Bluff Recommended: A Step‑By‑Step Online Training Program That Actually
A resource we truly wish we had discovered sooner.
A resource we truly wish we had discovered sooner.
Training a dog can feel overwhelming. Most owners can teach the basics—potty training, “sit,” “stay”—but beyond that, things often get tricky. Dogs are far more intelligent than we sometimes give them credit for; more than once, I’ve found myself on the wrong end of the leash, wondering who was training whom.
Even with endless information available online, information isn’t the same as knowledge. What we needed wasn’t more random tips—it was a structured plan. A starting point. A roadmap. Something organized, clear, and easy to follow. Something that felt like… school.
Hiring a professional trainer is always an option—and often a very effective one—but it can be expensive and sometimes requires sending your dog away for days or weeks. There’s nothing wrong with that approach; we’re grateful for the work local trainers do. But one thing became clear to us early on: owners need just as much training as their dogs if they want long‑term success.
Life is busy. When you’re juggling a new puppy with everything else, the flood of unorganized videos, books, and articles can feel more confusing than helpful. We needed something better.
At Oak Bluff, we want to connect our families with qualified experts. Through our own experience, we found Baxter & Bella, an online, comprehensive dog‑training school offering lifetime access and one‑on‑one support with professional trainers.
Before signing up, we researched the company’s background. We wanted to support a program whose values aligned with ours. Their founder, Amy, built a training school that exceeded every expectation, and we knew immediately we wanted to share it with our puppy families.
Insert a centered image of:
Your puppy binder
A screenshot of the Baxter & Bella dashboard
A puppy during training
One of the first things we noticed was their “Start Here” button—simple, clear, and exactly what we needed.
The program is a step‑by‑step curriculum designed to train you so you can train your dog. The structure feels like elementary school—organized, progressive, and easy to digest. It includes:
Reading materials
Videos
Homework
Schedule templates
Checklists
Support pages
Forums
A podcast
Training games
And more
Everything is stored in an online resource library, and you’re encouraged to print what you need. (We created a full three‑ring binder for quick reference, and it’s been a game‑changer.)
Use a bulleted list block in Google Sites:
Program Orientation
Preparing for My Puppy
The First Week Together
Junior Training Course
Basic Training: Six‑Week Curriculum
Intermediate Training: Six‑Week Curriculum
Advanced Training: Four‑Week Curriculum
AKC Canine Good Citizen Test Prep
Games & Activities
Just for Fun
Training Toolbox
Members also have access to:
One‑on‑one video sessions with professional trainers
Weekly live classes
Puppy and parent forums
A supportive community of owners working through similar challenges
It’s a robust program, and yes—it takes time. But the time you invest pays off in ways that last a lifetime. You don’t need to rush; simply progress at your dog’s pace.
If you already have your puppy—or even an older dog—don’t worry. You haven’t missed your chance. Their support system and curriculum meet you wherever you are.
Our only regret is not finding Baxter & Bella sooner.
Naturally, you might be wondering about cost. Compared to in‑person trainers and other programs, we were pleasantly surprised to learn that a lifetime membership is $238. For the value it provides, it’s one of the best investments we’ve made as dog owners.
Because we genuinely believe in the program and its alignment with our mission to support Golden Retriever families, Oak Bluff Golden Retrievers has partnered with Baxter & Bella.
Use code: OBGR
Save 25% on a Lifetime Membership
Final price: $178.50
Our goal in sharing this is simple: to offer an honest review of a resource that made a meaningful difference in our lives. If it can make your life—and your dog’s life—a little easier, then it’s worth passing along.
We encourage you to explore Baxter & Bella for yourself. It might be exactly what you’ve been searching for.