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!
Thank You! It's been my pleasure working with you and Charlie!
Patricia W.
3 months ago
— Oakdale, CA
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.
It has been a pleasure working with you all! Misty and Maisy are the sweetest!
James and K.
4 months ago
— Stockton, CA
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)
!I adore Kona and Derby! Such sweet boys!! It's been wonderful working with you!
Bill & Susan N.
9 months ago
— Burson, CA
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
What an absolute pleasure to work with this family and their great dogs.
Meghan L.
5 years ago
— Manteca, CA
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!
What a wonderful lesson we had. You and your dogs did great! I look forward to working together.
Roxanne P.
5 years ago
— Stockton, CA
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.
Bernadette .
55 days ago
— Oakley, CA
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!
PermalinkPatricia W.
3 months ago
— Oakdale, CA
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.
PermalinkJames and K.
4 months ago
— Stockton, CA
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)
PermalinkBill & Susan N.
9 months ago
— Burson, CA
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.
PermalinkShe 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.
Karen smith and Mariah Smith .
20 months ago
— Stockton, CA
We are pleased with progress that jasper is making with Sarah.
PermalinkLiana T.
20 months ago
— Manteca, CA
We didn't have high expectations for our first appointment because Taylor is like no other dog we've ever had.
PermalinkShe 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.
LeeAnn Perez .
20 months ago
— Stockton, CA
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.
PermalinkWhen 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!!!
Misty H.
4 years ago
— Elk Grove, CA
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.
PermalinkMeghan L.
5 years ago
— Manteca, CA
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.
PermalinkWhen 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!
Roxanne P.
5 years ago
— Stockton, CA
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.
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