Joanne Rice
Efficient, Holistic, and Results-Oriented Dog Training
Are you experiencing behavioral issues with your dog? Our dog-friendly training methods can help you overcome these issues quickly. We train in your home where you and your dog are most comfortable. With our efficient, results-oriented training program, you can achieve the communication and leadership you want with your dog. Live a happier life together with your dog!
Dog Training Services
Common Dog Behavioral Issues We Address:
- Aggression
- Barking
- Biting
- Change in Address
- 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 Joanne, Master Dog Trainer & Dog Behavioral Therapist
Home Dog Training in Greater Tampa Bay, Riverview, Wesley Chapel & Brandon, FL!
I am Joanne Rice, your Bark Busters Trainer in the Greater Tampa Bay region, including Wesley Chapel, New Tampa, Brandon, Riverview and Sun City.
A little bit about me:
- Over 17 years of experience
- More than 4,000 dogs trained
- Master Level Trainer with Bark Busters Home Dog Training
- Honored to win Trainer of the Year
- CCPDT-KA certification from the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers
- One of a few trainers in the Tampa Bay area who is Fear Free Certified
- Authorized to work with those who have received a citation from Hillsborough County or Pasco County Animal Services
- Completed all requirements for the Hillsborough County Truth in Training Ordinance
Teach your dog to be a well-behaved, beloved family member and live a happier life together!
Have you tried other training programs and they just didn’t work in real life?
Bark Busters is different. We strive for results, not number of sessions. And we come to you. Most behavior issues cannot be addressed in a group class. It's more complex than sit/stay. If you are having trouble at home, it just makes sense to train your dog there so we can recreate scenarios and teach the dog (and you) in real time. Many people are surprised how quickly they make progress. With our Lifetime Support Guarantee, you have the security of knowing you have help whenever you need it for your dog.
We never use e-collars, spray collars, or prong collars. Bark Busters has a unique dog-friendly approach to teach you to interact with your dog in a way that is easy for you to learn, and easy for your dog to understand. It's a better way to a better dog.
Recommended by Veterinarians. Many team members at vet clinics, and other dog-related businesses in the area, have experienced our techniques first-hand with their own dogs and regularly recommend Bark Busters to their clients and friends. The majority of my referrals come from vet staff and existing clients. You can see a list of some of the clinics that have recommended me.
Contact me today | Read my Adoption Diary | visit my Dog Training Tampa website
Client Reviews
See what our clients in Tampa Bay have to say
Let's Get Started!
Connect with us Call 1-877-500-BARK (2275)or enter your zip code.
We're Experts in Solving Any Dog Behavior Issue
Does My New Puppy Need Training?
Did you just get a new puppy and need help with basic puppy training to start your dog training off on the right paw?
Puppies, like infants and toddlers, need guidance to develop good behavior and a friendly disposition. They require extra attention for housetraining, socialization, feeding, and playtime compared to adult dogs—it's a big responsibility.
Many people get puppies that are 8-10 weeks old. They have not had all their shots yet, and should not be taken to public places until they are fully immune. However, the most impressionable period in a puppy’s life is between 4 and 14 weeks of age, so it’s best to establish good habits right from the start.
With Bark Busters in-home training, you don’t have to wait to start training your puppy. Our Puppy Training is unique in that we pace the sessions according to your puppy’s developmental stages and your progress. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to puppy training, but Bark Busters Tampa Bay can help you establish a solid foundation of trust and respect in a safe, nurturing environment.
We provide support with crate training, potty training, leash training, and more. Our team gives you all the tools needed to successfully train your puppy at home, tackling common issues such as:
- Chewing
- Playful biting
- Barking
- Stealing food
- Digging
- Potty training
- Separation anxiety
Training can begin just a few days after your puppy adjusts to their new home. Starting early and staying consistent helps establish the leadership skills necessary to manage your puppy’s behavior effectively. Ready to begin your journey with your new puppy?
Are You Struggling with Your Dog's Behavior?
Do you have a dog that has developed dog behavioral problems over time? Or did you recently adopt or rescue a dog that is experiencing severe dog behavior issues with their transition home?
Bark Busters trainers specialize in behavioral modification, bringing over 30 years of experience to successfully help thousands of dogs. Your Bark Busters trainer in Tampa Bay will create a personalized plan to address your dog’s specific behavioral challenges—whether it's aggression, separation anxiety, sibling rivalry in a multi-dog household, or other severe issues.
Experts in Dog Behavioral Solutions
Aggressive dog behavior is often learned, typically stemming from feelings of vulnerability, fear, or a perceived lack of protection. It can develop as a survival mechanism or due to a misunderstanding of the dog's role within its pack. Identifying the root cause of this behavior is essential in addressing what triggers your dog’s aggression.
Separation anxiety in dogs is a complex behavioral issue with negative consequences. Dogs can grow accustomed to having their families around and may become confused when they are suddenly left alone more frequently. Addressing this issue early can prevent significant stress for both dogs and their owners.
Sibling rivalry in a multi-dog household is a serious issue many dog owners face. Bark Busters trainers can identify the underlying causes of rivalry and work to resolve them before they escalate.
No Dog is Beyond Help
With Bark Busters Tampa Bay, our unique dog behavioral modification therapy helps dogs unlearn unwanted behaviors and restructure their responses in a way that is clear for both the dog and the owner.
We can help with any age, any breed, and with any issue - especially if you need to relieve the stress of severe dog behavior issues - call us today!
Dealing with Dog Aggression?
Aggression, whether directed towards humans or other animals is not a personality type, it’s a learned behavior. Most often aggression is caused by fear, which mixed with adrenaline and inappropriate education can be a recipe for danger. At Bark Busters Tampa Bay we firmly believe that no dog is beyond help.
Understand the Root of Dog Aggression
If your dog exhibits aggressive behavior, for any reason, it’s critical to get the help of a professional dog trainer. We assess the root cause of your dog’s aggression and help you implement strategies to resolve these issues and reduce the stress it causes while training, learning, and growing.
There are many different types of dog aggression, including:
- Leash aggression
- Aggression towards humans
- Food aggression
- Possessive aggression
- Territorial aggression
Aggressive Dog Behavior Can Be Resolved
Where most trainers in the area don't even take aggression cases - especially not without using an e-collar or other abrasive techniques - Bark Busters Tampa Bay has successfully dealt with an array of dog aggression issues. We are here to help, and have extensive experience with resource guarding, human aggression, and dog-on-dog aggression.
The most important thing you can do to help your aggressive dog is to prevent situations that may lead to danger and seek professional assistance. Prevention is always the best precaution. If you’re struggling with dog aggression in any form, please let Bark Busters Tampa Bay help.
Challenges of Adopting Rescue Dogs
Have you recently adopted or rescued a dog that is experiencing severe dog behavior issues with their transition home?
Each year, millions of companion animals enter shelters and tragically many of those animals are euthanized. A large number of dogs are abandoned or re-homed due to behavioral issues that make them difficult for owners to manage. Our mission at Bark Busters Tampa is to reduce the number of dogs facing euthanasia or re-homing by providing owners with the training and tools they need to successfully address behavioral issues.
The Reality for Shelter Dogs
While some shelter dogs find new homes quickly—especially those that are friendly and approachable—others struggle. These dogs may be fearful, anxious, or withdrawn, often due to mistreatment or a lack of proper care. They might cower in the back of their kennels or bark and growl at visitors, making it difficult for them to show their true personalities. The noisy, stressful shelter environment can mask their potential, and the longer they stay, the harder it becomes for them to be adopted.
Why do dogs get re-homed? Dogs end up in shelters or rescues for a variety of reasons, including:
- House training issues, like accidents indoors or destructive behavior.
- Behavioral challenges, such as aggression towards people or other animals.
- Size concerns, as some large breeds may outgrow their living spaces.
- Breed stigma, with dogs like Pit Bulls or Rottweilers often suffering from negative stereotypes.
Transforming Problematic Behaviors
Many of the behaviors that lead to dogs being re-homed can be addressed with proper training. Bark Busters Tampa Bay is dedicated to helping owners rehabilitate their dogs, provided owners are committed to the process. We offer personalized training programs, and ongoing support.
The Importance of Adoption
The "adopt, don’t shop" philosophy holds true—adopting from a shelter can save a dog’s life. Many senior dogs already have some training and, once given proper boundaries and guidance, can bring immense joy and companionship. Bark Busters Tampa helps new dog owners become effective leaders so their dogs can thrive in loving homes.
Dog Training Tips for Every Need
Out clients across the greater Tampa area turn to us for guidance on a wide range of dog training concerns, whether it's small daily habits, essential safety tips, or major lifestyle adjustments. If you have any questions about your dog's behavior, don't hesitate to reach out. Contact us today!
General Puppy Tips
Preparing Your Dog for a Vet Visit
How to Adopt a Dog for the Long Haul
What Makes Bark Busters Tampa Bay 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 Tampa Bay, 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.
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
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.
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: Apollo Beach, Balm, Brandon, Dade City, Dover, Durant, Gibsonton, Lacoochee, Lakeland, Land O Lakes, Lithia, Lutz, Mango, Plant City, Polk City, Riverview, Ruskin, Saint Leo, San Antonio, Seffner, Sun City, Sun City Center, Sydney, Tampa, Thonotosassa, Trilby, Valrico, Wesley Chapel, Wimauma, Zephyrhills
Stay Connected
Learn more about Bark Busters in Greater Tampa Bay, Florida!
Get Started Today!
CALL 1-877-500-BARK (2275) OR ENTER YOUR ZIP CODE TO SEND US A MESSAGE.