— Breed Training Guides —

Goldendoodle: Training Insights & Behavior Traits

Back to Breed Training Guides

Goldendoodle Traits, Temperament & Training Challenges

According to the Daily Paws, here are some breed characteristics you can find in Goldendoodles. 

 

  • Height

    17-21 inches

  • Weight

    50-90 pounds

  • Life Expectancy

    10-15 years

  • Coat Type/Length

    Curly/Medium

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

Understanding the Goldendoodle Breed & Natural Instincts

Known as Golden Poos, Goldie Poos, or Groodles, this breed has a short history and much love for its unique Goldendoodle personality. There is conflicting information on where this breed originated, with some saying Canada or Australia. We do know they became popular in Australia in the 1980s and appeared in North America in the 1990s. As pet owners were looking for a larger dog that was allergy free, a Golden Retriever was bred with a Standard Poodle and instant fame followed!

The original designer breeds came into being when it was discovered that recipients of dogs used as ‘seeing eye’ and ‘service dogs’ were allergic to pet fur, so a dog that does not shed was sought.

Since Goldendoodles are not pure bred and are cross-bred, they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club as a breed of their own. This hybrid dog is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, Inc., International Designer Canine Registry and Designer Breed Registry. After seven generations have been bred, the Goldendoodle will become eligible for purebred dog registries.

Goldendoodle

Train A Goldendoodle

Goldendoodles are smart, affectionate companions, but without clear guidance, many develop unwanted behaviors and struggle with focus and consistency.

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

Get Dog Training Help

Goldendoodle Dog Training: Understanding Common Breed Behaviors

The Goldendoodle continues to hold popularity with many dog lovers because of its affectionate nature. Many dog owners are drawn to the Goldendoodle personality, as it combines friendliness, playfulness, and sharp intelligence.

They are referred to as “toy dogs”, “hybrids” or “designer dogs”. Relatively new on the scene, Goldendoodles made their debut in the United States and Australia in the 1990s and have quickly grown in popularity. Why? They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle, two well-loved breeds that are adorable and smart.

Golden Retrievers are known as loving, friendly dogs. Poodles are considered to be one of the smartest breeds. No wonder that a cross between these two would be desirable! Additionally, because the poodle is considered hypoallergenic, the Goldendoodle is a great choice for people who are only mildly allergic to dogs.

Bark Busters has recently trained “oodles of doodles”. Before you go head-over-heels for your Goldendoodle and totally spoil him/her, know that they have behavioral issues that come with their breed, naughtiness and stubbornness being two personality traits. You have to remember that your Goldendoodle will have the traits of both the Poodle and the Golden Retriever, both generally stable breeds, but sometimes the mix of the two is a cocktail of rowdiness and willfulness. Nothing that Bark Busters' dog training can’t overcome!

Is A Goldendoodle Right For You?

Physical Characteristics

Goldendoodles vary in size and physical appearance, depending on whether or not they look more like a Golden Retriever or a Poodle. You will see longer, shaggy-haired versions or a shorter, curlier hair type. When the fur is not cut, it will grow 4 – 8 inches long and can grow to disrupt the vision around a Goldendoodle’s eyes. Therefore, it needs to be clipped regularly so your dog can see! These adorable fur kids come in a large selection of colors -- cream, gold, apricot, chocolate, gray and black.

Standard Goldendoodles weigh 45 – 100 pounds, medium size weigh 30 – 45 pounds, and miniature weigh 15 – 30 pounds (mom or dad being a toy poodle).

When we say that Goldendoodles are “designer dogs”, we mean they are first-generation hybrids. If they are bred from a purebred poodle and a purebred Golden, this is known as “hybrid vigor.” This means you get the best characteristics of both breeds and are thought to be even healthier than their pet parents. However, Goldendoodle health issues can still arise, so regular vet checkups are essential.

Personality & Temperament

Goldendoodles are so popular because they have the easy going, friendly nature of the Golden Retriever and the brains of a Poodle. They are so cute it is hard to resist their enthusiasm. Because they are so social, separation anxiety can be a big issue with this breed. A Goldendoodle's temperament can be:

  • Affectionate
  • Desire to please
  • Kid friendly
  • Great for people with mild dog allergies
  • Light shedder but requires regular grooming and clipping
  • Likes being indoors with people versus isolated outdoors in a kennel
  • Highly intelligent
  • Gets along well with humans and other pet
  • Good dog for first time pet owners
  • Both the Retriever and the Poodle are in the top 5 in terms of intelligence. The Poodle is #2, while the Golden Retriever is #4… they are brainiacs!

Capabilities

Goldendoodles are highly empathetic and really want to assist people who need a helping hand … or paw! Their extreme loyalty, gentle nature and quickness in learning make them ideal to be service dogs. They also make excellent therapy and guide dogs and can make wonderful companions for:

  • Blind or persons with vision impairment
  • People in nursing homes
  • Elderly hospice residents
  • Hospital patients

Common Goldendoodle Behavior Problems & Training Solutions

Ask A Trainer

Everybody is a friend to a Goldendoodle and they thrive when they are around people. Conversely, they do not like to be alone for long periods and will become destructive if they aren’t getting the attention they need. Goldendoodles can have a hard time with separation anxiety.

If your Goldendoodle is bored, you’ll know it because the destruction begins. This is when dogs tend to misbehave the most.

It is important not to spoil your Goldendoodle too much to the point where you accept misbehaviors. It’s hard when they look like adorable teddy bears, but there is a major difference between loving and spoiling your dog. They do not do well with aggressive, harsh training because they are very sensitive. Goldendoodles respond best to positive reinforcement. They live for belly rubs and sloppy kisses. Bark Busters does not believe in negative reinforcement because too often, aggression breeds aggression.

Goldendoodle issues can include:

  • Aggression
  • Boredom
  • Destructive behaviors like mouthing, nipping, chewing
  • Difficulty in house training
  • Hyperactive
  • Jumping
  • Not coming when called
  • Play biting

Always choose a reputable breeder and ask for references. Because Goldendoodles are “designer dogs,” they can often cost a pretty penny. That’s why we suggest looking at rescues, animal welfare shelters and the local Humane Society or RSPCA. These dogs are tested for temperament and soundness.

If you want a “miniature Goldendoodle”, make sure one of the parents is a toy poodle, or you will have a much bigger dog than you expected.

Remember your dog is only as good as you are as a role model. As a medium dog expected to live 15 years or more, it’s important you provide your Goldendoodle not only with the basics, but you meet all his/her needs mentally, physically and psychologically.

Goldendoodles are generally indoor dogs who like to be near their family. If you want an independent outdoor dog (like a German Shepherd), a Goldendoodle is not for you.

Goldendoodles love human companionship and bond very strongly with their owners. Goldendoodles will find ways to entertain themselves, so it is important to provide them with enough chewing toys and good training before leaving them for any amount of time.

Your Goldendoodle’s energy is boundless. You and your kids must provide plenty of time to play to keep him out of trouble. If you’re not going to be around, it’s important to give your Goldendoodle something to do like playing with a Kong or an interactive toy. If you’re out and about, leave the radio or TV tuned to Animal Planet or your dog will feel isolated.

Because Goldendoodles are so active, you must be very wary of them running away.

Goldendoodle Temperament: How it Impacts Training and Obedience

If you have a Goldendoodle, you have your hands full. They have boundless energy and a hard time focusing. They can be extremely naughty and mischievous and well-known for chewing, nipping and mouthing everything in sight! And door manners? They've never heard of them.

Because Goldendoodle behavior problems can quickly develop without proper guidance, early training is critical! Training a Goldendoodle should begin as soon as you bring them home, ideally as a puppy. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods and need a strong, confident leader.

Dogs learn to communicate with others when they are first born, mimicking their mom and siblings. This is knows as the "pack mentality." Suddenly, you adopt them into your home and start speaking a language they don't understand. Dogs don't converse with each other with prongs, shock collars, or even treats. That's why our Bark Busters trainers teach pet owners how to communicate with dogs the natural way - with voice tones and body language. We call it "speaking dog."

Without training, your dog will quickly learn the pack's pecking order and look for the weak links. They will constantly question your authority and attempt to move themselves higher up in the pack. Establishing yourself as the leader through consistent Goldendoodle training is your key to success.

Because of their high energy, Goldendoodles need a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Multiple walks/day and some interactive toys will help. Goldendoodles will shadow you everywhere you go and don’t like to be left alone. If you’re going to work or will be gone for the day, make sure you leave them with things to do or their destructive behaviors will kick in out of boredom.

One word of advice: Although great family companions, Goldendoodles are not good watchdogs so don’t put them in a guarding situation.

If you are struggling with your enthusiastic Goldendoodle's behavior, you do not have to do it alone! Bark Busters trainers specialize in training a wide variety of challenging dog breeds, Goldendoodles included. If you are frustrated and heartbroken or welcoming a new puppy, reach out to us today. We're here to help you achieve a well-mannered, happy companion and ease the heartache of communication and behavior barriers between you and your dog.

Find your trainer today and find your dog’s personality and behavior begin to shine!

Connect with Us!

Need help training your Goldendoodle? Call 1-877-500-BARK (2275)or enter your zip code.

Please begin by confirming your zip code.

Training and Caring for Goldendoodles

Contact Your Local Trainer

Goldendoodles, a cross between Golden Retrievers and Poodles, are beloved for their intelligence, friendliness, and energetic personalities. These traits make them excellent companions for active families. While their enthusiasm is one of their most endearing qualities, it can also lead to common challenges like jumping on people, pulling on the leash, or not coming when called.

Bark Busters trainers work with families to address these behaviors and teach Goldendoodles proper manners and basic obedience. Most Goldendoodles respond quickly to training because they are eager to please and enjoy learning. With consistent guidance, they grow into well-behaved, happy family members—and many even excel as therapy dogs once their puppy energy settles.

It’s important to remember that Goldendoodles, like many larger breeds, mature physically faster than mentally. Full maturity often comes around two years of age or later. Starting training early and integrating education into daily routines helps set the foundation for lifelong good behavior. Bark Busters trainers create personalized training plans, teaching dogs to live harmoniously with their families while strengthening the human-dog bond. Mental stimulation and regular exercise are key for keeping these active, high-energy dogs calm and focused.

Whether you are welcoming a puppy or working with an adult Goldendoodle, Bark Busters trainers provide expert guidance to help your dog reach its full potential. Proper training ensures your Goldendoodle becomes a loyal, obedient, and joyful family companion. Choosing a reputable breeder and getting professional training early will help set the stage for a well-adjusted, happy dog that fits seamlessly into your home and lifestyle.

Goldendoodle Wellness: Health Issues & Responsible Ownership Tips

Common Injuries and Illnesses


Your Goldendoodle’s health concerns will change over the course of their life. A puppy might be more prone to eating something they shouldn’t, a 2-year-old Doodle may be more likely to show signs of allergies, and a senior Goldendoodle is far more likely to develop a mass as they age. Goldendoodles also have personality and physical traits that may make them more prone to certain conditions. This breed can be exceptionally playful, curious, and rowdy, and they can get into things they shouldn’t and injure themselves along the way.

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

  • Bloat
  • Addison’s disease
  • Heart disease
  • Allergies
  • Eye problems
  • Skin conditions
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Ear infections

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

Genetic Health Concerns

Despite being a hybrid of two breeds, the Goldendoodle has its fair share of hereditary based issues inherited from the Poodle and Golden Retriever. These include things like Addison’s Disease and hip dysplasia. 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 who 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 breed.

Bark Busters Home Dog Training Services

Home Dog Training

We provide personalized, in-home training designed for your Goldendoodle'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

Separation Anxiety Training

Goldendoodles 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

Severe Dog Behavior Issues

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

Learn About Dog Behavior Training

Excessive Barking

Goldendoodles are friendly and energetic companions, but excessive barking can signal stress, boredom, or confusion. Bark Busters focuses on the cause of the behavior, using communication techniques your Goldendoodle instinctively understands.

Learn About Excessive Barking

Puppy Training

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

Learn About Puppy Training

Aggression Training

Goldendoodle 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 Goldendoodle Owners Say About Bark Busters Training

My 8 year old Goldendoodle Sailor began exhibiting aggression towards other dogs in the past year. I was very concerned about the liability and why my sweet doodle had changed. Cassidy spent an initial three hours with us which included a short amazing video, details of the Bark Buster philosophy on training, and hands on work with us and Sailor. Results were immediate and we now have a calm, non-aggressive, happier dog. I used to train dogs many years ago, and and impressed that this method uses no clickers or treats, just proven ways of communicating with your dog. We recently moved to an apartment complex in downtown Stamford in which many people have dogs of various breeds and temperaments. Sailor is now great riding the elevators with other dogs, passes by dogs on the sidewalk without any lunging or barking, and has even ignored other dogs who have lunged at her. I owe it all to Cassidy and Bark Busters and highly recommend them, it is well worth the price for the peace of mind we have, and that Sailor is once again a happy, calm, and confident dog.
Kimberley C.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
Only one lesson in and we are very confident this is the BEST money we ever spent! John and Diane are delightful, kind, and incredibly talent at what they do! Our two Goldendoodles are noticeably better-I can't wait to see what else John and Diane can teach us!
Brooke D.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
Luis has been amazing teaching us everything on how to train our Mini Goldendoodle.
It was incredible to learn the amount of things we were doing wrong. Now we have a plan and are enforcing it daily.
It was remarkable to see our fury friend behave so well.
We really loved the personalized attention and real engagement.
Luis really cares about what he does and is super knowledgeable.
He also taught us some things about teenagers so we are now preparing.
Diego G.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
Bonnie is the best! I have a very energetic goldendoodle who loves food. He would jump on top of our counters and open the trash. We actually had a couple of scary situations where he ate things he shouldn't have but luckily he was ok. He also would pull me on walks. With Bonnie's help my boy is now respectful and has boundaries. We can both enjoy our walks together now too. I love that she does not use shock collars either. I highly recommend Bark Busters! Thank you Bonnie!
Kayla C.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
We got a rescue puppy that turned out to be half Saint Bernard. We knew we would need some professional training, and Jared delivered. He provided tools and tips so that walking our dog is a breeze. He helped identify ways to calm him down, cut his nails, and even get along with our chickens. Jared was great with our dog and the whole family. I'm thankful that he'll be there for us as our dog grows and if we encounter new issues to address.
Julie
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
I am currently working with Connie Dubois with BarkBusters. She is fantastic and soon I was looking at other training techniques to address both of my dog's shortcomings. We have weekly 1:1s, and I have seen dramatic improvement in both of my pup's behavior. One was out of control re: dog reactivity, the other could not control her love of people which means jumping all over them and counter surfing. After a hell of a lot of 'work', we can now take long walks without fear of what will happen next (just not together - YET)! She will leave you with a ton of homework, so you must be committed. She will work with you until all your goals have been achieved (if realistic). It is a one-time cost, unlimited follow up even if you move. It is 1:1 in your home environment - which is not comparable to any board/train or 1 hour/week at the trainer's location. Last note - I have trained ALL of my dogs, many of them and all rescues and/or special needs pups over the years. However, my efforts with these two 11-month-old pups were not very fruitful. I have never had two puppies from different litters that have such vast differences with bad, or unwelcome, behavior. One was from a rescue in Idaho, one was a foster fail with the Everett Animal Shelter. If you are in need of training - please consider Connie. My dogs will never be 'perfect' but I do not need perfection, I need my pups to be as comfortable as I am feeling when we head out for our adventures.
janis f.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
Omar has been absolutely amazing with our dog, Tank, and we couldn’t recommend him enough! Before working with him, Tank was reactive toward other dogs on leash, had very little recall, and had even bitten other dogs. We were feeling overwhelmed and weren’t sure how to help him, but Omar completely changed our perspective.

He helped us understand Tank better and realize that a big part of the problem was our own lack of consistency and communication. He showed us how to work with Tank using positive reinforcement, and it’s been incredible to see how quickly he learns when we’re consistent and use the right techniques. Tank’s recall has improved so much, and we feel much more confident handling him.

Omar is knowledgeable, patient, encouraging, and genuinely cares about helping both the dog and the owner succeed. He doesn’t just train your dog for you; he teaches YOU how to be a better owner and continue making progress long after the sessions are over.

We’re so grateful we found Omar. If you’re struggling with your dog’s behavior or just want to build a better relationship with your pup, we can’t recommend him enough! He has made such a huge difference for us and Tank!
Lily K. .
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
I am so happy that I found Diane and John!!! I was almost ready to send my little pup back to the breeder because he was a bit much, but Diane and John have come to the rescue and there is NO WAY he is going anywhere. In just a few short months of training my lil pup is a different little dude. He is following commands, doing well at learning to walk on a leash, and no longer nipping and is much more settled. We have learned so much about how to become great pack leaders and what we need to do to ensure a safe and happy home for our pup. So much improvement in just a short time and I can't wait to see how much more he will improve over the next few weeks. Highly recommend to anyone who is looking for caring people who love your pup and wants to see them happy just as much as you do!
Christina .
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
James was better than we even thought possible. He explained everything on the phone clearly, set realistic expectations, and was flexible on scheduling around our best days and times. He was punctual and communicated clearly. Once he arrived he was so great with our puppy George! George loves him and responded really well to training. We were trying to learn techniques on our own online before James and he made things so simple but effective! Well worth the money! Hire James!
Scott S.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
James from Bark Busters is awesome. He is quiet and knowledgeable and a great listener.
I really like the fact that bark busters focuses on a dog‘s natural behavior and uses that understanding to help discipline them.
Our biggest complaint with the dogs was barking a lot and being overprotective of our home when the Gardener or Delivery people or guests would come. By following James.’s guidance they are doing much better.
I feel confident that James could help Dog owners with pretty much any issue they might have.
Debra H.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
Here's the biggest takeaway from our experience: while our dogs benefit from training, it's really us who need to learn how to better understand them.
After just the first visit, we saw a dramatic change in our 5-year-old Maltipoo, Louie. He had always been highly reactive--pulling on the leash with surprising strength for a 14-pound dog, barking at every dog we passed, reacting to every outside noise, and going into a frenzy whenever someone came to the front door.

Having guests over was stressful and uncomfortable because he would bark nonstop at anyone unfamiliar. It honestly caused me a lot of anxiety.

Then in March, we brought home Norman, our 5-month-old puppy, and I quickly realized I didn't want him picking up Louie's bad habits. The thought of managing two reactive dogs--and double the stress--was overwhelming.

I found Bark Busters through a stranger I struck up a conversation with about my new puppy. She had dealt with similar challenges and shared how much it helped--not just her dog, but her own anxiety as well.

I reached out to James right away, and his response time was incredibly fast. We've now had three sessions with him. The first is a thorough three-hour session, packed with eye-opening and incredibly useful information. Follow-up sessions are about an hour.

What stands out most is how much this process focuses on retraining us. It's about changing our instincts and reactions, and learning how to communicate more effectively with our dogs.
James is patient, supportive, and excellent at explaining not just what to do, but why it matters.
This isn't a quick fix. It takes time, consistency, and commitment.

If you don't practice daily, progress can stall--l've seen that firsthand when we've gotten a bit inconsistent. But when you stay committed, the results are absolutely worth it.

We're already seeing such positive changes. Walking Louie is now enjoyable--something I never thought I'd say. Neighbors who used to see his reactivity can't believe how calm he is now.
We can actually stop and chat during walks.

If you're willing to put in the work and want a calmer, happier dog--and a more peaceful home--I highly recommend James.

He's kind, knowledgeable, and truly supportive throughout the process. Stick with it, and you won't regret it.
MBS
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
James is an amazing dog behavioral trainer. He’s insightful, professional and truly cares about animals. We have two dogs that we wanted to make sure they were well trained and behaved and responded to our commands. James was very professional and thorough in his explanations and assistance in making sure our dogs received outstanding Training. I highly recommend James from bark busters If you want an exceptional experience.
David
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
James worked with us and our dog Mia and we observed a ton of progress after a single session. Mia has a tendency to jump on us at the door, dinner table, etc and generally get overexcited. She was also getting reactive to other dogs on walks. James helped us address both challenges and it’s honestly like we have a new dog. I appreciate James for his friendly and confident approach. I’m excited for future sessions with James and certainly would recommend his services to others.
AJ B.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
I honestly cannot say enough good things about working with James. Dealing with behavioral issues with dogs you love can be stressful and emotional, and one of the biggest things for me is that James has never made me feel judged or like I did something wrong. He looks at the situation for what it is, figures out what is actually going on, and focuses on the best way to move forward.

James has also gone above and beyond in a way I haven't experienced with other trainers. He checks in, asks for updates, and makes himself available for calls when something comes up or I need help figuring out how to handle a situation. It really feels like he cares about the progress being made outside of the actual training sessions rather than just showing up for an appointment and leaving you to figure out the rest.

His approach to training is probably what sets him apart the most for me. He is very gentle and patient with the dogs, but everything he does has a reason behind it. A lot of what he teaches is actually about how you, as the human, are communicating with your dog and how to better understand what your dog is communicating back to you. He explains the “why” behind things, which has helped me understand my dogs and their behavior so much better.

He has also taken extra steps that other trainers haven't to make sure everyone is comfortable and that the dogs are being assessed fairly. He pays attention to their personalities and body language and doesn't immediately make assumptions based on a behavior. There is no one-size-fits-all approach with him.

More than anything, I really appreciate how professional and nonjudgmental James is. There is never any blame or making you feel bad about how you got to where you are. He takes the situation in front of him and works with you to figure out the best approach for your dogs. I feel so much more confident understanding and communicating with my dogs since working with him, and I am genuinely grateful for how much time, care, and effort he has put into helping us.
April V.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
We adopted Gracie, a 2-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound, from the NHSPCA in November 2025. We had previously adopted 4 other hounds from the SPCA, all with issues of being shy and unsocialized. Gracie, however, is a typical hound with endless energy. It was definitely challenging to take her for a simple walk. She was jumping on us, on the kitchen counters, stealing food off the stovetop. She was a lovebug, but she had no self-control. I was sure she was going jump off the sofa and propel herself onto the kitchen island. You could see her contemplating that move. After 6 weeks of struggling to gain some control, we turned to Mariah for help. We were stunned during our first home visit. We loved that Mariah came to our home for a one-on-one consultation. She observed Gracie's behavior in our own environment and she watched our reactions. We were doing everything wrong! It was amazing that, within an hour, Mariah had Gracie sitting and waiting for treats or her dinner. She taught us how to speak to Gracie in a language she could understand and how to control our body language to let Gracie know that we were in charge. She showed us how to keep her off the counters and how to keep her out of the kitchen while we were cooking. She gave us exercises to practice. Gracie literally improved overnight. Within a week she had mastered everything. It was truly amazing. No special equipment or treats. Just body language and speaking dog language. Once we master everything within the home, we needed to work on leash walking. Gracie was out of control when we encountered another dog walking on a leash, although she was fine at doggie daycare or around dogs off leash. She couldn't see or hear anything if she encountered another dog and she jumped, pulled, and howled until the other dog was out of sight. She was not aggressive, just extremely reactive. Mariah came back and observed this behavior. Unfortunately, it was difficult to encounter dogs due to the weather, so Mariah brought a life-sized stuffed dog to practice with for Gracie. Mariah then met us at a dog park, which was very helpful in showing Mariah her true behavior. Mariah gave us more tools and exercises to practice, which improved the behavior, but it still wasn't great. And over time, we got lazy with her inside manners. We asked Mariah to come back again. She came within a few days and spent about an hour helping us. Mariah helped us gain control inside the home again and gave us more suggestions on how to make Gracie less reactive to other dogs on leashes. In one day, we were able to get back on track. It was incredible! No yelling at or bribing Gracie. And, best of all, within two weeks of practicing walking Gracie with the new instructions, she is now able to walk the neighborhood without reacting AT ALL to other dogs. In fact, we were able to take a walk WITH another dog! It's almost unbelievable. Even my neighbors were astonished. I can't believe the difference in Gracie's behavior. She is so well-behaved but still silly, energetic and loveable! And we didn't have to travel for scheduled classes or use any special equipment. We were so impressed with Mariah! She does an amazing job teaching us how to train our dog. And we love knowing that we can call Mariah in the future if any issues arise or if we need retraining or guidance. We love having that security all for one cost. We don't have to worry about expensive lessons or traveling for group sessions in the future. We highly recommend Mariah at Bark Busters. We are so pleased with all the progress Gracie has shown is such a short period of time. Thank you, Mariah!
Marjorie S.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
We wish we had called Bonnie sooner ! We are grateful to her for showing us how to better interact with our 18-week-old shepherd pup! Step one, we enter and exit before our dog Bruin...it seems simple, but it was an eye opener ! Looking forward to our next session !
Edward L.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
Connie Dubois is highly knowledgeable, eminently practical, a calm presence, and offers great solutions. As a dog trainer, she understands dog psychology. In my first hour with Connie, I learned how to teach confidence to a scared dog. Amazing! Highly recommend.
Karen W.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
I just want to think Justin for being there for myself and Lily for helping me overcome the stress of walking her on a daily basis he was Justin was patient sincere to the point and made me feel confident and good about myself taking care of my dog in a very positive and helpful way. I have called him numerous times and he’s always made me feel good and comfortable so thank you for being so good at what you do Lily is a big 93 pound Rottweiler and we fostered her then we adopted her and now she is ours and I wouldn’t want any other way but for a while there I was so afraid to walk her, but Justin came through for me and helped me on this journey. Thank you so much, Justin.
Cherie F.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
Google Review: "My precious little rescue dog had been through a lot prior to finding her permanent home with me. Because of that, she had lots of triggers and fears which caused her to act out.
Finding Bark Busters has been a real blessing! They are teaching us how to communicate… Speak the same language. These two ladies know their stuff! I was amazed how quickly my little dog Responded! I especially love that they come to my home. With their help, I am confident that we will have a more peaceful environment and a greatly enhanced quality of life in our home and out in the world. Thank you ladies!"
Vicki A.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings


Bonnie was amazing with our dog. She was a rescue dog that was super anxious, was trying to be the leader of our pack, and was aggressive at times. She came in and taught us how take control, of her and how to correct her behaviors. She also worked with my kids to be able to control our dog as well. Highly recommend Bonnie
Peter F.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
Sharon is amazing! I was so overwhelmed with 2 puppies and a few life events thrown in, training was always put off. They quickly hit the 10 month old mark and I felt like they were teaming up on me with bad behavior. Sharon spent a few hours training ME how to communicate what I expected from the pups. They were very responsive to her cues and caught on pretty quickly! I still have my work cut out for me, but feeling very positive and hopeful now. Like "I got this" and Sharon is always just a phone call away. Wish I made the call sooner, but ya can't go back!
Laura H.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
We seeked out dog training primarily due to our dog’s reactivity to other dogs on walks. Roxy is over 100 pounds and my wife was not comfortable walking her independently. We have reached this goal and then some. Omar is an expert and goes above and beyond to be sure you are comfortable with settings expectations for your dog. He was patient with all our questions. Roxy has come a long way as we continue to work on all the skills of an obedient dog. Omar also is making sure we have all the tools we need. The harness we were given is perfect and I have recommended it to friends.
Clark F. .
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
As first-time dog owners, bringing home our Bernedoodle puppy felt equal parts exciting and overwhelming. She was quiet and a bit confused in those early days, and we honestly didn’t know what “normal” even looked like.

We started working with Jared literally the day after we brought her home, and that made all the difference. What stood out right away is that he doesn’t just train the dog, he helps you understand your dog’s psychology. That shift was huge for us. Instead of guessing or reacting, we started to feel like we actually knew what she needed and how to respond.

He guided us through the basics like potty training and getting her to sleep through the night, and once those clicked, life got dramatically easier. More importantly, he gave us a framework we can keep using as new challenges come up.

Our puppy still has some separation anxiety and chews stuff and can be a bit needy, but now it feels manageable. We’re making steady, incremental progress and feel confident we have the tools to keep going.
Jared has also been great with our whole family. He builds trust quickly, explains things clearly, and makes everyone feel comfortable and capable. You never feel judged or overwhelmed.

If you’re a first-time dog owner, especially with a young puppy, I’d strongly recommend working with him early. It sets the right foundation and saves you a lot of stress down the line.
Vijay
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
Rob was efficient thorough and a pleasure to work with , we were left feeling confident and excited to learn the skills that were taught to us, Highly recommend Five Star!!! Bark Busters Thank you from the Bavaro's
Jennifer B.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
I honestly cannot say enough good things about working with James. Dealing with behavioral issues with dogs you love can be stressful and emotional, and one of the biggest things for me is that James has never made me feel judged or like I did something wrong. He looks at the situation for what it is, figures out what is actually going on, and focuses on the best way to move forward.

James has also gone above and beyond in a way I haven't experienced with other trainers. He checks in, asks for updates, and makes himself available for calls when something comes up or I need help figuring out how to handle a situation. It really feels like he cares about the progress being made outside of the actual training sessions rather than just showing up for an appointment and leaving you to figure out the rest.

His approach to training is probably what sets him apart the most for me. He is very gentle and patient with the dogs, but everything he does has a reason behind it. A lot of what he teaches is actually about how you, as the human, are communicating with your dog and how to better understand what your dog is communicating back to you. He explains the “why” behind things, which has helped me understand my dogs and their behavior so much better.

He has also taken extra steps that other trainers haven't to make sure everyone is comfortable and that the dogs are being assessed fairly. He pays attention to their personalities and body language and doesn't immediately make assumptions based on a behavior. There is no one-size-fits-all approach with him.

More than anything, I really appreciate how professional and nonjudgmental James is. There is never any blame or making you feel bad about how you got to where you are. He takes the situation in front of him and works with you to figure out the best approach for your dogs. I feel so much more confident understanding and communicating with my dogs since working with him, and I am genuinely grateful for how much time, care, and effort he has put into helping us.
April V.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
We called James for help with Cookie and Coal’s persistent barking and after a couple of sessions, he’s helped us get them under control! I plan on having him back for refreshers periodically - more to keep me on track with my skills than anything!

James is easy to work with and the dogs respond really well to him. We’re looking forward to a much more quiet and peaceful home, and less anxious pups :)
Laura F.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
We couldn’t recommend James more highly. He has been absolutely exceptional with our dog, Finn, and the transformation we’ve seen has been incredible. Under James’s guidance, Finn has become extremely obedient, confident, and genuinely a master of his class.

What really sets James apart is his combination of expertise, patience, and communication. He is incredibly well spoken and has a remarkable ability to explain not only what he is doing, but why it works and how we can reinforce the training at home. His feedback and follow-up are exceptional. After the sessions, he provides carefully crafted, detailed reports that clearly explain Finn’s progress, areas to continue working on, and practical recommendations for us to follow.

James clearly takes enormous pride in his work and genuinely cares about the dogs and families he works with. He goes far beyond simply teaching commands, he has helped us better understand Finn and given us the tools to build a stronger relationship with him.

Most importantly, James is just a fantastic person. He is reliable, thoughtful, professional, and an absolute pleasure to work with. Over the course of Finn’s training, he has become not only someone we trust completely with our dog, but also someone we are very happy to now call a friend.

Finn absolutely loves him, and so do we. We would recommend James without hesitation to anyone looking for an exceptional dog trainer. He truly goes above and beyond, and we feel incredibly lucky to have found him.
Pierfilippo N.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings
James was absolutely amazing with our 1 year old dog Brew. He has serious stranger danger and would bark incessantly at anyone who came to our house or approached him. We were really concerned about having people over or bringing him around public places because we didn’t know how he would react. Within 1-2 lessons, James had taught us the skills needed to have control over Brew and teach him that he doesn’t need to necessarily love everyone, but that he doesn’t need to be the protector of the house. Our dog now only shows minimal reaction to people, and we know this will only continue to get better with practice. James also spent time with us teaching him how to walk on leash in an obedient manner, making adjustments on leash type etc. as he saw fit. Our walks are so much more enjoyable now. Working with James was the best decision and we feel so lucky to have found him, and that he’s in our corner for life now! Thank you for everything James!
Melissa L.
Bark Busters Rating
See All Bark Busters Ratings

Transform Your Goldendoodle's Behavior: Fill Out Our Form and Discover the Value of Expert Training!

Quickly confirm your zip code and complete this short form, and we’ll contact you by email or phone within 24 hours to discuss your pet’s training. Avoid the hassle and questionable group classes by opting for customized in-home dog training near you.

Call us at 1-877-500-BARK (2275) for more information

  • 99.7% 4 or 5 stars 99.7% rate their experience with Bark Busters as 4 or 5 out of 5 stars.
  • 99.6% Would Recommend 99.6% would recommend Bark Busters to their friends and neighbors.
  • 99.5% Dog Responded 99.5% think their dog responded well to the training.

Need Dog Training Assistance with Your Goldendoodle? Find Your Local Trainer Now!

CALL TODAY 1-877-500-BARK (2275)

Please begin by confirming your zip code.