Expert In-Home Dog Training in Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasanton

Home Dog Training in Walnut Creek, Concord, Pleasanton, CA!

Bark Busters is the worldwide leader of in-home dog training, helping over 1 million families and their dogs for more than 30 years. Hello fellow dog-lovers! I’m Dan Lan Franco, your Bark Busters Dog Trainer and Dog Behavioral Therapist from Walnut Creek to Concord to Pleasanton.

I was born, raised, and educated in the Bay Area and have been surrounded by dogs my entire life. I can’t remember a time when we didn’t have a dog or two running around the house, even fostering a few along the way. Currently, I benefit from the love and enthusiasm of my Rottweiler mix, Linus. He’s a sweet, patient, and gentle 9-year-old, who loves spending time with our family, including the cats and a new baby. Winston, pictured above, is my brother's 2-year-old Boston Terrier, a pup with boundless and loving energy, and he wants everyone to know it!

I've been a leader on numerous sports teams, including football, baseball, and lacrosse. I graduated summa cum laude from Dominican University of California with a degree in Business Administration and Management and a minor in Leadership. Both in the classroom and on the field, I strive when helping, teaching, and mentoring my peers. Seeing others succeed and achieve their own personal goals is just as fulfilling as doing so myself.

I've found there is nothing more fulfilling than helping create harmony in people's homes, by helping to teach you to speak dog!

As a former Bark Busters client - of Karen Gaines in Northern California, who we hired to work with Linus primarily because of his fear and anxiety with strangers - I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact a calm and happy dog can have on an individual and an entire family. I want you all to have that as well.

Our distinctive methodology is built on leadership, respect, and trust. At Bark Busters, we clear up the miscommunication between dogs and humans, which is typically the root of many behavioral issues, by teaching everyone to speak the same language – dog!

In home training. We come to you! I work with you in your own home and tailor our dog and puppy training methods to your specific goals and to meet your dog’s unique needs. You'll get results – and nurture positive relationships and lasting emotional bonds with your canine family member. Your home and neighborhood are where most dog behavior issues begin and where your dog can focus. Being in a familiar environment, where there's nothing competing for your dog's attention, enables us to address dog obedience issues very quickly. 

Personalized dog training. No "one size fits all" group dog training or puppy training classes. We develop a personalized one-on-one program for you based on your dog's particular personality, perspective, and your goals. You'll learn how to read your dog's reactions and adjust your communication as needed depending on how your dog is responding.

Positive dog-friendly training. No shock collars, choke collars, pinning, intimidation, or clickers. We never use harsh techniques or bribe with food to extort good behavior. Our dog training focuses on using dogs' natural instincts to work toward a win-win situation for you and your dog. Trust, clear communication, and understanding produces longer lasting results than treat training or force.

Effective dog training. You will learn more in our first training lesson and get better results than in group classes that last several weeks. You'll be amazed at what your dog will be able to do once you learn to "speak dog."

Learn to speak dog. Dogs don't understand English any better than Italian. It's no wonder they can't immediately understand your verbal commands. We will teach you to communicate using the language your dog already understands, which is especially helpful if your dog is stressed or seems resistant to what you have already tried.  You will learn how to use your body language and voice tones to get your dog to focus on you and respond to your directions. It's really amazing for both you and your dog when you can finally understand what each other wants!

Adjusting to new dog/puppy adoption: Dog and Puppy adoption is at an all-time high - which is great! We have helped countless families welcome their newly adopted puppy or adult dog into their home. Not all dogs (unfortunately) have had the best experiences before you adopt them. We will help your new furry family member adjust to your home and establish a calm, balanced environment that you both desire.