Karen Gaines & Adam Kravetz
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Efficient, Holistic, and Results-Oriented Dog Training
Are you experiencing behavioral issues with your dog? Our dog-friendly training methods can help you overcome these issues quickly. We train in your home where you and your dog are most comfortable. With our efficient, results-oriented training program, you can achieve the communication and leadership you want with your dog. Live a happier life together with your dog!
Dog Training Services
Common Dog Behavioral Issues We Address:
- Aggression
- Barking
- Biting
- Change in Address
- Chewing
- Destruction
- Digging
- Focus & Listening
- Housebreaking
- Improving Confidence
- Jumping
- Leash Pulling
- Marking/Peeing
- New Baby Preparation
- Obsessiveness
- Respecting Other Pets
- Running Away
- Separation Anxiety
- Sibling Rivalry – in House Tensions/ Fights
Not sure where your dog could use improvement? Take our free behavioral quiz today.
Meet Karen & Adam, Your Local Professional Dog Trainers
Home Dog Training in San Francisco & Marin County!
San Francisco and Marin have been fortunate to have the expertise of Adam and Karen, two seasoned certified Dog Behavioral Therapists and Master Trainers with a combined experience of 23 years in the field of dog training.
As passionate dog lovers, they have always felt a deep connection with these incredible companions and a strong desire to make a positive impact in their lives. Their journey began with personal experiences of rescuing, fostering, and adopting multiple dogs, which gave them invaluable insights into the challenges and complexities of dogs in the industry. Their commitment to their craft and love for working with people have earned them prestigious recognition as the top Dual-Owners/Master Trainers at Bark Busters nationally in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
About Karen Gaines
In 2002, my life changed when I rescued Jake, a pit mix with a vibrant personality. Despite his joyful nature, Jake struggled with prey drive, leash reactivity, and severe separation anxiety, which manifested in destructive behavior when I was away. Determined to find a solution, I delved into extensive research, attending classes, reading books, and even enrolling Jake in a boot camp. However, despite my efforts and substantial financial investment, nothing seemed to alleviate Jake's issues.
In 2006, my perseverance paid off when I discovered Bark Busters, a remarkable business opportunity that also provided a lifeline for Jake. The Bark Busters program proved transformative for Jake, as he learned to relax, listen, and enjoy life without the need for constant protection or fear. Soon after, Jake faced another setback when he became dog-aggressive after being attacked. Undeterred, I utilized my skills to gradually introduce Bodhi, a spirited Boxer/Ridgeback mix, into our lives. Despite others suggesting that Jake should be an "only dog," my determination and expertise allowed me to successfully integrate Bodhi into our family, forming an inseparable bond. The positive changes in Jake's behavior inspired me, and I realized that Bark Busters was not only a blessing for my beloved companion but also an incredible opportunity for me to help others facing similar challenges.
About Adam Kravetz
Adam joined Bark Busters approximately 9 years ago while working his way through college at San Francisco State. Adam assisted, lived, and observed the dramatic results with our clients and personally with Jake & Bodhi, which in turn gave him the confidence to rescue his dog Django.
Django was a handful at the age of 2. Talk about flight risk. Yikes. Nightmare! Not to mention stranger danger and possession aggression. Through Adam's hard work and determination, he is a great dog Dad and has become a successful dog trainer. Django is a changed dog, and we can honestly say, he is a sweetheart.
Client Reviews
See what our clients in San Francisco and Marin have to say
Let's Get Started!
Connect with us Call 1-877-500-BARK (2275)or enter your zip code.
Dealing with Aggressive Dog Behavior?
Dog aggression, whether directed at humans or other animals, is a learned behavior rather than an inherent trait. This behavior is often rooted in fear, and when combined with adrenaline and insufficient training, it can escalate into dangerous situations. At Bark Busters San Francisco and Marin County, we firmly believe that every dog, regardless of breed, age, or background, can be guided towards better behavior.
Identifying the Causes of Aggression
Professional training can have a significant impact when it comes to managing a dog’s aggression. At Bark Busters SF and Marin County, we focus on uncovering the underlying causes of your dog’s aggression and implementing strategies that address these issues effectively. Understanding what triggers your dog’s stress or fear is key—pinpointing the reason behind the aggression is a crucial step toward finding the right solution.
"I never knew that my dog’s aggression was really about fear until Karen came to train my dog. She was our last hope, because my dog was aggressive towards every human and dog she ever met. He even bit someone. I have worked with other trainers – one even suggested I put the dog down. But Karen saved both Coco and I with role reversal. Coco used to think he was in charge and had to protect me. Now, I know how to be the leader so Coco feels more confident and secure.” - Jacie
Types of Dog Aggression
Dog aggression can manifest in several ways, including:
- Territorial aggression
- Food aggression
- Possessive aggression
- Fear-based aggression
As professional dog trainers with 23 years of combined experience working with dogs in greater San Francisco and Marin County, we have extensive experience addressing various forms of aggression. We are also seeing a spike in the number of reactive dogs on the Bay Area. Dogs are often labeled as aggressive when their reactive behavior is not corrected.
Preventing and Managing Aggressive Dog Behavior
While avoiding known triggers can help in some situations, the most effective long-term strategy involves building a strong, trusting relationship with your dog. When your dog feels confident that you are in control, they are less likely to react aggressively. If you’re unsure of how to handle your dog’s aggressive behavior, reach out to us. We’re here to help you find the best solutions to manage and prevent aggression.
Are You Struggling with Your Dog's Behavior?
At Bark Busters, our trainers specialize in behavioral modification. Your Bark Busters trainer in San Francisco and Marin County will create a customized solution to address your dog's specific behavior challenges including: aggression, separation anxiety, sibling rivalry in a multi-dog household, barking and other severe behaviors.
We're Your Bay Area Experts in Solving Behavioral Problems
Leash reactivity can look like barking, lunging, or pulling when they see other dogs, people, or even cars. If your dog gets overly excited or reacts to other dogs on the leash this is quite common. At Bark Busters, we focus on giving you practical tools and tips to help your dog feel more confident and relaxed on the leash. It's all about teaching them to trust your lead, manage their excitement, and understand that they don’t have to protect or chase everything that moves. This way you'll have peaceful stress-free walks.
Excessive barking can frustrate even the most patient dog owner, and is often a signal that your dog is feeling stressed. Dogs bark for many different reasons and finding out what is causing the stress is the first step in addressing the issue.
Separation anxiety can be a complex and distressing issue for dogs. When dogs become overly attached to their families, sudden absences can lead to confusion and stress. Tackling this issue early helps reduce anxiety for both the dog and the owner.
No Dog is Beyond Help
Most severe dog behaviors can be corrected with the expert guidance of a professional Bark Busters trainer. At Bark Busters San Francisco and Marin County our unique dog behavioral modification therapy helps dogs unlearn unwanted behaviors and restructure their responses in a way that is clear and understandable for both the dog and the owner. We can help with any age, any breed, and with any issue - even foundational puppy training. But especially if you need to relieve the stress of severe dog behavior issues - call us today!
What Makes Bark Busters San Francisco and Marin County Unique
Bark Busters is the worldwide leader of in-home dog training, helping over 1 million families and their dogs around the globe since 1989. We wholeheartedly believe in our methods and 30+ years of results. At Bark Busters San Francisco and Marin County, we clear up the miscommunication between dogs and humans at the root of many behavioral issues by teaching everyone to speak the same language – dog!
Our nurturing, dog-friendly approach teaches you, the pet parent, the same natural communication methods that dogs understand instinctively. Our efficient, results-oriented, training program prioritizes clear communication and leadership while addressing issues in the locations they occur.
This means faster, longer-lasting solutions for you and your dog.
Dogs learn best in a familiar, safe environment, free of outside distractions and disruptions. That is why we come directly to your home, on your schedule to build an effective foundation for better behavior. We work first to build an effective foundation for better behavior. We teach you how to communicate with your dog. Dogs naturally live in families and look to their family leaders for guidance, safety, and love. Most people don't know how to appeal to a dog's natural sense of leadership or communication. We teach you how to use friendly, canine leadership and to "speak dog" using your body language, voice tones, and timing so you and your dog communicate better! You will see results. You want to see a change in your dog’s behavior, preferably sooner rather than later.
Any Breed. Any Age. Any Issue. Get Started Today!
We customize our training sessions to achieve your specific goals and meet your dog’s unique needs. When you learn to "speak dog" the Bark Busters way, you get real results – and nurture positive relationships and lasting emotional bonds with your canine family member.
Our Services
Bark Buster trainers conduct the one-on-one training in your home, without the distraction of other dogs or the stress of being sent away for dog obedience training at a kennel. After learning in your home, our behavioral therapist and trainer will work with you as needed outside and around real distractions, once you and your dog are ready.
Life of Dog Support Guarantee
Bark Busters Home Dog Training provides a Life of Dog Support Guarantee that is unique in the industry. It is designed to help owners resolve their dog's behavior and obedience problems and to provide customers with the satisfaction of ongoing support and peace of mind.
Tips & Advice
We're here to help. From general dog training tips, to puppy toilet training best practices, to learning about various dog breeds we've worked with, Bark Busters offers our free tips and advice on common dog behavior problems and more.
What's Special About Karen and Adam at Bark Busters San Francisco & Marin
A Life Filled with Dogs
Today, Karen and Adam is accompanied by their cherished canine companions, including Kayla, an 8-year-old Golden Retriever, Apollo, a 4.5-year-old Silver Lab, Smudge, a 4-year-old black Lab and Django now 8, not really sure what he is. Karen adopted Kayla at just 9 weeks old and welcomed Apollo and Smudge into her home at 9 and 10 months old, respectively. Django was rescued by Adam at 9 months.
These four dogs have not only become integral parts of Karen & Adams' lives, but also invaluable partners in their training endeavors. They contribute to socialization, assist in dealing with dog aggression, facilitate off-leash training, address leash aggression, and support puppy lessons. With their presence, Karen & Adam ensures a safe and enriching environment for both dogs and clients.
A Family Affair
The Bark Busters journey has become a true family affair for Adam and Karen. Their passion and dedication have inspired their family members and friends to join the Bark Busters network of US Trainers, further spreading their expertise and making a difference in the lives of dogs and their owners.
Adam and Karen's love for dogs and their commitment to helping others have shaped their lives in profound ways. They consider themselves fortunate to have found a calling that brings them immense joy and fulfillment. With their expertise, they envision a future where more dogs and their owners can experience the happiness and harmony that comes from effective training and communication. Adam and Karen eagerly await the opportunity to work with you, bringing their wealth of knowledge and passion to help you and your companion(s) lead a happier life together.
We Come Recommended!
We are recommended by these veterinary care organizations:
- Blue Cross Pet Hospital
- Twin Cities Veterinary Hospital
- Marin Pet Hospital
- San Francisco Park Animal Hospital
- San Francisco San Anselmo Animal Hospital
- San Anselmo San Francisco Pet Hospital
- San Francisco Sunset Veterinary Hospital
- San Francisco VCA Animal Wellness Center of Marin
- San Rafael
Ask us about a vet in your area!
Professional Dog Training Near You!
Servicing: American Canyon, Belvedere Tiburon, Bolinas, Boyes Hot Springs, Corte Madera, Crockett, Daly City, Dillon Beach, El Sobrante, El Verano, Fairfax, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Inverness, Kentfield, Lagunitas, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Napa, Nicasio, Novato, Olema, Petaluma, Pinole, Point Reyes Station, Port Costa, Richmond, Ross, San Anselmo, San Francisco, San Geronimo, San Pablo, San Quentin, San Rafael, Sausalito, Stinson Beach, Tomales, Vallejo, Vineburg, Woodacre
Stay Connected
Learn more about Bark Busters in San Francisco & Marin, California!
Get Started Today!
CALL 1-877-500-BARK (2275) OR ENTER YOUR ZIP CODE TO SEND US A MESSAGE.