Bark Busters Des Moines Reviews

Reviews

289 Reviews ★★★★★(Average 4.92 out of 5)

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  • Ryan Q.
    5 days ago — Des Moines, IA

    Photo of Bentley 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.

    • #Barking
    • #Hyperactivity
    • #Jumping up
    • #Other
  • Lauren I.
    29 days ago — Winterset, IA

    Photo of Murphy, Mila, Maxy 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!

    • #Barking
    • #Jumping up
    • #Recall
    • #Other
  • Paige
    2 months ago — West Des Moines, IA

    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

    • #Aggression
    • #Barking
    • #Jumping up
    • #Pulling
    • #Recall
    • #Toileting
  • Kendra
    2 months ago — Bondurant, IA

    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!

    • #Aggression
    • #Barking
    • #Pulling
  • Katy B.
    3 months ago — Ankeny, IA

    Deb Boswell is the dog whisperer of the Des Moines area. I have two dogs (4 and 6 months) and she is really helping me train them to be even better versions of themselves. Bark Busters has a philosophy I have never heard of and it’s definitely working. I had family come in town after only a week of training and they noticed a positive impact. So thankful I found her and this company!

    • #Jumping up
    • #Pulling
    • #Puppy management
    • #Recall
    • #Sibling rivalry
    • #Separation anxiety
    • #Toileting
  • Blake G.
    3 months ago — Van Meter, IA

    Deb has been great to work with as we’ve addressed barking behavior with one of our dogs and severe separation anxiety with the other. We saw improvement after just our first session and over the past couple of months we’ve made big strides. She takes the time to explain the process and level set the expectations with you, as your dog’s behavior won’t change if yours doesn’t change along with it. Highly recommend!

    • #Barking
    • #Puppy management
    • #Separation anxiety
    • #Other
  • LuAnn D.
    3 months ago — Waukee, IA

    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.

  • ADR B.
    3 months ago — Urbandale, IA

    Photo of Amelia Deb Boswell is a good teacher of both the humans and the dog. She explained the process, what was expected of us, before we introduced her to the dog. She wanted us to understand the plan before we were distracted with trying to control the dog.
    Amelia is a 4y/o lab mix who was rescued 2 years ago after being abandoned while pregnant. Through a series of shelters and transport teams, we adopted her. As you can see in the photo, she worries. About many things. But the last 6 months she's increased her barking, so that it's now all the time at everything and everyone outside. We live on a bike path, and in a neighborhood with lots of kids and dogs. Out of nowhere Amelia would jump up, start barking madly, and run from door to windows and back, getting more wound up. Sometimes we see what she barks at; other times there doesn't seem to be anything. When packages were delivered, she'll run to the door, causing a major pile-up as we try to get the package. On a walk sometimes she'll react to some dogs, not consistently, and it's hard to tell if she wants to play or fight; she's managed to knock both of us down by a sudden lunge -- and that was on flat ground, without any ice or snow. Walking in winter is like a circus act. As she now weighs 70lbs, getting her under control on a leash is an important issue. Trying to take her where there were other dogs, or noises, or on travel, was a challenge.
    We all were very frustrated.
    Then Deb came, and in the initial session helped diagnose what was triggering Amelia, showed us ways to address the anxiety, barking, to establish our control, and gave suggestions for keeping her busy. Most she laid out a straightforward plan, that we could use consistently, and that Amelia responded to.
    I really appreciated Deb's method of working with us before Amelia was invited to join the group, and her advice that we needed to fire Amelia from her job as Head of Security. That helped us think about what we were just letting Amelia do, because she was the boss of us.
    I was skeptical in the promise that after one lesson, we could see meaningful change.
    After Session One, I have hope that we can all adapt, and create a calmer environment.
    We have a follow-up session set for about 3 weeks; Deb has also encouraged us to call or email her with any progress notes, or for help getting unstuck.
    Definitely glad that we chose Deb of BarkBusters Des Moines.

    • #Barking
    • #Pulling
    • #Recall
  • ADR B.
    3 months ago — Urbandale, IA

    Photo of Amelia After just two weeks, what a difference! Between Lesson 1 and 2, we had followup emails, and Deb responded to the notes we sent.
    Amelia is much calmer. Random barking still an issue, but reduced frequency. Now we can get her on a leash and out the door without a major tangle. She responds to being re-focused.
    It's been a process for the humans to remember how to respond consistently, but we're getting better, and encouraged that we can keep this up. Even the neighbors have noticed about how much better Amelia acts on a leash and during walks. For the first time in 2 years I feel that I could let someone else walk her without fear that they'd get knocked down or tangled up with another dog.
    We've used Deb's suggestions for keeping Amelia busy with Lick-Mat and Kong; that also helps her people and dogs walking by our house.
    Working with Deb, and getting her support is definitely worth the investment. Deb has brought about major change in everyone's behaviors, and things are much calmer. We appreciate the reinforcement we get with the emails, and knowing that Deb responds promptly to questions.
    As you can see in the photo, Amelia now enjoys the fact that she is no longer Head of Security, which allows for more nap time.

    • #Barking
    • #Pulling
    • #Recall
  • Dantiana F.
    6 months ago — West Des Moines, IA

    Photo of Ivy & Toby Deb is amazing! She listens to everything we have to say regarding our dogs’ behaviors. She goes out of her way to give us her resources and knowledge to help our dogs be their best selves. We’re so happy we have Deb as a trainer!

    • #Aggression
    • #Jumping up
    • #Pulling