Efficient, Holistic, and Results-Oriented Dog Training in Des Moines, Ankeny, West Des Moines & Surrounding Areas

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. Live a happier life together with your dog!

Contact Me Today

Personalized Dog & Puppy Training

Every dog is different. That’s why we work with you to create a tailored training plan and bring our experienced trainers to your home on your schedule. Whether you’re looking for puppy training in Des Moines or help with an older dog, we’ve got you covered!

Nurturing, Dog-Friendly Approach

We don’t rely on bribes or punishment. Our proven methods are based on respect, leadership, and trust, the core values that build lasting changes and better behavior.

A Lifetime of Support

With our Gold Service, your Bark Busters Greater Des Moines trainer is a single call away and ready to help at any point in your dog’s life at no additional cost.

Common Dog Behavioral Issues We Address

Our expert puppy training, dog training, and dog behavior services in Des Moines resolve the most challenging dog behavior issues including:

  • 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 Deb Boswell, Your Local Professional Dog Trainer and Business Owner

large debra boswell

In-Home Dog Training in Greater Des Moines!

If your dog is a bit of a “wild child,” you’re in the right place! Taking this first step shows you care, and I’m glad you found me. 

Before I discovered Bark Busters Home Dog Training, I had a wild child of my own. I tried everything—six obedience classes, in-home training, even daycare sessions with a trainer. She earned her Therapy Dog credentials, yet at home she still pulled on the leash and barked at everything. Life with her was exhausting, until Bark Busters changed everything.

I’m Deb Boswell, owner of Bark Busters Greater Des Moines and a certified Master Dog Behavior Therapist. For 18 years, I’ve been helping families transform their dogs’ behavior using Bark Busters’ proven, unique approach—developed in Australia and trusted worldwide for over 36 years. Whether you’re dealing with aggression, puppy training, or anything in between, I’ll guide you every step of the way.

My current dogs are full of life and energy, yet they listen when it matters—calm at the door, quiet after one bark, and always looking to me for direction. With Bark Busters’ holistic approach, I’ll help you achieve the same balance through nutrition, safety, and enrichment.

Why Choose Bark Busters?

With Bark Busters, training is built entirely around you—your dog, your concerns, your goals. Sessions take place in your home and neighborhood, on your schedule, with lifetime support no matter where you live.

Our methods never use force, punishment, prong collars, or shock collars. Training is never out of your sight—no board and train—so your dog learns to respond to you. We focus on clear, canine-based communication, teaching you how to understand and guide your dog. Training is tailored to your dog’s unique temperament, with treats used only for positive associations, never as a bribe.

What to Expect with Bark Busters Home Dog Training

  • In our very first lesson, I’ll share practical insights and coach you through simple daily exercises designed to strengthen your bond with your dog. This foundation session lasts 2–3 hours, and your dog won’t see it as “training”—just fun time with you.
  • From there, just 10 minutes a day and a few small adjustments to your routine can create amazing results.
  • About two weeks later, we’ll schedule a 1-hour follow-up to address any challenges. And in the meantime, you can always text me with questions.

For 18 years, I’ve helped thousands of dog owners build happier relationships with their dogs—and I’d love to help you too. Contact me today to get started.

Client Reviews

See what our clients in Greater Des Moines have to say

...we saw immediate improvement after just one session with Deb. He now understands that he does not have to bark at every visitor to our house or person we encounter on the street. He seems more relaxed as a result, and so are we.
Deb was great, she taught us as dog parents a lot. She worked with Reiley and she made us realize Reiley is a smart girl and learns quickly. Us on t he other hand need alot of work. But we will do it!!! Thank you Deb
...Her explanation and demonstration of the techniques was exceptional. Yesterday was so much quieter in our house. We have a 12 year old lab mix and a 4 year old Beagle mix. They are both prone to a lot of barking as people and dogs come past our house. We live on a corner lot which increases the traffic. We have tried many different trainings and options that have not been successful at changing their behavior. Today has been a bit tougher but still much improved since training. Deb is very prompt with answers and really wants her clients to know that she is there if they have trouble. I will be texting her tonight for some tips on refining my training as I am learning right alongside the dogs.
After just a couple of weeks, I’ve seen a total transformation in my dog. Deb is amazing and is always available to help answer questions.
Deb was great, she taught us as dog parents a lot
She worked with Reiley and she made us realize Reiley is a smart girl and learns quickly. Us on the other hand need a lot of work. But we will do it!!! Thank you Deb
I wasn't sure if our terrier mix could respond to training at his age (around nine years old), but we saw immediate improvement after just one session with Deb. He now understands that he does not have to bark at every visitor to our house or person we encounter on the street. He seems more relaxed as a result, and so are we.
Deb is an amazing trainer! She takes the time to explain how dogs communicate and the best ways to get through to them. I love the tools she provides as it does not require treats or any physical punishment. Her methods are easy to understand and can beneficial in many different situations. I would highly recommend her to anyone with a dog!
Deb has great for how to help lead your dog and get them to trust you. We have seen improvements in our dog within a week and are excited to continue lessons with Deb!
Deb was wonderful to work with! She has incredible insight to what a dog thinks and needs. In less than a week I have already seen great improvement with my dog.
Deb Boswell was amazing with training my 6 month old puppy! Already was seeing results the first day of training!
We can’t believe the difference we’ve seen in our dogs! Almost 4 years in our house, and they are completely different. We can’t recommend Deb enough. She did a great job helping us to understand the relationship with our dogs.
Deb is incredibly helpful as a dog trainer and uses a system that really works! My husband and I are already pretty well versed in dogs, but something about the dynamic of the two we have now--barking at the door and windows, jumping on guests, even to the point of fighting with each other--we couldn't get a handle on. Deb came in and brought an expert outside perspective to our situation that has completely changed the stressful dynamic of the house. We've so appreciated the resources offered, the follow up texts, and the simple way to track what we should practice. By applying these trainings, already after just two sessions, our dogs are so much calmer and more obedient and we've taken back control of the house. I would 100% recommend Deb to anyone who has a difficult dog/s. If you listen to her and do the practice, you will absolutely see results.
I have a min pin who barked all the time at anything. I knew that Kate saw herself as the alpha of the pack and nothing I did was successful. I decided to give Bark Busters a try. Deb helped me understand how to speak dog and exactly what I needed! After the first session the barking was very much under control and Kate knew I was the leader and not her! After our second lesson I can now take Kate for walk and I am the leader instead of Kate dragging me down the street at her pace. Barking at others or dogs on our walks has also subsided. Deb is amazing and I can't say enough good things about her knowledge of dogs. My house is more peaceful and I believe Kate is happy that I have stepped into the alpha role and me too! Deb also provided training tools and a special harness for Kate that helped assure immediate success with barking!!!! This program is worth every penny I paid!
It was great meeting with Deb. She was so informative about how train our puppy. We have raised several dogs from puppies, but Deb put everything into perspective. All of the information that she shared with us made so much sense. Our puppy is a Shiba Inu with lots of energy, an attitude, and a huge personality. Deb was able to get our pup to respond to her immediately with some of the training techniques.
We looked at several training options. After meeting with Deb, we are 100% sure that we made the best choice possible. We are looking forward to working with her.
Deb is wonderful to work with and she sure knows her job. After working with her the first training session we were rewarded with a whole new dog. We now know how to communicate with our dog so he understands what we are asking of him I would recommend bark busters to anyone who is looking for some training for their precious four-legged animal.
Deb was amazing with my pup! We saw results immediately and she continued to provide support to us as we continued training.
Deb is very knowledgeable and our family needed this in depth education. Deb's observations gave us a few quick changes that worked along with our mutual understanding why it is best for our dog to be her leader! Deb agreed to support us going forward and the price was worth it to have her help us.
Just had my initial meeting with Deb and 100% recommend! She explained everything thoroughly and took my questions/concerns seriously while giving me guidance on how to address them. She showed me the techniques and I have seen great response from my girl in such a short time and cannot wait to keep working with her!
We had a great experience with Deb. Our new rescue pup has severe separation anxiety to the point that we cannot leave without her panicking and hurting herself with her desperate behaviors to get loose from her pen or crate and find us. Within a couple of hours of working with Deb, we saw some small glimmers of hope. Using her techniques we were able to get nearly 30 mins of Penny starting to settle in her pen. We will keep practicing and working up to more time so I’m no longer a hostage in the home!
Deb is pleasure to work with. Her training is simple to follow and if you follow through, you will get results. We have only had one session with Deb and are getting the results we hoped for. Our Bernedoodle is very active and strong willed, but he is adapting very well. Highly recommend Deb.
I'm grateful for your knowledge and experience as I navigate the world of dogs on a daily basis. Very professional and kind. Dog and person.
Saw results already by the end of my first session with Deb and puppy Alexei! It was really me being trained as I became educated on how to interact with Alexei with communication and praising. Amazing!
We wanted to work with Bentley on not jumping on visitors or mouthing their hands. Deb gave us tools and resources to train Bentley to stop these bad behaviors. We have seen so much improvement in Bentley. Deb has been great to work with, and I would recommend Bark Busters if you need dog training resources.
We can't recommend Deb Boswell and Bark Busters enough! We have three poodles (ages 7, 5, and 3), and after five weeks, there is a huge difference in their behavior. Their door manners when guests come over and overall barking have completely changed, and we can't believe the difference. Bark Busters' holistic approach is effective and safe, and we love that we didn't have to use e-collars or treats to help train. A wonderful training experience — we are so glad we found Deb to help us!
Deb was very thorough in her explanation and instruction. We, as well as friends and family, noticed changes immediately. Within two weeks the dogs started correcting their own behaviors, including stopping themselves after barking once or twice. It was an added bonus that harnesses were included for the training since the dogs have taken well to training in them. Highly recommend bark busters- it’s such a simple and easy to understand method that is definitely worth the time and money!
Deb is fabulous and we learned so much from her just first time meeting with her. We are excited to see the progress we see from our babies
Deb is wonderful. Having the sessions in my home with a trainer like Deb made it easy to learn. In less than one hour both of my dogs, one a 6 month old puppy, were responding to Deb’s commands. Both dogs now listen to my commands and have learned quickly during the last few weeks. I recommend Bark Busters and Deb if you need a dog trainer.

Let's Get Started!

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

Please begin by confirming your zip code.

Bark Busters, Trusted Experts in Dog Behavior Solutions

What Makes Bark Busters Des Moines 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 Des Moines, 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.

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.

Dog Behavior Issues

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: Ackworth, Adel, Alleman, Altoona, Ames, Anita, Ankeny, Bevington, Bondurant, Booneville, Cambridge, Carlisle, Clive, Colfax, Cumming, Dallas Center, De Soto, Des Moines, Dexter, Earlham, Granger, Grimes, Hartford, Huxley, Indianola, Johnston, Kelley, Knoxville, Linden, Madrid, Martensdale, Milo, Mitchellville, Nevada, Newton, Norwalk, Otley, Panora, Patterson, Pella, Pleasant Hill, Pleasantville, Polk City, Prairie City, Prole, Runnells, Saint Charles, Saint Marys, Sheldahl, Slater, Swan, Urbandale, Van Meter, Waukee, West Des Moines, Windsor Heights, Winterset, Woodward

Stay Connected

Learn more about Bark Busters in Greater Des Moines, Iowa!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Get Started Today!

CALL 1-877-500-BARK (2275) OR ENTER YOUR ZIP CODE TO SEND US A MESSAGE.

Please begin by confirming your zip code.