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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.

Common Dog Behavioral Issues We Address

Our expert puppy training, dog training, and dog behavior services in Sarasota resolve the most challenging dog behavior issues including:

  • 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 Susan, Your Local Professional Dog Trainer

Contact Me Today
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In-Home Dog Training in Sarasota!

Welcome. My name is Susan McNichol and I am your local Bark Busters Master Dog Trainer. I’ve been lucky to view dog training from all perspectives - yours, your dog’s and as the dog trainer. I know how frustrated you are feeling because one of my first dogs,  Desiree, was a rescue who didn’t listen to a word I said! I tried everything from different trainers to different types of classes. Nothing worked. Not until my daughter introduced me to Bark Busters was I able to have a well-behaved dog.

Since then I have successfully trained hundreds of dogs throughout Sarasota to be the obedient dogs their pet parents want! Fortunately, Bark Busters has a network of trainers all over the world should we come across a rare issue we haven’t seen before. Here's what you can expect from the Bark Busters method:

Immediate results. After our first lesson your dog’s behavior will change dramatically and you’ll see immediate results. We’ll train in your home where most issues occur and where your dog is most comfortable. Our first lesson will be 2 – 3 hours. You’ll soon discover that in-home dog training provides the fastest results.

Dog-friendly methods. I will use only positive humane dog training methods not shock collars. Because every dog is different, we will develop a one-on-one training program that addresses your dog’s specific issues. I can help you overcome: Aggression, Barking, Chewing, Digging, Fear of other dogs or people, Lunging at the door, Jumping, Separation anxiety, Sibling rivalry, and more!

I train dog owners not dogs. What you’ll realize is that the way you communicate with your dog will change. By learning to be the “Top Dog” and assuming control, your dog will no longer have to protect you. He’ll be more relaxed and you’ll be less stressed. Lifetime Support Guarantee. Wherever Bark Busters has a trainer, should a new problem arise if you move, we can help.

Don’t wait, you and your dog can start having a great relationship.

Client Reviews

See what our clients in Sarasota have to say

Susan was wonderful. She did an exceptional job in training our 4 1/2 goldendoodle (who we just rescued) along with training us.
Sandy T.
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Susan shared with us a number of insights that made such sense. Our dog will be a work in progress for some time. But some things are improved after one session and training today with me.
Ann W.
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Susan has been fantastic. We’ve only been working with her for about 2 weeks and already there is significant improvement in my dog’s reactivity. My dog would pull on the leash and bark/lunge at people, other dogs and bikes. Susan is knowledgeable, patient and results oriented. The training exercises are simple and practical. I’d highly recommend!
Mary
Longboat Key, FL
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Susan addressed the issues I was having with my dog of 5 yrs dealing a new puppy. Her techniques work and helped bring the stress level down during meal times.
She has been back 2 other times already for additional help and to continue new techniques.
Julie C.
Bradenton, FL
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Susan is the real deal. She has brought peace to our house, and our rescue Pitbull Nala.
With the 'homework' we were given, we see improvement every day! I actually believe she trained us more than she trained Nala. The results are simply amazing! Thank you Susan!!
Nadine B.
Palmetto, FL
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Susan is amazing! My dogs have had previous training but nothing like this. The relationship that has been built behind the training makes a big difference. I don't have to worry about having a remote or treats to correct a behavior on me, they want to listen. It makes sense when you think about it, I have never seen a pack leader dog give another dog a treat for doing what they should do! Haha! Susan has been such a great support system as i learn to be the pack leader and speak my dogs language!
My two boys would fight over dominance but Susan helped me catch the signs before and take care of that. I highly recommend the investment.
Jami B.
Port Charlotte, FL
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I was extremely desperate for help with my two Papillons. I have two males from the same litter, and they were fighting daily. My husband and I were convinced that we were going to have to rehome one of them. I called Bark Busters for help, and they sent Susan to us. My husband was very skeptical that she would be able to help us, but after the very first lesson, we saw immediate results. It took 3 visits, and our boys are back to being best friends again! It took a major commitment to work every single day with the training lessons she gave us. 8 weeks have passed and we are still working on separation anxiety, but the aggression is gone, and my boys walk perfectly on a leash. I'm truly very thankful for all of Susan's help, and I look forward to continue working to help my boys with their anxiety issues.
Josh M.
Bradenton, FL
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Susan was great and attentive to the different needs each of our boys had. At the end of the day big results in just one session and homework to do as the owner is truly the only one that can change their dog. Thank you Bark Busters! Great Experience :).
Chris P.
Palmetto, FL
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Dixie is a 5.5 month old GSP. She is smart, energetic, and sometimes hard headed, but when Susan came in she took control and had Dixie listing right away. With the tools that she showed us, Dixie is training every day and is pulling a lot less on leash, waiting at doors, has better recall, and is staying longer. All in 7 days! She still needs work, but I know that with Susan's help, Dixie will be the dog we can do life with.
I highly recommend Susan, and Bark Buster's for any dog and their human, that may need help becoming a happy family.
Dan Carroll .
Port Charlotte, FL
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It is just one day after our first training session and already see a big improvement. We are able to stop Zeva's barking inside the house almost immediately. I also have more control outside. Now it's up to us humans to do our job with Zeva. Can't wait for further instruction.
Robin B.
Bradenton, FL
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Susan was great I could not have asked for a better person to work with myself and Judd. She started fresh with a puppy and he has turned out to be the best dog, well mannered and an all around great dog. I am so happy I made the decision to use Bark Busters because of Susan.

I followed all of the assignments and it paid off. Susan always made herself available and I can not say enough about her and her training skills.
Brian K.
Bradenton, FL
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Susan is patient, thorough with my pup and me. She helps with concrete examples of what to do and say, including how to stand, which voice to use, commands, etc. She worked with my older dog 5 years ago, and Metta is a delight—hasn’t forgotten a thing Susan taught her—and me!
Fran P.
Sarasota, FL
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We brought Jerry home this fall and he has a lot of aggression issues after years of trauma before he came into our care. When Susan worked with him (and us) we saw immediate results that day. It was pretty incredible. With follow up practice, he has retained his new good behaviors and has been able to take on more. I also learned a great deal from Susan about how dogs think, interact, and the leadership they want and need from their owners so that they can be their best. We are just getting started on our journey with Jerry, but Susan has given us the tools, the guidance, and the plan to make sure Jerry is successful for life. She is so knowledgable about dog behaviors, it is amazing to watch. I realized why all of the methods and tactics I have used over the years with our dogs were not working. I cannot say enough good things about Susan! I recommend her to everyone I know. The training is worth every penny.
Charlotte G.
Parrish, FL
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I highly recommend Susan's training program. Chance has made amazing progress. We followed Susan's training & guidance. She has such a compassion for training success. Chance & I are so glad we brought her into our circle
Suzanne T.
Bradenton, FL
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Susan was absolutely AMAZING. I have a two year old German Shepherd mix who was very difficult on walks and around new people. My dog suffers from sever anxiety and seeing other dogs or other people she was not familiar with caused her to act aggressive making it impossible to go on walks or have new people over. Susan came in and within the first lesson, I saw major improvements. Now my dog is very well behaved and I have little to no problems with her. She is meeting new people and new dogs and is not terrified or aggressive anymore.
Rita S.
Venice, FL
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I have a 10 year old female boxer, Lexie and had just moved to an apartment complex with her. She had previously lived in a single family home for her entire life. She was lunging and barking at cars, people and other dogs. Susan was a Lifesaver. I can ‘t say enough about the wonderful techniques she taught Lexie and I. We will forever be grateful to her! Thanks Susan!
Lisa B.
Bradenton, FL
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Susan was such an amazing trainer! She worked with my daughter, my mom, and I to train our 7-month-old golden retriever. After the first session, he was completely different - he was calm and listening much better. We all could not believe it. Susan did a great job really discussing and answering all the multiple questions we had. It only took a total of three sessions to have our boy trained, happy, and us happy too! I will highly recommend Susan to anyone, we are extremely pleased with what she has done!
Carole D.
Nokomis, FL
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From the moment I called Susan, I knew she was going to be the best fit for our pup and family. I remember Susan telling me that she usually has dogs trained within three sessions but in order for that to happen it takes the family to also put in the time and work. I thought for sure my 7-month-old puppy would need some extra help but I was shocked at the immediate change after the first session, he was a whole new dog. Susan's obvious love for animals really showed during our training. She not only demonstrated what we needed to do but explained it and why it is important. She was also very kind and patient and did not mind that my mom and grandmother wanted to learn as well. Overall, Susan was a wonderful person to help train my dog and I am very happy I found Bark Busters and her!
Lindsey J.
Nokomis, FL
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Susan is an awesome trainer! After the very first lesson we could already see a big difference in the way our German Shepherd Dog, Jake, acts. Before Susan, Jake would literally pull you down the road and bark at everything, people were scared to death of him. Now, he walks loose leash and is way more friendly towards people and other dogs. Jake only gets better and better with every visit with Susan.
Alyssa J.
Nokomis, FL
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We are very pleased with the first session and look forward to working with Susan.
She is very qualified and helped us make some good early progress with our Miniature Schnauzer Buddy
Gary D.
Osprey, FL
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Our family rescued Roxy December 2016 and tried several methods to train her to stop her habits of jumping on people,sit/stay, and most of all correct front door behavior.
Roxy is a very high spirited,over the top energy filled Black Mouth Cur.On the flip side she has a wonderful loving personality that everyone in our family has fallen in love with. But we were at our wits end with how Roxy behaved whenever someone tried to leave or come into the house. We found ourselves barley cracking the door and trying to squeeze out so Roxy would not escape.
Then we called Susan Mcnichol and after chatting on the phone with her I think Roxy knew her gig was up!
Susan came to our house and immediately shared the Barkbuster techniques and within 24 hours we had a wonderfully changed dog. Our son came home from college and was amazed at how much more calm and enjoyable the house was due to Roxy's new training. Susan, you helped train us to train Roxy and our family is forever grateful.
Linda B.
Bradenton, FL
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Susan was awesome! Her love for animals comes through in her training techniques. She is very caring and compassionate and understands the bond between the pets and their owners.
She was very professional and gave us the training that we needed and our dogs needed to get to the outcome we all wanted.
I would highly recommend her to anyone!
Karrie & Steve H.
Nokomis, FL
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I rescued George a year ago, and he is now two years old. He still has the energy of a puppy, and had the mind set of an untrained adult wanting to do whatever he pleased. Susan was an excellent trainer (training my dog as well as me) gaining respect from my dog immediately. I feel confident in his current progress, and for his improvement in the future as I can contact her if I forget how to do a specific exercise. I never thought I would be able to train my dog without a shock collar until the training sessions with Susan.
Madison W.
Nokomis, FL
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Susan is a wonderful trainer. I contacted Susan when I was seriously considering giving my girl up. After the first lesson Susan had me convinced that Sheba is both a very happy and a smart dog. She learns quickly what is expected so I learned quickly that the biggest challenge is not Sheba, but for me to consistently apply what we learn. Susan listens to my concerns and when one method doesn't work she is right there with another. Sheba loves & respects her. My primary goal was to be able to enjoy a loose leash walk - and now we do! Sheba has dog aggression and we addressed it quite effectively by establishing & maintaining good walking habits - plus a couple of tricks out of Susan's deep bag! We're still working on it, but the change in Sheba is dramatic. I love the lack of words and use of sounds & tones to get Sheba to respond. Sheba is in her forever home and we'll continue to work & play together. We could have had a very different outcome if I hadn't called Susan. Thank you Susan!
Renee H.
Sarasota, FL
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Susan was great! She helped us cover all topics we were in need for! We are so please with Chiefa's outcome. She has come such a long way in just a month Thanks Susan you're awesome !!
Brett N.
North Port, FL
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Susan was wonderful to work with! Before training with her, I was terrified to have people over to the house or take Sky to the dog park. As a rescue, he was terrified of men and often acted out aggressively when he felt threatened. Susan was very knowledgeable and calm, which helped me remain calm and learn how to assert control in situations when Sky would become aggressive. Susan has taught me techniques that I use on a daily basis and her training has helped me finally feel confident in my ability to communicate with Sky.
Samantha B.
Boca Raton, FL
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What Makes Bark Busters Sarasota Unique

Bark Busters is a global leader in home-based training, with more than 30 years of experience helping families create better relationships with their dogs. We focus on the root cause of behavior problems by improving communication between you and your dog.

Dogs learn best in a safe, familiar setting, which is why we come to you. Your trainer works with you where behavior matters most, then helps you build skills that hold up around everyday distractions.

We teach you how to communicate through body language, tone of voice, timing, and calm leadership so your dog can follow your guidance with confidence.

Any breed. Any age. Any issue. We are here to help you move forward with clarity, support, and results.

Home Dog Training

Our Services

Bark Busters 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. Once you and your dog are ready, your Sarasota dog trainer, Susan, will work with you outside and around real distractions — in your neighborhood, on your streets, where it matters most.

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Life of Dog Support Guarantee

Life of Dog Support Guarantee

Bark Busters Home Dog Training provides a Life of Dog Support Guarantee that is unique in the industry.

For families seeking in-home dog training in Sarasota our Life of Dog Support Guarantee means Susan will always be just a call away — ready to help at no additional cost.

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Dog Behavior Issues

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 including guidance tailored to dog owners in Sarasota.

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Professional Dog Training Near You!

Servicing: Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Cortez, Ellenton, Englewood, Holmes Beach, Laurel, Longboat Key, Myakka City, Nokomis, North Port, Oneco, Osprey, Palmetto, Parrish, Placida, Port Charlotte, Rotonda West, Sarasota, Tallevast, Terra Ceia, Venice

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