In-Home Dog Training Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Over 50 other Twin Cities Communities

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!

Dog Training Services

Dog Behavior Problems We Help Solve – Barking, Jumping, Anxiety & More

  • 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.

Minneapolis & St. Paul Client Reviews

See what our clients have to say

...I really feel as though I have been given a new way of communicating with Teddy. He is responding so well and his behavior has improved so much Since my bark busters training. I am grateful and recommend this method so highly!
...with a very deliberate, thorough, in-depth, and knowledgeable manner and approach, he taught us a few simple gestures, commands, and postures. A mere three hours later, the six of us—my husband, myself, the three dogs, and Daisy, our cat—were able to joyfully and tearfully see Jared off through the front door (a flashpoint for many of our dogs’ rivalry) as a family unit . Ever since, we’ve had our family back.

To whom it may concern: We thank the Lord for Jared and Barkbusters.
I met with Michael about two months ago and saw changes in my dog while he was still there! Since then I really feel as though I have been given a new way of communicating with Teddy. He is responding so well and his behavior has improved so much Since my bark busters training. I am grateful and recommend this method so highly!
Was super patient! Let my mom and I ask all kinds of questions and never seemed to change his attitude. Was very good at calling us out for little things we should change while teaching us certain training techniques. Overall very excellent experience.
We had a small sized boxer before kids and loved her so much. After she passed and COVID hit we decided to get 2 boxers puppies since we would have the time to train them. It was great in the first year and then they started to overpower us with muscle and boxing like play and especially with young kids. I started to notice they were acting like they were more in charge and I felt desperate after some nipping behavior. Michael from Bark Busters truly has helped me changed the tone in our house. I was amazed at how simple the training is to follow and receptive our dogs were after just a few exercises. I have had tears of joy watching the shift in our relationship with the dogs! Thank you from the bottom of the McGillis Family hearts.
Michael did a great job training me and teaching me how to work with my dog to stop her from barking in the house, stay out from underfoot and not beg for food. She also became much easier to walk with his training! He is always ready to help with any issue that comes up with her. Bark Busters and Michael have been great to work with!
I had a great experience with Michael of Barkbusters. He was very patient and gentle with Teddy and left us with some great exercises to practice. Grateful to Michael for all his help.
Training with Michael has been incredible so far. I feel so grateful this is the company I decided to go with. The theory works.
Michael and the Bark Busters program is excellent. As owners of a new puppy without much experience, we felt confident after the first session and so did our puppy.
Michael did a great job training me and teaching me how to work with my dog to stop her from barking in the house, stay out from underfoot and not beg for food. She also became much easier to walk with his training! He is always ready to help with any issue that comes up with her. Bark Busters and Michael have been great to work with!
Michael was great! Within 45 minutes of the first visit, my dog felt like a new animal! He gives great instruction with simple techniques. I needed a solution but was worried I couldn’t do it, I now realize what works! Best $$ I have ever spent, having an improved understanding on how my dog operates has given me much peace!
Recently my daughter, along with our 3 dogs , and I moved from a large home with a large fenced yard to an apartment. This move had a very negative affect on our dogs who were never leash trained along with barking issues from many other dogs in the building. Heard great things about Bark Busters so hired them and had one session today. We already see improvement with the lessons we learned to guide our dogs into a happy, safe life at the new place. ( after the first day!)
We are so happy and grateful for Michael for helping us train our Cavapoo Teddy. He models all of the exercises and explains why they help our dog and guided us through them. We both felt confident immediately in doing the exercises on our own! He has been responsive and is a wonderful resource and he truly cares about his clients and their dogs. He is warm, friendly, and puts his all into what he does. Do not hesitate to reach out and start training your dog with Michael! You will be so grateful that you did!
My husband and I enlisted the help of Bark Busters after recently welcoming 2 new puppies into our home and could not be happier and grateful for the tips, guidance, and help that we have received. Mike came to our home to work with us and our dogs, and he is an amazing and patient teacher/guide. We very much appreciate Bark Buster's philosophy that they are here to help and support us and our dogs and to help us understand the best ways to raise happy and healthy pups. We highly recommend Bark Busters and are looking forward to our continued relationship with Mike and Bark Busters
Great training experience. I called a couple of places first and chose Bark Busters. The approach is great; both humans and dogs need help and they did a great job training us both. We had a refresher after several years and my dog is showing improvements on the same day. We have homework that is helpful and attainable.
Michael and Lydia have been really wonderful to work with, and our pup Sunny just loves them! We wanted to get in-home training help with our pup when we first got her because we could tell she was going to be stubborn, sassy, and have lots of opinions. We knew she needed boundaries, but we had no idea where to begin, even after all of the research and YouTube videos. Doing your own research only goes so far until you need a professional to help you with YOUR specific dog and their personality! I was initially hesitant to hire Bark Busters with the one-time flat fee for the dog's entire life, but once I met Michael at our first session and he taught me how to understand my dog and how to gain authority in my home while still giving her all the love and attention she needed, I was so sold. They focus on training that is sustainable and is highly effective without the use of harmful items like shock collars and electric fences. Truly any time we have struggled with any behavioral issues with Sunny, Bark Busters is just a call, text, or audio message away. They are great communicators, so very patient and kind, you can tell they always know what they're doing and how to gain control over the dog in countless scenarios. They walk you through every step, and they focus on teaching YOU how to train your dog well in and out of the home, rather than just doing the training FOR you. They are always there for us when we need them. I already recommend them to our friends and family, and will continue to do so! We love you, Michael and Lydia! Sunny's and our quality of life have improved SO MUCH since you started helping us! Thank you!!!
We have been amazed by the progress our 2.5 yr old rescue dog and 5 month old rescue puppy have had with our 2 training sessions with Michael so far! In just the initial session, our 2 dogs went from excessive barking and jumping when guests would come to our house to being calm and quiet. We have learned how to "speak dog" and help our pups feel more comfortable and less reactive. We can now have guests come over without the extra stress of dogs that may bark and lunge towards the guests the entire time. We are so excited to see additional progress as we continue our work with Bark Busters.
Michael was great! He spent a lot of time with us and our two puppies on the initial visit. He even answered some follow-up questions and concerns we had a few weeks after. He was dedicated and determined to help us get our puppies on good footing. He clearly loves his job and he showed so much care and kindness for our puppies. We were feeling very overwhelmed by our pups’ behaviors before we met with Michael and he gave us the confidence and the tools we needed to be the best pet owners we can be. He showed us that we can still be playful, silly and excited with our dogs while also having high standards with their behaviors. Previous to Michael’s help, we were struggling with that balance. We highly recommend Michael and the Bark Busters training.
I could not have had a better experience with this team! My dog Beau was a rescue adoption, and he had significant anxiety and aggression issues. Michael came directly to our home, listened to our concerns, and worked with me to create a plan to help everyone, including Beau, feel safe and secure. I gained a whole new perspective surrounding a dog’s behavior. It was well worth the price for peace of mind knowing we are on the right path with the right tools. Thank you!
I am amazed at how well our dog is responding after one training session. I wouldn't have believed it was possible to make so much progress so fast if I didn't see it for myself. I mainly called Bark Busters because of resource guarding against our older Golden retriever and I was worried I may not be able to keep the new dog because he would start fights so I was desperate to find help, I believe this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, this is going to help in so many different ways, not just resource guarding, he's so much easier to get calmed down while preparing the dog's food or when company comes over, etc. I look forward to learning more. Michael is very kind and I appreciate his experience , he explains things very well and is patient with me and all my questions.
100% will recommend Bark Busters to anyone who have pets! Michael was really easy to work with, he understood our concerns and addressed all of our issues. The Puppies were unfortunately on their best behavior so Michael didn’t get to see the issues today. However the tools he left us with have kept us in the Green and Yellow zones the rest of the day. We will continue to work with Michael to make sure we keep our pups safe. Bark Busters approach to dog training is simply amazing.
Jared was great! We had a difficult situation of introducing 2 new dogs into a home that already had 2 mature dogs. There were SO many issues to contend with. Fear aggression, dominance, puppy behaviors, and more. We noticed immediate results during Jared’s first meeting with us. He devoted time over several sessions to help us learn to deal with all of the issues. Furthermore, several months out, the training has held & we have the strategies to deal with new concerns / advanced lessons as they arise. We are so very happy & are greatful to know that Jared / barkbusters will continue to be there to support our family !
We worked with Jared in Minneapolis. He was clearly extremely knowledgeable, very friendly, and easy to schedule with. We are very impressed by the program, and it has helped tremendously with our dog, Chip's (black lab mix) leash and dog reactivity and excessive barking inside the apartment. We look forward to continuing to help our dog be less anxious around other dogs. We are Bark Busters for life! Carson and Evan
Jared was an intregal part of helping my foster/rescue dog with separation anxiety.

I knew I was unable to adopt Billy ( Golden Retriever) unless I was able to leave for work. I lived in an apartment and it made it very difficult to leave as he would bark nonstop at the door, scratch the door, etc due to the anxiety of me leaving. Jared helped share many tactics that made me confident enough to officially adopt Billy. I am able to leave Billy for a few hours a day now and am very thankful for the time Jared spent with us.
We had our training with Lydia, and even after the first session we saw a huge improvement. My husband and I had been dealing with a lot of issues that were very stressful when it came to leaving our dog Rose alone for any amount of time, and Lydia was able to teach us an easy technique for creating boundaries with Rose. As we've continued to work on the training on our own, and with several other session with Lydia, we have seen a vast difference in Rose's behavior. She is so much more comfortable, now, and she hasn't had any accidents on the floor since February! She is learning to listen to us when we need her to, and most importantly, we have seen a huge change in her separation anxiety, and anxiety overall.
Lydia was very kind and understanding, and made sure to go over everything clearly with us so we understood how to do the training on our own.
We are all much happier and less stressed, now, and we are very appreciative of the help Lydia gave us in getting there. :)
I cannot say enough about Michael's knowledge, his integrity, and his kindness. He helped us resolve a very difficult situation, showing empathy and compassion.

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Meet Michael & Lydia, Your Local Expert Dog Trainers

Michael and Lydia Bark Busters Minneapolis St Paul

Home Dog Training in Minneapolis & St. Paul!

We are Michael and Lydia O’Leary, Dog Behavioral Therapists and Dog Trainers for Bark Busters Home Dog Training in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and their northern suburbs.

Let us introduce ourselves and tell you a little bit about our story. My name is Michael O’Leary. I was raised in Eden Prairie and am a proud St. John’s University graduate. My wife, Lydia grew up in Sauk Rapids, MN and graduated from St. Cloud State University.  

We found the Bark Busters method after trying countless other training methods with our dog, Raleigh. Like some of our clients, we had a dog that pulled nonstop on leash, jumped on everyone at the front door, and had a difficult time listening when she was too excited. We knew we needed to get her anxious behavior under control before we grew our family. After seeing the results with our own dog, we couldn’t wait to get involved to help others. 

Our dog training system is based on natural canine communication which dramatically increases the pace of learning without using harsh or painful methods. We love helping our clients learn how to communicate effectively with their dogs in a natural way that builds a stronger bond, trust, and respect.

I am also certified with the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, which allows us to support clients who want to take their dog’s training to the next level.

Bark Busters trainers have worked with more than a million dogs and their dedicated owners. We would love to learn more about your needs and goals for your dog and family.

visit our dog training Minneapolis website

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We Offer Exclusive Dog Training Discounts for Military, First Responders and Teachers

At Bark Busters Minneapolis-St. Paul, we are passionate about giving back to those who make a positive impact in our community. If you're a member of the military, a first responder, or a teacher, let us know! We're proud to offer you a special discount as a token of our appreciation.

Let's Get Started!

We proudly offer in-home training in Maple Grove, Plymouth, Andover, Blaine, and over 50 other Twin Cities communities. Call (612) 284-5019or enter your zip code to connect with us.

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Watch the Bark Busters Method in Action

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Dog Showing Aggression

Facing Challenges with Your Dog's Aggression?

Aggression, whether directed at humans or other animals, is not an inherent personality trait but rather a learned behavior. Fear is often the root cause, intensified by adrenaline and lack of proper training. At Bark Busters Minneapolis-St. Paul, we firmly believe that every dog can be helped.

Understand the Cause of Your Dog's Aggression

If your dog displays aggressive behavior, seeking assistance from a professional dog trainer is crucial. Our Minneapolis-St. Paul dog training team can help you identify underlying causes and implement effective strategies to address and alleviate your dog's issues - reducing stress, while working towards solutions.

Dog aggression can present in various forms, including aggression towards other dogs or animals, humans, food, possessiveness, and territoriality. Bark Busters Minneapolis-St. Paul has successfully addressed these diverse aggression issues for numerous clients. For example, resource guarding, where a dog becomes aggressive while protecting a valued item, is a common challenge we encounter. 

If you are struggling with your dog's aggression, do your best to proactively prevent situations that may lead to danger, until you can get the help you and your dog both need. Manage your dog's exposure to problematic scenarios, as prevention is always the best solution.

If you're struggling with any form of dog aggression, Bark Busters Minneapolis-St. Paul is here to assist you.

Contact us today 

Dog Showing Separation Anxiety

Addressing Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Dogs often form strong attachments to their families, expecting constant companionship. However, when left alone more frequently, confusion can set in, leading to Separation Anxiety—a complex behavioral issue with adverse effects. Timely intervention, though, can alleviate distress for both dogs and their owners.

Separation Anxiety Manifests Differently in Each Dog

Assessing a dog's behavior in its home environment is crucial due to its unique nature. Separation Anxiety may present itself in various ways, such as:

  • Excessive vocalization (howling, barking)
  • Inappropriate toileting
  • Destructive behavior (chewing, digging)
  • Excessive panting
  • Pacing and drooling

At Bark Busters Minneapolis-St. Paul, we specialize in addressing separation anxiety, particularly as owners transition back to offices after remote work. This issue not only impacts dogs but also places a burden on owners. With over 35 years of collective experience, our team excels in resolving this concern.

Tips for Managing Separation Anxiety

  • Ensure basic needs for food, shelter, and entertainment are met.
  • Gradually create distance from your dog to acclimate them to separation.
  • Establish and maintain boundaries with your dog.
  • Remain calm when returning home after a short separation.

Seek Professional Assistance

If your dog displays anxiety upon your departure, professional intervention is crucial. Call us at 877-500-2275. Our team provides tailored solutions to alleviate separation anxiety and offers guidance to address your specific concerns.

Contact us today 

What Makes Bark Busters Minneapolis-St. Paul Unique

Bark Busters is the worldwide leader of in-home dog training, helping over 1 million families and their dogs around the globe since 1989. We wholeheartedly believe in our methods and 30+ years of results. At Bark Busters Minneapolis-St. Paul, we clear up the miscommunication between dogs and humans at the root of many behavioral issues by teaching everyone to speak the same language – dog!

Our nurturing, dog-friendly approach teaches you, the pet parent, the same natural communication methods that dogs understand instinctively. Our efficient, results-oriented, training program prioritizes clear communication and leadership while addressing issues in the locations they occur.

This means faster, longer-lasting solutions for you and your dog.

Dogs learn best in a familiar, safe environment, free of outside distractions and disruptions. That is why we come directly to your home, on your schedule to build an effective foundation for better behavior. We work first to build an effective foundation for better behavior. We teach you how to communicate with your dog. Dogs naturally live in families and look to their family leaders for guidance, safety, and love. Most people don't know how to appeal to a dog's natural sense of leadership or communication. We teach you how to use friendly, canine leadership and to "speak dog" using your body language, voice tones, and timing so you and your dog communicate better! You will see results. You want to see a change in your dog’s behavior, preferably sooner rather than later.

Any Breed. Any Age. Any Issue. Get Started Today!

We customize our training sessions to achieve your specific goals and meet your dog’s unique needs. When you learn to "speak dog" the Bark Busters way, you get real results – and nurture positive relationships and lasting emotional bonds with your canine family member.

Learn More about Bark Busters

 

Home Dog Training

Our Services

Bark Buster 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. After learning in your home, our behavioral therapist and trainer will work with you as needed outside and around real distractions, once you and your dog are ready.

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. It is designed to help owners resolve their dog's behavior and obedience problems and to provide customers with the satisfaction of ongoing support and peace of mind.

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 and more.

Professional Dog Training Near You!

Servicing: Albertville, Andover, Anoka, Becker, Belle Plaine, Bethel, Big Lake, Blain, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Buffalo, Carver, Cedar, Champlin, Chanhassen, Chaska, Chisago City, Circle Pines, Cologne, Coon Rapids, Crystal Bay, Dayton, Delano, Eden Prairie, Elk River, Excelsior, Forest Lake, Golden Valley, Green Isle, Hamburg, Hamel, Hanover, Hopkins, Hugo, Isanti, Jordan, Lake Elmo, Lindstrom, Long Lake, Loretto, Maple Grove, Maple Plain, Marine On Saint Croix, Mayer, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Minnetonka Beach, Monticello, Mound, Navarre, New Prague, Norwood, Norwood Young America, Osseo, Plymouth, Prior Lake, Robbinsdale, Rockford, Rogers, Saint Bonifacius, Saint Francis, Saint Michael, Saint Paul, Savage, Scandia, Shakopee, Spring Park, Stacy, Stillwater, Victoria, Waconia, Watertown, Wayzata, Willernie, Wyoming, Young America, Zimmerman

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