James & Michelle Rodriguez
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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
- Adjusting to New Home
- Barking
- Biting
- Chewing
- Destruction
- Digging
- Focus & Listening
- Housebreaking
- Improving Confidence
- Jumping
- Leash Pulling
- Marking/Peeing
- 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.
Meet James & Michelle, Your Professional Dog Trainers
Home Dog Training in Charleston, including Mt. Pleasant, Summerville & Goose Creek!
Since 2008, James and Michelle Rodriguez, your local Bark Busters owners and operators, have expertly trained thousands of dog owners. As certified expert behavioral therapists and obedience trainers, we are proud to be multiple time Bark Busters National Trainers of the Year and Charleston City Paper's Best Trainers of the Year. Our methods are dog friendly and our dedication has earned us high recommendations by the local veterinary community as well.
“I think the thing that sets Bark Busters apart from the rest is the ability to select training techniques/style based on the needs of the pet and owner rather than having a form of training and expecting all pets and owners to respond.” – Kevin Shuler, DVM
Read more testimonials from veterinarians.
As veterans of the armed forces and married for over 20 years, we exclusively handle all training personally, unlike other dog training companies. We start training your dog in the comfort of your own home, where they are most comfortable. This provides the most effective learning environment because this is where most dogs spend 95% of their lives.
Once you have a foundation of clear communication, we can gradually introduce distractions by progressing to public locations. While other trainers may offer one-on-one sessions, conducting training within your dog's familiar environment yields the best results.
Our training philosophy focuses on teaching owners how to inherently meet their dog's needs and get to the root cause of behaviors. We teach you how to foster a relationship built on bond, trust and respect. This unique and effective approach delivers immediate and lasting results.
We offer assistance with all aspects of dog training, including basic obedience, puppy training, off-leash control, and addressing behavioral issues such as separation anxiety and aggression. We aim to help you understand the reasons behind your dog's behavior and provide you with the tools to create positive change.
We are passionate about what we do and are eager to share our knowledge and experience with you. We are well known for resolving the most severe and challenging dog behavioral cases. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs. Happy Dogs, Happy Families
Client Reviews
See what our clients in Charleston have to say
Let's Get Started!
Connect with us Call 1-877-500-BARK (2275)or enter your zip code.
Does My New Puppy Need Training?
Many new puppy owners contact us to help with basic training and to get their puppy training started on the right paw! Puppies, like infants and toddlers, need guidance to develop good behavior and a friendly disposition. They require extra attention for housetraining, socialization, feeding, and playtime compared to adult dogs—it's a big responsibility. There’s no one-size-fits- all approach to puppy training, but we can help you establish a solid foundation of trust and respect in a safe, nurturing environment.
With Bark Busters Charleston in-home dog training, you don’t have to wait to start training your puppy. James or Michelle come to your home and pace the sessions according to your puppy’s developmental stages and your progress. We provide you all the tools needed to successfully train your puppy at home, tackling common issues such as:
- Crate Training
- Potty Training
- Chewing
- Playful Biting
- Jumping Up
- Barking
- Counter Surfing
- Leash Training
- Proper Socialization
- Separation Anxiety
Professional training can begin just a few days after your puppy adjusts to their new home. Starting early and staying consistent helps establish the leadership skills necessary to manage your puppy’s behavior effectively. Call us to begin your journey with your new puppy!
Is Your Dog’s Behavior Causing You Stress?
Not to worry. Bark Busters Charleston in-home dog training services comes to you for training. Your home, yard, and neighborhood are where most dog issues occur. Being in a familiar environment where there's nothing competing for your dog's attention enables us to address the issues very quickly. We also do off-site lessons, to teach clients how to interact with their dog when visiting downtown, local parks, beaches, restaurants or even their Veterinary clinic!
We Can Solve Any Dog Behavior Issue—With Lasting Results
By using natural and humane methods and showing you how to communicate and understand your dog on an instinctual level. With proper follow through and application of techniques we can effectively address any issue you may have including:
- Puppy Training
- Housebreaking
- Jumping on visitors
- Nuisance Barking
- Walking on Leash
- Preparing for a new baby
- Introducing a new dog
- Demanding attention or bothering family members and guests
- Aggression (Resource Guarding, Displaced Aggression, Territorial)
- Sibling Rivalry (Fighting between dogs in the same home)
- Separation Anxiety
Expensive "boot camps" or sleep away training are not as effective in our opinion because your dog needs to respect and listen to you in your home, not the trainer at the facility. With in-home training you take part in shaping your dog's behavior for long lasting results. Let us teach you how to “speak dog” and communicate with your dog in a way they understand. Contact us today for a consultation!
What Can I Do About My Dog's Aggressive Behavior?
Aggression in dogs is a learned response, often stemming from underlying fear or insecurity. To address this behavior effectively, it's crucial to identify and resolve the root cause. Through Bark Busters in-home training, we can evaluate the reasons behind your dog's aggression and guide you in applying strategies for positive change.
Bark Busters Charleston has successfully trained thousands of dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes—including those with aggression issues. We've worked with dogs that showed aggression toward objects, other animals, people, or even their own family members. Our proven training system is designed to address these behaviors effectively, often with noticeable improvement by the end of the first session.
Resolve Aggression with Professional Dog Training
Early action is key when your dog shows signs of aggression. This means avoiding risky situations and getting professional support before things escalate. Behaviors like shaking, panting, stiff posture, or staring often come before serious behaviors like growling, lunging or barking. These are your dog’s way of saying they’re stressed—and they need help before it leads to a bite.
At Bark Busters, we never use e-collars or harsh tools. We use humane, proven methods to reduce stress and build trust. Most dogs improve quickly with calm, consistent leadership. Don’t wait for a bite. Get professional support now—before aggression becomes a habit. We're here to help.
What Makes Bark Busters Charleston 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 Charleston, 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 is 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 to 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.
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
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.
Tips & Advice
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.
Professional Dog Training Near You!
Servicing: Adams Run, Awendaw, Charleston, Charleston AFB, Cordesville, Edisto Island, Folly Beach, Goose Creek, Hanahan, Hollywood, Huger, Isle Of Palms, Jamestown, Johns Island, Ladson, McClellanville, Moncks Corner, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Ravenel, Sullivans Island, Summerville, Wadmalaw Island
Stay Connected
Learn more about Bark Busters in Charleston, South Carolina!
Get Started Today!
CALL 1-877-500-BARK (2275) OR ENTER YOUR ZIP CODE TO SEND US A MESSAGE.