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.

Servicing: Astatula, Belleview, Bushnell, Candler, Center Hill, Clermont, Coleman, Eastlake Weir, Eustis, Fruitland Park, Grand Island, Groveland, Howey In The Hills, Lady Lake, Lake Panasoffkee, Leesburg, Montverde, Mount Dora, Ocala, Ocklawaha, Okahumpka, Oxford, Sorrento, Summerfield, Sumterville, Tavares, The Villages, Umatilla, Webster, Weirsdale, Wildwood, Yalaha, Zellwood

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
  • 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.

About Annette, Casey & Haley

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Best Dog Training in the Villages & Wildwood, FL!

AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator


Welcome! We are Annette, Casey, and Haley Heathman - a mother, son, and daughter trio - that have the unique perspective of being both dog owners and dog trainers. Our journey with Bark Busters in The Villages began when Haley brought home an adorable Dalmatian named Georgia as she was heading off to college. She was afraid I would get lonely as an empty nester. In no time, I managed to turn this cute bundle of spots into an ill-behaved Diva. She ruled the roost. Bark Busters taught me to reclaim my leadership role and return the peace in my home as I grew to be in charge. Now we have the privileged to help others with similar issues! 

It’s not that your dog is bad or you are a bad dog trainer. Dogs learn to communicate by following their Mom and siblings in a pack when they are first born. They arrive in your home and they have no idea what you are saying because they can’t speak English. We teach you how to communicate with your dog in a way that is easy for you to learn, and easy for your dog to understand.

Often Bark Busters is called in by vets or frustrated dog owners after other dog training methods have failed. Our dog training methods can be applied to any issue you may be having because they are not breed or size dependent. We only use positive, humane methods that are based on the way dogs naturally communicate.

You can not believe the relief and joy we see on dog owner’s faces once the training sessions are over. They have a well-behaved dog and we have another happy client!

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What Makes Bark Busters The Villages & Wildwood 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 The Villages & Wildwood, 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’s 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 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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Behavior Issues

Resources

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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Get Started Now

Free, No Obligation Consultation. Call 1-877-500-BARK (2275)or enter your zip code.

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The Villages & Wildwood Client Reviews

See what our clients have to say

I have a small dog mixed with ShihTzu and Maltese. He was very hyper and had issues with aggression. After working with Bark Busters for 2 months, I was able to see significant changes in his behavior. I learned how to effectively communicate with my dog and it made all the difference!

Our trainer Haley was awesome!
Jasmine Scott
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Working with Haley Heathman at Bark Busters has been absolutely wonderful. I could not survive puppyhood without Haley’s guidance and advice. She is so good with my Golden Retriever and he absolutely loves her!! Best decision we made was to work with Haley!!
Jo Ann Poirer
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My dog Shiloh had a barking and aggressiveness problem that was out of control. Barking at every noise, aggressiveness at all strangers. After five minutes with Shiloh the barking stopped, and still has. The aggressiveness I still need to test but should work with the same technique. Amazing!
MARK L.
Ocklawaha, FL
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Casey was the trainer for my Rough Collie Hannah who had a great fear of getting in the car. He first came out to my house a few months ago to help correct this problem. He was on time, friendly, and his knowledge of canine behavior was very impressive. After learning various techniques from Casey, I had no problems with Hannah getting into the car. However, after awhile, she became stubborn and stopped getting in the car again. Today, 1/28/2019, Casey came out again and worked with Hannah and me. After ten minutes she started jumping in the car on demand. Another fifteen minutes later, she actually jumped in the car a few more times on her own without even asking her. Casey made me a promise the first time we met that if I needed help again for the same issue he would not charge me for coming out again. I am thoroughly impressed with Casey's knowledge, ability, and commitment in satisfying his customers and that when he makes a promise - he sticks to it. A very trustworthy individual for sure.
Kevin M.
Ocala, FL
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Casey was the trainer for my Rough Collie Hannah who had a great fear of getting in the car. He first came out to my house a few months ago to help correct this problem. He was on time, friendly, and his knowledge of canine behavior was very impressive. After learning various techniques from Casey, I had no problems with Hannah getting into the car. However, after awhile, she became stubborn and stopped getting in the car again. Today, 1/28/2019, Casey came out again and worked with Hannah and me. After ten minutes she started jumping in the car on demand. Another fifteen minutes later, she actually jumped in the car a few more times on her own without even asking her. Casey made me a promise the first time we met that if I needed help again for the same issue he would not charge me for coming out again. I am thoroughly impressed with Casey's knowledge, ability, and commitment in satisfying his customers and that when he makes a promise - he sticks to it. A very trustworthy individual for sure.
Kevin M.
Ocala, FL
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Working with Casey and training my fur babies has been a great experience. He is knowledgeable and patient. Learning that it is ME who needs the training more than my dogs.
Traci M.
Ocala, FL
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My husband and I were able to see major, positive results after just one appointment with Casey. I do believe it really is training the owners more than the pets! Daisy was very attentive to the training and caught on very quickly. I highly recommend Bark Busters!
Kristin McKibbin K.
Eustis, FL
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Bark Busters was exactly what I needed to help understand my little pack and to help us communicate with each other. Within one visit, I saw a difference in the dogs and in me! I became much more confident in letting them know what I expected and they became less anxious because they could understand me.

I can't suggest Bark Busters highly enough. 100% satisfied.
Patti R.
Longwood, FL
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Our unruly boisterous puppy is now a happy (mostly ) well behaved companion. WE adopted him last October after losing our sweet thirteen year old lab/ husky mix. We thought for a while we had bit off a bit much, because it was a real challenge. Enter Bark Busters. I had used them ten years ago in Charleston SC and looked in the phone book. So I referred myself . But this company is amazing at the continuity and consistency between areas. We definitely recommend this company and especially this office. Annette & Casey are great. We love the Lifetime membership. If we have issues, or more probably when we do, we will be calling them again.
Margaret A.
Summerfield, FL
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Bark Busters is a miracle . I had used the service in Folly Beach SC about ten years ago . When we lost our twelve year old Husky /Lab mix last August we were devastated . But we wanted to grieve first and then get the right new dog. Jim and I got our Catahoula Leopard Dog a year ago. Having a young energetic puppy was a real challenge after our laid back old friend . So I immediately thought of Bark Busters . Annette and Casey are magicians . We are now enjoying the company of our special friend , since we have been reminded how to treat him. Of course he's not perfect . But he's close! We especially appreciate the fact that a Bark Busters contract is good for the life of the dog . If any new issues arise (or if we back slide on his discipline ) we know who to call ! Thanks Annette and Casey. We'll be telling all our friends who to call Maggie Attaya
Margaret A.
Summerfield, FL
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I love German Shepherds. My last Shepherd, who I loved dearly, however, had "behavior problems." When she passed this last November, I knew I wanted/needed a new companion. I brought home my little eight week old ShadowKat and I knew I was in trouble. He was so cute; I was soooo in love with him. How could I discipline such a wonderful dog. After he spent time at his vet's "getting fixed," I was "highly recommended" to call Bark Busters. (Imagine my surprise) Casey came to my home, and within five minutes, ShadowKat was not trying to "break out of" his kennel. In twenty minutes, he was a little gentleman, waiting till his door open than walking out and waiting to be greeted. OK-I was hooked. Since than, ShadowKat has learned to heel (with or without (ok mostly) his leash. He walks on leash without pulling, he waits away from the front door until he is invited to come greet our guests. All in all--he is doing quite well. ShadowKat (now seven months old and 70 pounds) will be trained for service. He is already working on bracing me to help me up. He has a ways to go, but with Casey by our sides, I am sure this endeavor will be successful.

Casey is wonderful. He has the patience few people possess to not only deal with ShadowKat but also my dogs' humans--who take longer to get the idea than ShadowKat does! Casey comes to the house and works within my work schedule. He spends all the time necessary (and then some) for us to get the skill set down. We get homework--but don't get berated if we did not practice as much as we should have. We got a lot of praise and "at-a-girls" if things go well. (I know, praise the dog...but human praise is good, too!)

All in all, I can't recommend Casey at Barkbusters Highly Enough. Training has become fun and easier because of him/them.
KAREN E.
Mount Dora, FL
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Casey is awesome! I called Bark Busters because my fur baby, Sparkle, would not stop nipping me. By the end of the first session, Casey taught me how to control this behavior and she has not nipped since. In subsequent sessions, we were able to master leash walking, greeting visitors (without scaring them), greeting mom and dad (without jumping), and overall allowing me to be the decision maker. The techniques that we have learned are so effective and can be applied to many different situations- and we accomplished all of this without stuffing her full of treats or using any type of punitive actions. I am amazed at how easy it has been to communicate with her, now that I know the proper techniques for doing so. Thank you so much Casey and Bark Busters!! You Rock!!!
Robbi J.
Ocklawaha, FL
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Casey worked with me and my dog Daryl to help manage the dog's behavior. Daryl was adopted and initially appeared aggressive with other dogs and toward strangers. He is a boxer mix, so very strong when he pulled on the lead. Within a short time, first 2 or 3 sessions, Casey had taught me how to manage Daryl so that I was more in control. Here it is June, only 4 months later, and Daryl has qualified for his Good Canine Citizen (GCC) certificate. Casey is a very likable young man (and handsome too), but most importantly of all, he worked wonders with my dog Daryl, and taught me how to be the leader my dog needs me to be.
Eileen H.
The Villages, FL
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Ann is nothing sort of a miracle,worker! I adopted a beautiful dapple mini doxie the agency had no information on him at all except not to approach him directly. I poo pooed that. I have trained my own dogs all my life- from rhodesian ridge backs to German shepards to standard doxies. So I had no concerns about training Maxie who weights 10'pounds. Can you say oh no she did't. After three long greuling weeks of Maxie 487 me O, I knew I needed professional help, and fast. I found Bark Busters and Ann and there was a flash and after one lesson we were able to pet him. Have him come when called.and just be more attentive.
He no longer backed away from us in fear when we approached him. By lesson two he was learning sit and stay. Anne has been a real blessing to Max and my family. She explains very well, provides you with training aides and educational materials. She is the Mary Poppins on the dog world. I recommend her highly.
Harriet K.
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ANNETTE HAS BEEN A WONDERUL DOG TRAINER, WE WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMED HER. SHE CERTAINLY FULFILLED ALL OUR MANY NEEDS IN TRAINING OUR DOG.
PAT & AL B.
Summerfield, FL
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I absolutely love Casey! After just the first lesson my puppy has improved by so much it's like she is a different dog!!!

She is so much better with her jumping on people and walking with me on the leash that I almost can't believe that she is the same puppy!! It makes me so happy to take her out and show others how much better behaved she is and I can't wait for her next lesson and her continued improvements!!!

I would highly recommend Bark Busters and Casey in particular for training your dog or puppy!! They are the greatest for coming to my home ( I can't drive) and working one on one with me and my puppy!!!
Christie K.
Yalaha, FL
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I am so thankful that when I was in the vet's office back in June that I saw the brochure Bark Busters because at that moment my Miniature Schnauzer Sabrina was barking her head off and I could not get her to stop and there were no dogs there yet as we were the first to arrive I saw the brochure for Bark Busters and called that afternoon to arrange to have them come to our house for Sabrina and Abigale June. I wanted some peace and quiet from all the barking. Well people would look at the price and say that is expensive even my husband thought it was but I was insistent on having better mannered dogs and invested the money with no regrets. It was fantastic how my dogs were behaving when Ann Heathman left our house. I have now been able to walk around our neighborhood without Sabrina pulling on her leash and causing her paw pads to bleed. Even today when we went to the Millenium Dog Park though we did not get inside the gate yet we are taking baby steps and introducing her to the new surroundings. But I was amazed how Ann from Bark Busters had my Sabrina sitting quietly while we carried on a conversation with a lady who had another Schnauzer also with no barking. Such a huge difference as I tried to take Sabrina & Abigale June to the dog park after the last time Ann visited and mentioned we would go there. We got into the parking lot and Sabrina was going ballastic barking so loud we could not shut her up and we just got discouraged got in the car and left but this time what a difference Bark Busters with Ann Heathman was. I would tell people set aside worry about the cost of Bark Busters it is well worth the training. This is a training that is not cruel and abusive and they believe in praising the dog for its good work too. They let your dog know the bad behavior is not tolerated but praised for good behavior. If you are having any type of problems with your pet I highly recommend you choose Bark Busters as you will not have any regrets.
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Today was our 5th week with Ann and we met her at the bowling alley across from the dog park. Ann had us just walk around the bowling alley parking lot till Sabrina calmed down as she was frightened and tensed up. Then I explained to Ann that was our vet's right by the bowling alley so we slowly walked up to the vet's office and then took Sabrina inside and she barked once but we immediately corrected her then she quit barking and we sat down for a few minutes to let the girl know at the front door how quiet Sabrina was due to Bark Busters and I introduced them to Ann. Then we left and went back to our cars to drive to the parking lot of the doggie park. We took Sabrina to a spot in the shade by our cars sat there for a while and let her have free reign to smell around then we gradually went to the other side of the parking lot stayed there a while and moved up towards the dog park midway stopped and stayed for a while let her look around and sniff then we got up to the fence of the dog park a lady with a minature schnauzer came out and was talking to us and Sabrina just sat there while we all carried on a conversation without barking. There was a big difference as anytime before in our neighborhood when I tried talking to our neighbor she would be barking so loud we could not hear each other talk but here we stood talking about Schnauzers able to hear each other and Sabrina sitting quietly. I think Sabrina did absolutely great with all the dogs that were there. We did not get her inside the fence yet as you have to remove the leash and I was afraid there because one dog came out of the dog park and the owner did not have a leash on him he came face to face with Sabrina and she started to snap and him but we checked on her collar and got her out of his way. We will be meeting at the dog park again next week and see if we can venture into the park. We want her to get used to it before proceeding into it. Ann our trainer has done a fantastic job with Sabrina and have to admit for the first time I was able to ride with her in the car without her barking her head off.
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We are into our third week though this Saturday I am unable to meet with Ann our trainer I am still practicing with Sabrina up and down the driveway to our neighbors on the right to the neighbors on the left to get her to walk by my side without pulling. I even tried to take her to the dog park after Ann left last Saturday but that proved to be a disaster so I will wait till August 4 when I have my trainer with me to try the doggie park. However, this morning we thought we would give it a try and get Sabrina to walk around the block with us by my side. I admit I had to do the bah several times but overall she was great and I even praised her as she did not pull and wear out the pads of her feet like she used to do when we tried to take her for walks. I am looking forward to when she won't need any bahs at all as there is a big improvement on how she acts since Ann has been training us. Looking forward to when she stops barking in the car and at the vets. I know we will get to that part soon with practice.
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Our first visit from Ann was this past Saturday 7-7-12 and our two dogs were put in the bedroom till she got in the house as I explained we wanted to correct the extensive barking and get them to walk by our side instead of pulling. she saw what I meant when we let the girls out to meet her they constantly barked even when I tried to quiet them. We put them outside for a short time while ANn explained what they will do then we brought them in and the first thing was to stop the barking. The simple procedure was amazing and Ann was fantastic. It was outstanding when she was ready to leave Sabrinie walked with me to the door to say goodbye and not a bark from her. Then today SUnday after breakfast I started the practice that Ann marked down for Us. I took Sabrina our miniatur Schnauzer After the practice in the house then outside to my drivewaya. We were practicing then the dog across the street came out and was barking and immediately Sabrina started barking I did what I was taught and then Sabrina stopped barking and I continued with her sit and stay commands and she did good without barking. I have used Petsmart training for Sabrinia before for training and had to take her to the store but was not allowed in the training with the other dogs and I had to walk her up and Dow the aisles and the trainer came out to tell me what she covered. Their only recommendation was buy a bark collar which we did but Sabrina would get zapped and still bark. whereas Bark Busters does not use this cruel treatment and though it is expensive I think there way of training is worth it and I would highly recommend everyone to use Bark Busters. I have told everyone in my dogster.com group about how great it is and given them the link to check it out.
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We were at our wit's end and close to taking our puppy (1 year Maltese-Chihuahua) to the SPCA when I called our vet to get a recommendation for a dog trainer. Mocha had developed a very aggressive (viscious) behavior towards us. Other trainers, groomers and dog owners had all kinds of suggestion but none of them worked. Thanks to our trainer, Ann, we have learned how to deal with his temper tantrums. He may always have his tantrums but we can deal with them more effectively now. Mocha now follows commands better and the tantrums are less aggressive besides being fewer and further between. We implement the training in our daily lives and will continue the training so that Mocha does not regress to his previous behavior. Thank you, Ann, for training us and our puppy. Would definitely recommend Ann and Bark Busters to anyone who has a problem with their dog.
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Ann and Casey have helped my two dogs in several great ways. The classes they provide give you easy-to-do methods to help stop unwanted behavior and promote the obedience behavior you want. They provide a fun and stimulating class with an atmosphere of teaching, learning, and working going on by dogs and owners. The classes are small, and each dog and owner get great amounts of individual attention. I would very much recommend Ann and Casey.
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I was beginning to think there was no hope for my 2-yr-old shih tzu. My other dog is very mild mannered, but Belle would go after anyone who went by our house. Before calling Bark Busters, I read all the testimonials and thought it was too good to be true, but after one lesson with Annette, I was convinced this would work. What I like about BB is the guarantee, the fact Annette came to the house and worked on my problems with Belle not like in a class. I was surprised in less than 6 weeks Belle is a delight and we are not embarrassed to have people over any more. Thanks, Annette.
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Our trainer was clear and precise. We observed noticeable results by the end of the training. Henry was a little confused at first but he soon caught on. The natural training techniques are perfect! The experience was interesting and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend Bark Busters to my friends and neighbors. I always said I had a "Holy Terror." Now Henry is a "Holy Terrier." Henry is a 12-year-old Jack Russell terrier. He is truly reformed!
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From the moment Annette stepped out of the car, I was amazed. The results from the outset of training to the end, I again was amazed. Bark Buster techniques are very informative and simple to understand. Lacey's responsiveness was immediate this past week, although our little girl may need a follow-up session.
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Amazing! My dog, Hartley, is a dominant/aggressive basenji. This has been the only thing that has ever worked for myself and him. It is like having a different dog. Sanity was restored. I now have a dog that is a pet and a source of enjoyment rather than a menace. Thank you, Bark Busters!
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