Article published in Highland Lakes Business Journal, December 2005
Barkingham Palace has a new King

Marble Falls’ favorite pet getaway in under new ownership, Charles Schifferling recently took
over the 6,000 sq. foot, 30-run facility and is excited about his upcoming plans for the “luxury
Kennel”.

“We do our best to make the dogs comfortable, Schifferling says, “In addition to boarding the
animals, our main focus is on training, as that is my background.  We offer private and group
lessons for the dogs, in addition to inboard training.  “Of course”, he says with a chuckle “proper
training of the owners is of the utmost importance in the success of the dogs’ progress.”

“It’s always tough being the new kid in town, but the support of the community, veterinary and
locals alike, has been absolutely wonderful.”

One feature that Schifferling offers set him apart from the competition; his pet training comes
with a lifetime guarantee.  
Article published in The Highlander, February 7, 2006
Highland Lakes Get Its Very Own ‘Dog Whisperer’

Spend a few minutes in the company of Charles ‘Chuck’ Schifferling, owner of Barkingham
Palace K-9 Academy and Resort, and it becomes rapidly apparent why some local veterinarians
have affectionately deemed him the ‘our Highland Lakes Own Dog Whisperer’.  

He has an uncanny ability to communicate his expectations to his furry pupils and obtain
immediate, positive results with little more than a word or a signal.  Chuck denies magical
intervention and explains that anyone can do it with resolve, commitment, and a bit of training.
His approach is creative, intuitive, positive and most importantly, effective.  

According to Schifferling, “A dog will only give you what you expect out of him.”  It is the
owner’s responsibility to know what to expect and how to obtain it.  A good obedience
instructor, therefore, will teach the owner how to “educate a dog’s ear” to listen for language
cues and how to use a dog’s inherent ability to read and respond to our body language.

A variety of obedience courses are offered at Barkingham Palace in a group or private setting.  
Moreover, recognizing the time demands of society, Schifferling offers an ‘in house’ boarding
option whereby he personally trains your family friend over a three or four week period.  This
particular option comes with a training video, and maintenance lessons for life.  

Private and in-house lessons can be tailored to address specific owner-pet issues including
barking, chewing, digging and other annoying canine habits.  As a practicing participant in French
Ring Sport, a popular European canine protection sport for over a century, Schifferling
specializes in alleviating and redirecting dog aggression.  He insists on evaluating the pet prior to
developing a training plan.  

It is no secret that bad habits are rapidly and easily developed.  “Often times older pets have to
be untrained before they can be retrained to behave appropriately,” explains Schifferling.  
Consequently, he believes the optimal time to start the teaching process is with puppies eight to
ten weeks of age.  After all, they start learning things from the moment they arrive at their new
home!

The basic seven-week group sessions offered at Barkingham Palace focus on canine manners
and socialization. This class is open to dogs six months or older. The pet owner can expect to
learn how to effectively administer obedience commands such as sit, stay, down, come, heel and
release.  Handling skills taught include proper leash work, body language, appropriate play, and
basic dog handling.  As training is undoubtedly a continuum, intermediate and advanced classes
concentrate on furthering the dog’s ability to listen and respond independent of the leash.  

Schifferling emphasizes a positive approach to obedience training.  In most every case, he does
not permit the use of choke chains or pinch collars.  “Punishment is not a good way to start a
teaching program,” according to Chuck.  Not all dogs need these tools in order to be trained
properly, and most dog owners need to be instructed in the proper technique and use of these
training collars.  

Many dog owners are challenged by poor pet behaviors.  Chuck says that often times this is a
result of our innate urge to try to humanize our canine friends.  He stresses the concept that
“dogs are not people in furry coats”, rather they need to be taught how to interact properly with
our instruction.  He also believes that one should not focus on perfection, but instead the goal of
training should be about gaining a better relationship between the owner and the pet.

In addition to specialized pet training, Barkingham Palace K-9 Academy and Resort is just that, a
fabulous canine and feline retreat.  The facility offers spacious, clean and climate controlled dog
runs and separate cat condos.  The animals are walked several times a day, and for the more
energetic pets, additional playtime can be arranged for a small fee.  Chuck and his wife Marty,
live on site affording them the opportunity to cater and monitor their guest twenty-four hours a
day, 7 days a week.

If you are interested in experiencing the wonders of Highland Lakes very own ‘dog whisperer’ or
just need a wonderful boarding option, contact Chuck or Marty at Barkingham Palace K-9
Academy and Resort at (830) 693-0901.  The resort is located at 1728 FM 1855 (Fairland
Road), Marble Falls.
BARKINGHAM PALACE
1728 FM 1855
Marble Falls, TX 78654
Phone (830) 693-0901
Toll Free (888) 693-0909
Fax (830) 693-0922
Email: k9tra9@hotmail.com