Live a Happier Life Together With Your Dog

Are you experiencing behavioral issues with your dog? Our dog-friendly training methods can help you overcome these issues quickly. We train in your home where you and your dog are most comfortable. With our efficient, results-oriented training program, you can achieve the communication and leadership you want with your dog.

Dog Training Services

Common Dog Behavioral Issues We Address:

  • Aggression
  • Barking
  • Biting
  • Change in Address
  • Chewing
  • Destruction
  • Digging
  • Focus & Listening
  • Housebreaking
  • Improving Confidence
  • Jumping
  • Leash Pulling
  • Marking
  • New Baby Preparation
  • Obsessiveness
  • Respecting Other Pets
  • Running Away
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Sibling Rivalry – in House Tensions/ Fights

 

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

About Gusty

large oakland and alameda county gusty minyard

Best Dog Training in Greater Oakland & Alameda County!

Welcome, I am Gusty Minyard, your local Bark Busters Dog Trainer and Behavioral Therapist. I have been a dog lover for as long as I can remember. I grew up with two dogs in my house, Sundog and Rory, raising them both as puppies. Sundog, a golden retriever, and Rory, a miniature pinscher, were completely opposite in temperament. One was loving and playful and the other was standoffish and at times aggressive. You can guess which one was which, but I loved them equally and grew up with a deep admiration and respect for these wonderful creatures. Today, it’s me and my rescue – a Chihuahua mix named Carley Simon.

I adopted Carley when she was roughly 5 years old, and while she was incredibly loving she had a severe case of separation anxiety. She was aggressively protective over me, didn’t know how to play with other dogs, and pulled every time we walked to the point of her choking. I had witnessed friends training their dogs with harsh methods I didn’t agree with or by using treats to the point that the dog saw their human as a treat dispenser. The dogs wouldn’t behave unless there was a tasty reward. I knew these methods would not be effective and long lasting and after trying different methods without success, I found Bark Busters. By learning to speak dog and utilizing the tools given to me by Bark Busters, I can happily say that Carley is now relaxed, enjoys meeting new dogs, and never pulls on our walks. We have mutual trust, love, and respect thanks to the tools of Bark Busters.

I have always wanted to make helping animals my profession, and in my 3 years as a veterinary technician, I was able to work with hundreds of dogs and owners and gain a deeper insight into how dogs relate to their humans and the world in general. I take that experience, plus my experience as a dog sitter and dog walker, into my training to help you gain a happy and harmonious home with your fur buddies. I believe misbehaving dogs aren’t bad dogs, they are acting out of instinct. With proper training and a relationship based on trust and respect, we can eliminate the reasons behind the unwanted behavior.

I can teach you how to speak dog using body language and vocal cues to ensure that they understand what you are asking, and you both can have a happy home.

Your dog can have good manners! With my one-on-one dog training, I will help you understand how dogs communicate. I empower dog owners with simple, effective, time-efficient, and cruelty-free methods that work alongside dogs’ natural instincts. No harmful methods. No unnecessary treats.

Dogs learn best in a familiar, safe environment, free of outside distractions and disruptions. That’s why I come to you, at your home and on your schedule, to help you build an effective foundation for better dog behavior. Here, I can customize our training sessions to achieve your specific goals and meet your dog’s unique needs.

Whether teaching good habits to your new puppy, introducing obedience training, or resolving behavioral issues, I will partner with you to tackle all your dog training needs and issues - large and small!

Contact me today

Oakland & Alameda County Client Reviews

See what our clients have to say

My experience with Gusty was life changing. I watched my dog, and I have had many in my life, change right before my eyes. He is a 90lb male pit bull mix, who was a bit fearful and pushed to dominate. He loves people but would jump on them including myself and it was extremely stressful. Gusty corrected this behavior within the first 30 minutes of our time together with absolutely no physical force whatsoever! My dog went from fearful and unsure to calm and respectful; fear left him. Even his abandonment anxiety was relieved. I am so excited to continue the ability to speak dog language, and continue what Gusty has shown me to build a wonderful relationship with my dog. I would recommend her in a heartbeat as she is as dedicated to her clients as our dogs are to us. And that’s so refreshing to see in this world today. Thanks again, Gusty!
First, I should say that this review is long overdue. Gusty deserves such high praises that I was waiting for a creative writing mood to strike -- but I can't wait any longer! In any case, I don't have adequate words for the feeling I have, now that Gusty helped me and my dog, Panda.

The first lesson was in a neighborhood, where my dog exhibited so many of the reactive behaviors that prompted me to look for a trainer. Panda barked at Gusty. She lunged at Gusty and although I believe my dog would not bite, anyone who hears her deep bark is surprised by her small stature. I think it really worked well was that Gusty was just talking to me and telling me what to do to redirect, Panda, to get her attention, and to get Panda to settle down. Gusty's feelings weren't hurt that Panda was not her biggest fan at the first lesson. We left incredibly exhausted, both emotionally (at least for me) and physically.

During the first lesson, even though Panda was reactive, it was more about learning the Bark Busters method for communicating. I think that's what was so exhausting: learning this new language.

I was really reluctant to do anything like negative reinforcement or negative methods, but I ended up really valuing the harness that Gusty gave me, which is a Bark Busters branded harness. It was unbelievable! It didn't take but a short time before Panda stopped pulling on the leash! She used to practically pull me out of my shoes when she would see her favorite dogs or people and she'd run towards them! Now I can really communicate with her through the harness, and I feel better that there's a piece of elastic behind the metal so that her skin and hair don't get pinched at all.

The second lesson, however, was in my apartment. Panda remembered Gusty and not exactly with positive feelings lol! She barked a lot again, just like the first lesson. Gusty was focused on me and not so much on Panda. By me being the bad guy, I supposed Panda felt less and less threatened by Gusty. It was so stinking adorable when Panda eventually went up to Gusty for pets, and then even climbed in her lap and gave her kisses! What a turn around!

In the second lesson, we worked on not barking at Gusty walking in the door, or getting too close to the door if I opened it for someone that I didn't know. But what was the most magical to me -- and the most surprising -- was to be able to put pieces of cheese on the floor in front of Panda, and have her come to me, walking past the cheese, and not eating any of it! Normally, that would really really get her. That is a high value treat for sure! I am able to practice that again and again, and I have seen such improvement. It feels like I have a different dog in someways, but she's still a dog, not a robot, I never want panda to lose her goofy personality.

Although Gusty helped me with setting the tone for a walk, I do think I need an extra lesson or two to really hone in on not being reactive with certain dogs. Panda has been in pain lately (for a reason I won't go into) and I think that has made it so she's a bit grumpier or irritated.

In the weeks since I first met Gusty, I have been really happy that I went not only with Bark Busters, but with Gusty in particular. She supported me despite my anxieties and Panda despite hers, lol! Gusty is a patient and thoughtful person in the way that she teaches. She knew that I was worried about any negative training methods so she showed me a video of a mama dog correcting her puppies, and that put my new communication methods in a whole new light to where I think of myself not just as a dog mom, but also kind of like a mama dog. That's so much easier for me to understand and feel comfortable with then more aggressive words like pack leader.

I have told people around town about Bark Busters, like when we're in the park and folks are amazed at how well Panda behaves (most of the time!) Definitely give her a call or a text! You and your dog will be happier!
Gusty came by today to help my godparents with their dog Mylo. He has been struggling with barking and stranger aggression and we have spoken to a few other trainers without success. Both of my godparents are older and slightly disabled so I was concerned about their ability to be able to train Mylo and to be consistent. However, after only 1 hour, Gusty had already begun to curve his behavior significantly and given my godmother (and me) significant hope for the future! By the end of the lesson we felt like we knew exact how to handle the situation and were excited to learn more. I cannot recommend her more! If you have any concerns about your dog's behavior or simply want to learn more about the way they think, trust me and give her a call, you won't regret it!
From our very first session, I saw a huge improvement in Dandy's behavior and anxiety. Gusty firmly and kindly helped me understand what I needed to adjust in the way I relate to to Dandy, and he immediately became more relaxed and listened better. Gusty helped us address his jumping and he now greets me and my guests very gently and sweetly, and we also worked on dropping "street treats" and our walks are so much more relaxing now! Dandy is just overall much more at ease - he settles nicely, waits to eagerly follow me instead of pulling ahead, and he's even more cuddly and affectionate. The price tag for the training was initially daunting, but I can say it's been 100% worth it to understand him better and know that he's happier and less anxious, and he and I have a much more trusting relationship. So very grateful for Gusty!
Gusty us AMAZING!!!!! We saw great results after just 1 session and learn tons with each followup. If you keep up with her lessons you should see great behavioral improvement and management. Our dog was already amazing, but Gusty helped with the transition of our older rehomed puppy to our family.

Something to note about the Bark Busters philosophy- it uses positive reinforcement with solid results...and also acknowledges that your dog is still going to be your dog. Their personality is their personality... so they teach you how to work with the dog that you have instead of the dog that you think you should have.
Gusty came by today to help my godparents with their dog Mylo. He has been struggling with barking and stranger aggression and we have spoken to a few other trainers without success. Both of my godparents are older and slightly disabled so I was concerned about their ability to be able to train Mylo and to be consistent. However, after only 1 hour, Gusty had already begun to curve his behavior significantly and given my godmother (and me) significant hope for the future! By the end of the lesson we felt like we knew exact how to handle the situation and were excited to learn more. I cannot recommend her more! If you have any concerns about your dog's behavior or simply want to learn more about the way they think, trust me and give her a call, you won't regret it!
My dog has recently begun to act aggressively towards new guests in our home, not biting exactly, but kind of nipping and barking at them. We thought we have tried everything when it comes to training, but Gusty came in and right away there was a difference once we enforced the corrections and training that we were being taught to do in order to help our pups behaviors! Instantly, we saw results and are so excited to continue with these training sessions.
Gusty is fantastic! I hired her to help with a barking / doorbell problem our Cavalier King Charles developed during the pandemic. Gusty's passion for dogs (and humans) is obvious. She is extremely patient and intuitive in terms of diagnosing problem areas and explaining possible solutions. I had honestly gotten to the point where I didn't think this problem could be fixed, but after our first session my dog was already showing incredible positive changes in behavior. I would highly recommend Gusty to anyone looking for help with any dog issues, and especially "pandemic puppy problems"!
First, I should say that this review is long overdue. Gusty deserves such high praises that I was waiting for a creative writing mood to strike — but I can’t wait any longer! In any case, I don’t have adequate words for the feeling I have, now that Gusty helped me and my dog, Panda. (Though this is so long that I definitely found some words!)

The first lesson was in a neighborhood, where my dog exhibited so many of the reactive behaviors that prompted me to look for a trainer. Panda barked at Gusty. She lunged at Gusty and although I believe my dog would not bite, anyone who hears her deep bark is surprised by her small stature. I think it really worked well was that Gusty was just talking to me and telling me what to do to redirect, Panda, to get her attention, and to get Panda to settle down. Gusty‘s feelings weren’t hurt that Panda was not her biggest fan at the first lesson. We left incredibly exhausted, both emotionally (at least for me) and physically.

During the first lesson, even though Panda was reactive, it was more about learning the Bark Busters method for communicating.

I was really reluctant to do anything like negative reinforcement or negative methods, and I ended up really valuing the harness that Gusty gave me, which is a Bark Busters branded harness. It was unbelievable! It didn’t take but a short time before Panda stopped pulling on the leash! She used to practically pull me out of my shoes when she would see her favorite dogs or people and she’d run towards them! Now I can really communicate with her through the harness, and I feel better that there’s a piece of elastic behind the metal so that her skin and hair don’t get pinched at all.

The second lesson, however, was in my apartment. Panda remembered Gusty and not exactly with positive feelings lol! She barked a lot again, just like the first lesson. Gusty was focused on me and not so much on Panda. By me being the bad guy, I supposed Panda felt less and less threatened by Gusty. It was so stinking adorable when Panda eventually went up to Gusty for pets, and then even climbed in her lap and gave her kisses! What a turn around!

In the second lesson, we worked on not barking at Gusty walking in the door, or getting too close to the door if I opened it for someone that I didn’t know. But what was the most magical to me — and the most surprising — was to be able to put pieces of cheese on the floor in front of Panda, and have her come to me, walking past the cheese, and not eating any of it! Normally, that would really really get her. That is a high value treat for sure! I am able to practice that again and again, and I have seen such improvement. It feels like I have a different dog in someways, but she’s still a dog, not a robot, I never want Panda to lose her goofy personality.

In the weeks since I first met Gusty, I have been really happy that I went not only with Bark Busters, but with Gusty in particular. She supported me despite my anxieties and Panda despite hers, lol! Gusty is a patient and thoughtful person in the way that she teaches. She knew that I was worried about any negative training methods so she showed me a video of a mama dog correcting her puppies, and that put my new communication methods in a whole new light to where I think of myself not just as a dog mom, but also kind of like a leader. That’s so much easier for me to understand and feel comfortable with then more aggressive words like pack leader.

I have told people around town about Bark Busters, like when we’re in the park and folks are amazed at how well Panda behaves (most of the time!) Definitely give her a call or a text! You and your dog will be happier!
Gusty was amazing! We were struggling with leash reactivity, aggressive behavior in public around both people and dogs, and pulling on leash. In the first session she knew exactly how to work with my dog. She was careful about approaching the dog and nonjudgmental about the aggression my dog showed her. She talked me through how to work with her and the Bark Busters system and gave us a harness to help with the pulling. We saw significant improvement from the first session, the leash pulling is completely gone and her reactivity is much better and will continue to improve as we interact more with social crowds. I was so impressed with the results after one session.
You can tell Gusty really wants to help the pups she works with!
We are AMAZED! The change in my dog was instant. We are so grateful for Gusty’s instruction. I could tell Gusty was just as big of a dog lover as me, and she went out of her way to help me and my dog, Kobe. She taught me how to “speak dog,” how to communicate with Kobe in a way he instantly understands. The lesson was mostly teaching me, as Kobe got it right away! I have truly gained such valuable knowledge. I’m so excited to continue with the exercises I have learned and watch Kobe’s progress! I am so excited and hopeful again that I will give my dog the best life he deserves, thanks to Gusty and bark busters! I seriously cannot recommend this training enough!!!
My experience with Gusty was life changing. I watched my dog, and I have had many in my life, change right before my eyes. He is a 90lb male pit bull mix, who was a bit fearful and pushed to dominate. He loves people but would jump on them including myself and it was extremely stressful. Gusty corrected this behavior within the first 30 minutes of our time together with absolutely no physical force whatsoever! My dog went from fearful and unsure to calm and respectful; fear left him. Even his abandonment anxiety was relieved. I am so excited to continue the ability to speak dog language, and continue what Gusty has shown me to build a wonderful relationship with my dog. I would recommend her in a heartbeat as she is as dedicated to her clients as our dogs are to us. And that’s so refreshing to see in this world today. Thanks again, Gusty!
Results after the first visit! My 5 yr old mini Aussie, Burt was a stressed out (anxious), terrible pulling on a lead, non stop barking, extremely reactive boy and we have seen nothing but positive results since our two visits with Gusty! I had a laundry list of behavioral issues that had evolved and gotten worse over time and the majority of that list was corrected after the first visit. Yes, the first visit.
I was dreading training because I was worried it would be difficult or I would be stressed myself. Gusty is wonderful and truly the best trainer! Couldn’t have done this without her. She is incredibly supportive and reassuring and has made this process easy and fun! Now with my consistency, Burt will be a great family companion.
We recently rescued Buster and without Gusty's help, I'm not sure we would have been able to keep him. First, he didn't like my other dog and bit him. He would also chew everything in site, bark at everything that passed the house, pull me all over on the leash, and toilet in the house. He was a handful! Gusty helped me develop a plan for success, which I have been working on everyday. Buster is like a different dog. He is going to fit well into our pack.
Wow! What a difference one lesson can make! I was really worried because my 3-year-old dog Murphy was aggressive on leash and used to bark, growl and lunge at other dogs while we were walking. It got so bad I would only go out at night when no one was around. That was until I met Gusty and everything changed.

The great part of the BarkBusters training is it does not rely on treats, shock collars or prong collars, none of which I ever have handy. Gusty taught me how to talk to my dog so he understands me using my voice and hand gestures. It made a lot of sense because puppies initially learn things from their Mamas and thye Mama dog doesn't have treats!

I can say the lesson was lifechanging for Murphy and I. Now we go on walks all the time, and Murphy is great on a loose leash, walking calmly by my side.

My only regret? That I waited 3 years to fix this problem!

What Makes Bark Busters Oakland & Alameda County Unique

Bark Busters is the worldwide leader of in-home dog training, helping over 1 million families and their dogs around the globe since 1989. We wholeheartedly believe in our methods and 30+ years of results. At Bark Busters Oakland & Alameda County, we clear up the miscommunication between dogs and humans at the root of many behavioral issues by teaching everyone to speak the same language – dog!

Our nurturing, dog-friendly approach teaches you, the pet parent, the same natural communication methods that dogs understand instinctively. Our efficient, results-oriented, training program prioritizes clear communication and leadership while addressing issues in the locations they occur.

This means faster, longer-lasting solutions for you and your dog.

Dogs learn best in a familiar, safe environment, free of outside distractions and disruptions. That’s why we come directly to your home, on your schedule to build an effective foundation for better behavior. We work first to build an effective foundation for better behavior. We teach you how to communicate with your dog. Dogs naturally live in families and look their family leaders for guidance, safety, and love. Most people don't know how to appeal to a dog's natural sense of leadership or communication. We teach you how to use friendly, canine leadership and to "speak dog" using your body language, voice tones, and timing so you and your dog communicate better! You will see results. You want to see a change in your dog’s behavior, preferably sooner rather than later.

Any Breed. Any Age. Any Issue. Get Started Today!

We customize our training sessions to achieve your specific goals and meet your dog’s unique needs. When you Learn to Speak Dog the Bark Busters Way, you get real results – and nurture positive relationships and lasting emotional bonds with your canine family member.

Learn More about Bark Busters

 

Home Dog Training

Our Services

Bark Buster 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. After learning in your home, our behavioral therapist and trainer will work with you as needed outside and around real distractions, once you and your dog are ready.

Life of Dog Support Guarantee

Life of Dog Support Guarantee

Bark Busters Home Dog Training provides a Life of Dog Support Guarantee that is unique in the industry. It is designed to help owners resolve their dog's behavior and obedience problems and to provide customers with the satisfaction of ongoing support and peace of mind.

Behavior Issues

Resources

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 and more.

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Professional Dog Training Near You!

Servicing: Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Castro Valley, El Cerrito, Emeryville, Oakland, Piedmont, San Leandro, San Lorenzo