The Miracle Worker------------------------------------------------------------Have you ever felt as though all you efforts to help your dog behave and be a productive member of your family are in vain? If so...read on. There is a savior!
I owned two french bulldogs--Rocky--3 years old and Gizmo--1 year old. Sadly, Rocky began having seizures daily. No medicines or surgery would help him. He was rushed to the emergency room last February and passed, not from an unsuccessful surgery but from the seizure he had AFTER the successful surgery, It was not only a heartbreaking day for our family but for Gizmo .
Weeks passed and Gizmo became very aggressive to other dogs on walks. He'd pull on the leash and tried to fight them all despite his small stature. He'd growl, tug, and jump up on us as if to say-- let me loose! Taking walks along the beach used to be his favorite hobby.. However, he was walking without his brother. Days turned into weeks---weeks into months--- his behavior was getting worse.
He would bark at the mailwoman, Amazon drivers, UPS drivers, friends, family, and anyone who just passed by our home-- walked on our sidewalk... He was a different dog....
He also became very protective over me-his mom. No one could come to our home without him barking incessantly at them. No one could walk near me....say hello to me..sit near me.....kiss me hello or goodbye without him attacking them.
My son owns a frenchie who is 5 years old... We all helped raise Grooty. He frequents "grammy's" home... Not any longer. We cannot havr him here because Gizmo attacks him. He wont let Grooty near me.. his toys... his couch... his bed... or near any of us.. I can't even pet my son's dog. I had to tell him he could no longer bring him here to our home.
That was my last straw-- or---the straw that broke the camel's back!
I was hopeless and helpless. I didn't know what to do... So, I grabbed my laptop and "googled" trainers. I scrolled through pages of trainers and read reviews. Then, I stumbled upon Michael DiStassio's reviews from Barkbusters.
I began reading. Five star after five star reviews!! I regained my HOPE... Have I finally found HELP???? YES!
I found Michael DiStassio's number and texted him this story. I told him we just had had our huge Italian Thanksgiving Family dinner and my french bulldog Gizmo was biting my guests--my family--his family!
I proceeded to tell Michael that after hours of me sitting with Gizmo on the couch, him literally on my lap for hours, me forfeiting my dinner, I picked him up and placed him in OUR bedroom (he sleeps with me).
My kids were leaving and tried to kiss their mother good-bye. Not allowed. Gizmo growled and leapt at them. I felt defeated. I asked Michael if he could and would help me...I told him I was hopeless and helpless.. I truly didn't know what to do. Saying "no" to Gizmo never worked..."Stop" never worked. "Time-outs" never worked. Neither yelling nor aggression were my mojo.
Michael literally messaged me back the day after Thanksgiving.. He told me not to worry.. He could and would definitely help me!! "Don't give up!" he reassuringly said in the calmest tone. He told me he would call me, and we could talk on the phone and set a date and time. I was ecstatic!
Michael and I agreed upon a time during the week when my husband and older children would be home.. Michael wanted everyone who had regular contact with Gizmo to be present for the training.
Michael texted me a list of instructions before his arrival.. He wanted to figure out my little guy's "issues."
Michael watched as Gizmo barked at him.. he was a tyrant.. I was actually embarrassed by his behavior; I didn't want Michael to think badly of me as a "Dog Mom."
Michael asked us all to sit down and explained so many behaviors to us all that we were impressed! Michael concluded that Gizmo was acting out because he had lost his older brother who was the leader. He determined that Gizmo was a "BOP" (bottom of the pack) dog. He wasn't meant to be the leader. He was doing his brother's job yet didn't have the ability to do it. He wasn't cut out for that job. But, sadly, he would have to be employed to do so.
Michael gave us some homework, being a teacher and a mom, I was familiar with the term! Michael told me that I needed to show Gizmo that I was in charge--not him! I needed to be the leader-not him. Showing my fresh frenchie that I had all situations under control meant that he was "relieved"of his duty to protect... What an epiphany!!!!!
After a month or so of me practicing my new teachings, Gizmo was a new dog. He was more relaxed..no barking at strangers...no biting our family...no more aggression. Wow!!!! I had just witnessed a miracle with my own eyes from the miracle worker himself-- Michael Distassio
The Miracle Worker------------------------------------------------------------Have you ever felt as though all you efforts to help your dog behave and be a productive member of your family are in vain? If so...read on. There is a savior!
I owned two french bulldogs--Rocky--3 years old and Gizmo--1 year old. Sadly, Rocky began having seizures daily. No medicines or surgery would help him. He was rushed to the emergency room last February and passed, not from an unsuccessful surgery but from the seizure he had AFTER the successful surgery, It was not only a heartbreaking day for our family but for Gizmo .
Weeks passed and Gizmo became very aggressive to other dogs on walks. He'd pull on the leash and tried to fight them all despite his small stature. He'd growl, tug, and jump up on us as if to say-- let me loose! Taking walks along the beach used to be his favorite hobby.. However, he was walking without his brother. Days turned into weeks---weeks into months--- his behavior was getting worse.
He would bark at the mailwoman, Amazon drivers, UPS drivers, friends, family, and anyone who just passed by our home-- walked on our sidewalk... He was a different dog....
He also became very protective over me-his mom. No one could come to our home without him barking incessantly at them. No one could walk near me....say hello to me..sit near me.....kiss me hello or goodbye without him attacking them.
My son owns a frenchie who is 5 years old... We all helped raise Grooty. He frequents "grammy's" home... Not any longer. We cannot havr him here because Gizmo attacks him. He wont let Grooty near me.. his toys... his couch... his bed... or near any of us.. I can't even pet my son's dog. I had to tell him he could no longer bring him here to our home.
That was my last straw-- or---the straw that broke the camel's back!
I was hopeless and helpless. I didn't know what to do... So, I grabbed my laptop and "googled" trainers. I scrolled through pages of trainers and read reviews. Then, I stumbled upon Michael DiStassio's reviews from Barkbusters.
I began reading. Five star after five star reviews!! I regained my HOPE... Have I finally found HELP???? YES!
I found Michael DiStassio's number and texted him this story. I told him we just had had our huge Italian Thanksgiving Family dinner and my french bulldog Gizmo was biting my guests--my family--his family!
I proceeded to tell Michael that after hours of me sitting with Gizmo on the couch, him literally on my lap for hours, me forfeiting my dinner, I picked him up and placed him in OUR bedroom (he sleeps with me).
My kids were leaving and tried to kiss their mother good-bye. Not allowed. Gizmo growled and leapt at them. I felt defeated. I asked Michael if he could and would help me...I told him I was hopeless and helpless.. I truly didn't know what to do. Saying "no" to Gizmo never worked..."Stop" never worked. "Time-outs" never worked. Neither yelling nor aggression were my mojo.
Michael literally messaged me back the day after Thanksgiving.. He told me not to worry.. He could and would definitely help me!! "Don't give up!" he reassuringly said in the calmest tone. He told me he would call me, and we could talk on the phone and set a date and time. I was ecstatic!
Michael and I agreed upon a time during the week when my husband and older children would be home.. Michael wanted everyone who had regular contact with Gizmo to be present for the training.
Michael texted me a list of instructions before his arrival.. He wanted to figure out my little guy's "issues."
Michael watched as Gizmo barked at him.. he was a tyrant.. I was actually embarrassed by his behavior; I didn't want Michael to think badly of me as a "Dog Mom."
Michael asked us all to sit down and explained so many behaviors to us all that we were impressed! Michael concluded that Gizmo was acting out because he had lost his older brother who was the ALPHA male. He determined that Gizmo was a "BOP" (bottom of the pack) dog. He wasn't meant to be the ALPHA. He was doing his brother's job yet didn't have the ability to do it. He wasn't cut out for that job. But, sadly, he would have to be employed to do so.
Michael gave us some homework, being a teacher and a mom, I was familiar with the term! Michael told me that I needed to show Gizmo that I was in charge--not him! I needed to be the ALPHA/OMEGA--not him. Showing my fresh frenchie that I had all situations under control meant that he was "relieved"of his duty to protect... What an epiphany!!!!!
After a month or so of me practicing my new teachings, Gizmo was a new dog. He was more relaxed..no barking at strangers...no biting our family...no more aggression. Wow!!!! I had just witnessed a miracle with my own eyes from the miracle worker himself-- Michael Distassio
A Magical Experience with our Dogs!!! In one session we all learned so much and applying our learning with our dogs! Michael is Excellent in training us for our dogs and I thank you also to Bark Busters! Highly Recommended to all that need assistance with learning Dog Training ! A++++
Our (nearly 6mo) pup was showing resource guarding and possessive behavior. This kind of thing can become serious if it’s not addressed, so I contacted Michael to help us nip it in the bud.
From the first phone call, I felt like it was the right decision to contact Bark Busters, even though our dog is still young. We all felt calmer and more hopeful after Michael’s fun and informative visit. Not because our pup was such a big “problem” before, but because now we would have a better way to communicate within “the pack”.
The technique we learned has already worked to disengage Forest from a toy he was guarding. That in itself has been a revelation.
Now we have tools to work on other behaviors like barking and jumping on people. Forest picked it up right away and he’s learning fast. I love the fact that this was not a one-time visit. As first time dog owners, I’m glad we can ask Michael to help us if any other issues come up as our pup gets older. It gives us great peace of mind. Thanks so much!
I rescued a puppy just about a year ago and wanted to make sure this puppy lived a good life which meant she needed training as did I. Finding myself overwhelmed with all the types of trainings out there I came across Bark Busters and thought I'd give it a shot. Well, i couldn't be more pleased. Bark Busters (Michael) have been nothing but a pleasure to train with over the course of the year. Cali is a VERY energetic puppy that responds to Michael and his teachings. His calm, knowledgeable, dedicated, gentle and patient demeanor is a recipe for you and your dogs success. You will enjoy training and learning right alongside your pup. If you are on the fence, just go for it! It's the best decision you'll make!
Michael made my wife and I feel so comfortable with introducing our newborn daughter to our dog. We both were beyond nervous as to how our dog would react to our baby since our dog has a bit of history. Michael was extremely hands on and really modeled the appropriate way on how to correct our dog's behavior. It is quite a lot of work, but the training has allowed us to see that it will get better. Our dog has responded well to the training techniques and equipment that Michael provided us. Our newborn has been in the house for only a week, and it feels like night and day with how much she has improved. Keep up the great work Michael!
We are so happy that we met you, after just 1 session we feel like we have a much better understanding of the way we had been communicating with Riley and feel more confident moving forward. It has only been 4 days and we already are noticing a huge difference in her anxiety and behavior, thank you!
Richard and Vicki have been so wonderful. There has always been prompt response to my emails or phone calls followed up with an appointment time. I would highly recommend their services!
I am so grateful to Richard for his expertise with teaching me how to gain respect from my dog, showing him I am the leader and by doing so we are loving each other a little more everyday. My GSD is a rescue and he is approximately 2 years old. This is not my first GSD but my past fur babies have been mine since puppy so this has been a challenge. Richard is there for me and available whenever I need some guidance. My boy didn't know basic commands, had little manners and I found the honeymoon ended after he was with us about 2 weeks. At first I felt this might have been a mistake but I am now convinced through Richards know how that all will work out. What a great trainer....I call him the miracle man....and look forward to many more training sessions so my boy and I will live happily ever after.
We were amazed after repeating “NO” a hundred times a day for 3 months and getting little by way of positive results...Richard & Vicki got nearly instant behavior responses! They had a us practice with supervision by them & we couldn’t believe our puppy could ever follow commands! She did! We need to become the leaders of our pack.
lisa b.
10 months ago
— West Haven, CT
The Miracle Worker------------------------------------------------------------Have you ever felt as though all you efforts to help your dog behave and be a productive member of your family are in vain? If so...read on. There is a savior!
PermalinkI owned two french bulldogs--Rocky--3 years old and Gizmo--1 year old. Sadly, Rocky began having seizures daily. No medicines or surgery would help him. He was rushed to the emergency room last February and passed, not from an unsuccessful surgery but from the seizure he had AFTER the successful surgery, It was not only a heartbreaking day for our family but for Gizmo .
Weeks passed and Gizmo became very aggressive to other dogs on walks. He'd pull on the leash and tried to fight them all despite his small stature. He'd growl, tug, and jump up on us as if to say-- let me loose! Taking walks along the beach used to be his favorite hobby.. However, he was walking without his brother. Days turned into weeks---weeks into months--- his behavior was getting worse.
He would bark at the mailwoman, Amazon drivers, UPS drivers, friends, family, and anyone who just passed by our home-- walked on our sidewalk... He was a different dog....
He also became very protective over me-his mom. No one could come to our home without him barking incessantly at them. No one could walk near me....say hello to me..sit near me.....kiss me hello or goodbye without him attacking them.
My son owns a frenchie who is 5 years old... We all helped raise Grooty. He frequents "grammy's" home... Not any longer. We cannot havr him here because Gizmo attacks him. He wont let Grooty near me.. his toys... his couch... his bed... or near any of us.. I can't even pet my son's dog. I had to tell him he could no longer bring him here to our home.
That was my last straw-- or---the straw that broke the camel's back!
I was hopeless and helpless. I didn't know what to do... So, I grabbed my laptop and "googled" trainers. I scrolled through pages of trainers and read reviews. Then, I stumbled upon Michael DiStassio's reviews from Barkbusters.
I began reading. Five star after five star reviews!! I regained my HOPE... Have I finally found HELP???? YES!
I found Michael DiStassio's number and texted him this story. I told him we just had had our huge Italian Thanksgiving Family dinner and my french bulldog Gizmo was biting my guests--my family--his family!
I proceeded to tell Michael that after hours of me sitting with Gizmo on the couch, him literally on my lap for hours, me forfeiting my dinner, I picked him up and placed him in OUR bedroom (he sleeps with me).
My kids were leaving and tried to kiss their mother good-bye. Not allowed. Gizmo growled and leapt at them. I felt defeated. I asked Michael if he could and would help me...I told him I was hopeless and helpless.. I truly didn't know what to do. Saying "no" to Gizmo never worked..."Stop" never worked. "Time-outs" never worked. Neither yelling nor aggression were my mojo.
Michael literally messaged me back the day after Thanksgiving.. He told me not to worry.. He could and would definitely help me!! "Don't give up!" he reassuringly said in the calmest tone. He told me he would call me, and we could talk on the phone and set a date and time. I was ecstatic!
Michael and I agreed upon a time during the week when my husband and older children would be home.. Michael wanted everyone who had regular contact with Gizmo to be present for the training.
Michael texted me a list of instructions before his arrival.. He wanted to figure out my little guy's "issues."
Michael watched as Gizmo barked at him.. he was a tyrant.. I was actually embarrassed by his behavior; I didn't want Michael to think badly of me as a "Dog Mom."
Michael asked us all to sit down and explained so many behaviors to us all that we were impressed! Michael concluded that Gizmo was acting out because he had lost his older brother who was the leader. He determined that Gizmo was a "BOP" (bottom of the pack) dog. He wasn't meant to be the leader. He was doing his brother's job yet didn't have the ability to do it. He wasn't cut out for that job. But, sadly, he would have to be employed to do so.
Michael gave us some homework, being a teacher and a mom, I was familiar with the term! Michael told me that I needed to show Gizmo that I was in charge--not him! I needed to be the leader-not him. Showing my fresh frenchie that I had all situations under control meant that he was "relieved"of his duty to protect... What an epiphany!!!!!
After a month or so of me practicing my new teachings, Gizmo was a new dog. He was more relaxed..no barking at strangers...no biting our family...no more aggression. Wow!!!! I had just witnessed a miracle with my own eyes from the miracle worker himself-- Michael Distassio
lisa b.
10 months ago
— West Haven, CT
The Miracle Worker------------------------------------------------------------Have you ever felt as though all you efforts to help your dog behave and be a productive member of your family are in vain? If so...read on. There is a savior!
PermalinkI owned two french bulldogs--Rocky--3 years old and Gizmo--1 year old. Sadly, Rocky began having seizures daily. No medicines or surgery would help him. He was rushed to the emergency room last February and passed, not from an unsuccessful surgery but from the seizure he had AFTER the successful surgery, It was not only a heartbreaking day for our family but for Gizmo .
Weeks passed and Gizmo became very aggressive to other dogs on walks. He'd pull on the leash and tried to fight them all despite his small stature. He'd growl, tug, and jump up on us as if to say-- let me loose! Taking walks along the beach used to be his favorite hobby.. However, he was walking without his brother. Days turned into weeks---weeks into months--- his behavior was getting worse.
He would bark at the mailwoman, Amazon drivers, UPS drivers, friends, family, and anyone who just passed by our home-- walked on our sidewalk... He was a different dog....
He also became very protective over me-his mom. No one could come to our home without him barking incessantly at them. No one could walk near me....say hello to me..sit near me.....kiss me hello or goodbye without him attacking them.
My son owns a frenchie who is 5 years old... We all helped raise Grooty. He frequents "grammy's" home... Not any longer. We cannot havr him here because Gizmo attacks him. He wont let Grooty near me.. his toys... his couch... his bed... or near any of us.. I can't even pet my son's dog. I had to tell him he could no longer bring him here to our home.
That was my last straw-- or---the straw that broke the camel's back!
I was hopeless and helpless. I didn't know what to do... So, I grabbed my laptop and "googled" trainers. I scrolled through pages of trainers and read reviews. Then, I stumbled upon Michael DiStassio's reviews from Barkbusters.
I began reading. Five star after five star reviews!! I regained my HOPE... Have I finally found HELP???? YES!
I found Michael DiStassio's number and texted him this story. I told him we just had had our huge Italian Thanksgiving Family dinner and my french bulldog Gizmo was biting my guests--my family--his family!
I proceeded to tell Michael that after hours of me sitting with Gizmo on the couch, him literally on my lap for hours, me forfeiting my dinner, I picked him up and placed him in OUR bedroom (he sleeps with me).
My kids were leaving and tried to kiss their mother good-bye. Not allowed. Gizmo growled and leapt at them. I felt defeated. I asked Michael if he could and would help me...I told him I was hopeless and helpless.. I truly didn't know what to do. Saying "no" to Gizmo never worked..."Stop" never worked. "Time-outs" never worked. Neither yelling nor aggression were my mojo.
Michael literally messaged me back the day after Thanksgiving.. He told me not to worry.. He could and would definitely help me!! "Don't give up!" he reassuringly said in the calmest tone. He told me he would call me, and we could talk on the phone and set a date and time. I was ecstatic!
Michael and I agreed upon a time during the week when my husband and older children would be home.. Michael wanted everyone who had regular contact with Gizmo to be present for the training.
Michael texted me a list of instructions before his arrival.. He wanted to figure out my little guy's "issues."
Michael watched as Gizmo barked at him.. he was a tyrant.. I was actually embarrassed by his behavior; I didn't want Michael to think badly of me as a "Dog Mom."
Michael asked us all to sit down and explained so many behaviors to us all that we were impressed! Michael concluded that Gizmo was acting out because he had lost his older brother who was the ALPHA male. He determined that Gizmo was a "BOP" (bottom of the pack) dog. He wasn't meant to be the ALPHA. He was doing his brother's job yet didn't have the ability to do it. He wasn't cut out for that job. But, sadly, he would have to be employed to do so.
Michael gave us some homework, being a teacher and a mom, I was familiar with the term! Michael told me that I needed to show Gizmo that I was in charge--not him! I needed to be the ALPHA/OMEGA--not him. Showing my fresh frenchie that I had all situations under control meant that he was "relieved"of his duty to protect... What an epiphany!!!!!
After a month or so of me practicing my new teachings, Gizmo was a new dog. He was more relaxed..no barking at strangers...no biting our family...no more aggression. Wow!!!! I had just witnessed a miracle with my own eyes from the miracle worker himself-- Michael Distassio
Lynn B.
3 years ago
— West Haven, CT
A Magical Experience with our Dogs!!! In one session we all learned so much and applying our learning with our dogs! Michael is Excellent in training us for our dogs and I thank you also to Bark Busters! Highly Recommended to all that need assistance with learning Dog Training ! A++++
PermalinkKate T.
5 years ago
— Cheshire, CT
Our (nearly 6mo) pup was showing resource guarding and possessive behavior. This kind of thing can become serious if it’s not addressed, so I contacted Michael to help us nip it in the bud.
PermalinkFrom the first phone call, I felt like it was the right decision to contact Bark Busters, even though our dog is still young. We all felt calmer and more hopeful after Michael’s fun and informative visit. Not because our pup was such a big “problem” before, but because now we would have a better way to communicate within “the pack”.
The technique we learned has already worked to disengage Forest from a toy he was guarding. That in itself has been a revelation.
Now we have tools to work on other behaviors like barking and jumping on people. Forest picked it up right away and he’s learning fast. I love the fact that this was not a one-time visit. As first time dog owners, I’m glad we can ask Michael to help us if any other issues come up as our pup gets older. It gives us great peace of mind. Thanks so much!
Tina S.
6 years ago
— Seymour, CT
I rescued a puppy just about a year ago and wanted to make sure this puppy lived a good life which meant she needed training as did I. Finding myself overwhelmed with all the types of trainings out there I came across Bark Busters and thought I'd give it a shot. Well, i couldn't be more pleased. Bark Busters (Michael) have been nothing but a pleasure to train with over the course of the year. Cali is a VERY energetic puppy that responds to Michael and his teachings. His calm, knowledgeable, dedicated, gentle and patient demeanor is a recipe for you and your dogs success. You will enjoy training and learning right alongside your pup. If you are on the fence, just go for it! It's the best decision you'll make!
PermalinkJason R.
6 years ago
— Milford, CT
Michael made my wife and I feel so comfortable with introducing our newborn daughter to our dog. We both were beyond nervous as to how our dog would react to our baby since our dog has a bit of history. Michael was extremely hands on and really modeled the appropriate way on how to correct our dog's behavior. It is quite a lot of work, but the training has allowed us to see that it will get better. Our dog has responded well to the training techniques and equipment that Michael provided us. Our newborn has been in the house for only a week, and it feels like night and day with how much she has improved. Keep up the great work Michael!
PermalinkDebra H.
6 years ago
— Guilford, CT
We are so happy that we met you, after just 1 session we feel like we have a much better understanding of the way we had been communicating with Riley and feel more confident moving forward. It has only been 4 days and we already are noticing a huge difference in her anxiety and behavior, thank you!
PermalinkAnn M.
7 years ago
— Milford, CT
Richard and Vicki have been so wonderful. There has always been prompt response to my emails or phone calls followed up with an appointment time. I would highly recommend their services!
PermalinkElaine B.
7 years ago
— East Haven, CT
I am so grateful to Richard for his expertise with teaching me how to gain respect from my dog, showing him I am the leader and by doing so we are loving each other a little more everyday. My GSD is a rescue and he is approximately 2 years old. This is not my first GSD but my past fur babies have been mine since puppy so this has been a challenge. Richard is there for me and available whenever I need some guidance. My boy didn't know basic commands, had little manners and I found the honeymoon ended after he was with us about 2 weeks. At first I felt this might have been a mistake but I am now convinced through Richards know how that all will work out. What a great trainer....I call him the miracle man....and look forward to many more training sessions so my boy and I will live happily ever after.
PermalinkKathy R.
7 years ago
— Southington, CT
We were amazed after repeating “NO” a hundred times a day for 3 months and getting little by way of positive results...Richard & Vicki got nearly instant behavior responses! They had a us practice with supervision by them & we couldn’t believe our puppy could ever follow commands! She did! We need to become the leaders of our pack.
Permalink1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 next »