Efficient, Holistic, and Results-Oriented Dog Training in Detroit

Experiencing behavioral issues with your dog? Our compassionate, in-home dog training in Detroit empowers you to overcome challenges fast. 

We teach in your home, where your dog feels the most secure. Through our focused, results-driven approach, you’ll learn how to lead and communicate clearly with your dog, so you can enjoy a calmer, happier life together.

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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 Detroit 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 Detroit, Michigan 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 Detroit 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 Maril, Your Local Professional Dog Trainer

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Best Dog Training in the Greater Detroit Metro!

Welcome. I am Maril Zbik, your Bark Busters dog trainer since 2005. I have been fortunate enough to have successfully trained thousands dogs and their owners throughout the Detroit area. If you are like me, you love your dog, but in your case there seem to be some behavioral issues that are frustrating you.

I am a certified Master-level Dog Trainer & Dog Behavioral Therapist and is also a licensed Canine Safety Consultant. I am extremely community-oriented and work hard to help dogs in our area.

I present in-service workshops for veterinary clinics, groomers, kennels, and animal rescues on topics such as preventing dog bites and preparing dogs for adoption. I never want dogs to be re-homed or euthanized because of behavioral issues. I provide educational programs for children, schools and community groups on dog safety, stranger dog danger and more. I am passionate about speaking to community groups so you can choose the right breed for your family or preparing your dog for a new baby or a move.

The Bark Busters dog training method is unlike any other method that is out there. Here’s why:

We Speak Dog. Dogs learn to communicate with each when they are first born as a member of a pack. With their Mom and siblings, they develop a pack mentality. When they come into your home, you have to establish yourself as the leader of the pack or they will try to take charge! I teach you to be the Top Dog using voice tones and body language. It’s simple and fun for both you and your dog to understand

In-home Dog Training. I teach in your home, where most of the problems occur and where your dog is most comfortable and able to focus. Classes often focus on the “average” dog, and Bark Busters knows that each dog is unique. I will develop a customized dog training program that addresses your dog’s specific needs.

Fast results. You will see immediate results. If you practice 15 minutes a day, the behavioral changes will be transformative.

Positive reinforcement. Dogs don’t communicate with each other using prong or shock collars or even treats. I use an all-natural approach based on the way dogs normally converse.

Vet recommended. Veterinarians see dogs with behavioral issues all day. That’s why many of the veterinarians in Metropolitan Detroit overwhelmingly recommend Bark Busters. In fact, Bark Busters Greater Detroit had trained more than 100 veterinary, shelter, and rescue workers in the area to help overcome fear and anxiety.

Any dog, any issue, any breed. The beauty of the Bark Busters system is it can be modified for puppies, rescue dogs, pure breeds, dogs with disabilities or even mutts.

AKC CGC Evaluator
American Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid
International Association of Canine Professionals Member

Client Reviews

See what our clients in Detroit have to say

Maril was absolutely fabulous. I love that Barkbusters comes to your home and helps you brainstorm solutions for your specific surroundings. I was at my wits end trying to integrate our new puppy into our home life. Maril helped us learn how to speak "dog" and communicate with our puppy through positive reinforcement and how to effectively correct his behavior. The second visit really helped us understand how to refine our strategies. Fred our mini golden doodle still has tons of crazy puppy energy - but we are able to channel it and all live together in a much calmer and cohesive way. THANK YOU BARKBUSTERS.
Marlowe Lynne B.
Commerce Township, MI
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Merril was fabulous! She was promptly on time & very polite. She explained her training methods & the way a dog sees things compared to the way we view things. She helped us with potty training, nipping, running away from us & chewing. I’d go on to explain how but I can’t give her secrets away. But the money was well spent & I will advise everyone to call her . She will change not only your puppy to behave but also you on how dogs behave & why.
Kelly C.
Trenton, MI
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Maril was great! My new adopted Chihuahua mix had problems adjusting to his new home with barking, being in a crate at night and walking on a leash. He is now doing fantastic thanks to Maril's skill and knowledge! Well worth the money!
Lisa G.
Milford, MI
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Maril was a blessing for our family.
We have an unruly puppy.
When she left after our first visit we had a different Dog.
We were very pleased with her.
We would hugely recommend her.
Glenda A.
Lincoln Park, MI
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Loved the visual presentation & Sit down experience, the follow up was very nice. The analogies to human needs were extremely helpful. Very consistent.
Chris & Gale T.
Berkley, MI
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It was a very thorough lesson on how to understand our dogs thoughts and actions. Artemis always raced to the door and would bolt out. Maril showed us how to stop this and it's been great ever since. I was very pleased. There is no painful training. No shock, choke or pinch collars. It was amazing to see Artemis' potential and to see that if we all work together, she will be an amazing dog. Not only is Maril our light at the end of the tunnel, but it is extremely affordable compared to the dozen or so places I called.
Nancy & Chris C.
Highland, MI
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Highly recommended, they do know their dogs, very nice to interact with and Coco is on her way to better family life along with her owners. It's a work in progress working with Coco and us every day.
Marty B.
Wyandotte, MI
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Maril really helped me how to understand my puppy’s behavior, and how to modify my behavior to get Quincy to be a less anxious, happier dog.
Traci H.
Wyandotte, MI
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Maril is our hero! We adopted Marco from a shelter in May of 2017 and needed some extra help with training. This dog would bark at anything he hears, anything he thinks he hears, and anything he think he might hear.
Our first session was full of information and tips on proper training and plenty of example. Today we finished our revisit and he is soooo much better.
Maril is kind, pateint and she always responds to my inquiries in a timly manner. I highly recommend her! 5 stars!
Britnay N.
Westland, MI
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Maril conveyed not only what to do (techniques) but the "why" behind the techniques. We were able to have a greater view of the mind of a dog.
The results were absolutely noticeable! Based on what I had read about Bark Busters I had faith that strides would be made, however the speed at which we noticed a difference is fantastic! After the first session and within 24 hours the changes were remarkable.
The techniques were so very effective! I'm very pleased to have effective tools to use!
There is so much knowledge shared during the sessions; it's really wonderful!
Without a doubt I would recommend Bark Busters! The knowledge that is transferred, the tools that are provided, Maril's calm tone, and the speed at which change is seen is remarkable. Maril has helped alleviate so much stress in our home and allows us all to really enjoy our dog.
Carol Jackson J.
Plymouth, MI
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Maril provided great visual aids that were relative to her verbal instructions. At the end of the first lesson it was almost as if we had a different dog. The techniques were awesome! They were easy to understand and utilize. The training made the stress level drop for both me and for my dog. I would definitely recommend Bark Busters. We had great results and great homework ideas.
Kristen Taylor T.
Allen Park, MI
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Excellent Scores in every category. "This training definitely got the attention of my dogs."
Michelle LeClare L.
White Lake, MI
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Maril made the training very logical. Within the first few minutes we saw results - very effective! We like the training techniques used and how effective they were. The training was very informative and engaging. I realize that we have to practice and work hard for continued results. Maril made it so easy and logical.
D & F T.
Warren, MI
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Hi Maril -

I wanted to email you Storm's progress and a couple questions I have.

First - On Tuesday, I took Storm to the vet for a standard booster shot. Storm was wonderful in the parking lot and in the waiting area. She did not 'talk' in her usual way, nor did she pull me all over. She sat on the scale, had her shot, and waited at the counter with me while I paid. The vet tech who had suggested Bark Busters on my last visit asked how Storm was doing. The tech thought I had taken Storm to the car and was back to pay the bill - she could not believe that a calm and quite Storm was right next to me at the counter!!

Because my confidence has grown and Storm has mastered the driveway, I have started taking her to the local metro-park early in the morning. We began on Wednesday morning by just walking near the car, and around the parking lot on the sidewalk. It took a while for her to remember not to stop for every little leaf or new smell, but she had the hang of it by the time we left. Thursday, we extended the distance and added a new sidewalk area and people by their cars. She wanted to go over to the people, but remembered when corrected. Today, we added a little more distance and even had to 'try' to ignore another dog. The other dog was not on a leash, but did not come too close to us - so it went well. I practiced going first in between picnic benched that were grouped together, trying to get her to understand that she does not lead me. That also went pretty well. All in all, I am very thrilled with how things are going. We won't be back to the park until Wednesday morning because of my work schedule and I know on Sunday it will be too crowded with picnics for me. But, we can practice around my house so neither one of us forgets!!

My grandsons were here last weekend (the 10 and 7 years olds). They listened intently as I told them how we needed to talk and act with Storm - they watched the 77 videos twice - they read and reread the chart I printed from the site on how a dog communicates and reacts to people. I am very proud of how they took it all to heart! They did forget a couple times and chased Storm when she got the soccer ball and they did not wait for her to bring it back to them - but they are doing a great job of trying!

I cannot thank you enough for your help in training me to train Storm! We will both keep practicing and both get better - now that you have given me the confidence and the knowledge to work with!!
Sheila Paxton P.
Highland, MI
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I've never seen Midnight so relaxed. It's quick and easy & it works. The explanations were excellent.
Gina Vanconant V.
Redford, MI
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This is by far the best training ever. We rescued our dog Lexi, and in the agreement we had to take her for training. The first round was done else where and while at our vet for her check up I came across the brochure for bark busters. I read through it and told my mom all about it. She called and made the appointment and we could not be happier. Maril is just fantastic and personable and we are so glad we went with this training. I would recommend this company to anyone who needs a well behaved dog. No matter what age they are, this training will work wonders.
Lisa M.
Allen Park, MI
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Maril was very thorough and explained everything. She took the time to show me how to say and do things so Lexi would understand - it worked the first time!! Maril explained the why's and how's of dog behavior. I found it fun. I can't wait to practice! I love training without treats. After Maril left I practiced some of the techniques and I am very pleased!
Cathy Muniz M.
Allen Park, MI
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We learned very basic, non dramatic techniques that cause no harm to our dogs. Anyone can learn these and be successful. We are thoroughly impressed by our trainer Maril. She truly is a life saver and we see a huge difference in our dogs already. Excellent scores in every category.
Melissa Arban A.
Dearborn Heights, MI
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Maril was very calm with our puppy. She has a natural and easy to understand demeanor.
Eliza Hix H.
Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Maril was great. I saw noticeable results from both my husband and my dog! I was absolutely pleased. It was a little like magic. I know that practice and consistency is the key to continued results. I refer clients to Bark Busters because the training really works.
Lisa Maloney M.
Plymouth, MI
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Maril was fabulous – she even suggested we video her w/ Ollie, as well as ourselves. Ollie’s demeanor was much more relaxed after our first session. Her confidence in herself and in us improved immediately. Ollie’s response was immediate once we knew more about speaking her language. Maril was pleasant, supportive, and knowledgeable – it was low pressure / high reward. We would absolutely recommend Maril.
Roxanne Bruner B.
Belleville, MI
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Maril is wonderful. She explains and demonstrates techniques that work. She is also flexible and good at modifying techniques to fit changing circumstances.
Beryl Satter S.
Detroit, MI
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The training was easy to understand & follow. Hank made considerable improvement even at the first lesson. I'm very pleased with his results. The Bark Busters collar is much better than the pinch collar. I enjoyed every moment of the training. I'll recommend Bark Busters because it was easy to understand and I saw immediate results.
Daniel Bryan B.
Plymouth, MI
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Maril was thorough but friendly. She never scolded. Starla was quick to learn. We are extremely pleased. I think this training style will produce good results. The program is setting us up for success, which is our goal. Maril is very helpful. 10/10
Brooke Rousseau R.
Royal Oak, MI
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What Makes Bark Busters Detroit Unique

Bark Busters is a global leader in home-based training, with more than 30 years of experience helping families create better relationships with their dogs. We focus on the root cause of behavior problems by improving communication between you and your dog.

Dogs learn best in a safe, familiar setting, which is why we come to you. Your trainer works with you where behavior matters most, then helps you build skills that hold up around everyday distractions.

We teach you how to communicate through body language, tone of voice, timing, and calm leadership so your dog can follow your guidance with confidence.

Any breed. Any age. Any issue. We are here to help you move forward with clarity, support, and results.

Home Dog Training

Our Services

Bark Busters 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. Once you and your dog are ready, your Detroit dog trainer, Maril, will work with you outside and around real distractions — in your neighborhood, on your streets, where it matters most.

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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.

For families seeking in-home dog training in Detroit our Life of Dog Support Guarantee means Maril will always be just a call away — ready to help at no additional cost.

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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 including guidance tailored to dog owners in Detroit.

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Professional Dog Training Near You!

Servicing: Allen Park, Belleville, Berkley, Canton, Carleton, Commerce Township, Davisburg, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, Eastpointe, Ecorse, Farmington, Ferndale, Flat Rock, Franklin, Garden City, Grosse Ile, Grosse Pointe, Hamtramck, Harper Woods, Hartland, Highland, Highland Park, Holly, Huntington Woods, Inkster, Lincoln Park, Livonia, Melvindale, Milford, New Boston, Newport, Northville, Novi, Oak Park, Pleasant Ridge, Plymouth, Redford, River Rouge, Riverview, Rockwood, Romulus, Royal Oak, Saint Clair Shores, South Rockwood, Southfield, Southgate, Taylor, Trenton, Walled Lake, Wayne, West Bloomfield, Westland, White Lake, Wixom, Wyandotte

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