Erin Miller
Live a Happier Life Together With Your Dog
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.
Dog Training Services
Common Dog Behavioral Issues We Address:
- Aggression
- Adjusting to New Home
- Barking
- Biting
- 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 Erin, Your Local Professional Dog Trainer
In-Home Dog Training Services in the Greater Grand Rapids area!
Welcome. I am Erin Miller, your Bark Busters Dog Trainer and Dog Behavioral Therapist in Grand Rapids. Animals of all kinds, but most notably, dogs and horses, have been an integral part of my life since childhood. Starting with Dalmatians, Dobermans, Airedale Terriers, and my immediate family's dogs including English Labrador Retrievers, Irish Terriers and Dachshunds. My exposure and experience with so many different breeds of dogs not only comes from family dogs, but working with clients dogs every day and through years of attending dog shows.
For the past two decades I have personally raised, trained and shown my own Champion and Grand Champion Rottweilers in countless American Kennel Club (AKC) and United Kennel Club (UKC) competitions, finishing and titling my dogs in conformation, obedience and rally to name a few.
A few years ago I became a Bark Busters franchise owner and have been working with clients and their dogs in the greater Grand Rapids area including Byron Center, Caledonia, Cedar Springs, Rockford, Kentwood, Wyoming, Grandville, Northview, Forest Hills, Belmont, Cedar Springs, Cuttlerville, Walker, Ada, and more cities and towns throughout the area.
Many families struggle with dog behavior that becomes untenable, which causes stress for everyone in the home. I help with issues such as aggression, separation anxiety, barking, jumping, leash reactivity and pulling, window and door reactivity, door manners, toileting, sibling rivalry to name a few. I also help clients in preparing to bring a new baby home as well as preparing for and training a new puppy. Using the Bark Busters methods, I can help you see significant improvement in your dog’s behavior in our first training session, improvements that will only strengthen over the weeks.
I train both you and the dog. Dogs learn how to communicate with each other when they are first born. Their Moms teach them how to get along with the rest of the pack using voice commands and body gestures. Pup Moms don’t use treats, or shock or prong collars to get their pups to listen. Neither does Bark Busters. We teach you how to communicate with your dog the way dogs naturally communicate.
You will see immediate results. Not only will I get to the “root” of why your dog is misbehaving, but I will give you the tactics to change your relationship right from the start. During our first three-hour training lesson you will see your dog’s behavior start to transform. If you keep practicing the methods 10 – 15 minutes/day, you’ll be on your way to a well-behaved dog.
You will learn to be the leader your dog wants and needs. All dogs need their basic needs to be met. Bad dog behavior is often a result of poor leadership. Dogs need safety and security and are looking for you to help guide them to make the best possible choices for your family. I enjoy seeing positive results with my clients and their dog(s) on a daily basis. Once they understand how to better communicate with their dogs they see how quickly the dogs will respond. Over time they will develop a stronger bond and trust with their dog(s) resulting in better behavior, happiness and calm. The relationship every dog owner wants to have with their dog(s).
Any Breed. Any Age. Any Issue. The beauty of the Bark Busters dog training is it can be applied to any dog, big or small, young or old. Your dog is never too old to be trained. In fact, other trainers often recommend our services because Bark Busters can handle the tough issues like sibling rivalry, separation anxiety, and aggression.
My goal is to help you and your family develop the relationship with your dog that you have always wanted filled with trust, respect, joy and love. If you feel the Bark Busters approach to dog training is a good fit for you and your dog, it would be my pleasure to assist you and your family with your dog training needs.
Bark Busters is the worldwide leader in home dog training. For more than 30 years, we have successfully trained millions of dogs. Please reach out to me today to learn more!
Client Reviews
See what our clients in Grand Rapids have to say
Let's Get Started!
Connect with us Call 1-877-500-BARK (2275)or enter your zip code.
Are You Struggling with an Aggressive Dog?
Aggression is a learned behavior, not a personality type. A dog can exhibit aggression toward humans or other animals and can be caused by improper socialization, dominance, frustration, possessiveness, trauma, neglect, medical issues or fear. Any one of these causes mixed with adrenaline and inappropriate education can be a recipe for danger.
It’s important to understand the root cause of the dog's aggression. We can help you do that. We will assess the root cause and help you implement strategies to resolve these issues and reduce the stress it creates while training, learning and growing with your dog.
Some trainers won’t take on aggression cases. We will not use e-collars or other abrasive techniques. Bark Busters Grand Rapids has successfully dealt with an array of aggression issues including:
- Resource guarding
- Human aggression
- Dog-on-dog aggression
- Food aggression
- Possessive aggression
- Territorial aggression
Get Professional Help Now
The most important thing you can do to help your dog’s aggressiveness is to take precautions to prevent situations that may lead to danger and seek professional help. Prevention is always the best precaution. If you are struggling with your dog’s aggression in any form, please let us help.
Is Your Dog's Behavior Becoming Unmanageable?
Do you have a dog exhibiting bad behaviors that have become impossible to live with? Have you just adopted a dog from a rescue or shelter and they are struggling to transition into their new home? Have you just brought home a new puppy and you need help?
These behaviors include barking, jumping up, door manners, destruction, toileting issues, reactivity, resource guarding, leash pulling, etc. Bark Busters trainers have been helping clients for over 35 years with these types of challenges and more, additionally specializing in behavioral modification with difficult cases in separation anxiety, aggression, sibling rivalry, multi-dog homes and other difficult issues.
We're Experts in Dog Behavioral Solutions
- Aggressive dog behavior is often learned, typically stemming from feelings of dominance, vulnerability, fear, or a perceived lack of protection. It can develop as a survival mechanism or due to a misunderstanding of the dog's role within its family. Identifying the root cause of this behavior is essential in addressing what triggers your dog's aggression.
- Separation anxiety in dogs is a complex behavioral issue with negative consequences. Dogs can grow accustomed to having their families around and may become confused when they are suddenly left alone more frequently. Addressing this issue early can prevent significant stress for both dogs and their owners.
- Sibling rivalry in a multi-dog household is a serious issue many dog owners face. Bark Busters trainers can help identify the underlying causes of rivalry and work to resolve it before it escalates.
We help our clients with all these types of behavioral challenges on a daily basis at their home, in their yard or neighborhood. A dog's home is where they are most familiar, most comfortable and feel the safest, while not competing with outside distractions. The home is also convenient for our clients allowing the flexibility of scheduling times that work within their schedule.
No Dog is Beyond Help
No dog is beyond help and every dog deserves a chance to be the dog you are looking for as a loving companion in your home. Bark Busters Grand Rapids is committed to helping every client using our unique behavioral modification therapy to help dogs unlearn unwanted behaviors and restructure their responses in a way that is clear for both the dog and the owner. We can help with any age, any breed and with any issue - especially if you need to relieve the stress of severe dog behavioral issues. We can help!
Does My New Puppy Need Dog Training?
Raising a puppy can be challenging for new owners. Whether you're struggling with a new pup or preparing for one, Bark Busters Grand Rapids is here to help. We've guided countless families through every stage of puppyhood, from socialization to adulthood.
Puppies are growing and changing for the first two years of their life. They go through growth stages like our children from socialization, juvenile, adolescence, to adulthood in this span of two years. During these stages of growth different behavioral challenges present themselves including:
- Potty Training
- Chewing
- Digging
- Biting
- Barking
- Leash Manners
- Crate Training
- Separation Anxiety
Start Training Early
Training can start a few days after your puppy has settled into their new home. Early, consistent training means establishing leadership traits that are key to managing your dog’s behavior.
Bark Busters trainers have been helping clients for over 35 years with these types of challenges that new puppy parents are experiencing. We come to your home where your puppy is most familiar, feels the safest and most comfortable while not competing with outside distractions. If you are struggling with any of these typical puppy rearing challenges we can help. Call us today!
What Makes Bark Busters Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids, 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.
Professional Dog Training Near You!
Servicing: Ada, Alto, Baldwin, Belding, Belmont, Big Rapids, Bitely, Branch, Byron Center, Caledonia, Cannonsburg, Casnovia, Cedar Springs, Chase, Clarksville, Comstock Park, Conklin, Coral, Dorr, Gowen, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Greenville, Hopkins, Howard City, Idlewild, Ionia, Kent City, Lake Odessa, Lakeview, Lowell, Marne, Middleville, Morley, Orleans, Paris, Pierson, Portland, Rockford, Sand Lake, Saranac, Shelbyville, Sparta, Stanwood, Sunfield, Trufant, Wayland, White Cloud, Wyoming
Stay Connected
Learn more about Bark Busters in Grand Rapids, Michigan!
Get Started Today!
CALL 1-877-500-BARK (2275) OR ENTER YOUR ZIP CODE TO SEND US A MESSAGE.