A Well-Behaved Dog is Just a Call Away!

Better Behavior Starts Here

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

Are You Experiencing Behavioral Issues with Your Dog?

Our dog-friendly training techniques are designed to quickly resolve these issues without relying on shock collars, treats or bribes. We train in your home where you and your dog are most comfortable. Let us help and live a happier life together with your dog!

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Got a Counter Surfer?

No Judgements. Just Solutions.

A dog on top of a roof who climbed up to the roof due to dog separation anxiety.

Separation Anxiety Reaching New Heights?

Help your dog feel safe and secure in any situation.

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Chew-Bacca?

Crate training, housebreaking, manners, introduction to leash walking, and more!

What Makes Bark Busters Dog Training Different?

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In-Home Training

Our dog trainers come to your home on your schedule, so your dog can learn in a safe environment free of outside distractions and disruptions.

Dog-Friendly Methods

Dog-Friendly Methods

Backed by over 30 years of proven results, helping owners lead with compassion - all without treats or the need for harsh punishment.

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Communication Based

We use the same communication methods, body language, and voice control that dogs instinctively follow, strengthening the bond between you and your dog.

Leadership Bark Busters Home Dog Training

Leadership Building

We empower owners to fulfill their leadership role with consistent straightforward techniques that build trust and respect between dog and human.

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Results Oriented

We are committed to solving your dog's behavioral issues. We are here to help and will return if new problems arise or old ones resurface.

Meet Karen Gaines, Your Expert Dog Trainer in Marin County

Dog trainer in Marin County

Welcome, I'm Karen Gaines your dedicated Bark Busters dog trainer serving Marin County. My journey began in 2002 when I rescued Jake, a lovable pit mix with a big heart—and big challenges. Jake struggled with severe separation anxiety, leash reactivity, and a strong prey drive. I poured time, energy, and money into traditional training methods, but nothing seemed to help—until I discovered Bark Busters in 2006. 

Using Bark Busters’ holistic, in-home training techniques, I was able to help Jake transform into a calm, confident dog. But our journey didn’t stop there. After Jake was attacked and developed dog aggression, I used my growing skills to safely introduce Bodhi, a Boxer/Ridgeback mix, into our home—even after being told Jake should remain an "only dog." The life-changing results I saw in my own dogs inspired me to become a professional Bark Busters dog trainer.

Now, I help families throughout Marin County overcome behavior challenges and build lasting bonds with their dogs. My deep empathy and personal experience allow me to connect with dog owners facing even the toughest situations—and help them see real, lasting change.

If you're dealing with challenging behaviors or just aiming to have a well-behaved companion, I'm here to guide you. Need more information about my dog training services? Contact me today.

Send Me A Message

Client Reviews

See what our clients in Marin County have to say

I called Karen after adopting a young border collie mix that immediately began to show resource guarding and growled and barked at visitors and the neighborhood children. I called Bark Busters as I was very concerned and had read good reviews. I’ve had decades of dogs and dog training but I knew I needed serious help. Karen is fantastic! The training method is humane, smart and powerful. I was no longer a treat puppet for my dog but a pack leader. With just the first session there was a tremendous improvement. Several sessions later, I now have a sweet docile dog who looks to me for guidance and is calm and not stressed. She doesn’t need to challenge me and feels safe with my command. She lets the neighborhood kids pet her and enjoys it immensely. Karen is calm, direct but very considerate and truly the best I’ve worked with and and the method works.
My family and I have a four month old miniature Australian Sheperd. She has a lot of energy and is pretty sweet overall. However, her nipping and play biting quickly became out of control. She also wasn't doing great on the leash, and it would take me a few minutes to put her halter/leash on every morning (usually one kid having to hold her in place) with a LOT of biting.

Karen from Bark Busters came to our rescue. She brought us a new halter and taught us some new methods to get our dogs attention. It now takes me less then a minute to get her halter on (this halter is magic - I tried our old one and her behaviors all came back instantly). She is completely focused on me on our walks and comes when I call her.

Karen is truly a dog whisperer, I am so thankful I decided to contact her. I can't believe how effective she is.
Karen helped us immensely. She came to both SF and Berkeley and looked at out set up and made incredibly useful suggestions to improve life for both Stella and us. She gave us tips on housebreaking and general commands that were amazingly effective. Everyone can benefit from her input, and she is a pleasure to work with.
I am so relieved and happy I found Bark Busters. A friend of mine recommended Karen as she had used her services a few years ago. I thought her dog was amazing and I wanted Tucker to be just like that or at least a portion of that.
Karen came into our home, spent a good amount of time asking what our "wish list" was, gave her assessment and then we started the work. The suggestions and the assignments were nothing short of amazing. Tucker responded immediately. He seemed to actually enjoy the learning and ot only was he behaving well for Karen, but for us as well as we were the ones who needed to communicate with Tucker. Its us the owners who needed to be taught. Normally when people visit, Tuckers all up in their business and barking and cant calm down and it seemed forever. A few hrs after Karen left, we were able to get Tucker to respond to our instructions and waited to greet our friends with 2 little ones and still was a happy puppy with our guests. I say its amazing and refreshing to be able to invite guests in without complete. The walking has also improved tremendously as Tucker would react to seeing dogs on walks, enthusiastically but scary to others, not any more. Its been so helpful and if you are questioning hiring Bark Busters, dont. Hire Karen

Struggling with Your Dog's Behavior? We're Experts in Finding the Solution.

Not sure where your dog could use improvement? Take our free behavior quiz.

Bark Buster Gold Standard Service Life of Dog Support Guarantee Logo

For Over 30 Years, Helping Families Build Stronger Bonds with Their Dogs Through Natural Training.

At Bark Busters, we believe the best way to train a dog is to speak their language. Since 1989, we've been developing and refining our unique, natural training methods, inspired by how dogs communicate and train each other.

We wholeheartedly believe in our methods - and the 30-plus years of results they have achieved. That's why Bark Busters offers a unique-to-our-industry Life of Dog Support Guarantee. If you purchase our Gold Service, our trainers will continue to work with you to tackle new or recurring problems for the entire life of your dog, free of additional charge.

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Experience the difference and schedule your in-home dog training with me today!

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