James & Michelle Rodriguez dog training reviews

Bark Busters... AMAZING. Here is my story. I rescued this sweet little chihuahua back in July. I soon learned really fast that she barked at everyone and everything. She would try to bite anyone that got near her. She loves me but even with friends over she made it hard because all she wanted to do was bite them and attack them. I called up Bark Busters and LEARNED SO MUCH. They showed me all the ways to help Izzy and correct her behavior. Now I am able to have friends over and I know how to let Izzy know that no one is there to hurt her or me. She has trust in my leadership and doesn't get aggressive towards my friends. On walks now, she simply ignores other dogs and people and trusts in my leadership that I am going to guide her and keep her safe. She has had amazing progress since the day I got her and I couldn't be happier! So thankful for Bark Busters! They are so great! Thank you Bark Busters! Permalink

I’ve seen a major improvement in my dog’s behavior over the past few months while working with James. I have a 3 year old hound mix who had some unfortunate bad experiences with other dogs while growing up, causing him to be very fearful and reactive to dogs while on leash. He also became protective over certain objects and furniture in my apartment, and as a veterinarian who has taken him to several other training classes and works with dogs for a living, I was unsure of how to correct his strange behaviors! James taught me how to read my dog’s body language in different situations and how to communicate with him more effectively. He actually came to my apartment complex so we could work in my dog’s environment. He would give me a set schedule of things to work on before the next training session and made sure I understood everything before leaving. He always answered my texts promptly and was able to modify training techniques for what worked best for my dog and I. My dog has not been as anxious in my apartment and is not guarding objects and furniture anymore. He now walks next to me on a leash without pulling and we are able to pass other dogs without him being reactive. He has even been able to go on walks with other dogs and I’ve been able to take him out to a few restaurants where other dogs were present (which is something I never thought was possible)! James has really helped me to understand my dog better and I see a happier more respectful dog in return. I am very happy with the results from working with Bark Busters and highly recommend them to anyone looking for training! Permalink

Even nervous dogs can learn!! Opie is my first dog, and I had no idea where to start when it came to training him. He's a rescue and was extremely skittish around the other dogs in my neighborhood. He's come such a long way in just a few months. James was great in showing me how to handle Opie in a way that is firm, but still kind and respectful. He's learning everyday how to better behave, so much so that he's even made a handful of other doggie friends! The best ode to their training method, however, is how well he did over the Christmas holiday with my family. He's learning that play biting/mouthing is not appropriate, and my mom now feels comfortable petting, sitting, and playing with him. That's big, as she would previously throw him a treat from afar and hope that he would be gentle. I think there is always room for improvement/reinforcement, but I'm glad that I spent the money to get the tools needed to help Opie feel more comfortable. Beyond happy with the progress and extremely impressed at James responsiveness. He's always available to help! Permalink

We contacted Bark Busters when our Goldendoodle was just 10 weeks old. Best decision ever! We worked with James all the way until now (Winston is now a year and a half) to say we are pleased is an understatement. I wish I could give 10 stars. Winston took to James immediately and the training is not only for your dog, it’s for you as well. The techniques work if you really put forth the effort and do your homework. Anytime we felt Winston was regressing we contacted James and he responded immediately with tips and reminders of what to do. Everyone who comes to our home compliments how well behaved our dog is. Choose Bark Busters with James and Michelle! You won’t regret it! Permalink

We travel a lot and live in both country and city settings. Trapper was smart but was difficult to train, and manage his aggression toward other dogs. Really it was the owners, we gave him too much power and had to learn to manage him both at home and in public. One lesson with James was life changing. He helped us define the roles of owner and pet. It is challenging to make the changes and even more challenging not to slip back into old habits. We waited a long time for our second and third lessons. Don’t wait, work hard on the exercises and you will see it pay off. It wasn’t until we interacted with other students that we realized how far we have come. James is calm and immediately respected by the dog, it has been life changing and this is not my first dog. Thank you James! Permalink

James and Michelle are absolutely fantastic! I am a Vet Tech at All Creatures Vet Clinic in Charleston and they have done demos for our team at the clinic to teach us how to handle different dog behaviors. In addition, James came to my house to help with my 6 month old puppy, Luna. James helped me claim spaces in my house, correct barking behaviors, stay away from the door when people come and go, and walk on the leash better. Even when i'm shaking a bag of treats, she no longer comes in the kitchen or jumps on me to grab food (even though she is extremely food motivated). They show you how to speak dog; that way, you don't have to rely on treats, shouting, shock/bark collars, etc. to help with your training. I now understand how to speak to my dog and effect her behaviors in a way that she understands. James and Michelle are so motivating and truly care about helping and supporting their clients! I highly recommend their training services! Permalink

As a person who tends to be conservative with money, I was reluctant to make an investment in dog training without assurance that it would be worthwhile. Bark Busters was recommended by coworkers and trusting their opinions I finally scheduled an appointment. My boyfriend and I have 2 hound mixes, his who is sweet and tame, and of course mine, who while loving, is a headstrong ball of energy. Needless to say, I had no idea how to train her properly and was becoming desperate for help. Before our first appointment with James ended, I was sold. He laid out clear, simple guidelines for working with our dogs and I was immediately able to see a positive response from both dogs. Using their methods, I am finally able to walk my dog without getting dragged around the neighborhood and becoming incredibly frustrated. While we of course still have room for improvement, I couldn't be happier with this investment in my relationship with me dog. We even were able to include them in our adventure to Asheville! Not long ago I never would have believed that to be possible. Thanks for your help and support! Permalink

We have been working with Bark Buster's over the past few months. I am very excited by the results I am seeing and with the methodology Michelle and James use. I have a two year old hound mix who is very food oriented and easily distracted. Instead of being treat based, they focus on establishing yourself as the leader and using both verbal cues and body language. I was amazed by how well my counter surfing food hound listens to the "growl" correction they teach. I am excited to see the change in him as we continue working with Michelle! Permalink

We are the parents of a Cavachon puppy, Remy. We started working with James when Remy was only around 10 weeks old. He is now almost 4 1/2 months old. The insights offered by James have been critical to Remy's development. He is rapidly becoming a great companion. This is our first dog, and I don't think we would have such a loving and mature puppy if left to raise him on our own. Bark Busters' training techniques have been key. We owe much to James and could not recommend Bark Busters more highly. Permalink

Bark Busters was recommended by my vet. I have been working with James to help my 8-month old puppy (and me) to develop good habits. He is awesome to work with and has been very responsive to any questions. I like James' communication style very much and the way he can interpret my little puppy's behavior and then help me understand how to adapt my approach. Great job! Permalink