Efficient, Holistic, and Results-Oriented Dog Training in Stockton & Central Valley

Experiencing behavioral issues with your dog? Our compassionate, in-home dog training in Stockton & Central Valley empowers you to overcome challenges fast. 

We teach in your home, where your dog feels the most secure. Through our focused, results-driven approach, you’ll learn how to lead and communicate clearly with your dog, so you can enjoy a calmer, happier life together.

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Personalized Dog & Puppy Training

Every dog is different. That’s why we work with you to create a tailored training plan and bring our experienced trainers to your home on your schedule. Whether you’re looking for puppy training in Stockton & Central Valley or help with an older dog, we’ve got you covered!

Nurturing, Dog-Friendly Approach

We don’t rely on bribes or punishment. Our proven methods are based on respect, leadership, and trust, the core values that build lasting changes and better behavior.

A Lifetime of Support

With our Gold Service, your Bark Busters Central Valley, Stockton, California trainer is a single call away and ready to help at any point in your dog’s life at no additional cost.

Common Dog Behavioral Issues We Address

Our expert puppy training, dog training, and dog behavior services in Stockton & Central Valley 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 Sarah, Your Local Professional Dog Trainer

Bark Busters Dog Trainer in Stockton

In-Home Dog Training in the Central Valley & Stockton, CA!

Welcome, my name is Sarah Harrington, your Bark Busters dog trainer and behavioral therapist for the Central Valley and Stockton areas.

For almost 20 years, my mother - Barbara Gazley - had served the Central Valley successfully training hundreds of local dogs and dog owners. I am honored to follow in her footsteps and use the Bark Busters dog training method to help families in my community live happier lives with their dogs. 

I live in Valley Springs with my husband, two sons and our dogs, Loretta and Honour - both 8 year old rescues. Before becoming a Bark Busters dog trainer, I worked at the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department as an inmate labor specialist for 28 years and the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office as an Investigative assistant for a year.

If you are experiencing behavioral issues with your dog, I can help! Contact me today to see immediate changes in your dog’s behavior.

I train dog owners and their dogs. You don’t have a bad dog. Your dog’s behavior is a function of your relationship with your dog, how your dog perceives you, and how you communicate with each other. Once I teach you to communicate with your dog using body language and voice tones, you will be able to tap into his natural instincts to help your dog feel safe so that he can relax and is not likely to misbehave. You will establish your place in the pack – as the “Top Dog”, and your dog will gladly relinquish control to you, knowing that he can trust you and that you will always keep him safe.

You will see some immediate results. By the time we finish our first training session, you will have begun to see some remarkable changes in your dog. Reinforcing the techniques for 10-20 minutes per day will allow your relationship with your dog to continue to grow and transform for the better. Training exercises are quick, easy, and fun.

I use only humane, dog-friendly methods. When you communicate in your dog’s native language using body language and voice tones, there is no need for treats nor clickers. I can help you train your dog’s brain, rather than its stomach, which makes for long-lasting results and a trusting and respectful relationship with your dog. I also never use harsh or physical methods such as prong collars, shock collars, e-collars, pinning, or alpha rolling, because I want your dog to trust you, never to fear you.

Our dog training methods can be applied to any breed, any age, and issue. Because all dogs speak the same language, our dog training system works for any breed. any age. any issue. Yes, even old dogs can learn new tricks. Rescue dogs, shelter dogs, puppies, senior dogs, dogs who are blind or deaf or have other disabilities … I love them all, and I can help them all, by tapping into their natural instincts. 

Training is one-on-one and provided in the comfort of your own home. With dogs, behavioral issues originate in the home, so it is critical to begin training there, where your dog will be less distracted and more comfortable. When you and your dog are ready, we may also do training outside, and in higher distraction environments, such as a busy sidewalk or a park with a lot of foot traffic. 

Contact me today

Client Reviews

See what our clients in Central Valley have to say

First lesson with my dogs Coco and Brody and already see the difference in their behavior Coco no longer jump on us and Brody is a little bit calmer after his trauma of attacked by another dog.. I can’t say enough good things about Barbara’s assistance with us training the dogs!
Catherine Barnhardt
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Ms. Barbara Gazley at Bark Busters' is the best home dog trainer.

Barbara is kind, sweet, knowledgeable, punctual, responsive, and caring.

Barbara at Bark Busters Home Dog Training has devotedly helped training my female German Shepherd puppy. Eve is doing great now with positive behaviors.

My whole family and I are grateful for Barbara's help and her patience with Eve.

Scott & Tiffany
Stockton, CA
Tiffany L.
Sunnyvale, CA
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We live in Calaveras County. On 21 January 2025 we adopted Stella—a 50 pound, 10-month-old Standard Poodle from a Local Animal Shelter.

She had several different homes in 10 months and, although very sweet, she came with an uncontrolled wild level of activity and a large collection of fears from canes to hats and aluminum foil—to name just a few.

We tried professional dog training programs from two different training organizations with no real progress until we searched for in-home dog training and found Bark Busters. Bark Busters put us in contact with Sarah Harrington and we made an appointment for her to come to the house to evaluate Stella. We agreed to the program (there was no obligation) and she started work with Stella immediately.

Prior to Sarah, Stella was uncontrolled on a leash; never came when called; was always underfoot in the house; and there was no predicting the onset of a high energy canine panic attack with resultant chaos. After Sarah’s first visit, Stella was controlled on leash and began to respond to commands “sit” and “come”.

Over the months since Sarah’s first visit, she has been to our home multiple times (whenever we call, she comes). Stella is now a perfect lady on leash, sitting and staying when commanded. She waits patiently by open doors until invited in; comes when called 80% of the time (working on that); and is no longer afraid of canes or aluminum foil—although a few phobias remain. Most recently, Stella developed unusual skill at counter surfing and Sarah prescribed and demonstrated techniques to control that behavior and for Stella to remain out of the kitchen unless invited (80% success; we continue to work on that).

Sarah’s work with us (we, of course, are the main training challenge) and Stella has been nothing but miraculous. Stella has gone from an uncontrolled, fearful dog to a loving and mostly obedient companion—thanks to Sarah. We have more work to do with Stella but Sarah has been and is always willing to come on our request to reinforce, train and suggest continuing improvement in us and Stella. We can heartily recommend Bark Busters and Sarah to anyone who needs in-home dog training.
Bill & Susan N.
Burson, CA
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Sarah is amazing. She helped us understand our dogs better and how better to handle some situations. We saw improvements right away. She listened to all of our concerns and walked us through all areas of concern. We have had follow ups with her and she is easy to get ahold of in-between lessons with any questions that arise.
Patricia W.
Oakdale, CA
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We began to dread having visitors because our two dogs got so excited -- jumping and barking when the doorbell rang. On our first session with Sarah she showed us how to get them under control and that has made a huge difference but there's much more. Sarah taught us how to get better control when walking them on leash and an effective way to get their attention when we want them to come. (And our dogs now love her too)
James and K.
Stockton, CA
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Sarah is amazing! From the first email, to all our check in’s and meetings she has been responsive and patient with all my questions and concerns. Since week one Charlie has responded to the training methods and recommendations and seems much happier, we look forward to more lessons!
Bernadette .
Oakley, CA
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We are pleased with progress that jasper is making with Sarah.
Karen smith and Mariah Smith .
Stockton, CA
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We didn't have high expectations for our first appointment because Taylor is like no other dog we've ever had.
She was mouthing me constantly and chewed on everything including the couch several times.
She barks out of fear at the slightest and silliest sounds like the neighbors talking in their own backyard, when the neighbor's pool sweep was running, and when any of our three neighbors rolled their garbage cans in/out. She is very protective of her home and her peeps.
Sarah was very thorough during the initial orientation. You could tell it was very well thought out and planned. She let us know exactly what to expect.
After the first visit with Sarah, we saw a huge improvement in all these areas by using her method to correct and redirect our dog.
We also had issues with leash pulling and Sarah worked with us on that. This is an area that we have to practice regularly with Taylor. When we do, you see improvement immediately. We just have to stay on top of it.
My husband and I are very grateful to know that we have Sarah on our team if we have any other issues or questions.
Liana T.
Manteca, CA
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I have to say, I wasn’t totally convinced I’d see a difference in behavior after that first visit. I was hopeful, but a little skeptical.
When Sarah arrived, we sat down and talked about my dogs. I have two; 5 month old female lab/pit mix, Pepper, and 4 year old make pit/kelpie mix, Bruce. After talking me through the process and explaining why dogs behave certain ways, I was an intrigued to see how my dogs would react. Within 20 minutes, Sarah met my babies. Bruce was calm, but excited; Pepper was her crazy little puppy self, jumping and licking and nipping at Sarah. Within a minute, that behavior stopped and if it started to show its face again, it was gone again in a matter of seconds. No bribing with treats, no yelling, no touching. She just spoke their language!! Sarah was calm, yet assertive, confident and encouraging. The dogs reacted to her as if she’d been their pack leader forever!! Over the next three hours we worked through the process, allowing me to take the lead and showing the dogs that I could lead them too. She left us with homework and an appointment for our next visit. When she says consistency is key, she isn’t kidding! It’s like I have two different dogs now that I’m speaking their language! We have boundaries. Walks are calm. I get to walk up the stairs without being tripped! I’m so much more relaxed! And they are so happy!
TRUST her when she says you will notice a difference after that first visit! I witnessed it! I’m living it! She’s amazing and encouraging to both dogs and owners!!
I am forever grateful to you, Sarah. I cannot wait to show you the progress we’ve made in such a short amount of time and I can’t wait for you to meet my grand dog, Morty!!
Thank you, Sarah! You are incredible at what you do! I cannot thank you enough!!!
LeeAnn Perez .
Stockton, CA
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Our trainer came out to our house yesterday. I wasn’t expecting much of a change the first visit. I have 3 dogs who are hyper and uncontrollable at times. By the end of the visit and the next day my dogs were like different dogs. Of course they have a ways to go but we were taught how to be in control without harming them or giving them treats. I highly recommend her.
Misty H.
Elk Grove, CA
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Our two dogs are rescue dogs who had previously been abused. One of them was becoming so aggressive to the other and we were also starting to fear for our own safety. We were desperate for help and reached out to Bark Busters who matched us with Barbara. They discussed with me the concerns we had and explained their program. While I could not fathom how it would work to train dogs without treats or without physical domination I just couldn’t argue with their lifetime commitment to helping me have a successful relationship with my dogs.
When Barbara came to work with us, we listened with open ears and minds. Barbara was thorough in her explanation of the program. She would model the interaction and then we practiced while she provided tips and corrections. Within just the few hours that she was with us I could see our dogs working and thinking and following our desires for their behavior in ways I would never have fathomed. She helped us to see that our dogs were not so much the problem but rather our inability to communicate with them effectively. She provided us with all of the tools, and all of the information needed to be able to carry on the practice. Barbara was so pleasant to work with, she was patient with our questions answering the with extensive knowledge.
As with learning any language or skill, practice and continual use is required. Barbara ensured we had all of the supports we needed before our session ended. And while we still have a ways to go, I am more than impressed with how far we came just in the first session. It makes me think that I might just get two dogs that I can actually fall in love with! Thank you Barbara. Your help likely saved the life of our dog!
Meghan L.
Manteca, CA
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Barbara helped me with my dog Tootsie. She was jumping on the furniture and people. She was very patient and helpful. We learned so much from her. I highly recommend Barbara if you need help with your doggy.
Roxanne P.
Stockton, CA
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Barbara did wonders with my puppy Burt. He would not listen to a thing I said. In two hours, he started following my commands. I learned to set boundaries and NOT let him rule the house. What I really liked is that it was dog friendly and used no prong or shock collars. Burt and I are doing our homework and the progress continues!
Christen S.
Elk Grove, CA
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Barbara is a sheer joy to work with so knowledgeable and helpful in the first visit I've seen improvement in Blu. after she left we went outside and practice leash training for a few more minutes and my little guy did really well looking forward to implementing the program and so thankful I found all of you, I'll be talking to you soon Barbara and thank you!
Francine H.
Antioch, CA
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Barbara was very helpful and very nice. So glad we went with Bark Busters. Their way of training is more positive and calming for our dogs
Michele T.
Salida, CA
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Barbara has helped us a lot. Emmy doesnt jump on us anymore. She is a high energy dog that we love.Thank you
Deborah L.
Lathrop, CA
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My stubborn Thai Ridgeback Jaxon is a totally different dog! Thanks to the way Barbara taught us to communicate with him, he now listens. He sits before he comes inside. He stays when told to stay and will continue to stay until we release him with a fun "FREE." He is now allowed to be inside with us (never allowed in the past) while we eat dinner as we tell him to go lay down, and guess what, he goes and lays on his bed. Before he used to bolt out. The best part is that our kids are no longer afraid of him and can play with him like kids should. While the training for the dog was great, the training you provided the humans was even better. We will have many more years of enjoyment with Jaxon in our lives... thanks to you and Bark Busters. In our eyes, this was a real and true success story.
Jason G.
Elk Grove, CA
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Barbara worked with us to help us with our two rescue dogs, a boxer and a boxer mix. Chopper and Maggie.
We really liked her. She has a very nice, friendly, calm demeanor. Chopper and Maggie liked her too!
One of the issues we were having is that we could not answer the front door without them barking and jumping like crazy. Frankly it had gotten to the point that unless it was friends or family I wouldn't even open the door at times. They are both still learning but doing well in their training of the front door "no go zone". What a relief.
Barbara spoke to to us at the first of our meeting without the dogs present explaining the program and the philosophy she uses. It was pretty easy to understand but you don't know what you don't know, so the information was very much appreciated.
We are working on the leash training and I am personally feeling more like I am walking my dogs instead of the other way around.
Also they are learning to wait patiently for us to exit or enter a door until they are invited to follow behind us.
We've only been at this for about 4 days but I can honestly say there is much improvement already.
Another great thing, lifetime visits included if you need their help, or if you just need to talk via email or telephone.

Thank you very much to Barbara and Bark Busters!
Sherry R.
Valley Springs, CA
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No need for a visit... quite the opposite really. I'm not sure how well you remember Jaxon (the stubborn Thai Ridgeback.) If you recall, he did not take well to the "BAH." I know it's been 2 years since we last did the in home training with you, but I can't help but think about the conversation you had with us during your first visit. You shared how some clients never contact you through the process so you never know how things turned out.

With that said, Jaxon is a completely different dog! He has accepted his place in our family. We use the "BAH" to redirect his attention nearly every single day. He sits before he goes out side. He sits before he comes inside. He stays when told to stay and will continue to stay until we release him with a fun "FREE." He is allowed to be inside with us while we eat dinner as we tell him to go lay down, and guess what, he goes and lays on his bed. If he doesn't with the first command, a quick "BAH" and he is on his way... reluctantly mind you but still listens. He does not bolt out the front door and terrorize the neighborhood and when the back gate is open he doesn't bother to go near it.

The best part of all of this Barbara... our kids are no longer scared of him and interact with a dog like kids should interact with a dog. Jaxon still pushes the envelope when our youngest is feeding him. I will hear "Jaxon sit. Jaxon sit." At this point Jaxon normally looks at me like do I really have to listen to this little kid. Our youngest will belt out a "BAH" and I swear if dogs could roll their eyes!!! yet he sits and awaits the free command before enjoying his feeding time.

While the training for the dog was great, the training your provided the humans was even better. We will have many more years of enjoyment with Jaxon in our lives... thanks to you and Bark Busters. In our eyes, this was a real and true success story.
Jason G.
Stockton, CA
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Can't wait to learn more and use the methods that were shown to us
Karen D.
Modesto, CA
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I learned a lot and lots of written material to learn from and back up what Barbara showed me. It will be fun working with Titan!
Storm A.
Stockton, CA
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I learned a lot and lots of written material to learn from and back up what Barbara showed me. It will be fun working with Titan!
Storm A.
Stockton, CA
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Barbara was great. She clearly explained the program and addressed our issues with Charlotte. She demonstrated how to communicate the commands, correct any unwanted behavior, and lavishly praise compliance. My husband and I both worked with Charlotte and saw marked improvements even before Barbara left. We practiced with Charlotte again that evening and this morning. The change is remarkable, beyond what I would have thought possible.
Kelly G.
Elk Grove, CA
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Barbara is amazing ... she really has a way with dogs and is exceptionally knowledgeable. We had our first visit today - she's friendly, took the time to get to know Max and me, and explained her teaching style before we got to work. I appreciate the time and patience she had with both of us! I would highly recommend her services!
I look forward to doing the homework with Max and working with Barbara again!
Angelique, Elk Grove
Angelique S.
Elk Grove, CA
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Very professional, explained everything to us, answered all our questions.
Ronda A.
Stockton, CA
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A little update: thank you to Barbara at Bark Busters. A few weeks into training and Rommel has become a calmer and lovable dog. We were ready to rehome or shelter him but decided to give once last attempt with BB. Without you this pups' true potential may never have come to light! Thank you!
Stacey S.
Tracy, CA
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What Makes Bark Busters Stockton & Central Valley 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 Stockton & Central Valley, 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.

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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.

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Life of Dog Support Guarantee

Life of Dog Support Guarantee

Bark Busters Home Dog Training provides a Life of Dog Support Guarantee that is unique in the industry. 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.

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Dog Behavior Issues

Tips & Advice

We're here to help. From general dog training tips, to puppy toilet training best practices, to learning about various dog breeds we've worked with, Bark Busters offers our free tips and advice on common dog behavior problems and more.

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Professional Dog Training Near You!

Servicing: Acampo, Altaville, Angels Camp, Antioch, Atwater, Ballico, Bethel Island, Brentwood, Burson, Byron, Campo Seco, Ceres, Clements, Copperopolis, Courtland, Cressey, Crows Landing, Delhi, Discovery Bay, Elk Grove, Empire, Escalon, Farmington, French Camp, Galt, Herald, Hilmar, Holt, Hood, Hughson, Ione, Isleton, Keyes, Knightsen, Lathrop, Linden, Livingston, Lockeford, Lodi, Manteca, Martell, Modesto, Mokelumne Hill, Oakdale, Oakley, Patterson, Pittsburg, Ripon, Riverbank, Ryde, Salida, San Andreas, Sloughhouse, Stevinson, Stockton, Thornton, Tracy, Turlock, Valley Springs, Vernalis, Victor, Wallace, Walnut Grove, Wilton, Winton, Woodbridge

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