Home Dog Training in Greater Tampa Bay, Florida

Joanne Rice

Expert Dog Trainer, Joanne Rice

Written Guarantee

The Bark Busters worldwide home dog training service guarantee 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. Find out more

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Joanne Rice
Meet Your Trainer Joanne Rice
Servicing: Apollo Beach, Balm, Brandon, Dade City, Dover, Durant, Gibsonton, Lacoochee, Lakeland, Land O Lakes, Lithia, Lutz, Mango, Plant City, Riverview, Ruskin, Saint Leo, San Antonio, Seffner, Sun City, Sun City Center, Sydney, Tampa, Thonotosassa, Trilby, Valrico, Wesley Chapel, Wimauma, Zephyrhills

Best Dog Training in Greater Tampa Bay, FL

After training people in the corporate world for many years, and training my own dogs as a hobby, becoming a Bark Busters dog trainer was a natural fit for me. Now, 15 years later, I have trained more than 3,500 dogs in the Tampa Bay area. As an active supporter of animal shelters, I have seen first hand the number of dogs that are given up, neglected, or abandoned because of behavioral issues. It’s very gratifying to help people with their dog training and play a part in dog owners and their dogs developing a positive relationship built on trust and respect. Teach your dog to be a well-behaved, beloved family member and live a happier life together!

Bark Busters Home Dog Training is for Any Breed. Any Age. Any Issue. 

  • Do you have a dog that has developed dog behavioral problems over time?
  • Did you recently adopt or rescue a dog that is experiencing severe dog behavior issues with their transition home?
  • Did you just get a new puppy and need help with basic puppy training to start your dog training off on the right paw?

We are here to help you!

I can help you with the following dog behavior issues:

  • Pulling on leash
  • Jumping up
  • Attention seeking
  • Nuisance barking
  • Separation anxiety
  • Front door manners
  • Aggression toward people or other dogs
  • Toileting problems
  • Recall -- coming when called
  • Chewing
  • Destruction
  • Play biting
  • Planning for a new baby
  • Adding a new pet or getting along with existing ones
  • Basic obedience, and more…!

Most of these issues cannot be effectively addressed in a group class environment. If you are having troubles at home, it just makes sense to train your dog there, or wherever you need help, so we can recreate the scenarios and teach the dog (and you) in real time.

Your dog is not a drone and should not be controlled by a remote. We never use e-collars, shock collars or prong collars. Bark Busters has a unique approach to teach you to interact with your dog in a way that is easy for you to learn, and easy for your dog to understand. You won’t need to spend a lot of time practicing each day as the techniques will become second nature. Clients usually see results in the very first session! Just read my reviews and you will see how many clients comment about this.

Home Puppy Training:

Many people get puppies that are 8-10 weeks old. They have not had all their shots yet, and should not be taken to public places until they are fully immune. However, the most impressionable period in a puppy’s life is between 4 and 14 weeks of age, so it’s best to establish good habits right from the start. With Bark Busters in-home training, you don’t have to wait to start training your puppy because the sessions are done right at home. In fact, if you book your first session before you actually get your puppy, I will do a phone consultation with you before you bring the puppy home so you are well prepared for the big day. Even if your puppy is a little older, starting a training program at home with all the family members has great benefits.

Our Puppy Training is unique in that we pace the sessions according to your puppy’s developmental stages and your progress. It is not a scheduled set of sessions in a relatively short time period. Your puppy isn’t really mature until it’s about two years old, and you may need support throughout that time, and into adulthood. Read more about our puppy training.

Does your dog have issues going to the vet or groomer?

Do you avoid going because it’s such an unpleasant experience? As one of only a handful of trainers in the Tampa Bay area who has been certified by the Fear Free organization, I am uniquely qualified to work with you, your dog, and your vet or groomer to make the medical care or grooming experience less stressful. Learn more at www.fearfreepets.com

Bark Busters is Recommended by Veterinarians:

Many team members at vet clinics, and other dog-related businesses in the area, have experienced our techniques first-hand with their own dogs and regularly recommend Bark Busters to their clients and friends. The majority of my referrals come from vet staff and existing clients. You can see a list of some of the clinics that have recommended me.

About Your Master Dog Trainer and Dog Behavioral Therapist in Greater Tampa Bay, Joanne Rice:

  • Master Level Trainer – Bark Busters Home Dog Training
  • CCPDT-KA certification from the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers
  • I am only one of a few trainers in the Tampa Bay area who is a Fear Free Certified Professional 
  • Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers
  • I have the required certifications to work with those who have received a citation from Hillsborough County or Pasco County Animal Services
  • I have an “A” rating from Angie’s List members

For additional information, please visit my personal Dog Training Tampa Website

I've also recently adopted another rescue dog! Read my Adoption Diary for tips on what goes into planning for, acclimating and training a new dog or puppy.

Client Reviews