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Live a Happier Life Together With Your Dog

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.

Common Dog Behavioral Issues We Address

Our expert puppy training, dog training, and dog behavior services in Bluffton & Savannah 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 James & Michelle, Your Local Professional Dog Trainers

Dog Trainers in Savannah, GA

In-Home Dog Training in Bluffton & Savannah!

Since 2008, James and Michelle Rodriguez, your local Bark Busters owners and operators, have expertly trained thousands of dog owners. As expert behavioral therapists and obedience trainers, we are proud to be multiple time Bark Busters National Trainers of the Year. We proudly service families and dogs in the Greater Savannah region, including Beaufort, Bluffton, Hardeeville, Okatie, Port Royal, and Ridgeland!

As veterans of the armed forces and married for over 20 years, we exclusively handle all training personally, unlike other dog training companies. Our methods are dog friendly and our dedication has earned us high recommendations by the local veterinary community as well.

What Sets Us Apart?

  • In-Home Training First: We begin training in your home, where your dog feels safest and spends most of their time—this sets the foundation for effective learning. Once clear communication is established, we gradually introduce distractions by training in public settings. 
  • Why In-Home Matters: While some trainers offer one-on-one sessions elsewhere, working in your dog’s familiar environment delivers the most consistent, lasting results.
  • Root-Cause Approach: Our philosophy is built on helping owners understand and meet their dog’s natural needs, addressing behavior at the source—not just the symptoms. We teach you how to build a relationship with your dog based on trust, respect, and clear communication. 
  • Comprehensive Support: We can help with everything from basic obedience and puppy training to off-leash control and serious behavioral issues like separation anxiety or aggression.
  • Proven Results: We're passionate about our work and well known for resolving even the most challenging cases. 

Don't wait any longer to transform your dog's behavior. Contact us to talk about your specific needs.

Contact Us Today!

Veteran Owned Bark Busters Home Dog Training

Client Reviews

See what our clients in Bluffton & Savannah have to say

Read our more than 100 five-star reviews on Google.

...first visit with James was incredible. We laid out a plan and he level set on time for transformation and the levels of progress that may be possible and strategies if not. It was such a relief to have a plan. And he taught me a few things that made an immediate difference. I had homework and it was manageable.

We went through process, James always responded and provided guidance along the way between sessions. Every month we progressed, with a set back here and there where fortunately we had controls in place to keep everyone safe- and that as James pointed out brought insight on triggers. I am so incredibly grateful that we now have two dogs that snuggle together which I did not would ever be possible.

James helped me learn l how to read the dogs better and when and how to manage with simple techniques. I am so glad both dogs can have full lives now- and even play together and comfort each other.

I am grateful and cannot recommend the services enough This would not have been a happy ending without James. It took time, practice but it was all manageable and it paid off way beyond the level I expected.
I trained with James to help with my fearful/anxious GSD rescue, Daphne, and she has made incredible progress! I really appreciated the personalized training recommendations and plans for practice at home and follow up by James. She now is okay with meeting new people in our home and has began to bond with friends who we have over more often!
James has been absolutely incredible! This has been the most life-changing experience I’ve ever had. My dog, Beto (a 100lb Vizsla mix), was extremely dog-reactive, would charge at people who caught him by surprise, whine all the time for attention, and demand that I play with him. I felt like I owed him all of my time, when in reality, that wasn’t the case. I’ve cried countless times when it would get so overwhelming to go on a walk and have him pull me across the street because he saw a dog he wanted to react to. After just one training session, he stopped whining and demanding my attention. He has not lunged at a dog or person once, and his demeanor has completely changed. He no longer jumps up at guests who come to my house, and he has learned to respect my personal space. I cannot thank James enough.
Absolutely 5 stars!!!
One of the best phone calls we’ve ever made.
I’ve always had issues with my usually sweet-natured poodle barking at everything, not giving visitors space in our home, and barking at people/dogs while on leash. After working with 3 dog “ trainers,” I tried Bark Buster behavioral therapist, James, and he successfully taught me how to manage/stop my pup’s unwanted behaviors in just 2 sessions! James was very calm, friendly, and encouraging. Directions were clear and his tools worked beautifully. Totally recommend!!!
James’s wealth of knowledge of dog packs as well as human packs in relation to their animals is tremendous. His fairly simple skills,he taught us how to interact as pack leaders with our animals. His skills have made a more harmonious environment and interaction with our dogs. After our first home visit , our dogs responded immediately to all the skills we learned from James. We love that this training will last a lifetime with our pets. As our pets age,
if any problems should arise, we can call James and address any current issues that may occur. This was money well spent for the future of our pets. Thank you.
Who you gonna call? Bark Busters! No seriously, you won’t regret it. Our little Sully was a scared shelter dog whose “bark” was bigger than his bite. After ONE session, James gave us 3 simple skills we needed to regain ownership. These simple skills are now applied in so many different settings - during walks, meeting new dogs, and encountering children. We are well on our way to become the best dog owner for Sully! Thank you!
I've had German Shepherds all my life, but my current one is so energetic and out of control, I was almost thinking about getting rid of her. But just one day with Bark Busters and she is a new dog. I thought it would be a long drawn out process, but after just one session, we were able to address nearly every issue she was having. Also, the follow-ups are incredible. I am now completely confident that not only will my dog be an excellent companion, she will be the best trained dog I've ever owned.
We had a desperate situation. Our Vizsla that at first loved having a playmate after a few months became on edge and began attacking the little rescue dog - breaking his jaw in 3 places. The Viszla was stressed all the time and incredibly aggressive- and seemed to constantly want to go after the puppy.

The first visit with James was incredible. We laid out a plan and he level set on time for transformation and the levels of progress that may be possible and strategies if not. It was such a relief to have a plan. And he taught me a few things that made an immediate difference. I had homework and it was manageable.

We went through process, James always responded and provided guidance along the way between sessions. Every month we progressed, with a set back here and there where fortunately we had controls in place to keep everyone safe - and that, as James pointed out, brought insight on triggers. I am so incredibly grateful that we now have two dogs that snuggle together which I did not would ever be possible.

James helped me learn l how to read the dogs better and when and how to manage with simple techniques. I am so glad both dogs can have full lives now - and even play together and comfort each other.

I am grateful and cannot recommend the services enough! This would not have been a happy ending without James. It took time, practice but it was all manageable and it paid off way beyond the level I expected.
We have two dogs but needed the most help with our 3 year old Brittany….Ginger. For those of you that are familiar with that breed, you clearly know how energetic and spastic they can be. We had a Brittany before, but Ginger has exceeded the craziness. She had a bad habit of counter surfing in the kitchen while we were cooking. As much as we yelled at her, that bad habit continued. Walking her was exhausting. The minute she got outside, her nose led the way. She would pull so hard, and if a car drove by, she would bark and try to dart at the car. That was really nerve wracking because one day if we didn’t have complete control of her leash, she definitely would have been hit. We finally decided to hire a dog trainer. We hired James with Bark Buster. The best thing about his tactics, is that we are not just attending typical training classes teaching dog obedience. Most dog training classes have a generalized training outline. James customized the training needs based on what we wanted to be corrected. We successfully keep the dogs out of the kitchen during any cooking process. We can now walk the dogs and there is absolutely no pulling. They no longer control us while in the house or during the walks. Both dogs now understand that we are the pack leaders and that we control our expectations of them. In the end, it was my husband and I that really needed the training. We are both thrilled at the results and look forward to finally enjoying calmer walks and more peaceful times within the house.
After only one session with James my 90 pound puppy is a different dog. Walking Buddy was a dreaded chore and is now a pleasure. We still have some work to do but with James's help I know we will get there. We are so happy with our experience with James and Bark Busters!
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Reliability, Responsiveness, Value
We think Bark Busters was the best thing we could’ve done for us and our dog. The training methods are excellent. James guided us through the tough early puppy times and continues to be there for us making our lives and our dog’s life much more enjoyable. He makes himself readily available to us whenever we need guidance or training in the next development stage we are in with our pup. We would recommend their services to anyone who wants a happy and well behaved dog. James has trained us as well as our dog giving us a great relationship with a lot more enjoyment and less frustration during those puppy “adolescent” stages.
James has taught us a new way of understanding our pup ... I have much more confidence and I’m enjoying my well behaved Lily girl (9 month old Aussie) . Having a trained pup is a blessing and a comfort .
James is patient, throughly explains and demonstrates everything we need to know.
I highly recommend Bark Busters! - Most Sincerely, Diane and ‘Lily’
Professionalism, Quality, Reliability, Responsiveness, Value
I cannot even express how amazing my experience with these trainers has been! They are extremely professional and definitely know what they are doing. My very large dog had aggression issues that were a huge problem for my family and I, but after even just one training session I saw INCREDIBLE progress! These training methods REALLY WORK! I'm not saying that they can waive a magic wand and all your dog's problems go away. It definitely takes some work and time on the dog owner's end, of course, but the difference it has made for my dog and I IS magical! I highly recommend!
I thought I could train my 2 Yorkie puppies myself but they proved me wrong, they are just 5 months old but with every passing day they became just a bit more crazy & not listening, with full attention & treats they do well, but obviously I can't carry treats with me all the time, not that it would matter because when they're crazy they're uncontrollable, our biggest issue was the pups chasing the cats, they saw them as big toys, James explained "dog" speak to us & how to start gaining some control, I must say the pups are doing pretty well, but the adults still need some work, but we're trying, the night after the 1st session I woke to find the pups sleeping on the bed but the amazing part was the cat was sleeping on the bed within inches of them, that never would have happened before; the pups & people, have a long way to go but I know we'll get there, especially as they grow older; making the 1st call & speaking with Michelle was very encouraging & James has reached out several times for support & encouragement, it's nice to know that all I have to do is make a phone call if I need help in between sessions, I can't say how things will be in the future but I'm hopeful, as of now I would definitely recommend giving Bark Busters a try
James is a really knowledgeable and helpful trainer. I appreciated how he took the time to listen and fully understand all of our concerns. We were having some serious behavior problems with resource guarding with our < 1 year old puppy. His methods did help to address this but also help to address a lot of smaller behavior problems overall that we didn’t even realize how much we wanted to correct. I would say we are 100% happier with our lives with our dog now. James is really easy to talk to and also makes himself very available by phone or text to answer and questions you have in real time about training. I highly recommend these bark busters trainers to anyone who has some sort of behavior problem they want fixed and don’t know the best strategy to handle it!

Let's Get Started!

Connect with us Call 1-877-500-BARK (2275)or enter your zip code.

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Young girl training a Husky puppy

Is It Too Early to Start Training My Puppy?

Puppy training can start just days after your puppy settles into their new home. Early, consistent training builds the leadership skills you need to manage your puppy’s behavior confidently. Many new puppy owners reach out to us to get their puppy’s training started on the right paw!  Puppies are a lot of work. They require extra care with housetraining, socialization, feeding, and playtime compared to adult dogs—it’s a big responsibility, but we’re here to help.

We equip you with all the tools you need to successfully train your puppy at home, addressing common challenges like: 

  • Crate Training
  • Potty Training
  • Chewing
  • Playful Biting
  • Jumping Up
  • Barking
  • Counter Surfing
  • Leash Training
  • Proper Socialization
  • Separation Anxiety

Puppy training isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Bark Busters, we help you build a strong foundation of trust and respect in a safe, nurturing environment. Our trainers, James or Michelle, come to your home and customize each session based on your puppy’s development and your progress. Call Bark Busters Bluffton & Savannah to begin your puppy training journey today!

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An example of Bark Busters Home Dog Training for aggressive dogs.

Are You Struggling with an Aggressive Dog?

Aggression in dogs is a learned response, often stemming from underlying fear or insecurity. To address this behavior effectively, it's crucial to identify and resolve the root cause. Through Bark Busters in-home training, we can evaluate the reasons behind your dog's aggression and guide you in applying strategies for positive change.

Some dog trainers won’t take on cases with aggression, but Bark Busters Bluffton & Savannah has successfully trained thousands of dogs with an array of aggression issues including resource guarding, human aggression, dog on dog aggression, food aggression, possessive aggression, and territorial aggression.

We’ve developed a comprehensive system that helps address and frequently correct these behaviors, often achieving noticeable improvements by the end of our initial session.

Seek Professional Dog Training

Aggression often starts with subtle signs—shaking, stiff body language, panting, or staring—and can escalate to growling, barking, lunging, or biting. Too many people wait until after a bite happens, but early action is key.

At Bark Busters, we use humane, dog-friendly methods to help you understand the root cause and build lasting change—no e-collars, no harsh tools. Most dogs are relieved to stop aggressive behavior, and with consistent training, real progress is possible.

If your dog is showing signs of aggression, don’t wait. We can help—sooner is better.

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A dog barking upward

Is Your Dog’s Behavior Overwhelming?

You are not alone, and we’re here to help. Bark Busters Bluffton and Savannah in-home training comes to you. Training takes place right where the issues happen—your home, yard, and neighborhood—making it easier for your dog to learn without distractions. We also offer off-site sessions to help you and your dog succeed in real-world environments like downtown Bluffton or Savannah, local parks, beaches, restaurants, and even vet clinics.

We Address All Behavior Issues—with Results That Last

Our methods are natural, humane, and based on how dogs instinctively communicate. We teach you how to build trust and respect with your dog so that they listen to you—not just a trainer. With your consistency and follow-through, we can address a wide range of issues, including:

  • Puppy Training
  • Housebreaking 
  • Leash Walking
  • Recall
  • Jumping on People
  • Nuisance Barking
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Aggression (toward people, dogs, or objects)
  • Resource Guarding and Territorial Behavior
  • Sibling Rivalry (dogs fighting in the same home)
  • Preparing for a New Baby
  • Introducing a New Dog
  • Attention-Seeking or Interrupting Guests

We believe your dog should listen at home—not just at a facility. That’s why we don’t recommend costly "boot camps" or "board-and-train" programs. In-home training puts you in charge and builds lasting results. Let us show you how to “speak dog” and create a calm, respectful bond for life.

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What Makes Bark Busters Bluffton & Savannah 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 Bluffton & Savannah, 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: Beaufort, Bluffton, Hardeeville, Ladys Island, Okatie, Pooler, Port Royal, Richmond Hill, Ridgeland, Savannah

Get Started Today!

CALL 1-877-500-BARK (2275) OR ENTER YOUR ZIP CODE TO SEND US A MESSAGE.

Please begin by confirming your zip code.