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Labradoodle: Training Insights & Behavior Traits

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Labradoodle Traits, Temperament & Training Challenges

According to Dogtime.com, here are some breed characteristic you can find in Labradoodles. 

 

  • Height

    21-24 inches

  • Weight

    50-65 pounds

  • Life Expectancy

    12-14 years

  • Coat Type/Length

    Curly/Medium

  •  100 Affectionate with Family
  • 80 Good with Young Children
  • 100 Good with Other Dogs
  • 80 trainability level
  • 100 energy level
  • 40 barking level
  • 60 shedding level
  • 20 drooling level

Understanding the Labradoodle Breed & Natural Instincts

The Labradoodle has been bred since 1989, when Wally Conron, an employee at the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, responded to a special request for a non-shedding guide dog from a blind lady living in Hawaii whose husband suffered from allergies. After trial and error, Conron crossed a Labrador – a breed with a proud pedigree and reliably stable temperament – with a Poodle, whose non-shed coat and stable genetics resulted in a perfect match that has steadily risen in popularity, especially in the United States.

Conron, however, has expressed regret about creating the Labradoodle. While he felt that he bred an adorable animal, Conron is concerned about the health of the dogs and the greed of some breeders, who he maintains have not always focused on fostering the good qualities of the breed. While poor breeding practices are not a Labradoodle-specific problem, there are many reputable, ethical Labradoodle breeders who focus on breeding for soundness, health, and temperament.

Labradoodle

Train A Labradoodle

While Labradoodles are highly trainable and people-oriented, their energy and enthusiasm can sometimes lead to unwanted behaviors and inconsistent obedience without proper guidance.

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

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Labradoodle Dog Training: Understanding Common Breed Behaviors

The Labradoodle is perhaps the first “designer dog,” making it a more recent (and extremely popular) addition to the canine kingdom. A cross between the family-friendly Labrador and the good-natured Poodle, the breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA), however, describes them as compact, medium-sized dogs, with an athletic build, high intelligence, a non-shedding coat, and a reliably stable temperament.

Labradoodles are friendly and love people. They also possess a unique ability to gauge the needs of those around them, which the ALAA maintains makes them excellent guide dogs and great for humans with special needs.

Is A Labradoodle Right For You?

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Physical Characteristics

The Labradoodle has some variability to its physical characteristics that reflects its Poodle and Labrador origins. The breed does tend to share certain traits: while there are three size ranges of Labradoodle, they are usually medium-sized and share an athletic gait and non-shedding coat (which can be either fleece or wool). The ALAA specifies a broad, moderately wide skull, large, fleshy muzzle, and flat ears.

The Labradoodle appears to have few genetic faults (the kind that often result from ‘line breeding’ or inbreeding). While breed creator Willy Conron told ABC News that “I find that the biggest majority (of Labradoodles) are either crazy or have a hereditary problem,” John de Jong, a veterinarian in the Boston area and a recent president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, says mixing breeds actually reduces the risk of genetic problems. The ALAA says the breed is “generally considered healthy,” but can have problems with hip and elbow dysplasia.

Personality & Temperament

Labradoodle owners know how lively, energetic, and intelligent they can be. These excellent family dogs aim to please but can become a bit erratic if household members (especially children) are particularly lively. Labradoodles require both regular exercise for their energy levels and an outlet for their intelligence – if not available, they can be over-exuberant and engage in destructive behavior, like chewing. Good management and early, consistent training are vital to avoiding issues before they become entrenched.

Breed Traits

Class

  • “Oodles”, or poodle-crosses

Color

  • Gold, Black, Cream, Brown, Parti, Tuxedo, Sable, Phantom, Tri-Phantom

Size

  • Medium
  • Height: 14-16 inches (miniature), 17-20 inches (medium), 21-24 inches (standard
  • Weight: 15-65 pounds

Other Traits

  • Shaggy coats (Fleece or Wool)
  • Long muzzles

Life Expectancy

  • The Labradoodle has a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Labradoodle Temperament: How it Impacts Training and Obedience

Labradoodles are now one of America’s most popular breeds. Ideal specimens embody the best traits of their parent breeds, Labradors and Poodles: if you get one from a reputable breeder, your Labradoodle most likely will.

Bark Busters trainers work with hundreds (if not thousands) of Labradoodles around the country, and one of the most common issues tends to be hyperactivity and/or overexcitement. This is especially true with families with young children. Like most Labs, Labradoodles can be slow to mature, and being around young children seems to bring out their puppy side even more.

Henry was one of those dogs. His family of five brought him home when he was ten weeks old. He immediately bonded with the kids, aged seven, nine and eleven. He (sort of) listened to Mom or Dad when the kids were out or at school, but once they got home, Henry stopped listening and would get very excited.

Unfortunately, this excitement could be destructive. Henry would jump on the kids, as well as mouth and nip them. What Henry saw as playing was becoming more and more dangerous, to the point that the younger children were becoming a little afraid of Henry. That’s when the family contacted and made an appointment with Sharon, their local Bark Busters trainer. At the time, Henry was just over six months old.

When Sharon arrived for the first meeting, Henry met her at the front door with an exuberant jump. Once she was able to get inside and join everyone around the kitchen table, she listened as the family told her about life with Henry. She asked questions about their daily routine and rules and learned about his behavior. Sharon explained that Henry was only doing what came naturally to him: he was interpreting the family’s behavior as though they were all dogs – his only frame of reference!

Sharon stressed the importance of structure and a proactive education for Henry – just as the children went to school for an education, Henry needed the same. Once Sharon explained how Henry viewed the situations that lead to his overexcitement, she gave the family a plan to teach Henry to relax and to react to instructions when Mom or Dad had enough.

Things got off to a good start – Henry responded nicely to his exercises. Sharon wrote out some homework and scheduled a follow-up appointment a couple of weeks later. She emphasized being proactive, not reactive, with Henry and recommended the family call her with any questions that may arise.

When Sharon returned, she was pleased to hear another positive report: Henry’s behavior had improved in multiple areas, and he was having encouraging interactions with all family members. Henry would occasionally “lose it” and get overexcited, but the instances were less and less frequent. The family felt they had an effective plan in place to teach Henry to be a great family member.

At the second session, Sharon had the family demonstrate the exercises she had taught them at the first session. She gave them lots of positive feedback and made some suggestions for future improvement, as well as introduced a couple of new exercises. The family was pleased with the results and couldn’t wait to continue working with Henry.

If you are struggling with your Labradoodle’s overexcitement, jumping, hyperactivity, or other behavioral problems, contact your local Bark Busters trainer. Our trainers are available both in person and via virtual sessions to help establish a pattern of consistency, resolve any and all issues, and help you nurture a relationship with your Labradoodle built on mutual understanding, trust, respect, and love.

Life with a Labradoodle: Want to learn more about life with a Labradoodle? We’ve got the scoop here.

Common Labradoodle Behavior Problems & Training Solutions

Training Tips for Potential Labradoodle Owners

  • Labradoodles have never been known to walk away from a fight, but the generally won’t start one. It is important to socialize them properly from an early age to avoid behavioral issues.
  • Despite well-publicized concerns, the Labradoodle has relatively few heath issues if sourced from reputable, long-term breeder with a successful track record.
  • Labradoodles need entertainment and structure in their life to provide outlets for their energy and intelligence.
  • Labradoodles love games but require supervision during playtime or they can become over-possessive. Balls or puzzle toys that are durable can stimulate a dog’s natural desire to chew and keep them amused.
  • Early training is advised to harness the Labradoodle’s ample energy, which can be intimidating to other dogs and frustrating to people. If properly socialized and taught to remain calm, Labradoodles get along well with anyone.
  • Aggression is not normally an issue with Labradoodles, though their confidence can lead to leash issues; instances of barking or resource guarding are also fairly common. If your Labradoodle shows signs of aggression, call your local Bark Busters trainer.
  • If you are thinking of purchasing a Labradoodle, it is especially important to source from an ethical, responsible breeder who is breeding for not only looks, but health and temperament as well. Rescues are also great options for prospective Labradoodle owners. Contact your local Bark Busters trainer today to learn about great breeders and rescue organizations near you!
  • All dogs need a special place to call their own. By selecting a place for yours to eat and sleep away from high traffic areas of your home, you can set good habits early in its life.
  • Prevention is far more preferable to a cure – early basic obedience training is absolutely vital to ensuring your Labradoodle understands and follows your rules.

We are standing by to help you develop a consistent, compassionate approach to good behavior for your Labradoodle. Learn more about our services and schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with one of our trainers today!

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

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Labradoodle Wellness: Health & Grooming

Labradoodles do not shed their coats, which makes them desirable indoor family pets, especially among allergy sufferers. The ALAA, however, does recommend regular grooming to prevent tangling or matting. The official breed standard suggests their coats should not exceed four inches in length over the entire body.

Bark Busters Home Dog Training Services

Home Dog Training

We provide personalized, in-home training designed for your Labradoodle’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

Severe Dog Behavior Issues

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

Learn About Dog Behavior Training

Puppy Training

Our Labradoodle 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

Excessive Barking

Labradoodles thrive on activity and companionship, but excessive barking can develop when they are understimulated, anxious, or unsure. Bark Busters focuses on the cause of the behavior, using clear communication techniques your dog understands.

Learn About Excessive Barking

Separation Anxiety Training

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

Learn About Separation Anxiety

Aggression Training

Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle Owners Say About Bark Busters Training

The program is designed to help dog owners be better communicators and leaders of their "pack". I have done training with other programs with other dogs, but am so glad that we found Jerry and the Bark Busters program for our quarantine labradoodle Kenobi. We had tried the treat training, but he swiftly learned how to "game" that system. In one afternoon with Jerry, I gained Kenobi's respect and he became a different dog. There is still work to do, but we are well on our way with this program. A huge thanks to Jerry and this program.
Randall B.
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2 days ago my 6 month old Australian labradoodle was like a bull in a China shop.

3 hours with Dan and he has gone from sassy to sweet.

After one session Kona does not run to the door barking ready to greet my latest Amazon package. In one session and my 15 minutes of homework a day, he hears the doorbell he sits away from the door at a place designated for him and waits for me to come at my voice. It's pretty darn amazing.
Connie H.
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Marlene and Howard, from Bark Busters, are miracle workers.

Our 13-week old labradoodle is a sweet puppy, but before yesterday, he barked and jumped and nipped ALL DAY LONG, and was a whirling dervish on the leash. It was exhausting and discouraging.

Marlene and Howard came to our house yesterday morning, and changed our life. They stayed for a couple of hours, explained their methods and the philosophy behind them, and worked with my husband and me on basic behavior problems - barking, jumping, nipping, misbehaving on the leash, and a few other basics. By the time they left, our dog was relaxed and manageable.

We were worried that he might revert to his former bad self as soon as they walked out the door, but Marlene and Howard emphasized that they were training us, not the dog, and that as long as we remained consistent, he would continue to respond well.

When we worked with him this morning, he was relaxed, focused, and manageable. The nonstop barking seems to be a thing of the past; he sits on command and has begun to "stay" pretty well; his nippiness is practically gone; and we have every confidence that his leash behavior will continue to improve. All this after just ONE DAY.

Thank you thank you thank you, Marlene and Howard.
Nancy A.
Evanston, IL
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Pete was very professional, experienced and helpful . I’m a single, widowed full-time working mom and couldn’t provide my labradoodle puppy with the energy and time he needed. He helped me find a home for my labradoodle at no cost and was very honest, knowledgeable and caring. I highly recommended him.
Janee S.
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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 .
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. .
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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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We called Bark Busters two days after we adopted Sarge from a family that had saved him from going to the pound.
Justin had a variety of tools to use with Sarge. He met with us multiple times to fine tune how we worked with Sarge. Our biggest challenge was leash reactivity towards other dogs.
The technics used require the owner to gain the respect of the dog so there is work involved on the owners part. Justin was a cheerleader/teacher in this process. He was very responsive to our questions and willing to meet with us for multiple follow up sessions. Sarge is a great dog for our family and we’ve learned a lot about how to be the strong owners that Sarge needs. With the right tools, I now enjoy my daily walks with Sarge!! Thank you Justin!
Andrea
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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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