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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: 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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Jared was great! He helped us navigate a very difficult situation. He was responsive, knowledgeable, effective, kind, and flexible. Years ago, I had extensive training as a service dog trainer. Though my skills are a little rusty! Needless to say, I have a very high bar when it comes to what I expect from Dog Trainers. Jared was excellent with the dogs and with us the humans. The situation involved an aggressive dog that was being fostered after the fires in LA. The dog was not getting along with the other dog in the house; was running out of the yard; was charging at humans. So he helped us making the dogs, children, and neighbors be safe during this tense time. Thanks Jared!
Michael
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Sterling, our Maltese, is darling until he is not! We currently are in Fort Myers, Florida, but also live in Fort Thomas, KY. Bark Busters was found through an internet search for dog trainers in Fort Myers. The "name" is what drew me to Bark Busters.
Sterling barks. He barks at people, people on scooters, bikes, walking, or running. He barks at other dogs, squirrels, rabbits, and birds. Yes, he s a dog, but barking and jumping on people at the front door or just standing at the front door is unacceptable.
It takes much to put me in "awe"; however, after just a two-hour session, or so, I had a different Sterling, and I was in "awe." Why? Master Trainer Patrick could now come to the front door, ring the bell, knock with no craziness exhibited by Sterling. If I did not want Sterling in the kitchen, he did not come until called. I do not want to give away the tricks of the trade, but the difference before and after Patrick's visit was amazing. I highly recommend Bark Busters if you want training results.
Debbie
Debbie S.
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My dog had extreme separation anxiety. He would claw at the door and jump for over 30 minutes or more if left alone that long. I wanted to get at the heart of the problem and not use scare tactics for an already terrified dog. Sharon’s training helped him realize I was coming back using gestures and body language. He started calming down right away on our very first training session with Sharon.. I’m now able to leave him without crating him and with no scratching or jumping at the door. The tools really worked. They were not treat based, they are not punishment based. We used dog psychology. It was amazing!
Anna W.
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Sharon was amazing! Super nice and great with our dog :) We definitely noticed a difference after one session. I would definitely recommend!
Sydney K.
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We adopted our good boy Buddie from a shelter in December. A sweet boy, but years in a shelter (five!) has made him somewhat a sensitive pup prone to barking to loud noises and strangers approaching. Passing cars on walks yielded barking and lunging, doorbells ringing, more barking. We tried some “do-it-yourself” online things with zero success, and realized actual one-on-one training was the only option. Enter Tommy from Bark-Busters. His initial three-hour in-home training course was amazingly effective, so much so the change in Buddie was almost night and day to us. Upon meeting Buddie for the first time, Tommy immediately knew the kind of sensitive dog Buddie was and tailored his training to suit. His techniques were easy to understand and master and can be practiced anytime we’re with Buddie. No more barking when the doorbell rings, or when a car passes, or a stranger approaches. Buddie’s a lot calmer now which is more in keeping with his overall sweet nature. Highest recommendation!
Mike
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Can't speak highly enough of Tommy Meyerhoeffer! After one in-person session, and a few follow-up check-ins, our cute GSD mix Penny is so much calmer and actually listens to me for a change! Penny lived on the streets for a bit before we adopted her - she is very sweet and affectionate but also very stubborn, and a scavenger on walks, grabbing any bit of food off the sidewalk and lunging at squirrels. She also hated our living room television and would act up in the weirdest ways when it was on -- jumping up on counters and the nightstands in our bedroom, knocking lamps and anything else in the way of her 83-pound body to the ground. Tommy taught us how to address these disruptive behaviors with patience and kindness (trust me, yelling does not work!). We practice every day, and our lovely girl has evolved into a happier, sweeter pup and the chaos at home and on walks has virtually stopped. Tommy's love for all animals is undeniable which makes working with him all the more special. You know he truly cares and wants the best for your dog and for you! I highly recommend Tommy to anyone who wants to address behavioral issues with their dog.
Betsy
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When we adopted our two dogs, they couldn’t have been more different and wild from each other. Bark Busters and Tommy Meyerhoeffer not only helped us tame them, which in turn provided all of us a beautiful home to share, but he gave us tools to understand their language and communicate ours. He helped us bring peace to what was initially chaotic, and couldn’t have done it with more compassion, clarity, and effort. I highly recommend Tommy and his services.
Natalie
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Luis was amazing. We called him back 8 years after he initially trained Roxy as a puppy and he fully honored the lifetime guarantee. He sat with our family for a good 2 hours, if not longer I feel. He was very detailed, and patient. He was AMAZING with Roxy and the new puppy and literally had results within minutes. Thank you so much Luis!
Natalie
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Our dogs Jackson and Bentley are our babies— my partner and I love them more than anything in the world. We recently moved into a pet friendly luxury building and our across the hall neighbor’s nonstop complaining about their barking was creating a headache he source of stress. We called Greg and he was able to help us immediately with one 3 hour session! I really could not believe the change. They used to bark every time they heard a noise — ironically the neighbors baby — and now they are so relaxed and chill! Greg is amazing — not treats or yelling or anything harsh, just being in charge and the results are phenomenal. I highly recommend Greg to anyone whose furry friend needs a little help.
Adrienne W.
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Greg from BarkBusters truly changed our lives, and we will forever be grateful for his help. When we brought our newborn home, our cocker spaniel Hudson became extremely anxious and would not stop barking at the baby. We were overwhelmed, exhausted, and honestly at our wits’ end. We didn’t know how to help Hudson or how to make the situation safe and peaceful for everyone involved. At one point, we even had to have Hudson stay with family because our dog and baby simply could not coexist in the same home. Greg stepped in with patience, understanding, and an incredible depth of knowledge. More importantly, he gave us the tools and confidence we needed to help Hudson succeed. He never made us feel judged or hopeless. He helped us understand our dog better and showed us that the situation was fixable with consistency and the right guidance. Today, Hudson is a completely different dog. Our baby and Hudson can now lie side by side calmly and safely — something that once felt impossible to us. Having our whole family together again means more than we can put into words. I would recommend Greg and BarkBusters to anyone who needs help with their dog. The investment was worth every penny for the peace, confidence, and harmony it brought back into our home.
Andy S.
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Sharon was absolutely amazing with my little Copper! We were struggling with excessive barking and nipping whenever someone left the house or walked by outside. In just one three-hour session, Sharon not only showed me how to properly handle these situations but also helped Copper make incredible progress immediately. What impressed me most was that even after Sharon left, Copper responded to the techniques the very next day and showed a whole new level of respect and manners. He truly feels like a different dog now. Our bond has become even stronger, and our cuddle time is so much more enjoyable with the new level of trust and listening we’ve built together. I’m so grateful for Sharon’s patience, knowledge, and guidance!
Teri S.
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GREG is a very talented dog trainer. As advertised, it’s a one-time, well-worth-it fee. My nine-year-old Golden was completely resistant to getting in the car and to walking down the front stairs of our home. With one visit lasting about 30 minutes, GREG helped Bodhie feel comfortable with both activities. No choke collars, no shock collars, and no tricks. Greg is a dog whisperer. More importantly, he taught me his effective technique. Practice and exercise took a few days, but then Bodhie was happy getting in and out of the car and walking down the stairs without hesitation. I would not use any other trainer.
Deborah F.
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I don’t usually write reviews, but I felt the need to share my experience in hopes it will help someone else on deciding the best training. James does an excellent job of meeting you where you are. What I love most, he tailors the training according to your needs rather than expecting you to adjust to their expectations. I believe Bella and I have formed a deeper bond because of James knowledge and support. I can confidently say that Bella is on the right path to becoming a well behaved companion. Thank you Bark Busters!!!
Joshlind H.
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At our first meeting, we were provided with such valuable information to put into immediate action. Learning dog language (while challenging due to years of old habits) made a big difference in getting our dogs attention to participate in training. In just 2 days our dogs already look to us for instruction and I know with continued practice it will even improve! Jeri gave clear and detailed verbal and written instructions. Thank you Jeri!
Jane and Donald .
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Our two female dogs recently broke into a bad fight out of nowhere. My husband and I got worried because we were going to our trip in the beginning of February and the fight happened literally on Christmas night.

My husband told me to quickly call trainers around the area to figure out the best estimate and best advice for the issues we were facing. I literally cried because we have had these two girls being sisters to each other for 6 years with no sign of aggression to suddenly be fighting and not being able to be in the same room.

I called a few places and got a hold of Jared. When I spoke to him on the phone he was the only person that was not trying sell me something right away. He was honest with me hoping that we didn't need to pay for the service because he was hoping a quick back to normal between them.

I told my husband that we will hired Jared when we need him. And we did! It has been a great training experience for us. Jared has been well in giving us tips and advices. He helped us bringing our dogs back to normal pretty quickly too. Now they are back to normal that I somewhat felt that I was gaslit by my dogs.

We are excited to continue using Jared of our dog training for the whole year and glad that we found someone who is genuinely forthcoming with their training and services without trying to just upsell us!
Jevanka
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We recently had the pleasure of working with Rob. He designed a behavioral training plan for our adopted dog Holly who has separation anxiety, excessive barking, and is overly excitable. Rob’s calm manner during our home training session was professional, informative, and tailored with strategies that suited Holly’s needs.
Robs behavioral training plan provided clear step by step instructions that were easy to understand and implement during our first training session.
The importance of establishing rules, building trust and creating boundaries were particularly beneficial. We are very grateful!
Highly recommend!
Jeanne
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We wish we would have contacted Bark Busters long ago! We are a much happier fur family now! The barking and leash pulling has decreased significantly. Our dogs are more calm and relaxed and generally happier. Highly recommend Michael at Bark Busters!
Sarah M.
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Michael did a great job walking us through the process to practice the role-playing to ensure that we could properly train our German Shepherd.
He was patient and very clear and instructions and I think we are in a good place moving forward.
Marte B.
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Miguel was fantastic with my dog--and with me! Lola is a Great Pyr-Lab mix, age 5, who is high energy, pulls on the leash, and barks loudly at passersby, especially those with dogs. Miguel gave me a new leash that has worked wonders. Now I enjoy walking her. He also taught me how to manage her very loud barking at people at the front door, laying down in her bed so as not to drive me nuts when I'm trying to read or work on the computer. Miguel is also very kind. Due to a serious health condition I've developed recently, in which I can't risk being pulled over or jumped on, he has been looking for a foster or forever home for Lola. I recommend Miguel 1,000%!!! He is excellent at his craft and a natural dog whisperer!
Lani D.
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Luis was extremely helpful with guiding us and teaching us how to properly show our puppy Skye some boundaries around the house. As well as training her how to calmly walk with us on our outings.
Sayuri G.
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We hired Justin for our 1 year old Frenchie, Medusa. She used to be a total nightmare. Food aggressive toward our other Frenchie, snapping whenever we tried to wipe anything in front of her, couldn't fix blankets without her attacking them, constant jumping/hyperactivity and she would NEVER sit in her car seat for a ride, constantly had to be held. After working with Justin, everything changed.

Justin never used a shock collar or boarded her. He came to our home and used his corrective action and tool kit to keep her in the green zone at all times. Within a few sessions she stopped guarding her food, allowed us to clean without any aggression, and for the first time she slept through an entire car ride.

The results have been dramatic and lasting. Justin also taught US clear, humane cues so we can keep the progress going on our own. If you want a trainer who respects your dog, works in your environment, and delivers real, lasting change, Justin is the one to call. He is also a super amazing human who has great energy and responds to every text/questions even after the sessions. He will definitely be getting a Christmas gift! He has changed our lives and hers!!
Andrea A.
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We have two dogs whom we rescued and, despite weighing only 30 lbs. each, they were running the place. They only responded to commands when there was something in it for them.
We just had our initial 3 hour session with Michael, and already they are calmer, less timid in new situations, and respond almost immediately when they are corrected - by using our voices and/or clapping almost exclusively.
We have tried obedience classes and training methods before with other dogs - and none of them have made this much difference in so little time!
Anne B.
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Michael was amazing as he was very kind and patient.His knowledge of a dogs brain and how it works made our first session a success.I am impressed how much Duke learned in a short period of time.Now instead of feeling anxious about taking him out I feel more confident.Looking forward to our next sessions.Thank you Mike!!
Lori A.
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Highly recommend! Barbara has been amazing with my dog. After the first visit alone, I saw such a big difference in his manners. Not only has it been great for my dog, but for me as the owner. Barbara has helped me gain such a boost in confidence in training him also.
Ally G.
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