Efficient, Holistic, and Results-Oriented Dog Training

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!

Common Dog Behavioral Issues We Address

Our expert puppy training, dog training, and dog behavior services in Lake Norman 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 Diane, John & Patrick, Your Local Professional Dog Trainers

Top-Rated Dog Training & Puppy Training in Greater Lake Norman, NC!

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About Diane & John Levitt

Welcome. We are Diane Benson Levitt and John Levitt, your Bark Busters Dog Trainers and Dog Behavioral Therapists in Lake Norman and Charlotte North. Over the last five years, we have trained more than 3,000 dogs and their owners to help them live a happy and fulfilling life with their four-legged family members. We are life-long lovers of dogs. We are advocates for your dog and never use harsh methods. We reward with love and praise and a treat is just that -- a special treat! Our goal is to teach you how to communicate with your dog in a kind and gentle manner, to learn how to communicate with your dog so that your he/she understands their boundaries and what we as dog owners expect of them. We use no harsh methods.

We are family-oriented and believe that a family dog requires mutual respect but and environment where their owners provide the leadership needed to keep the family safe, fed, rested, entertained, and happy. Diane and John have raised and trained many well-adjusted family dogs over many years. Their vast experience with all breeds, ages, and behaviors will ensure that your four-legged family member is well adjusted. 

We train all breeds, ages, and behaviors. We also specialize in puppies and help new puppy owners with everything they need from preparation prior to picking up the puppy to housebreaking, crate training, all commands, and all behaviors. We even do pre-baby training when a family is expecting a baby or the arrival of a new dog in the home.

As Bark Busters dog trainers and behavioral therapists, we resolve the most challenging dog behavior issues - aggression, destruction, separation anxiety, sibling rivalry - as well as barking, jumping, and more. We also teach dog and puppy obedience, all in your home. Great relationships are built on respect, trust, and safety. We never use any harsh, or physical methods in our training. Our training techniques are based on natural communication methods that dogs know instinctively. Any Breed. Any Age. Any Issue.

Patrick Hickey Bark Busters Home Dog Trainer Charlotte South v2

About Patrick Hickey

Patrick has been an animal lover and dog owner all his life, as well as a lifelong rescuer. He proudly served his country for more than 20 years in the Army as a Medevac helicopter pilot and is now a small business owner and long-time resident of Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition to his military service, he has worked at a large financial institution training clients. Across both careers, he has dedicated his life to teaching, training, and improving lives.

Today, as a Bark Busters Dog Trainer and Behavioral Therapist, he combines his passion for dogs with his commitment to helping people. His approach is built on compassionate leadership, clear communication, and creating a safe, secure environment—helping families live happier lives with their dogs.

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Client Reviews

See what our clients in Lake Norman have to say

...What truly stands is their ongoing support. Training doesn’t end when the session is over, and they clearly understand that. My text messages are typically returned the same day (often within hours), and they are happy to clarify next steps or provide additional resources. They check in proactively, celebrate our progress, and offer reassurance when things feel challenging.

Their communication style is professional yet warm, making it easy to be honest about struggles without feeling judged. They truly feel like part of the family (Aunt Diane and Uncle John!).
That level of accessibility and encouragement makes a huge difference in our confidence and consistency at home.

Diane and John are helping our puppy coexist with our 12-year-old Shih Tzu. We are very hopeful that, in due time, they will be playing together.

If you’re looking for a dog training company that is not only knowledgeable but also highly responsive and genuinely supportive throughout the entire process, I highly recommend Diane and John! Their commitment to client communication truly sets them apart. We cannot wait to continue to work with you both through the many stages of puppyhood!
Kayla U.
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...In just two meetings, they helped correct behaviors I’ve been dealing with for years — including food aggression, jumping, and difficult leash walking. Their techniques were clear, effective, and tailored specifically to my dog’s personality. What impressed me most was how quickly my dog responded once I was shown the right way to guide him.

They don’t just train the dog — they teach you how to build trust, set boundaries, and lead in a way your dog understands. The improvements have been incredible, and I’m already seeing a happier, more confident dog at home.

I highly recommend this company to anyone dealing with behavioral issues, big or small. Their knowledge and guidance have made a massive difference for us, and I’m truly grateful for their help.
Darren M.
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Mr. Johnny and Ms. Diane are exceptional dog trainers who truly understand canine behavior. Their expertise goes beyond just training, as they also provide valuable guidance on dog health and diet, ensuring a well-rounded approach to pet care. I recently got a puppy who is just 2 month old, and their advice has been incredibly helpful in setting the right foundation. We have completed three sessions with them so far, and the progress has been remarkable. Their dedication and passion for dogs are evident in the results they achieve. Highly recommended for anyone looking for professional and compassionate dog training and care!”
Suresh .
Concord, NC
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Diane and John are truly a power couple! They have an amazing bedside manner, have made us feel comfortable while supplying plenty of love and humor throughout the process. They are 150% dedicated to the work and are willing to work around the clock to help us with any challenges we have with Remy. These trainers are nothing short of amazing! They have helped us realize that although training with your dog can be challenging; however, it is more than possible, fun and worth the time we're putting in for our desired results. Thank you Diane and John! We look forward to our continued work with you all.
Kevin and Carrie H.
Lake Norman
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Will try to make this short. Sunday I left McGee twice! Church that morning and again that night for a youth fundraiser at church. He's getting so much better that I didn't spy on him that morning but I did last night. Everyone at church gets a kick out of watching him on the McGee cam 🤭. Today we went to get a burger in memory of Daddy for his birthday and he's so much better in the car! He used to bark at anyone and everyone but now he just chills out. I know people are tired of me pushing how important training is and I almost feel like I am an ambassador for Bark Busters because I truly know what you have done for me and McGee is the beneficiary of that. If you come across someone on the fence about the program, please feel free to have them talk to me. I am such an advocate for what you guys do!!! ❤️
Retha C.
Concord, NC
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We first hired Bark Busters Lake Norman 5 years ago when we had two, small senior dogs. I was pregnant and wasn't sure how our dogs would handle the transition, plus there were a number of behaviors we had ignored over the years that would be unacceptable once the baby came. I swore after that first visit they had somehow swapped our dogs for two well behaved dogs when we weren't looking! They took so much time with us, made sure we understood everything, and were always there for us any time we needed them. When the time came for our boys to cross the rainbow bridge, Diane and John were there for us offering advice and support and just over all going above and beyond the call of duty. We recently got a puppy and calling Diane and John to help with him was a no brainer. We LOVE Bark Busters Lake Norman!!
Taylor Lynne P.
Huntersville, NC
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Diane and John are miracle workers! We have 2 goldens and they are quite the handful at times. Diane and John have taught us so much about dog behavior that helps you understand why dogs do things certain ways so that you can correct their behavior. They teach you corrections that are effective and beyond helpful. I love that they come to your home so that they can see your dog in their own environment. If I could give 10 stars, I would!
Taylor J.
Huntersville, NC
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John and Diane are a fantastic team. We are only a few weeks into training with our puppy, but with their methods we are already off to a great start. Having them as a part of our team gives us confidence!
Dave and Diny C.
Huntersville, NC
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We had issues with our Dachshund rescue. He was resource guarding me against my husband. Also lot of barking and would not let others pet him. After ONE visit with Diane and John he is a different dog. They were able to show us how to correct his unwanted behaviors. he is now and happy and relaxed dog! We are thrilled with his progress!
Teresa B.
Denver, NC
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Our trainers (Diane and John) were amazing and so understanding with both of our dogs and with us as well! They took the time to explain every bit of the reason behind the training techniques and the behaviors of dogs in general to help us understand how to communicate with our dogs.
One of the dogs was very timid during the first meeting and they took things slower with her and never tried to push her too far. Every session was tailored to address the specific issues we cited in our initial call to Bark Busters and every technique they taught us started showing noticeable changes sometimes as quickly as one day after practicing it with the dogs.
None of the training involved anything pain or treat related (no shock collar, treat training, etc) which we appreciated too! They just teach you how to communicate with your dog so that they understand what you want from them.
Diane and John are absolutely amazing and thoughtful individuals and I would recommend them and Bark Busters to anyone!
Micheal F.
Cornelius, NC
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Diane and John are so good at what they do. They helped our whole family understand dog behavior so that we could work WITH our dogs rather than against them. We have 2 golden doodles and live on a farm so they helped us teach them how to interact with the animals. Diane responds quickly to questions and has very useful recommendations. We are very happy that we worked with them to train our dogs and highly recommend them.
Katy G.
Iron Station, NC
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Bark Busters Lake Norman, led by trainers Diane and John, provided exceptional puppy training for our two chocolate labs. Their behavioral approach focused on addressing the root causes of our pups' behavioral issues, without using treats or punishment.

Diane and John were professional and knowledgeable, creating a personalized training plan to achieve our goals. Throughout the training process, they used communication-based methods, teaching our puppies obedience skills through voice tones, body language, and other subtle cues.

Bark Busters' unique approach to training allowed us to build a strong foundation of trust and respect with our puppies, leading to well-behaved and obedient dogs. We highly recommend their non-treat and non-punishment-based training to anyone in the Lake Norman area. Diane and John at Bark Busters Lake Norman are the perfect choice for top-notch puppy training.
Anthony T.
Cornelius, NC
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I reached out to John and Diane back in September and I've only had 2 sessions with them and they have taught me so much already. I even told Diane that I didn't realize I could love my dog more but I do, especially now that we have a better understanding of each other.

My dog is a German Shepherd mix who was through training when he was a puppy. I diligently followed the instructions I was given, but over time he developed some habits that I didn't get in front of like rushing the door anytime someone came. I would correct him, but he didn't care and I just starting thinking this is normal behavior for his breed. But now that he is 4 and much stronger, I started getting worried that something bad could happen so I called Diane and John to help me. That have been tremendous in helping me understand how to adapt my behavior to improve his. With only 2 sessions (and a lot of practice) I don't have a dog that controls my front door. I can highly recommend them and they will help you, but you need to put in the work.
Now I can't wait to see what our next session brings.
Sherry S.
Huntersville, NC
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Only one lesson in and we are very confident this is the BEST money we ever spent! John and Diane are delightful, kind, and incredibly talent at what they do! Our two Goldendoodles are noticeably better-I can't wait to see what else John and Diane can teach us!
Brooke D.
Huntersville, NC
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Night and Day. I only wish I had done this sooner! I had no idea how badly behaved my dogs really were until we moved here and had to live in an apartment for awhile. My dogs lurched and barked incessantly at EVERYONE all the time. Even the people outside when we were trying to have a quiet evening. In only 2 hours Diane and John trained US to work with our dogs differently. No treats or gimmicks. In just that time we saw a SIGNIFICANT change. Its been 2 days and we are running into neighbors when we walk them and no more barking or lurching even when they see other dogs! HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend. Do not wait another minute with your dog ruling the roost. This is life changing, and good for the dogs too.
Julie D.
Mooresville, NC
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John and Diane have been awesome!! Very responsive and easy to work with! We saw great results with our dog, Quinn after just one session! Looking forward to continuing to work with them! Highly recommend.
Rob O.
Huntersville, NC
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Just in one day of training my baby girl is doing so much better . My wife and I finally see light at the end of the tunnel . Well worth every penny . Diane and John are absolutely amazing and so welcoming . I trust in them so much. They know exactly what they are doing.
Krys R.
Huntersville, NC
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lkn@barkbusters.com <lkn@barkbusters.com>
Sat, May 28, 5:43 PM (4 days ago)
to me

I called Bark Busters to help with my dogs' Separation Anxiety while living in an apartment. Diane and John have been fantastic! We are only 2 training sessions down and I have seen a huge difference in my dog. We also moved cities to a house between training and Diane and John were always available by text or call for any issues we had! I would 100% recommend them.
Destiny W.
Mooresville, NC
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I was a new dog owner with an 8 week Puppy and needed someone to train myself and my dog!! After multiple phone interviews with different trainers I decided on Barkbusters of Lake Norman. Diane and John are not only very knowledgeable but extremely kind and patient. Their techniques were easy for both myself and Willow and I saw great improvement after each visit that was sustainable They are the best I highly recommend them
Laurie G.
Mooresville, NC
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Diane and John are so knowledgeable and kind! Admittedly, I was skeptical of dog training that isn't based on treats OR punishment, but I'm a believer now. It didn't take long for us to realize that we were the ones that need training. I mean, we were doing things all wrong and our dogs had US trained! And by "we" I mostly mean my husband. We've only had one visit from Diane and John so far, and we've been practicing what we learned in the initial consultation. In just 9 days, these two dogs have learned to walk on loose leashes. Prior to starting with Bark Busters, I was not physically able to walk either of these girls by myself because they pulled like sled dogs 100% of the time. This made me sad because they LOVE going on walks. Now I feel "in control" on our short walks. We will build on that and increase the length of walks as well as introducing "distractions". We're also working or reactivity to visitors at the front door. The techniques we learned in visit #1 are working well so far and the barking and lunging at the door is dramatically decreased. We still have lots of work to do, but I am so happy that we called Bark Busters. Their pricing is very reasonable, especially considering they offer a lifetime guarantee. Besides, you will learn so much from them that you can apply to any future pets that might find their way into your home...like they do! I seriously wish I had known what they taught me on day 1 thirty years ago.
Angie B.
Huntersville, NC
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John and Diane are truly miracle workers. Many life-changing events left my dog, Miss Carter, very anxious around other people and dogs. As others have noted, I was skeptical of training that didn’t involve treats or punishment, but we gave it a shot. What I learned early is that the training was more for me and the results were phenomenal… you could tell she was a different dog from the first training and it just compounded with each additional training. She is so much more calm, confident and happy – and EVERYONE has noticed it. She even has a new dog best friend that she plays with all the time. I only wish we had found John and Diane sooner!
Jordan H.
Mooresville, NC
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We decided to get a puppy 2 months before we our first baby's due date. After the first few days of having the puppy, we were on the fence to re-home our Golden Doodle puppy Rose. We didn't want to see her go, and we found Bark Busters Lake Norman with Diane and John. We decided to give training a shot to see if we could better help Rose. Diane and John came to our house and immediately we felt like there was hope for us and Rose. Diane and John helped us understand the different behaviors Rose was having and how to correct her bad behaviors. We felt much more confident in training Rose. We have called and texted Diane several times in between our visits and she always responses quickly with clarity and helpful information. I would 100% recommend the training program with Diane and John!! They are extremely helpful and personable! As well, the training program is affordable and great value! If you are on the fence of re-homing your puppy, give Diane and John a call and they will help you!
Aubrey H.
Huntersville, NC
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John and Diane are amazing! After an awful experience with another dog trainer, we were very hesitant to try another service, especially one where we have to pay up front. All I have to say is if you hire Bark Busters Lake Norman, you won't be disappointed! After 2 weeks of working with our pups, they are like different dogs. Their reactivity to other dogs, barking, and other behavioral issues are getting better each day! Their system is so simple, yet effective! Its based on establishing yourself as the leader of the pack, and your dogs immediately respond. We are just getting started with John and Diane, but I am confident that we'll continue to make progress. Thank you both for providing your services!
Corey B.
Huntersville, NC
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Today marks our 3 month anniversary of being trained by Diane and John. I say “us” because it is my husband and myself that are being trained. We then train our dog according to the Bark Busters philosophy and methods. I have restrained myself from writing a review because I wanted to see where we would be in 3 months, regarding a well-trained pup. There is no doubt the reviews for Bark Busters Lake Norman are impressive, but I notice most are made after the initial “miracle” session, which we definitely also experienced. Tedi was 4 months old when we had our first training session. The difference after that one session was remarkable but you must keep up with the training in order for it to become engrained. We love the Bark Busters method because it is neither reward- nor punishment-based. It is behavioral and it makes so much sense. Add on the fact that John and Diane are superb trainers with great observational skills and you will have a well trained dog if you are willing to do the work with your dog. Diane and John are also well versed in regards to toys, safety, nutrition, socialization, and more. We have learned so much from them and in 3 short months and continue to learn as our sessions progress. Although not as frequent now, we know they are there for us when we need them either in person with an appointment or suggestions from afar. Tedi amazes our friends who visit with her attention and obedience. And she is a very happy dog. Thank you John, Diane, and Bark Busters! We continue to progress and be impresssed.
Kim T.
Mooresville, NC
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My goldendoodle is not the same dog after just 1 training session with John & Diane. He is 15 months old & has progressed from constantly barking inside & outside to relaxing & sitting quietly, just from that 1st training lesson. They took the time to really explain what my dog was communicating to me, so I could understand how communicate what I want him to do. They are so knowledgeable about dog behavior & compassionate about your struggles with your pet. I highly recommend their services to anyone who wants to learn how to correct their dog’s behavior so he/she can really be your best buddy!
Nikki D.
Huntersville, NC
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Diane and John are amazing to work with! Within a two and a half hour session I was already feeling better about my dog's barking issue. They showed me techniques that did not require me to use force or treats. I look forward to the next session and I would recommend them to anyone!
Hilary S.
Cornelius, NC
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What Makes Bark Busters Lake Norman 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 Lake Norman dog trainer, Diane & John, 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 Lake Norman our Life of Dog Support Guarantee means Diane & John 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 Lake Norman.

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Servicing: Alexis, Banner Elk, Barium Springs, Catawba, Charlotte, China Grove, Cleveland, Concord, Cornelius, Dallas, Davidson, Denver, East Spencer, Faith, Granite Quarry, Huntersville, Iron Station, Kannapolis, Kings Mountain, Landis, Lincolnton, Locust, Maiden, Mooresville, Mount Holly, Mount Mourne, Mount Ulla, Paw Creek, Richfield, Rockwell, Salisbury, Scotts, Sherrills Ford, Spencer, Stanley, Statesville, Stony Point, Terrell, Troutman, Turnersburg, Woodleaf

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