Puppy Training

Don't walk, run to work with Bark Busters. Please read my review if you relate to any crate-anxiety issues.

Here's my story: I have a puppy GSD who's shockingly lazy, but his shepherdation (separation) anxiety was really out of control to the point where he could break out of his crate AND open my front door.

I would describe myself as highly dog knowledgable so I am VERY particular about the methods used by trainers. To each their own, but e-collars, prongs, etc are band-aids (or worseners) for most problems since most dog-owners don't really understand the timing/utility of these tools enough to ween off of them at any point. If your dog is a 100/10 lunatic, then I guess I get it :|

Anywho, I was honestly shocked to learn they don't even rely on clickers or treats, just straight up dog behavior and psychology, yet have the reviews they have.

Here's my summary. I am only 2 days post training, have received a comprehensive training plan with new crate recs, have gotten 5-7 minutes of a CALM dog in his crate once I've left (a miracle), and did nothing but learn to amend MY body languages and sounds.

Bonus that Anthony was an absolute delight to work with.

Hire them - you're welcome in advance ;)

A life-changing experience. John provided the most thorough, extensive lesson and training which had immediate effects on our puppy. John's patience, expertise and professionalism made the session productive and positive while training our dog. We are very grateful for John's help and understanding in helping us properly train Milton.

When we met Amber we were very impressed with her knowledge and with her enthusiasm we had just acquired a 10-month-old German Shepherd puppy and we needed to be able to not only integrate her into our family but she had a very bad habit of jumping on us and as a very large puppy, It was something we needed to address quickly .She gave us the tools and the steps we would need to not only accomplish this , but to also address some of the issues with our other dogs. We see this training as ongoing as the need arises. The total support that we get from this organization is ongoing for the life of our dogs and that was very impressive to us. We see this as a investment into our future and the future of our dogs and we know Amber will be there with us all the way.

It was a pleasure meeting Jeri for our first training. I learned so much on how to relate to Reiff. I was so happy to see a improvement only with the first lesson and it made me very hopeful and excited to know that Reiff will be able to be the best obedient and happy puppy that he deserves to be. Jeri was down to earth but very professional and you could see she loves and cares deeply of all pets.
Thank you so much and I’m looking forward to the future with Reiff.

Orlando really helped us today in a very short amount of time, very practical exercises that worked immediately.

The instruction was clear and I was able to get answers to my questions. I feel confident that I can work with my dogs on this successfully.

Very happy to get all the info. Lots of things I thought I was doing right, were not. Now I feel I can handle (with John's help) my precious Emma!

John was very knowledgeable regarding all aspects of training our puppy. After our first session we saw a huge improvement and were so pleased. Thanks John!

We had a great experience with Deb. Our new rescue pup has severe separation anxiety to the point that we cannot leave without her panicking and hurting herself with her desperate behaviors to get loose from her pen or crate and find us. Within a couple of hours of working with Deb, we saw some small glimmers of hope. Using her techniques we were able to get nearly 30 mins of Penny starting to settle in her pen. We will keep practicing and working up to more time so I’m no longer a hostage in the home!

Deb is pleasure to work with. Her training is simple to follow and if you follow through, you will get results. We have only had one session with Deb and are getting the results we hoped for. Our Bernedoodle is very active and strong willed, but he is adapting very well. Highly recommend Deb.

Very thorough session discussing our dogs concerns and steps to improve their behaviors. We have our homework and we are looking forward to the behavior modification.

We are beyond impressed with Amber. Our dog is going to make tremendous progress. I am very excited to continue our training.

Got a better understanding of how to correct some of our dogs behavior. Can't wait until they get along.

Amber was thoughtful, professional, and profoundly interested in our dogs. She taught us so much in such a short time. It was immediately effective.

It was amazing with Orlando! We are so shocked now that Demi was willing to listen. We are excited to see what the next couple of weeks have in store! Can't wait for the next lesson.

Very pleased had our Mia respond right away. Explained dog talk to us and helped us understand. Orlando was amazing, highly recommended.

Jared is absolutely wonderful. He listens carefully to the specific challenges we have faced and has us practice behavior modification using his practical techniques. The dog is responding well and we look forward to working further with Jared.

El Servicio muy bueno. Luis me explicó con mucha claridad y mi perro respondió al entrenamiento. Para resaltar la amabilidad, puntualidad y profesionalismo

Winnie and I live in a condo and she barks every time someone walks by the windows and was just awful if the doorbell rang or a knock. Todd helped me understand why she was barking that she has strong impulse behavior and gave me exercises and methods to decrease and stop her behavior in just a couple of days of consistent practice Winnie is better and I have a lot less concern. Thanks Todd!

John was great! He was very patient and great at explaining everything. His passion for dogs and families is evident.

Very enlightening experience! Our dogs are already responding well.

I am so grateful that I chose Bark Busters. Our first meeting was three hours, and we got so many techniques and videos and handouts that I can use to remember them and practice them. Joshua is an excellent trainer!

It was very good.

Kyle can help you!
There are many things about working with Kyle that are mentionable. He was always on time and respectful of our role as the pack leaders when he came into our home. He was observant, demonstrated techniques and gave recommendations and suggestions. Barkley LOVED him and Kyle was always willing to get on Barkley’s level for training and giving some pets!
We just had someone to our home that said, ‘Wow! Barkley has come a long way!’ We are fortunate to have such a great-natured dog, but Kyle trained us how to be his leaders and we are all so much better for it.
Kyle is super responsive and available. He cares about what he does and he cares about helping you. Let him!

We are so excited to see the results with our dogs! In one session we already notice a difference.

John was very professional, well spoken, and addressed all of our concerns. Very funny and attentive.

Bark Busters worked with my foster dog Reba. She was having issues with boundaries and being leash reactive. After just a few trainings and a leash reactive clinic with Patrick and the team at Bark Busters, she was a better dog! She could easily walk by other dogs without getting overly excited. She also listened and walked well on a leash. The Bark Busters training was very effective, and because of the skills Reba learned, she was adopted!!! I highly recommend Bark Busters. Their techniques work!

Don't give up on your dog. Get training with Bark Busters. Just ask Reba. She is living her best life ever! :-)

I believe it was fate that we ran into Ben and Kelly accidentally in Annapolis a couple of months ago. We have been searching for a dog whisperer/trainer for our 8 year old rescue boxer/staffy mix, Leila, to help her with a high level of anxiety, aggressiveness towards people and dogs (especially) which she developed over the years being in and out of the SPCA, with multiple adaptions and foster homes. But with us, she is the SWEETEST dog we've ever had/known in our lives. We wanted to find the right trainer to help her live the best of her remaining life with us and a happier life with us. Ben is exactly the trainer who has taught us so far to be the leader of the pack as the ones in charge to protect Leila, assuring her she does not need to be the Alpha in charge of protecting us agains other humans and dogs. Ben came to visit us/Leila for our initial meeting and training about a month ago and within a couple of hours, we couldn't believe the change in Leila's behavior with several exercises to control her barking, aggressive behavior, door control and leash training. We also took Leila to Quiet Waters dog park for the very first time and trained with another dog that was under Ben's training program. This was the first time Leila was able to be around another dog without lunging, barking, attacking and dragging me with over aggressive behavior. It was as if she was a different dog all together. This encounter reinforced our owner/dog relationship through letting her know that "we got your back" and she doesn't need to be aggressive to show she needs to protect us from others. A couple of weeks ago, I took Leila to a group training session with 5 other dogs in training. We practiced distance training, Meet and greet with other dogs, and for the very first time, Leila approached another dog and touched her nose and sniffed her without any aggressiveness. It was simply amazing. I know there are a lot of dog training programs out there but I can only tell you what I've experienced with Ben. He truly believes in what's best for our Leila and customized training to help her be a better dog and for us to be better dog parents through effective education for Leila as well as us to achieve the best results through Bark Busters program. Thank you Ben!