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Goldendoodle: Training Insights & Behavior Traits

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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.

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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

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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!

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Training and Caring for Goldendoodles

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Our family has had the opportunity to work with Kayla with our dogs, and I can’t say enough good things about her. She is incredibly knowledgeable about dog behavior, patient, kind, and very good at explaining not only what to do, but why it works.

What has always impressed me about Kayla is that she gives you the tools to work with your dog yourself. She demonstrates techniques, answers questions and helps you understand what your dog needs from you. She also makes it clear that consistency and practicing what you’ve learned are a big part of getting results.

Kayla genuinely cares about the dogs she works with and wants them and their families to succeed. She is honest, realistic and extremely knowledgeable. Our family has benefited so much from her advice and guidance over the years, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone looking for help with their dog.
Cailyn
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I’m so happy I found Sharon through Bark Busters! We were struggling with potty training, jumping, pulling on walks, and other puppy behaviors, and after our very first session we already noticed a huge difference. Sharon is incredibly knowledgeable and does a great job explaining not just what to do, but why your dog is behaving a certain way. She’s patient, amazing with the dogs, and always quick to respond when I have questions. She has taught me so much and made me feel way more confident with training my puppies. I genuinely can’t recommend her enough! 🦮🐾
Sam L.
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Scot was great, made good points to redirect us humans to think before an action, I liked Scot’s technique not using e-collar as other trainers do
Dagmar V.
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Scott was amazing with our 2-year-old rescue, who has been showing aggression toward other dogs and can be very protective of his territory. We would highly recommend him! He answered all of our questions and taught us what to do in an easy-to-understand way. We feel much more confident knowing how to help our dog, and we are so grateful for all of Scott’s help!
Emily C.
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Rob gave us so many useful tactics for our 4 month old puppy. He is super patient and listened to every concern. We have implemented them and have seen an improvement already. We were able to walk him around the block on his leash and manage his directions. We are able to get him in his crate now as well without a struggle. We highly recommend !!
Kate .
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We’ve had three training sessions with Omar so far, and the difference we’ve seen in our dogs has already been incredible. We also brought our newborn son home three weeks ago, so having better structure and communication with our dogs during such a huge transition has been especially important to us.

Since starting training, their barking has decreased significantly, they’ve adjusted really well to having our baby in the home, and they are noticeably less anxious when visitors come over—something we struggled with quite a bit before.

Omar has been great to work with. He explains what he’s doing and, more importantly, teaches us how to communicate with our dogs and continue working with them between sessions. We still have more we want to work on, but seeing this much improvement after only three sessions has been really encouraging.

We’re very happy with our experience so far and would absolutely recommend Omar to anyone looking for help with their dogs, especially families going through a major transition like bringing home a new baby.
Tyler E.
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I was unsure if Bark Busters could help my six year-old dog who is stubborn and not food-motivated. We’ve had lots of training over the years but some behaviors stuck around. I was so surprised at how much Deb helped us in just one afternoon, and without treats, clickers, or any of the usual tools. My dog Betty is learning some new rules very quickly, and I’m looking forward to our follow up visit with Deb!
April W.
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Deb at Bark Busters did a great job training us how to handle our two dogs. She was great with follow up, and we always felt supported in our training goals. I like that she gave us homework to do and ensured that we were held accountable as it’s easy to neglect dog training with our busy lives.
Patricia K.
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Omar was amazing at helping us train our shar pei puppy. He gave lots of good advice on socializing and basic training. With this training, I now have a dog that is calm and confident even when strangers come into house. Omar also helped us train recall, and Im amazed to see that our under 1 year old dog has near perfect recall and I can trust him to listen in any situation.
Colleen K.
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Roman is a very nice guy, but his exuberance is sometimes a problem. Michelle taught me some methods to keep him from “running” the house, keeping him away from the door when we have visitors, staying out of the kitchen during dinner time, not jumping on people. She helped with several things immediately. Of course Roman is a work in progress and his reactivity to other dogs is problematic, bit I am very happy with being able to make some immediate improvements.
Susan
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The best dog behaviorist in Pinellas County. I highly recommend her for she is amazing. You will see a huge difference with her first meeting. I have recommended her to three of our neighbors. We all agree it was the best investment for us and our little fur babies. 5 star.
Will S.
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Jeri Wagner was a pleasure to meet, work with and we thoroughly enjoyed our training experience with her. She was clear, concise and she made sure that we understood all her teaching concepts. Lincoln was afraid of Jeri when she first came to our house (normal behavior for him…..that is going to change now:)) She didn’t push herself on him and showed US exactly how and what to do in situations that were problematic for us and Lincoln. It was such a beneficial time and Lincoln responded well to what we put into practice after Jeri left. He even stayed out of the kitchen area! I think Jeri would be proud!!! We look forward to working with Jeri again and couldn’t imagine a better trainer….she’s terrific!
Tanya N.
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I would highly recommend Kevin as a dog trainer!

My partner and i rescued a 18 monthish old Australian shepherd named Dune who had some bad habits that we needed help nipping in the bud. Dune would try to herd guests around the house by nipping at their butts (lol), had pretty bad separation anxiety (would panic and bark constantly after more than a few minutes alone), and had some leash reactivity and liked to pull constantly on walks

pretty much all of that is solved now after a few sessions with Kevin! Kevin was able to move his schedule around and get us our first session like 2 days after we reached out and after the first 2 sessions his separation anxiety and nipping at people around the house were basically gone and after the first dedicated session to leash manners we got that mostly taken care of as well. The way Kevin taught us how to communicate with Dune was so valuable and he really set us up well to know how to work with him going forward on new stuff!

And the lifetime support if new situations arise is such a big stress reliever for us! Could not recommend Kevin more!!
Johnathan D.
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Kevin has really done an amazing job training us and our dog, Plissken. We had tried several positive reinforcement styles of training before meeting Kevin. Now we see that treating our dog like a dog, works wonders. Plissken is calmer, seems happier and responds much better to directions. We are still working with Kevin and look forward to seeing even more progress. We definitely recommend Bark Busters.
Kimberly S.
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Kevin has been great! My dog was biting strangers and now she's so sweet. very grateful to this company.
Kayli F.
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We are late on this review not because Kevin wasn't professional every time we met or because the results were terrible. When Kevin entered our lives we had a puppy that was dangerously food protective and generally unruly. We have had other dogs in the past that we traditionally trained. They were the neighborhood standard of well behaved dogs. August through us for a loop. Kevin came in and over a year thought us how to communicate with August. He has Great Pyrenees breed traits. Kevin gave us boundaries, communication tools, patience, and most importantly real honest expectations. We just celebrated August's 2nd birthday and today his reactiveness is minor, his food and toy aggression is non existent. He is starting to respond to commands without treats. He has always been the most affectionate dog we have owned, but today Im happily to report he is now a well behaved socialized dog. Thank you Kevin for everything you did for us and our beautiful boy. Also knowing that they are there if we need follow-up training, is an unmeasurable comfort. If you are willing to realize that it's not your dogs fault but how you interact with your dog. Then you are ready to be a caregiver to your pup and you are ready for Bark Busters! Find the love language between you and your furry love and get a Bark Busters trainer! Xxo
Will N.
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We lost our sweet, chill Lab of 10 years March 2024. And we went for awhile without a dog... but missed having that companionship. So we adopted Crispin (Irish Terrier mix?) from the shelter August 2024. He is a lovable, goofy dog... but 100% different from our previous dog and we found ourselves completely stymied by his reactivity and behavior.

We reached out to Bark busters, and from the first conversation we were met with really excellent information about who they are, what they do, how the process works, etc. We're really lucky to have Kevin come work with us. He has absolutely changed the trajectory of our relationship with Crispin!

Kevin is easily reached and very flexible about meeting times. He has a great, calm demeanor around dogs and never skips a beat in answering our many questions. The way he explains the training process and then demonstrates how to do things with Crispin has been great. I really enjoy the Bark busters psychology and speaking to dogs in a way they understand. It's really evident to me every time Kevin is explaining something and shows us with Crispin. And as he said, you get used to "bahhing!" your dog in public. I was slightly embarrassed at first, but have no problems with it now.

Crispin is still a work in progress, but the difference between when we started several months ago and now is distinct. I'm very glad we found Bark busters!
Alex L.
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We've been working with Kevin from Bark Busters for a few months, and I can't say enough good things about the experience. He is incredibly patient and understanding, which was so refreshing after trying multiple other trainers (including board-and-train programs) with little to no progress.

Kevin's approach was completely different, and much more forgiving, allowing us complete flexibility on how often to have training sessions & check-ins. He never made us feel pressured to be "done" by a certain point and accommodates our pace and schedule.

He focused on helping us understand how our dogs are communicating and how to respond in a way that makes sense to them. It felt like he wasn't just "training the dogs," but actually empowering us as owners with the tools and knowledge we needed. For the first time, I feel like we're truly making progress and building a better relationship with our dogs! We feel a lot more in control, and while we know they aren't perfect - we can finally feel confident we are working together in the right direction.

I highly recommend working with Kevin and the Bark Busters method!
Jessica L.
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