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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you James!
Jack G.
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Our initial training session with Jeri was wonderful. She gave us so much information regarding dog behaviors and taught us how to speak to our Oreo in his language. I particularly liked how she had Bill and I use her training tecniques with Oreo while she stood back and functioned as our coach. This approach helped us to feel more confident and in charge when training our dog. The video's she showed us of the training tecniques was also helpful.
Kathleen Ann T.
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Mai Tai is a 7.5 year Chihuahua who barked at the slightest noise both inside and outside. Ryan is amazing. His training skill and expertise are incredible. Within the first hour of our home visit, Mai Tai was no longer barking at every noise. She responded quickly. Ryan also taught me how to curb the unwanted behavior when the door bell rang. I highly recommend Ryan and Bark Busters. I am overjoyed and thrilled with his service, experience, expertise, and thoroughness. The training techniques for Mai Tai and I are life changing!
Darlene .
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Karen has been an absolute lifesaver. I meet with her weekly to learn how to address Nellie’s issues with pulling, jumping up and recall. I truly cannot thank her enough for her outstanding patience…with both of us. She’s the very best!!
Lori P.
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We do not have words to express our thanks to Greg for the mindblowing transformation of our three, 5 year old Toy Fox Terriers, after only one session. The barking was non-stop whenever anyone would come into our home. We never thought we'd be able to have friends in our house again. Greg's level of expertise showed us how to exhibit leadership with our dogs, read their body language, and gave us training techniques, without treats, to reinforce the behaviors we want from them. Our three babies are so much happier. We highly recommend Greg to anyone looking for personal, effective training.
George & J.
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Working with James has been an extremely rewarding experience. He is so knowledgeable and helpful. With his help my untrained, six year old, rescue has made tremendous improvements. All of his recommendations have been much easier than I expected. Coco and I have learned so much and we are able to practice the lessons James shares with us. I highly recommend Bark Busters and James to train your pet. I know you will be as pleased as I have been and you will not regret this worthwhile
investment for the life of your pet. Thank you, James. Coco and I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.
Susan T.
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Adrienne is fabulous! We first worked with her in 2024 after we adopted Reggie and learned he was very protective of his house. We had her back a week ago to address a specific event and she was understanding and very helpful once again. We feel confident in our ability to deal with Reggie's protectiveness, and he is already learning what's expected of him. I know that if other issues surface that we can always reach out to Adrienne for her help.
Stacey L W.
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I reached out to Bark Busters to help with my dog's general behavior and his separation anxiety. Johnny was able to schedule with me really quickly, came to my house, and spent time listening to the challenges and giving us homework that he first demonstrated and had us practice in front of him. We started noticing improvements immediately, which meant we were able to start moving forward working on separation anxiety. We have made the most progress with the separation anxiety challenges since working with Johnny than all of our other attempts to fix this issue. Johnny is helping us build our confidence and our dog's confidence. He checks in if he has not heard from us in a bit to make sure everything is going smoothly - we are so grateful for all of his help!
Sarah H.
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Jared was great to work with. I was having trouble with my 1 year old Bernese mountain dog who was lunging and barking at people and dogs while on leash. Within three sessions my puppy became a model student, easy to walk and no longer a concern for me. I am very grateful for the advice and hands on support that Jared provided.
Thi-Sau
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We have been thrilled with James and The Bark Busters Home Dog Training Program in North County San Diego. We had a senior dog that passed away recently (he had moderate behavioral issues throughout his life that we never addressed properly). We adopted a 4 month old puppy in May, we have a 3 year old daughter and are expecting another baby girl in October. We knew it was important with all these new changes and a very energetic & wild puppy in the mix to seek support for any behavioral issues that may arise.

There was plenty to work on from the moment we took our German Retriever mix home. He was so excited to meet anyone new, he would nip & jump to the point of drawing blood. We needed immediate support with upcoming travel plans, knowing that we needed to establish better boundaries in order to leave our dog with the dog sitter and my in-laws. Koa, our puppy, was also very difficult to walk, pulling intensely and zig zagging all over the road. The idea of walking with a stroller, a toddler, eventually a baby & a puppy seemed impossible. We also wanted to be proactive with the baby coming, developing healthy habits with the dog early so we could be better prepared for a tiny human in the house. Lastly, we wanted guidance on how to properly socialize Koa since our previous dog did not do well with other dogs.

I found James based on rave reviews stating his approach was immediately helpful and we needed fast results! I also knew based on our 14 year experience with our previous dog, that issues arise throughout their whole life and so making the investment with James would be well worth it.

My husband and I are beyond satisfied with the level of customer care, the consistent and clear communication, and the results. We were able to leave on a 10 day trip after 2 sessions with James and the in-laws & dog sitter had positive experiences with Koa. My daughter's toddler friends can come visit and the interactions have gone very well. Walking Koa has been pleasant, we have far more control now and I can easily handle a double stroller with him.

I know we will continue to utilize James has we navigate adding a new baby to the mix and as Koa grows. I love that we have a reliable support to lean on. James clearly can teach you how to shift your dog's behavior & above all he is truly a kind and caring person to welcome into your home. We highly recommend his services! We have been thrilled with James and The Bark Busters Home Dog Training Program in North County San Diego. We had a senior dog that passed away recently (he had moderate behavioral issues throughout his life that we never addressed properly). We adopted a 4 month old puppy in May, we have a 3 year old daughter and are expecting another baby girl in October. We knew it was important with all these new changes and a very energetic & wild puppy in the mix to seek support for any behavioral issues that may arise.

There was plenty to work on from the moment we took our German Retriever mix home. He was so excited to meet anyone new, he would nip & jump to the point of drawing blood. We needed immediate support with upcoming travel plans, knowing that we needed to establish better boundaries in order to leave our dog with the dog sitter and my in-laws. Koa, our puppy, was also very difficult to walk, pulling intensely and zig zagging all over the road. The idea of walking with a stroller, a toddler, eventually a baby & a puppy seemed impossible. We also wanted to be proactive with the baby coming, developing healthy habits with the dog early so we could be better prepared for a tiny human in the house. Lastly, we wanted guidance on how to properly socialize Koa since our previous dog did not do well with other dogs.

I found James based on rave reviews stating his approach was immediately helpful and we needed fast results! I also knew based on our 14 year experience with our previous dog, that issues arise throughout their whole life and so making the investment with James would be well worth it.

My husband and I are beyond satisfied with the level of customer care, the consistent and clear communication, and the results. We were able to leave on a 10 day trip after 2 sessions with James and the in-laws & dog sitter had positive experiences with Koa. My daughter's toddler friends can come visit and the interactions have gone very well. Walking Koa has been pleasant, we have far more control now and I can easily handle a double stroller with him.

I know we will continue to utilize James has we navigate adding a new baby to the mix and as Koa grows. I love that we have a reliable support to lean on. James clearly can teach you how to shift your dog's behavior & above all he is truly a kind and caring person to welcome into your home. We highly recommend his services!
Kayleen W.
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James is an amazing trainer for both of our high energy breeds. He is very responsive and always willing to meet with us or for a call as needed. Highly recommend him for anyone in the market for a new trainer!
Tom
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We’ve had a great experience working with Johnny Jumper and have seen huge improvements in our dog’s behavior after only four sessions. Our dog is a shelter dog, and we came to Johnny with a few challenges, including lunging and barking at other dogs and people on walks, crate training, and going to the bathroom in the house. The progress has been pretty incredible. After just one session, the lunging and barking on walks improved dramatically. Crate training has been a huge improvement as well, and we’ve also been able to resolve the issues with peeing and pooping in the house. Johnny is kind and patient, but also confident and extremely knowledgeable. He’s great at explaining what he’s doing and giving us the tools to continue the training on our own. We’re only four sessions in and already feel like we have a completely different dog. Highly recommend Johnny!
Zion F.
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We had a great morning getting trained by Scot! He was so engaging, easy to learn from, and knowledgeable! Scot provided us with manageable strategies that we can use to build a positive relationship between us and our pup. We learned so much in such a short amount of time! Thank you for giving us the jumpstart we needed to train our dog and develop good habits and behaviors!
Katie B.
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Today was our fifth (I think) lesson from Miguel. We have been in awe of his performance since day one. Poppy is a 5-1/2 month old mini Bernedoodle. Miguel like to say she is full of “puppiness.” That’s a bit of an understatement. Yet after every lesson ( usually two weeks apart) we have seen remarkable, repeatable progress. Miguel is thoughtful, observant, very insightful and extremely effective; all of his with good humor and natural warmth.
Ron and Linda Kaplan


Ron K.
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Five stars isn’t enough! Not only is Justin a proven expert trainer, the amount of compassion and commitment he has shown is unreal and truly heartwarming. He says his passion is helping people and their dogs, and I have no doubt about that.

A month after separating from my partner and moving out to my own place, my leash aggressive, two year-old cane corso, Zeke, lunged at another dog in my apartment complex and took me with him. Fortunately, aside from a few cuts and bruises I sustained, everyone was OK. But the anxiety and emotional trauma that was left behind made me avoid taking Zeke out for walks all together and when I did my hands would start shaking. Thinking that I would be able to do it in my own, I watched hours and hours of dog training videos and even tried using an E collar, none of it helped. Not only were things stressful outside of the house, but inside of it too. My 14 year-old cocker spaniel and poodle mix, Lexi, is very reactive towards Zeke. Because her senses are not what they used to be. She has even mistaken me for Zeke and has snapped at me. The thought of me potentially losing my apartment, having to give up Zeke, and the fear that Lexi may accidentally bite one of my children caused even more stress on top of what I was already going through from the separation, so I knew I needed to get professional help.

After just one phone call with Justin I already felt a weight lifted from my shoulders. We have only been working together for two weeks and have already seen improvement, not only with Zeke‘s responsiveness to corrections while on walks but with my confidence in leading my pups to a calm and happy life.

Justin really set me up for success by giving me tools, demo videos, and tips - making me confident in my ability to correct Zeke’s leash reactivity. Walks with Zeke are so much more calm for us both!

So grateful for what Justin does and how he does it. He is so responsive and genuine, really making us a team with the same goals! Can’t recommend him enough! THANK YOU, Justin!
Jane
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Omar originally came to our house to help us teach our dog how to greet people appropriately at the door and how to handle the excessive barking at everything that passes by the front of the house.

The technique that Omar uses makes so much sense and works! We have tried multiple trainers and much to our frustration, nothing has worked like the technique that we have learned from Bark Busters!

We continue to learn new things that we can work on with our dog. We are excited to keep learning and keep teaching.

Thank you, Omar. We are so happy with the progress!

Mike and Betsy
Betsy H. .
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