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Bulldog: Training Insights & Behavior Traits

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Bulldog Traits, Temperament & Training Challenges

According to the American Kennel Club, here are some breed characteristic you can find in Bulldogs. 

 

  • Height

    14-15 inches

  • Weight

    50 (male), 40 pounds (female)

  • Life Expectancy

    8-10 years

  • Coat Type/Length

    Smooth/Short

  •  80 Affectionate with Family
  • 60 Good with Young Children
  • 60 Good with Other Dogs
  • 80 Trainability Level
  • 60 Energy Level
  • 40 Barking Level
  • 60 Shedding Level
  • 60 Drooling Level

Understanding the Bulldog Breed & Natural Instincts

Bulldogs were inducted into the American Kennel Club in 1886 and their main purpose was bull baiting. This is why they have a low center of gravity and an under bite (making it easier to bite, grip and hold, while still able to breath). Their wrinkles kept the blood from the bulls from flying into their eyes. In bull baiting, numerous dogs were used (with wagers placed on each) pitting the dogs against a tethered bull. The dog that grabbed the bull by the nose and pinned it to the ground was the winner.

Bulldogs were originally bred in England dating back to the 16th century. When bull baiting was outlawed in 1835 (the Cruelty to Animals Act), the Old English Bulldog was crossed with the Pug to create a more affectionate family pet. The Bull dog retained its protective and fearless nature, but aggressive and ferocious tendencies were removed from the breed. When the English brought their bull dogs to America, the breed was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York on November 29, 1904.

Now bulldogs are known for being lovers not fighters!

Bulldog

Training A Bulldog

While Bulldogs are intelligent and devoted to their families, many owners face challenges with stubbornness, leash manners, and other unwanted behaviors.

Bark Busters specializes in in-home dog training that addresses real-life challenges where they happen—right in your home.

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Bulldog Training: Understanding Common Breed Behaviors

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The average bulldog is 12 – 15” in height, weighs 40 – 50 pounds and generally lives between 10 – 12 years. A bulldogs coloring is usually red, fawn, white, brindle and piebald (pigmented spots on an unpigmented white background) or a combination thereof. There are usually thick folds of skin under their eyebrows, jowls under their neck and an under bite with an upturned jaw. Their tail is naturally short and either straight or screwed.

Bark Busters has trained hundreds of bulldogs because behind that affectionate nature is a stubbornness and willfulness to be in charge! Early training and socialization and constant leadership is suggested or you will have a dog that is “bull-headed”!

Helping Your Bulldog Thrive at Home

Even though this breed looks grumpy, a bulldog’s personality is by nature lovable and sweet. However, it’s tenacity and resolve mean that it's difficult to change his mind once he decides to do something. It is important that you establish right from the start who is the leader of the pack, or else he will try and take control. They respond well to the Bark Busters style of training which is based on all natural and positive techniques.

Remember that dogs learn how to communicate with each other as a member of the pack on their Mother’s teats. Their Mom gets them to behave not by using treats or prong and shock collars. That is exactly what the Bark Busters style of training teaches these dogs – how to communicate between human and dog. We teach you how to set rules and boundaries early on. Good training involves repetition, positive reinforcement and consistency. You have to let your bull dog know that you mean what you say.

The good news is that although bulldogs are slow to mature, once they have grown up, they seem to stay out of trouble. We have seen bulldogs with serious cases of food guarding, which is why we don’t recommend feeding them around children or other pets.

 Although most bulldogs generally get along with other pets in the family, we have seen many bull dogs act aggressively toward other dogs of the same sex. Others don’t seem to get along with cats. It takes a tremendous amount of serious teasing to make this dog mad, but once he is, look out!

Most bull dogs are friendly with strangers, but some can be politely reserved.

The bulldog gets along best in temperate climates. They may want to be couch potatoes, snoring away, but you need to get them up and exercising every day since the breed can be prone to obesity. However, remember that bull dogs are intolerant of warm weather, and may die if overheated. Too much exercise or stress can make it difficult for them to breathe.

As with other breeds, bull dogs seem to have a face that some people find adorable, whereas others can’t take their drooling, snorting, wheezing and farting! Even though they are not barkers, you can hear their “dog noises” from far away!

Is A Bulldog Right For You?

Points of Interest

  • During World War II, the Bulldog was often compared Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his stance on Nazi Germany.
  • Bulldogs often have to be delivered via C-section because their heads are too big to fit through the birthing canal.
  • Bulldogs are brachycephalic (a condition caused by their short snouts), which leads to their snoring and drooling.
  • Bulldogs are the mascot for many universities and sports teams, like Yale University and the U.S. Marine Corps.
  • They have suffered the most airline deaths because of their respiratory issues. Don’t fly in extreme temperatures,
  • Many Hollywood stars own bulldogs including Leonardo DiCaprio, Reese Witherspoon, Martha Stewart, Hugh Jackman and more.
  • Bulldogs can’t swim. Their big heads and short legs make it hard to float. Be very careful with bulldogs around water especially if you have a pool or live near a lake.

Personality and Temperament

Bulldogs love kids, which makes them great for families. Loving as they are, a bit of the old- world bulldog endures, which also makes them well-suited for the night shift guarding the house. Because of their gregarious nature, you’ll find bull dogs to be people magnets wherever they go.

Bulldogs love to snuggle under the covers with you…don’t try and tell them they are not lap dogs!

  • Affectionate, easy going
  • Not much of a barker but can be a great watch dog
  • Great with kids
  • Considered a companion dog by the AKC
  • Sensitive, can mature slowly
  • Prone to comical and silly antics
  • Dignified but amusing

Capabilities

  • The bulldog was bred to be strong, powerful, effective, determined and assertive. It’s not typically an agile breed and does have some limitations to its capabilities. Having said that, we see many bulldogs riding skate boards, surfboards and jogging along with their humans and even playing football. This will depend on the personality and energy levels of your particular dog.
  • It’s always wise to begin any exercise regime with short bursts of activity, making sure that you build your dog’s exercise routine up gradually.
  • Shy personality types might shun public life, preferring to stay at home where they feel safe and secure, surrounded by things they know. Outgoing and confident personalities will want to join in outdoor activities and will more than happy to join in most activities.
  • Just remember to monitor your dog’s activities and don’t let them overdo it. After all they need you to look after their welfare.

Bark Busters Trainers Marc and Karen Deppe on Bulldogs

As a Bark Busters trainer, I spend my days working with a huge variety of breeds with an equally wide array of behavioral issues. Like humans, each dog has a unique personality that may or may not match a breed stereotype. There are however, some traits that just seem to fit certain breeds.

Bulldogs (in my experience) are affectionate, strong, curious, tough and can be very, very stubborn. When training a bulldog, it is critical to have the resolve required to follow through with training until the dog complies. This doesn’t mean it will take months to train a bulldog. I normally see huge improvements with bulldogs in the first training session. That said; it often takes more time, and determination and lots of energy to get the dog to comply with each training exercise. It’s definitely challenging but it makes the behavioral transformation that much more rewarding!

The similarities I see in bulldogs extend beyond breed traits. There are behaviors that seem to repeat over and over with many of our customers. These include:

  • Pulling on lead. This includes pulling simply to lead their human, pulling toward other dogs and animals and sometimes toward vehicles or just about anything. To resolve leach pulling in a bulldog, it’s critical to work with the owner to gain full control/respect with the dog inside before starting leash work. The exterior stimuli make it difficult to address a bulldog’s behavior that was already getting his own way inside. Get your wins inside BEFORE working on leash training. Even with great interior control, it often takes some effort to get a bulldog to give up the leadership role when on lead and to gain the focus required.
  • What is it about vacuum cleaners?? I have had several bulldogs that just really hate vacuum cleaners. They literally go nuts and attack (the vacuum, not the operator) whenever it comes out. Sometimes, it need not even be turned on. Fortunately, this is relatively easy behavior to remedy and it generally fully resolved during the first training session. The resolution always involves teaching the owner how to communicate effectively with the dog using binary input (teaching the dog how you will indicate, what it is right or wrong).
  • Because of their strong nature, sibling rivalry issues are common with bulldogs. If the owner is not in firm control as leader of the household, the bulldog is likely to step into the role. This results in the bulldog correcting the other dogs and sometimes it can be very aggressive and quite daunting for the owner to address without professional help. This behavior is typically fully resolved when the owner fully dispels any misconception in the dog’s mind of any notion that the leadership role in the house is available.

Bulldogs are challenging to train but also incredibly rewarding to own. They are lovable, cuddly balls of energy that when properly trained are wonderful family members. Don’t be discouraged by their stubborn nature! Embrace it and have some fun with training!

Bulldog Temperament: How it Impacts Training and Obedience

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The Right Training for Your Bulldog

This very lovable breed is trainable, but you must be patient and be prepared for their over-enthusiasm when trying to please you. To begin with, start out slow, with small and brief exercises each day and build on these depending on your dog’s personality and energy levels.

Making sure you allow lots of stops for your dog to have a drink of water.

It is not wise to give your bull dog too much to do in the beginning or you could tire him, which could lead to your pet trying to avoid any efforts towards training in the future.

The best approach is to keep everything you do calm and your body movements to a minimum as this breed is easily distracted.

Best to initially start out on a leash around the home and advance to some off-leash training as your dog learns what you want.

They definitely have the intelligence to learn anything if you have the patience but you have to understand the breed’s capabilities and personality to understand what is possible.

As previously mentioned, the bull dog does not like the heat and it can run out of steam quite quickly on a hot day. It is best to train them during the cooler parts of the day and only in short spurts.

Your local Bark Busters trainer is very experienced at helping you with the training of your bulldog and knows the best way to get the most out of your pet.

Our training is based on communication, no harsh methods and more than 30 years-experience in dealing with all breeds. We can teach your bulldog basic obedience (sit, come, stay) as help you to overcome tougher issues like aggression, sibling rivalry, separation anxiety and leash training.

Do’s and Don'ts of Training for Bulldog Owners

  • Don’t yell your commands, your dog has excellent hearing
  • Don’t use a gruff voice if you are asking your dog to come to you.
  • Do use the right tone of voice; normal tone for commands, high tone for praise and firm tone to address any unwanted behavior.
  • Never strike, hit, poke or prod your dog
  • Never drag your dog back to the ‘scene of the crime’. You must see them in the act and address the behavior without being physical.
  • Don’t be inconsistent as dogs hate inconsistency.
  • Do keep your exercises short.
  • Do praise your dog when it does what you ask of it.
  • Do be patient, remember your dog does not speak English, it Speaks Dog!

Separating from Your Dog

Most bulldogs just want to be where you are, but that can lead to situations where separation might rear its head. So practice exercises where you separate from your dog for a while, to ensure that they learn to cope being left alone.

Many people nowadays sleep with their dogs and we don’t have any issues with that, providing that your dog’s behavior is not related to this practice. Even so, it is still wise to make sure that your dog can cope alone some nights, so your dog is used to being separated and learns how to, every now and then, be without you without feeling anxious.

Children and Bulldogs

Although bulldogs are known to be patient and loving with children, never assume this. Never introduce ANY dog to a child when unsupervised. Remember that the bull dog was originally one of the bully breeds that received a bad rap but was later classified as a “nanny dog”. Why? Because they are generally so good with children.

All dogs, regardless of what breed they are should receive some basic education about how to behave around children. Likewise, children also need some guidelines on what is permitted when it comes to interacting with the dog or games to play.

Introduce your child to your bulldog with a watchful eye on both. Both puppies and children can be unpredictable in how they react to certain situations and do not understand the consequences of their actions. Both can make innocent mistakes that are costly and dangerous. Children often think they can poke or prod a dog and then act surprised when the dog rebels. Children should be taught to never pull, hit or rough house with a puppy. A bulldog puppy that is abused can develop phobias and psychological scars that can be carried into adulthood.

With the proper training, your bull dog will more than likely be a great companion and loyal watch dog with your children.

To be on the safe side, never leave dogs and children alone together. They always need supervision.

Common Bulldog Behavior Problems & Training Solutions

Bulldogs are in general well-behaved, but when we are called in, it usually for one of the following reasons:

  • Dog aggression
  • Over-exuberance
  • Barking at visitors
  • Jumping on visitors and humping them
  • Pulling on the leash
  • Sibling rivalry
  • Chasing the cat
  • Jumping on children and family members

Remember what the bulldog was bred to do. It was originally bred for bull baiting and had to be tough, determined and tenacious to confront something as formidable as a bull.

Puppy Play

Just because a bulldog is not up for running marathons doesn’t mean he doesn’t like to play. In fact, many bulldogs are extremely playful!

Every dog likes to play differently, depending on their breed and their individual personality. But once you figure out which games make your dog happy, you can use them to give him exercise, mental stimulation, and more.

Most bulldog pups enjoy being active, playing games, and participating in activities like fly ball, agility, tracking, and obedience. Playing in shallow water can be fun for your bulldog, too! Although not a retriever, many bull dogs even love to play Fetch.

Playing games will keep your bull dog more confident, more independent, and less scared when you are not around. It keeps them feeling more secure in general which leads to a happier pup!

They are more active on cooler days, so keep them cool during the hot weather.

Also be sure that your puppy is fully immunized before venturing out. Speak to your vet who can advise you as to what immunizations are required.

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Bulldog Wellness: Health Issues & Responsible Ownership Tips

Common Illnesses and Injuries

Bulldogs have personality and physical traits that may make them more prone to certain conditions—the short snout of a Bulldog makes it more sensitive to warm weather and prone to heat stress. The wrinkles and folds of a Bulldog also make it prone to skin conditions.

Bulldogs have a tendency towards infections in the folds of skin on their faces if they are not kept clean and dry. This can be challenging so it’s important to establish a routine as soon as possible. This is certainly an instance when an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. More than a few times we’ve been asked to help when bull dogs have developed infections and the folds needed to be cleaned and medication applied. The infections cause the area to become very sensitive and many of these dogs will become reactive to attempts to clean their faces.

At any stage of life, here are some of the most common injuries and illnesses you should be aware of when bringing home a Bulldog:

  • Bone and joint problems
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Eye problems
  • Bladder and kidney stones
  • Respiratory conditions
  • Heart disease
  • Skin conditions
  • Cancer
  • Dental abnormalities
  • Reproductive conditions

Genetic Health Concerns

Like many popular breeds, the Bulldog has its fair share of hereditary based issues, like hip and elbow dysplasia and heart conditions.

Most reputable breeders now have their breeding stock checked and scored for these hereditary ailments by a veterinarian. You can request proof that the puppy you are purchasing comes from parents that have been checked for these issues.

Because many other health issues are also hereditary, you should do some research on the ancestry of your puppy and any health issues of that particular breed.

Many rescue organizations also check for common-ailments before making them available for adoption.

If you are ever concerned about your dog’s health, your local veterinarian is a great resource—no matter how small the question.

Bark Busters Home Dog Training Services

Home Dog Training

We provide personalized, in-home training designed for your Bulldog’s unique personality. By working where behavior happens—at home—we improve communication, reduce unwanted behaviors, and build better obedience.

Learn About Home Dog Training

Puppy Training

Our Bulldog puppy training builds trust, good manners, and positive habits from the start. We help with potty training, crate training, leash walking, and common Bulldog puppy behaviors like nipping, chewing, and barking.

Learn About Puppy Training

Severe Dog Behavior Issues

We specialize in resolving common Bulldog behaviors like excessive barking, separation anxiety, jumping, and leash pulling. Our in-home training helps you better communicate with your Bulldog for lasting results.

Learn About Dog Behavior Training

Excessive Barking

Bulldogs are known for their stubborn nature, but excessive barking can signal stress, boredom, or confusion. Bark Busters helps address the root cause using calm communication methods your Bulldog naturally understands.

Learn About Excessive Barking

Separation Anxiety Training

Bulldogs can become vocal, destructive, or anxious when left alone. We address the root cause of separation anxiety by improving communication, building confidence, and creating calmer routines at home.

Learn About Separation Anxiety

Aggression Training

Bulldog aggression can stem from fear, overstimulation, resource guarding, or frustration. Understanding the root cause is the first step toward creating a calmer, safer, and more manageable home.

Learn About Aggression Training

What Bulldog Owners Say About Bark Busters Training

I recently did training with Kyle for my bulldog Dolly, and it was the best decision I’ve made for my dog! My mom found out about him through a radio interview on WRVA, and I’m so glad she was listening at that time. Kyle was great from the start - before I even booked him, he agreed to have a phone call with me to talk about the process and answer my questions. My bulldog was having some issues with other dogs and thinking she had to protect me, and barking at dogs or people through the glass door. After just the first session with Kyle, I started to see a change in her behavior. Kyle helped me to teach Dolly that I’m the one in charge and don’t need her to protect me all the time. Since our sessions, she’s become a happier dog - she's not stressed or worried all the time about having to protect me, and she’s able to just be a dog. Kyle was great with dolly, he’s an amazing dog trainer, and more than that he’s just a great person. I’d recommend him to anyone looking for a trainer to help their dog have a happier life!
Kaki A.
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Bark busters is awesome. They have been working with our English bulldog since he was only a few months old. Not only have they helped us train him but have also given us advice on the proper food, leashes, and any other product you could imagine. All of their recommendations are amazing and have solved our dogs problems whether it be throwing up or dandruff. They also are ALWAYS available to answer questions, I always get a text back instantly when I have a question. They also are great at re-enacting real life situations in order to do hands-on training. For example, we were having a problem with our dog when we took him to Target, so they met us at Target for our training session and helped us on the spot! We are so thankful for them and would highly recommend their services to anyone!
Gabby B.
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The knowledge and expertise Bark Busters Boston North offers is unmatched and I couldn’t recommend their services more. Not only has Kayla been patient with my French Bulldog Enzo, but with me as well - as I learn how to incorporate training into our day-to-day lives. She’s always there to answer questions as they come up, constantly thinking of solutions when Enzo throws us another obstacle, and continues to elevate our experience with her ongoing support.

Investing in this training is investing in the long-term happiness of my pup - which is all I’ve ever wanted! I’d do it again in a heartbeat and look forward to continuing to grow with the help from these amazing people.
Johanna A.
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We recently got an English Bulldog from a rescue & very quickly realized that he had some trust & “aggression” issues. After two incidences of him almost biting friends we decided we needed a trainer. I ultimately chose Bark Busters because of the in home training but ended up getting so much more out of it. We have another dog so he had to participate in the training also. In the beginning we were under the impression that our first dog didn’t need training. So far from working with Noah we have been in awe with what we have learned. One thing you need to understand beforehand is that he does not train your dog for you. He equips you with the knowledge & tools to understand & help your dogs, all while being an amazing support system. We very quickly learned that a lot of the behaviors our dogs were showing were not respectful & that we were giving them the opportunity to overpower us. Upon working with Noah we have completely new dogs. We understand them better & have been working very hard on helping them understand what we are asking of them. As for Zeus’ aggression issues, Noah taught us that we were expecting too much of him too soon. We were putting him in situations where he was very clearly telling us he was uncomfortable & getting upset when he didn’t respond the way we expected. Since learning his body language & techniques that works best for him, we are able to gauge what is too much too soon. He was trying to bite people because he didn’t trust that I had the situation under control because I wasn’t paying attention to his body language. We are so excited about what we have learned & so eager to learn more. Thank you Noah!
Carly L.
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I had my first training session with James today, and it went better than I could have imagined.

As a professional in the small-animal veterinary field for over 35 years and a dog owner for my entire adult life, I have a pretty good understanding of animal handling and behavioral training methods. But my recent rescue, a 1.5-year-old Husky mix, has had me at my wit’s end. She is extremely reactive, impossible on leash, and incredibly mouthy and demanding in a way that can almost feel physically abusive.

James showed us several highly effective techniques that seemed to work immediately - and did not require the shock collar I was seriously considering. I don't know whether these techniques work for every dog, or whether he was able to recognize what was going on with Diva and tailor his approach specifically to her. Either way, I am extremely impressed with the results after just one session.

Most importantly, he gave us the tools to read and respond appropriately to her behavior along with completely new approach that gives me confidence we can make a lasting, positive change with reinforcement and follow-through.

Plus, James is a genuinely likeable guy, which made the session not only educational but actually enjoyable - even in almost 100° heat!

Thank you, James!
Elizabeth L.
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We have had a wonderful experience working with James on addressing our puppy Kaiju’s reactivity. The difference has been night and day. We went from dreading walks outside to taking him on multiple walks a day. The techniques and tools used to help Kaiju are intuitive and easy with practice. A lot of it is about developing a deeper bond with your pup so you can see the trigger signals and address them preemptively. If you train studiously and consistently, you will definitely see a difference like we did.
Tyler A.
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Wonderful with reasonable pricing
Kevin M. .
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Sharon is amazing! I'm with the Pug Rescue of Florida and Georgia, and we had Milo who needed behavioral help to be able to get adopted. Sharon went to the foster home and spent a few hours with them, worked with Milo and the foster parents. After that one session with Sharon, and with the foster parents using the techniques taught, Milo was a different boy. He stopped charging visitors to the house and was much more mild mannered and cooperative indoors and outside. Milo was able to be adopted, and we couldn't be happier with the result. We would highly recommend!! And if we find a need again, Sharon will be our first phone call.
Marne E.
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We have been working with Johnny Jumper for a few months now and we are happy to highly recommend his services! I was the client that did not think we “needed” a trainer, and was I ever wrong about that! Our adult children gave us this training service as a gift because we were struggling with behavior issues with our dogs, and I ended up being the one that has become the most pleased with what we have learned thus far, and continue to learn with advice from this knowledgeable professional who really knows exactly what he’s doing.😎 Johnny is a pleasure to work with - kind and extremely dedicated to his work. He always seems to have a positive attitude, coupled with immense patience to work out incredibly smart solutions for our pet problems, and he always finds the solution for our particular situation. Our needs were complex, and Johnny has jumped high 😉 to be there for us. We consider him more than a trainer. He has become a very good friend to our family, and we couldn’t be more grateful for his expertise which has helped us manage our pups! He’s truly a blessing!💕

Regina C.
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My puppy is a very animated, mischievous spirit. He just loves everyone & everything and has the energy of a tornado. Needless to say, we were having some issues with training and unable to find the right path forward on our own. After researching different options, I decided that 1:1 in home training would be the best course for him. That's when I found Bonnie & Bark Busters. From the moment Bonnie arrived, he realized this was someone who was clearly in charge and knew what she was doing - unlike his family. Let's face it, it is really the humans who need the training. Since that first day, he has become an even happier pup and, more importantly, calmer. His personality remains a bright beacon, undimmed by the training. Bonnie has helped with a myriad of issues and has made life a lot less stressful for everyone here - mostly our beloved pup. Following her instructions has certainly improved the quality of his life. Bonnie is extremely knowledgeable, professional and patient. Not once have I felt judged by her for my failures. She just gently reminds me that it is a slow process and that with each visit she can see the progress. So grateful for the encouragement and the difference she has already made in our puppy's life. I highly recommend her to anyone who might be struggling with their family member. I promise you will not regret your decision. My only regret is that I had not done it sooner.
Debbie G.
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Jeri Wagner is a literal wonder. From the moment she came to us and we saw how our dog behaved around her, we both knew that she would be an amazing help.
Archer is a sweet, sweet boy and he loves love so much that he gets excited and does everything he can to get pets and love from everyone he sees. Jeri saw this and she helped us get him in a place where he can feel all that love, but realize that he’s a big boy and it’s not okay to jump up and or run toward whomever he wanted to be near. Jeri demonstrated for us the way we need to act to get him to stop this behavior, all while still maintaining his sweet and happy demeanor. She is a literal life saver. To me, she is more of a trainer of humans than dogs lol…I had to work on some behavior of mine that has been confusing him. We adore Jeri and it’s not just because she is so kind. It’s because she knows exactly what she is doing. She’s effective, efficient and understanding of us having habits that would get in the way of his training. She is reassuring and her follow-up is outstanding. She cares very much about animals and their owners. She stands behind her methods and honestly, the methods she uses work whether or not we are in our own home or anywhere else. These are bad habit reversing lessons for us and our dog. He’s much happier now that he sees he can let us be in control. This is a tactic that we need to practice but it will stay with him-she just left Wednesday and it’s Friday and he’s already night and day better.
Ariana .
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My dog, Jordy, needed to learn some indoor door manners and heeling on walks, calmly passing other dogs along the way. Jerry was great at teaching indoor manners and respecting space. Jordy is still a bit of a work in progress because walking outside has been limited due to the very hot summer we are having but overall there has been great improvement with his behavior and just enjoying the walk. I would recommend Jerry and his calm, professional manner. He gives great feedback and a summary of what we practiced during the home visits. Its good to have that to refer back to whenever I need it. Give Bark Busters a try, you won't regret it.
Debbie A.
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Hands down worth the money from Day 1. The resource guarding of our dog was so bad. We hired a trainer who helped but didn’t help “enough” and the resource guarding became worse to the point that our sweet little Havanese was biting our children in unpredictable moments. James came in and taught us about the psychology of a dog and we were able to create a space where our dog felt safe! His whole demeanor has changed! With consistency and whole family effort it has been a blessing for our family! We truly appreciate James and Bark Busters so much!
Chyna & Milton G.
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I have 2 whippets and Jared has been such a great resource! He has given me so many tools for: proper playing, fear of the car, stay, and most recently techniques to eliminate the jumping and over excitement when somebody comes over. He is very responsive and professional. Highly recommend!
Lori
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Kyle began working with us at the end of May. We saw immediate results. He is truly the 'dog whisperer.' Darcy fell in love and curled up beside him on the sofa as soon as he sat down. She is an English Springer Spaniel and is FULL of energy. Kyle gave us some tools to use with her and we are extremely pleased with her (our) progress. We look forward to continuing to work with Kyle and highly recommend his service!
Anson
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We cannot say enough good things about Kyle! We saw a dramatic difference in Louis after just the very first visit. One of our biggest concerns was Louis’ separation anxiety, he struggled tremendously with being left alone, and the improvement has been incredible. His separation anxiety is now completely gone, which is something we honestly weren’t sure we would ever be able to say!

Kyle is extremely knowledgeable, patient, and great at explaining not only what to do, but why it works. He gave us practical tools and techniques that we could easily continue using at home, and the results truly speak for themselves.

Louis is a much more confident and well-adjusted dog because of the work we’ve done with Kyle. We are beyond pleased with our experience and would absolutely recommend Kyle to anyone looking for a trainer. Worth every penny!
Caleb P.
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James has only been working with us a short time, yet the results are exceptional. We were looking for a trainer who was more balanced in their approach, not treats or heavy discipline. James fits - he’s given us the tools to help our dog Dory, not pull on the leash, bark unnecessarily, greet guest appropriately, just to name a few. I would highly recommend James Cresswell.
Barbara D.
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Cannot say enough amazing things about James and the Bark Buster family! I first used Bark Busters 7 years ago while we were living in Denver. The tools I learned and implemented changed my life and the relationship to my dogs, and the ease at which we were able to move throughout the house and in public.

Last week one of my two golden doodles passed on and his brother has had such heartbreaking separation anxiety. I have barely been able to leave his side on top of the heartbreak of dealing with the loss of my oldest. Needless to say things have been very difficult.

I reached out to Bark Busters here in North County and linked up with James who has shown up with the most amazingly understanding, loving, kind heart for our situation. Met with him today and in just 40 minutes had my baby boy relaxing and calm and for the first time since my eldest’s passing has me hopeful that we can find our way through this tough time and come out stronger than ever.

James has the tools and experience to overcome difficult training needs, but also the most amazing compassion for dogs and people and to say I’m grateful is an understatement.

Thank you James!
Jack G.
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Our initial training session with Jeri was wonderful. She gave us so much information regarding dog behaviors and taught us how to speak to our Oreo in his language. I particularly liked how she had Bill and I use her training tecniques with Oreo while she stood back and functioned as our coach. This approach helped us to feel more confident and in charge when training our dog. The video's she showed us of the training tecniques was also helpful.
Kathleen Ann T.
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Mai Tai is a 7.5 year Chihuahua who barked at the slightest noise both inside and outside. Ryan is amazing. His training skill and expertise are incredible. Within the first hour of our home visit, Mai Tai was no longer barking at every noise. She responded quickly. Ryan also taught me how to curb the unwanted behavior when the door bell rang. I highly recommend Ryan and Bark Busters. I am overjoyed and thrilled with his service, experience, expertise, and thoroughness. The training techniques for Mai Tai and I are life changing!
Darlene .
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Karen has been an absolute lifesaver. I meet with her weekly to learn how to address Nellie’s issues with pulling, jumping up and recall. I truly cannot thank her enough for her outstanding patience…with both of us. She’s the very best!!
Lori P.
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Couldn't be happier with my choice in Sharon!! I have a lot of experience with owning dogs, big and small, and after a long spell of not having a dog, got my dream doggie, Dawson, the cutest, most lovable Frenchie (with people he knows). He was a re-home and I got him when he was almost a year old, had no previous socialization with people or other dogs, so it has been challenging.Took him early on to a group training which just made him more anxious and reactive, so I knew I couldn't take that approach again. I found Sharon online and after reading reviews and methods, I chose her. Our first session was last Friday, she was patient and kind and listened to all his/our challenges and immediately, first session, he was showing results. I was hoping for that result after seeing other reviews but was skeptical, naturally. We are only a few days in and I feel we have a different, stronger relationship and he has been making great progress. Still a lot of work to do, but with Sharon's guidance (and help throughout the lifetime of the dog was important, because he's a Frenchie after all!) I know we will get there. He already seems so much less anxious and happy and that makes me feel the same. I have more confidence now to know how to handle situations with her guidance. I know I made the right choice with Sharon, and you don't need to look any further if you want literal immediate results! Thanks, Sharon!
Erica C.
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10/10! I wish we hired Sharon much sooner. Within hours - we had a completely different dog. Our home already feels so much more peaceful with 2 young kids and a 9 month old puppy. The exercises she gave us are simple, yet effective. Don’t wait!!!! Hire her!
Madison G.
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We do not have words to express our thanks to Greg for the mindblowing transformation of our three, 5 year old Toy Fox Terriers, after only one session. The barking was non-stop whenever anyone would come into our home. We never thought we'd be able to have friends in our house again. Greg's level of expertise showed us how to exhibit leadership with our dogs, read their body language, and gave us training techniques, without treats, to reinforce the behaviors we want from them. Our three babies are so much happier. We highly recommend Greg to anyone looking for personal, effective training.
George & J.
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Working with James has been an extremely rewarding experience. He is so knowledgeable and helpful. With his help my untrained, six year old, rescue has made tremendous improvements. All of his recommendations have been much easier than I expected. Coco and I have learned so much and we are able to practice the lessons James shares with us. I highly recommend Bark Busters and James to train your pet. I know you will be as pleased as I have been and you will not regret this worthwhile
investment for the life of your pet. Thank you, James. Coco and I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.
Susan T.
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Adrienne is fabulous! We first worked with her in 2024 after we adopted Reggie and learned he was very protective of his house. We had her back a week ago to address a specific event and she was understanding and very helpful once again. We feel confident in our ability to deal with Reggie's protectiveness, and he is already learning what's expected of him. I know that if other issues surface that we can always reach out to Adrienne for her help.
Stacey L W.
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I reached out to Bark Busters to help with my dog's general behavior and his separation anxiety. Johnny was able to schedule with me really quickly, came to my house, and spent time listening to the challenges and giving us homework that he first demonstrated and had us practice in front of him. We started noticing improvements immediately, which meant we were able to start moving forward working on separation anxiety. We have made the most progress with the separation anxiety challenges since working with Johnny than all of our other attempts to fix this issue. Johnny is helping us build our confidence and our dog's confidence. He checks in if he has not heard from us in a bit to make sure everything is going smoothly - we are so grateful for all of his help!
Sarah H.
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Jared was great to work with. I was having trouble with my 1 year old Bernese mountain dog who was lunging and barking at people and dogs while on leash. Within three sessions my puppy became a model student, easy to walk and no longer a concern for me. I am very grateful for the advice and hands on support that Jared provided.
Thi-Sau
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