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 Michelle

large michelle mccarthy

Best Dog Training in Rockland & South Orange County!

Hello and welcome! Thank you so much for your interest in Bark Busters and learning how I can help you with your dog. Let me just say “congratulations” on taking this first step - it’s often the hardest!

I am Michelle McCarthy, your Bark Busters Dog Trainer and Dog Behavioral Therapist in Rockland and South Orange County. Over the last 13 years I have trained over 2,500 dogs, from Chihuahuas to Pit-Bulls to Great Danes, and everything in between! I have worked with rescues, pure-bred dogs, mutts, show-dogs – you name it. I love working with them all! I help clients get their 8 week old puppies started off on the right paw, as well as helping clients with older dogs get problem behaviors under control.

Let me tell you a little bit about how I got into this. As you might imagine, I’ve had a passion for dogs, and all animals, forever. I decided that I wanted to dedicate my career to helping animals and so decided to become a dog trainer. At that point I was in much the same place that you are right now. I was doing my research, looking at the different kinds of dog training philosophies that are out there and came across Bark Busters. And this just made sense! At its very core level it is about understanding and communicating with dogs in a natural way, in the way that they communicate with each other. I hadn’t found any other training technique out there that did this in this way and I just thought how cool! We really take the time together to understand your dog from his perspective and to learn to meet his needs in a way that makes sense to your dog! This is different and unique from any other training method that I have found. When we work together you will see how interesting this process is and how well it works with your dog’s natural way of seeing the world! It’s pretty awesome.

I can help you solve a problem, such as an unruly or destructive dog, or one with anxiety, aggression, or bad potty habits. I can also help you to set your brand new puppy up for success in your home, by teaching him some puppy basics such as obedience, housebreaking, and the rules of your house. 

In addition to any other specific training goals you have for your dog, we will work together to build a balanced relationship between you and your dog that is based on love, trust and respect. What could be better than that?

In home dog training. All of the training is done with you, in your home. After all, this is where you are experiencing behavioral problems, or having your puppy settle in. It is also where there are less distractions, so your dog can be more focused, relaxed and able to better learn and retain the things she is taught. On top of that, it is easier and more flexible for you – no running out to be somewhere else!

Humane, dog-friendly methods. This means that I would never have you do anything to your dog that I would not do to my own. The techniques are based on how dogs communicate with each other and are humane. We’re not going to do anything physical, or anything that will hurt your dog.

Immediate results. Be prepared to learn some new things about how your dog thinks and communicates and be ready to have some fun doing it! By the end of the first session most clients are going to see a big change in their dog’s behavior, and with follow-up practice those new behaviors will become new, better habits.

Contact me today

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What Makes Bark Busters Rockland and South Orange Counties 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 Rockland and South Orange Counties, 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.

Let's Get Started!

Connect with us Call 1-877-500-BARK (2275)or enter your zip code.

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Rockland & South Orange Counties Client Reviews

See what our clients have to say

After Michelle left we saw immediate improvement in Boscoe's behavior. He was way more obedient. He's not rushing at the door whenever I open it like he was previously. He's not jumping to grab food. We're still at the beginning phases of the separation training, but so far he's been responding well. He's not following me into every room any longer and I'm happy to see he's finally starting to relax when I'm not in his sights.
Had the best time training with Michelle! After so many other dog trainers turning down training our Belgian Malinous, she was more than willing and so kind and patient with him. I was amazing to see how smart and willing our dogs were to her training! and even with all masks on she was able communicate efficiently with us and the dogs! We adore Michelle and Barkbusters!
Our first training session was very helpful! Michelle was excellent. She was patient, and committed to helping my pup improve his manners. Bocce is already responding to the training, and with practice I am confident my investment will pay off.
Oh, where to begin! Milo is the most loving dog we've ever had. He's a rescue from Puerto Rico and has a case of separation anxiety. So much so that unless the kitchen area, where he is confined while we're at work, is "Milo-proofed" he'll destroy everything.
Alas, after searching for trainers and behaviorists we came across Bark Busters. Michelle had stellar reviews going back years! We called.
Michelle is nothing short of a miracle worker! Her understanding of dogs and how to train "us" to communicate with them, become the leader, and relieve them of that stress is just downright amazing! A simple "Bah!" and we saw it right away!
Our understanding and communication has increased ten fold. Milo is responding so well to being fired from his old job and is even sleeping better. We are still training but the tools Michelle provides are priceless. The understanding, psychology, and instruction are like nothing we've ever seen. And the fact that she's always there to help is a major bonus!

If I could give a million stars I would!
Michelle was extremely professional, full of knowledge! She taught me so much with the first 3hrs. She gave me the tools to start correcting a few of the problems I am having. I am seeing immediate results.
I would strongly recommend Barkbusters to anyone searching for a dog trainer. We met with Michelle last week for our first training session. We learned so much and we have seen a huge difference in our dogs behavior already. Highly recommend!!
Impressive! Truly impressive. But so simple. Our collective jaws dropped to the ground during our first session. Michelle was amazing and so were our 2 dogs. That session was two day ago and our transition has been dramatic. We still have work to do but Barkbusters’ Michelle was phenomenal. She was respectful of our home, kind, personable, proficient, on-target accurate, and clear in our instruction. By the way, it was the humans who got trained. The dogs enthusiastically responded. Amazing changes in one session. What blessing! Thank you Michelle!
We had Michelle McCarthy from Bark Busters out to assist us with our little guy, Barney. He had been living in constant fear and stress because we, as dog owners, simply didn't know what we were doing - we didn't know how to communicate with him. I am embarrassed to say, but also happy to understand, that it wasn't our dog who needed training - it was us. After four hours with Michelle, I really can't fully articulate all the "aha" moments or the wave of guilt that washed over me when I realized that my lack of awareness was stressing my dog out keeping in a state of high alert where his only mission was to lead the pack and keep it safe. The straight forward - but profoundly impactful - TTPs (Tools, Tactics, and Procedures) that Michelle imparted had an immediate impact on Barney.

Michelle's meeting structure is very deliberate; she focused on on us (the owners) for the majority of the time, trained us up to "speak dog" and leverage straightforward, effective tools for getting Barney's attention and cooperation. By the time Michelle was done with training us and the moment arrived to practice lessons with Barney, I was pretty sure she already knew what the outcome would be: immediate impact. Immediate responsiveness. Yes, your best friend will go through an adjustment period as the Pack Hierarchy changes, but if you take in the lessons and apply them as instructed, you will likely see immediate results, as we did. I can tell already, that if applied calmly and consistently, the lessons we've learned will change our dog forever.

Today I walked my dog without him barking at neighbors or other dogs for the first time in two years. We did so with very few corrections. In fact we past within feet of another dog and Barney just looked at me and continued trotting at my side. The experience was shocking, encouraging, and categorically justified every penny we spent with Bark Busters. We've decided to live these lessons, because that is the only guaranteed way to ensure continued success - and we are very much looking forward to doing so with full confidence that the Bark Busters' method works. Michele McCarthy is a well-traveled, confident Dog Trainer. A true professional we are thankful to have met. If you are on the fence, don't be. She's got you.
Michelle helped us to take charge of an alpha diva dog. The tools and skills that she gave us have made a huge difference in our family. Our dog is more relaxed and we are in charge. I highly recommend Michelle. The tools she gives you will work if you are willing to commit the time it takes to program your dog.
We were amazed by how easily and quickly Michelle showed and taught us how to begin to become the leaders of our pack. Looking forward to our next visit after practicing what we’ve learned
Contacting Bark Busters was one of the best decisions I made. Michelle is a talented, knowledgable and motivating trainer. Learning how to "speak dog" and learning the basics of dog psychology is key to having a happy, healthy relationship with your pet. My main concern was with my reactive English Shepherd but after 1 session I was able to see issues with my other dogs and how they interact as a pack. My dogs response to Michelle's excercises were nothing short of amazing, and I'm happy to report we are progressing every day. Michelle also checks in to see how things are going and answer any questions that may arise. Being in the veterinary field I am frequently asked for recommendations for behaviorists and trainers. Bark Busters will be at the top of my list.
After Michelle left we saw immediate improvement in Boscoe's behavior. He was way more obedient. He's not rushing at the door whenever I open it like he was previously. He's not jumping to grab food. We're still at the beginning phases of the separation training, but so far he's been responding well. He's not following me into every room any longer and I'm happy to see he's finally starting to relax when I'm not in his sights.
Simply amazing! Michelle was absolutely amazing, she really does teach you how to speak dog! Honestly I didn’t think I’d see any changes in my dog after 1 session like all the reviews claim, but I was wrong! After a thorough 3 hours 1st in person session, my dog is a new pup. My boy was displaying some major leash reactivity….walking him during the dog walking hours was something I dreaded. But honestly, her methods work. She explains how dogs communicate and understanding what’s going on in their mind can help us humans help them be their best. Highly recommend! I’ve now walked Exodus 3x and encountered other dogs and had minimal issues. Will continue practicing to help solidify.
Wonderful experience! Training is already changing how our Willow acts.
Michelle was great! We learned a lot from her how to train Bella she was with us 3 hrs
It was very beneficial and educational.
After one 3 hour session my dogs were completely different! It takes work but it works! Much happier household!
I cannot say enough about Michelle! She is an awesome trainer who is working with us and our 3 dogs! From DAY 1 we have seen major improvements in behavior- learning to speak dog is life changing!
We knew we made the right decision in contacting Bark Busters from the moment Michelle walked through our front door! An impact was made as Michelle’s immediate guidance helped us to navigate how we reacted to our beagle Jules’ howling at the doorbell/unknown person in the house which ultimately settled Jules a bit; normally no easy feat!
Michelle had a calm, self-assured demeanor in her approach to guiding our family in the relearning of how our behaviors affect Jules’ behavior which was eye opening!
Putting the skills Michelle gave us into practice and under her supervision during our first session and seeing the difference in our interactions with Jules right away offered us the confidence and encouragement to continue and be consistent in this journey.
Michelle has armed us with the knowledge and tools to be successful in our relationship with Jules, alleviating Jules’ anxiety and stress as we all claim our new roles in the Pack Hierarchy.
Huge mahalos Michelle – we are so appreciative of everything we have learned and implemented thus far and for your support in our success!
Impressive! Truly impressive. But so simple
Amazing changes in one session
Lilly is a young German Shepard. She has a very dominate personality. She would not respond when called outside and we live on a dangerous road. She also needed to learn manners inside the house. The first session really started a positive change. I have learned what I need to work on to improve her behavior
I am absolutely amazed with all I learned from Michelle. Lucky is much calmer and relaxed. The training is simple but you must be consistent. She is like a different dog after one day. She is a much happier and content dog now that I am the leader. I honestly can’t believe how quickly she is taking direction. I’m sorry I waited 4 years to finally train her. I highly recommend Bark Busters and Michelle!
We were looking for a trainer for our good boy Schnitzel and found Michelle McCarthy with Bark Busters. Michelle has been such a life changer for us even after just a couple of sessions. We have been so impressed with the training and only wish we had found her sooner. Schnitzel is now much calmer and less stressed, no longer barks out the window all day, and is a true gem while out on walks. I highly recommend Michelle! The training has been so worth it for us.
Calling Bark Busters was the best decision we could have possibly made. After only just one session with Michelle, we saw an immediate change in our 'pack' dynamic! Michelle helped us understand what was going on from Milo’s perspective and how to address issues in a manner dogs actually respond to. Our house overnight felt calmer and continues to this day - it's been such a relief. 

For a dog that could not sleep in his crate a day in his life, Milo immediately slept through the night in the crate and didn't bark ONCE after our first session. We were shocked - we never thought this would be possible! Milo is also showing progress with strangers knocking our door / ringing the doorbell, which would previously set him off. Thanks to the exercises Michelle gave us, Milo now walks behind us in the house and with practice in just over 3 weeks he’s starting to do so out on the street on our walks (where there are lots of distractions!). instead pulling and charging ahead.

We ALL feel a lot more relaxed (our cat, too!) and in control. We can’t recommend Michelle enough! We're looking forward to our next session!
Lilly is a young German Shepard. She has a very dominate personality. She would not respond when called outside and we live on a dangerous road. She also needed to learn manners inside the house. The first session really started a positive change. I have learned what I need to work on to improve her behavior
Michelle has been so helpful. She is there to give you, the pet owner, all of the tools to best communicate with your pup and therefore build a greater bond! Bowie is my first dog and in a few short months he's become a completely different dog because I've become a better owner thanks to Michelle. We haven't covered everything yet, but we are on our way!

Professional Dog Training Near You!

Servicing: Bear Mountain, Blauvelt, Central Valley, Chester, Congers, Cornwall, Cornwall On Hudson, Fort Montgomery, Garnerville, Goshen, Greenwood Lake, Harriman, Haverstraw, Highland Falls, Highland Mills, Hillburn, Middletown, Monroe, Monsey, Nanuet, New City, New Windsor, Nyack, Orangeburg, Palisades, Pearl River, Piermont, Pomona, Sloatsburg, Southfields, Sparkill, Spring Valley, Stony Point, Suffern, Tappan, Thiells, Tomkins Cove, Tuxedo Park, Vails Gate, Valley Cottage, Warwick, West Haverstraw, West Nyack, West Point

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