Bark Busters La Jolla, Encinitas & Carlsbad Reviews
Reviews
43 Reviews ★★★★★(Average 5 out of 5)
Laura F.
12 days ago
— North County San Diego
We called James for help with Cookie and Coal’s persistent barking and after a couple of sessions, he’s helped us get them under control! I plan on having him back for refreshers periodically - more to keep me on track with my skills than anything!
James is easy to work with and the dogs respond really well to him. We’re looking forward to a much more quiet and peaceful home, and less anxious pups :)
I honestly cannot say enough good things about working with James. Dealing with behavioral issues with dogs you love can be stressful and emotional, and one of the biggest things for me is that James has never made me feel judged or like I did something wrong. He looks at the situation for what it is, figures out what is actually going on, and focuses on the best way to move forward.
James has also gone above and beyond in a way I haven't experienced with other trainers. He checks in, asks for updates, and makes himself available for calls when something comes up or I need help figuring out how to handle a situation. It really feels like he cares about the progress being made outside of the actual training sessions rather than just showing up for an appointment and leaving you to figure out the rest.
His approach to training is probably what sets him apart the most for me. He is very gentle and patient with the dogs, but everything he does has a reason behind it. A lot of what he teaches is actually about how you, as the human, are communicating with your dog and how to better understand what your dog is communicating back to you. He explains the “why” behind things, which has helped me understand my dogs and their behavior so much better.
He has also taken extra steps that other trainers haven't to make sure everyone is comfortable and that the dogs are being assessed fairly. He pays attention to their personalities and body language and doesn't immediately make assumptions based on a behavior. There is no one-size-fits-all approach with him.
More than anything, I really appreciate how professional and nonjudgmental James is. There is never any blame or making you feel bad about how you got to where you are. He takes the situation in front of him and works with you to figure out the best approach for your dogs. I feel so much more confident understanding and communicating with my dogs since working with him, and I am genuinely grateful for how much time, care, and effort he has put into helping us.
We couldn’t recommend James more highly. He has been absolutely exceptional with our dog, Finn, and the transformation we’ve seen has been incredible. Under James’s guidance, Finn has become extremely obedient, confident, and genuinely a master of his class.
What really sets James apart is his combination of expertise, patience, and communication. He is incredibly well spoken and has a remarkable ability to explain not only what he is doing, but why it works and how we can reinforce the training at home. His feedback and follow-up are exceptional. After the sessions, he provides carefully crafted, detailed reports that clearly explain Finn’s progress, areas to continue working on, and practical recommendations for us to follow.
James clearly takes enormous pride in his work and genuinely cares about the dogs and families he works with. He goes far beyond simply teaching commands, he has helped us better understand Finn and given us the tools to build a stronger relationship with him.
Most importantly, James is just a fantastic person. He is reliable, thoughtful, professional, and an absolute pleasure to work with. Over the course of Finn’s training, he has become not only someone we trust completely with our dog, but also someone we are very happy to now call a friend.
Finn absolutely loves him, and so do we. We would recommend James without hesitation to anyone looking for an exceptional dog trainer. He truly goes above and beyond, and we feel incredibly lucky to have found him.
James was absolutely amazing with our 1 year old dog Brew. He has serious stranger danger and would bark incessantly at anyone who came to our house or approached him. We were really concerned about having people over or bringing him around public places because we didn’t know how he would react. Within 1-2 lessons, James had taught us the skills needed to have control over Brew and teach him that he doesn’t need to necessarily love everyone, but that he doesn’t need to be the protector of the house. Our dog now only shows minimal reaction to people, and we know this will only continue to get better with practice. James also spent time with us teaching him how to walk on leash in an obedient manner, making adjustments on leash type etc. as he saw fit. Our walks are so much more enjoyable now. Working with James was the best decision and we feel so lucky to have found him, and that he’s in our corner for life now! Thank you for everything James!
I had my first training session with James today, and it went better than I could have imagined.
As a professional in the small-animal veterinary field for over 35 years and a dog owner for my entire adult life, I have a pretty good understanding of animal handling and behavioral training methods. But my recent rescue, a 1.5-year-old Husky mix, has had me at my wit’s end. She is extremely reactive, impossible on leash, and incredibly mouthy and demanding in a way that can almost feel physically abusive.
James showed us several highly effective techniques that seemed to work immediately - and did not require the shock collar I was seriously considering. I don't know whether these techniques work for every dog, or whether he was able to recognize what was going on with Diva and tailor his approach specifically to her. Either way, I am extremely impressed with the results after just one session.
Most importantly, he gave us the tools to read and respond appropriately to her behavior along with completely new approach that gives me confidence we can make a lasting, positive change with reinforcement and follow-through.
Plus, James is a genuinely likeable guy, which made the session not only educational but actually enjoyable - even in almost 100° heat!
We have had a wonderful experience working with James on addressing our puppy Kaiju’s reactivity. The difference has been night and day. We went from dreading walks outside to taking him on multiple walks a day. The techniques and tools used to help Kaiju are intuitive and easy with practice. A lot of it is about developing a deeper bond with your pup so you can see the trigger signals and address them preemptively. If you train studiously and consistently, you will definitely see a difference like we did.
James has only been working with us a short time, yet the results are exceptional. We were looking for a trainer who was more balanced in their approach, not treats or heavy discipline. James fits - he’s given us the tools to help our dog Dory, not pull on the leash, bark unnecessarily, greet guest appropriately, just to name a few. I would highly recommend James Cresswell.
Cannot say enough amazing things about James and the Bark Buster family! I first used Bark Busters 7 years ago while we were living in Denver. The tools I learned and implemented changed my life and the relationship to my dogs, and the ease at which we were able to move throughout the house and in public.
Last week one of my two golden doodles passed on and his brother has had such heartbreaking separation anxiety. I have barely been able to leave his side on top of the heartbreak of dealing with the loss of my oldest. Needless to say things have been very difficult.
I reached out to Bark Busters here in North County and linked up with James who has shown up with the most amazingly understanding, loving, kind heart for our situation. Met with him today and in just 40 minutes had my baby boy relaxing and calm and for the first time since my eldest’s passing has me hopeful that we can find our way through this tough time and come out stronger than ever.
James has the tools and experience to overcome difficult training needs, but also the most amazing compassion for dogs and people and to say I’m grateful is an understatement.
We have been thrilled with James and The Bark Busters Home Dog Training Program in North County San Diego. We had a senior dog that passed away recently (he had moderate behavioral issues throughout his life that we never addressed properly). We adopted a 4 month old puppy in May, we have a 3 year old daughter and are expecting another baby girl in October. We knew it was important with all these new changes and a very energetic & wild puppy in the mix to seek support for any behavioral issues that may arise.
There was plenty to work on from the moment we took our German Retriever mix home. He was so excited to meet anyone new, he would nip & jump to the point of drawing blood. We needed immediate support with upcoming travel plans, knowing that we needed to establish better boundaries in order to leave our dog with the dog sitter and my in-laws. Koa, our puppy, was also very difficult to walk, pulling intensely and zig zagging all over the road. The idea of walking with a stroller, a toddler, eventually a baby & a puppy seemed impossible. We also wanted to be proactive with the baby coming, developing healthy habits with the dog early so we could be better prepared for a tiny human in the house. Lastly, we wanted guidance on how to properly socialize Koa since our previous dog did not do well with other dogs.
I found James based on rave reviews stating his approach was immediately helpful and we needed fast results! I also knew based on our 14 year experience with our previous dog, that issues arise throughout their whole life and so making the investment with James would be well worth it.
My husband and I are beyond satisfied with the level of customer care, the consistent and clear communication, and the results. We were able to leave on a 10 day trip after 2 sessions with James and the in-laws & dog sitter had positive experiences with Koa. My daughter's toddler friends can come visit and the interactions have gone very well. Walking Koa has been pleasant, we have far more control now and I can easily handle a double stroller with him.
I know we will continue to utilize James has we navigate adding a new baby to the mix and as Koa grows. I love that we have a reliable support to lean on. James clearly can teach you how to shift your dog's behavior & above all he is truly a kind and caring person to welcome into your home. We highly recommend his services! We have been thrilled with James and The Bark Busters Home Dog Training Program in North County San Diego. We had a senior dog that passed away recently (he had moderate behavioral issues throughout his life that we never addressed properly). We adopted a 4 month old puppy in May, we have a 3 year old daughter and are expecting another baby girl in October. We knew it was important with all these new changes and a very energetic & wild puppy in the mix to seek support for any behavioral issues that may arise.
There was plenty to work on from the moment we took our German Retriever mix home. He was so excited to meet anyone new, he would nip & jump to the point of drawing blood. We needed immediate support with upcoming travel plans, knowing that we needed to establish better boundaries in order to leave our dog with the dog sitter and my in-laws. Koa, our puppy, was also very difficult to walk, pulling intensely and zig zagging all over the road. The idea of walking with a stroller, a toddler, eventually a baby & a puppy seemed impossible. We also wanted to be proactive with the baby coming, developing healthy habits with the dog early so we could be better prepared for a tiny human in the house. Lastly, we wanted guidance on how to properly socialize Koa since our previous dog did not do well with other dogs.
I found James based on rave reviews stating his approach was immediately helpful and we needed fast results! I also knew based on our 14 year experience with our previous dog, that issues arise throughout their whole life and so making the investment with James would be well worth it.
My husband and I are beyond satisfied with the level of customer care, the consistent and clear communication, and the results. We were able to leave on a 10 day trip after 2 sessions with James and the in-laws & dog sitter had positive experiences with Koa. My daughter's toddler friends can come visit and the interactions have gone very well. Walking Koa has been pleasant, we have far more control now and I can easily handle a double stroller with him.
I know we will continue to utilize James has we navigate adding a new baby to the mix and as Koa grows. I love that we have a reliable support to lean on. James clearly can teach you how to shift your dog's behavior & above all he is truly a kind and caring person to welcome into your home. We highly recommend his services!
James is an amazing trainer for both of our high energy breeds. He is very responsive and always willing to meet with us or for a call as needed. Highly recommend him for anyone in the market for a new trainer!
Laura F.
12 days ago
— North County San Diego
We called James for help with Cookie and Coal’s persistent barking and after a couple of sessions, he’s helped us get them under control! I plan on having him back for refreshers periodically - more to keep me on track with my skills than anything!
PermalinkJames is easy to work with and the dogs respond really well to him. We’re looking forward to a much more quiet and peaceful home, and less anxious pups :)
April V.
12 days ago
— North County San Diego
I honestly cannot say enough good things about working with James. Dealing with behavioral issues with dogs you love can be stressful and emotional, and one of the biggest things for me is that James has never made me feel judged or like I did something wrong. He looks at the situation for what it is, figures out what is actually going on, and focuses on the best way to move forward.
PermalinkJames has also gone above and beyond in a way I haven't experienced with other trainers. He checks in, asks for updates, and makes himself available for calls when something comes up or I need help figuring out how to handle a situation. It really feels like he cares about the progress being made outside of the actual training sessions rather than just showing up for an appointment and leaving you to figure out the rest.
His approach to training is probably what sets him apart the most for me. He is very gentle and patient with the dogs, but everything he does has a reason behind it. A lot of what he teaches is actually about how you, as the human, are communicating with your dog and how to better understand what your dog is communicating back to you. He explains the “why” behind things, which has helped me understand my dogs and their behavior so much better.
He has also taken extra steps that other trainers haven't to make sure everyone is comfortable and that the dogs are being assessed fairly. He pays attention to their personalities and body language and doesn't immediately make assumptions based on a behavior. There is no one-size-fits-all approach with him.
More than anything, I really appreciate how professional and nonjudgmental James is. There is never any blame or making you feel bad about how you got to where you are. He takes the situation in front of him and works with you to figure out the best approach for your dogs. I feel so much more confident understanding and communicating with my dogs since working with him, and I am genuinely grateful for how much time, care, and effort he has put into helping us.
Pierfilippo N.
13 days ago
— North County San Diego
We couldn’t recommend James more highly. He has been absolutely exceptional with our dog, Finn, and the transformation we’ve seen has been incredible. Under James’s guidance, Finn has become extremely obedient, confident, and genuinely a master of his class.
PermalinkWhat really sets James apart is his combination of expertise, patience, and communication. He is incredibly well spoken and has a remarkable ability to explain not only what he is doing, but why it works and how we can reinforce the training at home. His feedback and follow-up are exceptional. After the sessions, he provides carefully crafted, detailed reports that clearly explain Finn’s progress, areas to continue working on, and practical recommendations for us to follow.
James clearly takes enormous pride in his work and genuinely cares about the dogs and families he works with. He goes far beyond simply teaching commands, he has helped us better understand Finn and given us the tools to build a stronger relationship with him.
Most importantly, James is just a fantastic person. He is reliable, thoughtful, professional, and an absolute pleasure to work with. Over the course of Finn’s training, he has become not only someone we trust completely with our dog, but also someone we are very happy to now call a friend.
Finn absolutely loves him, and so do we. We would recommend James without hesitation to anyone looking for an exceptional dog trainer. He truly goes above and beyond, and we feel incredibly lucky to have found him.
Melissa L.
15 days ago
— North County San Diego
James was absolutely amazing with our 1 year old dog Brew. He has serious stranger danger and would bark incessantly at anyone who came to our house or approached him. We were really concerned about having people over or bringing him around public places because we didn’t know how he would react. Within 1-2 lessons, James had taught us the skills needed to have control over Brew and teach him that he doesn’t need to necessarily love everyone, but that he doesn’t need to be the protector of the house. Our dog now only shows minimal reaction to people, and we know this will only continue to get better with practice. James also spent time with us teaching him how to walk on leash in an obedient manner, making adjustments on leash type etc. as he saw fit. Our walks are so much more enjoyable now. Working with James was the best decision and we feel so lucky to have found him, and that he’s in our corner for life now! Thank you for everything James!
PermalinkElizabeth L.
26 days ago
— North County San Diego
I had my first training session with James today, and it went better than I could have imagined.
PermalinkAs a professional in the small-animal veterinary field for over 35 years and a dog owner for my entire adult life, I have a pretty good understanding of animal handling and behavioral training methods. But my recent rescue, a 1.5-year-old Husky mix, has had me at my wit’s end. She is extremely reactive, impossible on leash, and incredibly mouthy and demanding in a way that can almost feel physically abusive.
James showed us several highly effective techniques that seemed to work immediately - and did not require the shock collar I was seriously considering. I don't know whether these techniques work for every dog, or whether he was able to recognize what was going on with Diva and tailor his approach specifically to her. Either way, I am extremely impressed with the results after just one session.
Most importantly, he gave us the tools to read and respond appropriately to her behavior along with completely new approach that gives me confidence we can make a lasting, positive change with reinforcement and follow-through.
Plus, James is a genuinely likeable guy, which made the session not only educational but actually enjoyable - even in almost 100° heat!
Thank you, James!
Tyler A.
31 days ago
— North County San Diego
We have had a wonderful experience working with James on addressing our puppy Kaiju’s reactivity. The difference has been night and day. We went from dreading walks outside to taking him on multiple walks a day. The techniques and tools used to help Kaiju are intuitive and easy with practice. A lot of it is about developing a deeper bond with your pup so you can see the trigger signals and address them preemptively. If you train studiously and consistently, you will definitely see a difference like we did.
PermalinkBarbara D.
45 days ago
— North County San Diego
James has only been working with us a short time, yet the results are exceptional. We were looking for a trainer who was more balanced in their approach, not treats or heavy discipline. James fits - he’s given us the tools to help our dog Dory, not pull on the leash, bark unnecessarily, greet guest appropriately, just to name a few. I would highly recommend James Cresswell.
PermalinkJack G.
47 days ago
— North County San Diego
Cannot say enough amazing things about James and the Bark Buster family! I first used Bark Busters 7 years ago while we were living in Denver. The tools I learned and implemented changed my life and the relationship to my dogs, and the ease at which we were able to move throughout the house and in public.
PermalinkLast week one of my two golden doodles passed on and his brother has had such heartbreaking separation anxiety. I have barely been able to leave his side on top of the heartbreak of dealing with the loss of my oldest. Needless to say things have been very difficult.
I reached out to Bark Busters here in North County and linked up with James who has shown up with the most amazingly understanding, loving, kind heart for our situation. Met with him today and in just 40 minutes had my baby boy relaxing and calm and for the first time since my eldest’s passing has me hopeful that we can find our way through this tough time and come out stronger than ever.
James has the tools and experience to overcome difficult training needs, but also the most amazing compassion for dogs and people and to say I’m grateful is an understatement.
Thank you James!
Kayleen W.
54 days ago
— North County San Diego
We have been thrilled with James and The Bark Busters Home Dog Training Program in North County San Diego. We had a senior dog that passed away recently (he had moderate behavioral issues throughout his life that we never addressed properly). We adopted a 4 month old puppy in May, we have a 3 year old daughter and are expecting another baby girl in October. We knew it was important with all these new changes and a very energetic & wild puppy in the mix to seek support for any behavioral issues that may arise.
PermalinkThere was plenty to work on from the moment we took our German Retriever mix home. He was so excited to meet anyone new, he would nip & jump to the point of drawing blood. We needed immediate support with upcoming travel plans, knowing that we needed to establish better boundaries in order to leave our dog with the dog sitter and my in-laws. Koa, our puppy, was also very difficult to walk, pulling intensely and zig zagging all over the road. The idea of walking with a stroller, a toddler, eventually a baby & a puppy seemed impossible. We also wanted to be proactive with the baby coming, developing healthy habits with the dog early so we could be better prepared for a tiny human in the house. Lastly, we wanted guidance on how to properly socialize Koa since our previous dog did not do well with other dogs.
I found James based on rave reviews stating his approach was immediately helpful and we needed fast results! I also knew based on our 14 year experience with our previous dog, that issues arise throughout their whole life and so making the investment with James would be well worth it.
My husband and I are beyond satisfied with the level of customer care, the consistent and clear communication, and the results. We were able to leave on a 10 day trip after 2 sessions with James and the in-laws & dog sitter had positive experiences with Koa. My daughter's toddler friends can come visit and the interactions have gone very well. Walking Koa has been pleasant, we have far more control now and I can easily handle a double stroller with him.
I know we will continue to utilize James has we navigate adding a new baby to the mix and as Koa grows. I love that we have a reliable support to lean on. James clearly can teach you how to shift your dog's behavior & above all he is truly a kind and caring person to welcome into your home. We highly recommend his services! We have been thrilled with James and The Bark Busters Home Dog Training Program in North County San Diego. We had a senior dog that passed away recently (he had moderate behavioral issues throughout his life that we never addressed properly). We adopted a 4 month old puppy in May, we have a 3 year old daughter and are expecting another baby girl in October. We knew it was important with all these new changes and a very energetic & wild puppy in the mix to seek support for any behavioral issues that may arise.
There was plenty to work on from the moment we took our German Retriever mix home. He was so excited to meet anyone new, he would nip & jump to the point of drawing blood. We needed immediate support with upcoming travel plans, knowing that we needed to establish better boundaries in order to leave our dog with the dog sitter and my in-laws. Koa, our puppy, was also very difficult to walk, pulling intensely and zig zagging all over the road. The idea of walking with a stroller, a toddler, eventually a baby & a puppy seemed impossible. We also wanted to be proactive with the baby coming, developing healthy habits with the dog early so we could be better prepared for a tiny human in the house. Lastly, we wanted guidance on how to properly socialize Koa since our previous dog did not do well with other dogs.
I found James based on rave reviews stating his approach was immediately helpful and we needed fast results! I also knew based on our 14 year experience with our previous dog, that issues arise throughout their whole life and so making the investment with James would be well worth it.
My husband and I are beyond satisfied with the level of customer care, the consistent and clear communication, and the results. We were able to leave on a 10 day trip after 2 sessions with James and the in-laws & dog sitter had positive experiences with Koa. My daughter's toddler friends can come visit and the interactions have gone very well. Walking Koa has been pleasant, we have far more control now and I can easily handle a double stroller with him.
I know we will continue to utilize James has we navigate adding a new baby to the mix and as Koa grows. I love that we have a reliable support to lean on. James clearly can teach you how to shift your dog's behavior & above all he is truly a kind and caring person to welcome into your home. We highly recommend his services!
Tom
57 days ago
— North County San Diego
James is an amazing trainer for both of our high energy breeds. He is very responsive and always willing to meet with us or for a call as needed. Highly recommend him for anyone in the market for a new trainer!
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