A Trusted Greater Des Moines Dog Trainer for 18 Years

Bark Busters Greater Des Moines has been helping dogs and their families improve behavior for 18 years. As the owner and a certified Master Dog Behavior Therapist, Deb Boswell provides personalized, in-home dog training throughout Greater Des Moines to address the challenges that matter most: barking, aggression, leash pulling, separation anxiety, puppy behavior, and multi-dog household issues. No group classes. No board-and-train. Just practical training in your home and everyday environment, where your dog’s behavior actually happens.

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Bark Busters Dog Training Services in Des Moines

Dog standing on welcome mat

Home Dog Training

We provide personalized, in-home dog training in Des Moines tailored to your dog’s unique needs. We work with you where behavior happens—at home—building lasting obedience, reducing stress, and strengthening communication.

Dog with anxiety Bark Busters Home Dog Training

Separation Anxiety Training

Separation anxiety often comes from unclear leadership or unmet needs. We address the root cause by understanding your dog’s environment, behavior, and relationship with their owner to restore balance and confidence.

An example of Bark Busters Home Dog Training for aggressive dogs.

Aggression Training

Dog aggression often stems from fear, uncertainty, or unclear boundaries, not personality. Understanding the cause of your dog’s aggression is the first step to a safe and calm home. Bark Busters Greater Des Moines, Iowa can help.

Woman training a dog in the backyard

Puppy Training

Our puppy training builds trust, respect, and positive habits from the start. We guide you through crate, potty, and leash training, addressing nipping, chewing, and barking to set the foundation for lifelong obedience.

A dog barking upward

Stop Excessive Barking

Excessive barking often signals stress, anxiety, or confusion. Bark Busters in Greater Des Moines, Iowa helps you correct barking from the root cause with dog barking training that uses body language and voice tones dogs understand.

An anxious dog scratched and damaged a bathroom door due to separation anxiety.

Severe Dog Behavior Issues

We specialize in resolving issues like aggression, separation anxiety, sibling rivalry and more in Des Moines. Our canine behavioral training will help you, and your dog, achieve lasting results.

Meet Deb Boswell, Your Local Professional Dog Trainer and Business Owner

Bark Busters professional dog trainer in Des Moines

Dog Training & Puppy Training in Des Moines, Ankeny, West Des Moines & Surrounding Areas!

I’m Deb Boswell, owner of Bark Busters Greater Des Moines and a certified Master Dog Behavior Therapist. For 18 years, I’ve been helping families transform their dogs’ behavior using Bark Busters’ proven, unique approach—developed in Australia and trusted worldwide for over 36 years. Whether you’re dealing with aggression, puppy training, or anything in between, I’ll guide you every step of the way.

My journey with Bark Busters began when I was a client looking for help with my own dog. I had tried several training options, but I still struggled with behaviors that made everyday life frustrating. Bark Busters changed more than my dog’s behavior—it changed the way we understood and communicated with each other.

After experiencing that transformation firsthand, I knew I wanted to help other families achieve the same kind of calm, rewarding relationship with their dogs. Today, I bring that personal experience to every family I work with. Contact me today to start your dog's transformation.

Dog Training Reviews & Testimonials

See what dog owners in Greater Des Moines have to say

...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!
...we always felt supported in our training goals. I like that she [Deb] gave us homework to do and ensured that we were held accountable as it’s easy to neglect dog training with our busy lives.
... [Deb] listened to our needs and then took the time to teach us how to work with our dog as well as explained simple changes we could make to create a feeling of safety for our dog and our children. We noticed a change in our dog's behaviors and reactions within days of working with Debra and applying her suggestions.
Deb was great with helping us learn why our dog was behaving the way she was, and gave us useful tips to help correct her behavior. While correcting her excessive barking is a work in progress, we did see improvement immediately. Our dog is becoming more comfortable around other people and is barking less the more we work with her.
Met with Deb for about 1 1/2 hrs. She taught me the best way to communicate with my dog, and gave me great tips and advise to help me with my newly adopted dog. It worked beyond my wildest dream! He is now a very good boy! Totally recommend Bark Busters!
Deb was great with us humans and especially Winkie our puppy. Can’t wait to keep training with her!
We have had one session with Deb, but she has been so great and Dani is responding very well to the homework that she gave us. I have texted Deb with a few questions before our next appointment, and she always responds in a timely manner with helpful, thorough answers! I love the approach that Bark Busters takes on helping people understand their dogs behaviors, and would recommend this service!
After just a couple of weeks, I’ve seen a total transformation in my dog. Deb is amazing and is always available to help answer questions.
Deb was great, she taught us as dog parents a lot
She worked with Reiley and she made us realize Reiley is a smart girl and learns quickly. Us on the other hand need a lot of work. But we will do it!!! Thank you Deb
I wasn't sure if our terrier mix could respond to training at his age (around nine years old), but we saw immediate improvement after just one session with Deb. He now understands that he does not have to bark at every visitor to our house or person we encounter on the street. He seems more relaxed as a result, and so are we.
Deb is an amazing trainer! She takes the time to explain how dogs communicate and the best ways to get through to them. I love the tools she provides as it does not require treats or any physical punishment. Her methods are easy to understand and can beneficial in many different situations. I would highly recommend her to anyone with a dog!
Deb has great for how to help lead your dog and get them to trust you. We have seen improvements in our dog within a week and are excited to continue lessons with Deb!
Deb was wonderful to work with! She has incredible insight to what a dog thinks and needs. In less than a week I have already seen great improvement with my dog.
Deb Boswell was amazing with training my 6 month old puppy! Already was seeing results the first day of training!
We can’t believe the difference we’ve seen in our dogs! Almost 4 years in our house, and they are completely different. We can’t recommend Deb enough. She did a great job helping us to understand the relationship with our dogs.
Deb is incredibly helpful as a dog trainer and uses a system that really works! My husband and I are already pretty well versed in dogs, but something about the dynamic of the two we have now--barking at the door and windows, jumping on guests, even to the point of fighting with each other--we couldn't get a handle on. Deb came in and brought an expert outside perspective to our situation that has completely changed the stressful dynamic of the house. We've so appreciated the resources offered, the follow up texts, and the simple way to track what we should practice. By applying these trainings, already after just two sessions, our dogs are so much calmer and more obedient and we've taken back control of the house. I would 100% recommend Deb to anyone who has a difficult dog/s. If you listen to her and do the practice, you will absolutely see results.
I have a min pin who barked all the time at anything. I knew that Kate saw herself as the alpha of the pack and nothing I did was successful. I decided to give Bark Busters a try. Deb helped me understand how to speak dog and exactly what I needed! After the first session the barking was very much under control and Kate knew I was the leader and not her! After our second lesson I can now take Kate for walk and I am the leader instead of Kate dragging me down the street at her pace. Barking at others or dogs on our walks has also subsided. Deb is amazing and I can't say enough good things about her knowledge of dogs. My house is more peaceful and I believe Kate is happy that I have stepped into the alpha role and me too! Deb also provided training tools and a special harness for Kate that helped assure immediate success with barking!!!! This program is worth every penny I paid!
It was great meeting with Deb. She was so informative about how train our puppy. We have raised several dogs from puppies, but Deb put everything into perspective. All of the information that she shared with us made so much sense. Our puppy is a Shiba Inu with lots of energy, an attitude, and a huge personality. Deb was able to get our pup to respond to her immediately with some of the training techniques.
We looked at several training options. After meeting with Deb, we are 100% sure that we made the best choice possible. We are looking forward to working with her.
Deb is wonderful to work with and she sure knows her job. After working with her the first training session we were rewarded with a whole new dog. We now know how to communicate with our dog so he understands what we are asking of him I would recommend bark busters to anyone who is looking for some training for their precious four-legged animal.
Deb was amazing with my pup! We saw results immediately and she continued to provide support to us as we continued training.
Deb is very knowledgeable and our family needed this in depth education. Deb's observations gave us a few quick changes that worked along with our mutual understanding why it is best for our dog to be her leader! Deb agreed to support us going forward and the price was worth it to have her help us.
Just had my initial meeting with Deb and 100% recommend! She explained everything thoroughly and took my questions/concerns seriously while giving me guidance on how to address them. She showed me the techniques and I have seen great response from my girl in such a short time and cannot wait to keep working with her!
We had a great experience with Deb. Our new rescue pup has severe separation anxiety to the point that we cannot leave without her panicking and hurting herself with her desperate behaviors to get loose from her pen or crate and find us. Within a couple of hours of working with Deb, we saw some small glimmers of hope. Using her techniques we were able to get nearly 30 mins of Penny starting to settle in her pen. We will keep practicing and working up to more time so I’m no longer a hostage in the home!
Deb is pleasure to work with. Her training is simple to follow and if you follow through, you will get results. We have only had one session with Deb and are getting the results we hoped for. Our Bernedoodle is very active and strong willed, but he is adapting very well. Highly recommend Deb.
I'm grateful for your knowledge and experience as I navigate the world of dogs on a daily basis. Very professional and kind. Dog and person.
Saw results already by the end of my first session with Deb and puppy Alexei! It was really me being trained as I became educated on how to interact with Alexei with communication and praising. Amazing!
We wanted to work with Bentley on not jumping on visitors or mouthing their hands. Deb gave us tools and resources to train Bentley to stop these bad behaviors. We have seen so much improvement in Bentley. Deb has been great to work with, and I would recommend Bark Busters if you need dog training resources.

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Achieve Lasting Results with Dog Training in Des Moines

No two dogs are alike, so every Bark Busters training plan is customized to your dog’s personality, behavior, and your family’s goals. Discover how families across Des Moines can transform their dogs’ behavior with proven in-home training methods and achieve lasting results.

Your Questions Answered About Dog Training in Des Moines

What makes Bark Busters Greater Des Moines different is our personalized, in-home approach. Instead of attending group classes or sending your dog away for training, we come to your home and work with your dog where behavior challenges actually occur. This allows us to address real-life situations and develop practical solutions that fit your dog and your family’s routine.

We use natural, dog-friendly communication methods and not harsh corrections, shock collars, or other aversive techniques. You’ll learn how to communicate with your dog in a way they naturally understand, building trust, respect, and better behavior that lasts.

Many Des Moines families notice improvements in barking, jumping, leash pulling, and other behavior issues during their very first lesson.

Your first lesson with Deb typically lasts 2–3 hours and focuses on practical insights, simple daily exercises, and building a stronger bond between dogs and their owners. Dogs don’t experience the lesson as formal “training”—it’s engaging, enjoyable time with their families.

With about 10 minutes of practice each day and a few small changes to their routine, owners can begin seeing meaningful results. About two weeks later, Deb schedules a 1-hour follow-up to address any challenges and build on their progress. In between lessons, clients can also contact Deb with questions.

Absolutely. Deb provides in-home puppy training in Des Moines and surrounding communities. You don’t have to wait until your puppy is six months old to start training, early guidance (even in the first few weeks) can help prevent common behavior problems and establish good habits from the beginning.

We’ll work together in your home to address puppy challenges such as:

  • Potty Training
  • Chewing
  • Biting
  • Barking
  • Digging
  • Food Stealing
  • Separation Anxiety

You will learn how to communicate clearly with your puppy and build a foundation of confidence, manners, and trust using Bark Busters’ proven, dog-friendly methods. With our Lifetime Support Guarantee, you’ll continue to have support as your puppy grows into adulthood.

Yes, Bark Busters Greater Des Moines provides private home dog training in Ackworth, Adel, Alleman, Altoona, Ames, Anita, Ankeny, Bevington, Bondurant, Booneville, Cambridge, Carlisle, Clive, Colfax, Cumming, Dallas Center, De Soto, Des Moines, Dexter, Earlham, Granger, Grimes, Hartford, Huxley, Indianola, Johnston, Kelley, Knoxville, Linden, Madrid, Martensdale, Milo, Mitchellville, Nevada, Newton, Norwalk, Otley, Panora, Patterson, Pella, Pleasant Hill, Pleasantville, Polk City, Prairie City, Prole, Runnells, Saint Charles, Saint Marys, Sheldahl, Slater, Swan, Urbandale, Van Meter, Waukee, West Des Moines, Windsor Heights, Winterset and Woodward.

Contact us today to confirm availability in your area.

With the Life of Dog Support Guarantee included in our Gold Service option, you'll receive ongoing support for the life of your dog at no additional cost. If new behavior challenges develop or previous issues return, Deb, your Bark Busters trainer serving Greater Des Moines is just a call away.

If you move to another city, your guarantee moves with you. When available, a local Bark Busters trainer in your new community will continue your training in person, or remote support will be provided if there isn't a trainer nearby.

What Makes Bark Busters Des Moines Unique

Bark Busters is a global leader in home-based training, with more than 30 years of experience helping families create better relationships with their dogs. We focus on the root cause of behavior problems by improving communication between you and your dog.

Dogs learn best in a safe, familiar setting, which is why we come to you. Your trainer works with you where behavior matters most, then helps you build skills that hold up around everyday distractions.

We teach you how to communicate through body language, tone of voice, timing, and calm leadership so your dog can follow your guidance with confidence.

Any breed. Any age. Any issue. We are here to help you move forward with clarity, support, and results.

Home Dog Training

Our Services

Bark Busters trainers conduct the one-on-one training in your home, without the distraction of other dogs or the stress of being sent away for dog obedience training at a kennel. Once you and your dog are ready, your Des Moines dog trainer, Deb, will work with you outside and around real distractions — in your neighborhood, on your streets, where it matters most.

Bark Busters Life of Dog Support Guarantee Logo Trademark

Life of Dog Support Guarantee

Bark Busters Home Dog Training provides a Life of Dog Support Guarantee that is unique in the industry.

For families seeking in-home dog training in Des Moines our Life of Dog Support Guarantee means Deb will always be just a call away — ready to help at no additional cost.

Dog Behavior Issues

Tips & Advice

We're here to help. From general dog training tips, to puppy toilet training best practices, to learning about various dog breeds we've worked with, Bark Busters offers our free tips and advice on common dog behavior problems including guidance tailored to dog owners in Des Moines.

Local Dog Training Services in Des Moines and Surrounding Areas

Our dog training experts provide personalized, in-home dog training throughout Des Moines helping dogs and families overcome common behavior challenges, including barking, leash pulling, aggression, separation anxiety, and puppy training.

Our service area includes: Ackworth, Adel, Alleman, Altoona, Ames, Anita, Ankeny, Bevington, Bondurant, Booneville, Cambridge, Carlisle, Clive, Colfax, Cumming, Dallas Center, De Soto, Des Moines, Dexter, Earlham, Granger, Grimes, Hartford, Huxley, Indianola, Johnston, Kelley, Knoxville, Linden, Madrid, Martensdale, Milo, Mitchellville, Nevada, Newton, Norwalk, Otley, Panora, Patterson, Pella, Pleasant Hill, Pleasantville, Polk City, Prairie City, Prole, Runnells, Saint Charles, Saint Marys, Sheldahl, Slater, Swan, Urbandale, Van Meter, Waukee, West Des Moines, Windsor Heights, Winterset, Woodward

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