Bark Busters Reviews
What Bark Busters clients have to say about our dog training services
- 4.97 Average Rating Average rating 4.97 out of 5 based on 17743 reviews.
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99.7% 4 or 5 stars 99.7% rate their experience with Bark Busters as 4 or 5 out of 5 stars.
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99.6% Would Recommend 99.6% would recommend Bark Busters to their friends and neighbors.
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99.5% Dog Responded 99.5% think their dog responded well to the training.
Looking to leave some feedback on your Bark Busters experience? Find your trainer, to add a review.
lisa b.
10 months ago
— West Haven, CT
The Miracle Worker------------------------------------------------------------Have you ever felt as though all you efforts to help your dog behave and be a productive member of your family are in vain? If so...read on. There is a savior!
PermalinkI owned two french bulldogs--Rocky--3 years old and Gizmo--1 year old. Sadly, Rocky began having seizures daily. No medicines or surgery would help him. He was rushed to the emergency room last February and passed, not from an unsuccessful surgery but from the seizure he had AFTER the successful surgery, It was not only a heartbreaking day for our family but for Gizmo .
Weeks passed and Gizmo became very aggressive to other dogs on walks. He'd pull on the leash and tried to fight them all despite his small stature. He'd growl, tug, and jump up on us as if to say-- let me loose! Taking walks along the beach used to be his favorite hobby.. However, he was walking without his brother. Days turned into weeks---weeks into months--- his behavior was getting worse.
He would bark at the mailwoman, Amazon drivers, UPS drivers, friends, family, and anyone who just passed by our home-- walked on our sidewalk... He was a different dog....
He also became very protective over me-his mom. No one could come to our home without him barking incessantly at them. No one could walk near me....say hello to me..sit near me.....kiss me hello or goodbye without him attacking them.
My son owns a frenchie who is 5 years old... We all helped raise Grooty. He frequents "grammy's" home... Not any longer. We cannot havr him here because Gizmo attacks him. He wont let Grooty near me.. his toys... his couch... his bed... or near any of us.. I can't even pet my son's dog. I had to tell him he could no longer bring him here to our home.
That was my last straw-- or---the straw that broke the camel's back!
I was hopeless and helpless. I didn't know what to do... So, I grabbed my laptop and "googled" trainers. I scrolled through pages of trainers and read reviews. Then, I stumbled upon Michael DiStassio's reviews from Barkbusters.
I began reading. Five star after five star reviews!! I regained my HOPE... Have I finally found HELP???? YES!
I found Michael DiStassio's number and texted him this story. I told him we just had had our huge Italian Thanksgiving Family dinner and my french bulldog Gizmo was biting my guests--my family--his family!
I proceeded to tell Michael that after hours of me sitting with Gizmo on the couch, him literally on my lap for hours, me forfeiting my dinner, I picked him up and placed him in OUR bedroom (he sleeps with me).
My kids were leaving and tried to kiss their mother good-bye. Not allowed. Gizmo growled and leapt at them. I felt defeated. I asked Michael if he could and would help me...I told him I was hopeless and helpless.. I truly didn't know what to do. Saying "no" to Gizmo never worked..."Stop" never worked. "Time-outs" never worked. Neither yelling nor aggression were my mojo.
Michael literally messaged me back the day after Thanksgiving.. He told me not to worry.. He could and would definitely help me!! "Don't give up!" he reassuringly said in the calmest tone. He told me he would call me, and we could talk on the phone and set a date and time. I was ecstatic!
Michael and I agreed upon a time during the week when my husband and older children would be home.. Michael wanted everyone who had regular contact with Gizmo to be present for the training.
Michael texted me a list of instructions before his arrival.. He wanted to figure out my little guy's "issues."
Michael watched as Gizmo barked at him.. he was a tyrant.. I was actually embarrassed by his behavior; I didn't want Michael to think badly of me as a "Dog Mom."
Michael asked us all to sit down and explained so many behaviors to us all that we were impressed! Michael concluded that Gizmo was acting out because he had lost his older brother who was the ALPHA male. He determined that Gizmo was a "BOP" (bottom of the pack) dog. He wasn't meant to be the ALPHA. He was doing his brother's job yet didn't have the ability to do it. He wasn't cut out for that job. But, sadly, he would have to be employed to do so.
Michael gave us some homework, being a teacher and a mom, I was familiar with the term! Michael told me that I needed to show Gizmo that I was in charge--not him! I needed to be the ALPHA/OMEGA--not him. Showing my fresh frenchie that I had all situations under control meant that he was "relieved"of his duty to protect... What an epiphany!!!!!
After a month or so of me practicing my new teachings, Gizmo was a new dog. He was more relaxed..no barking at strangers...no biting our family...no more aggression. Wow!!!! I had just witnessed a miracle with my own eyes from the miracle worker himself-- Michael Distassio
Teri D.
10 months ago
— Middleburg, VA
Our follow up is critical! Took us only 2 weeks to layout our plan for each dog & implement it - works like a charm! Repetition and consistency is the key. The dogs know what to do, we were the ones being "trained". Thanks Pat!
PermalinkDiane C.
10 months ago
— New York, NY
We met with Steve C. only a few days ago and through his explanations of how to communicate with our dog and what we should be doing to communicate, we all feel so much calmer and happier! We have started our new routine and exercises from Steve's plan and I think we are finally on the right path! Gracie, our dog, is following the adjustments and changes so with time, I think we have a solution to ease our anxious doggy and enjoy being together.
PermalinkBelinda T.
10 months ago
— Ashburn, VA
After searching for months for a dog trainer, I finally settled on Mark with Bark Busters based off two things: 1. No e-collar which meant I wouldn't have to constantly be holding something and 2. A google review mentioning how Mark was up front and honest with a client and let them know he would not be a good fit to train their dog after meeting them. This level of honestly showed me Mark wasn't in business for the money.
PermalinkI have an English Bull Terrier and they are extremely hard headed, stubborn and have never ending energy along with a high prey drive. I honestly did not expect much to come from just 3 hours of training.
Prior to Mark, my dog would charge up and down the stairs (knocking me down them twice), bulldoze his way past me to the door, bark constantly at any and everything outside, jump on everyone I had over, bark/lunge at the TV, and would drag me all over on walks.
It's been one day... ONE day and what a difference! It seems like I have a completely different dog at home. He has waited at the top/bottom of the stairs before being allowed up/down them. Has not barked once at people/animals outside. He has waited to be released before greeting visitors (and didn't jump on them!) and what was most shocking to me was he did not pull a single time on our walk today.
I have used e-collar training methods in the past and I would recommend Mark and Bark Busters over those methods any day! My dog is now receptive to me and my commands without having to rely on a device.
Rosalie .
10 months ago
— Los Angeles, CA
Pascha was very informative and helped me to become a better leader for Hudson.
PermalinkCarol J.
10 months ago
— Charleston, SC
I cannot say enough good things about James and Bark Busters! My dog, Pepper, was extremely reactive to other dogs and would pull so hard on walks that I was often getting dragged. I spent eight months trying different training methods with little success—until I found James.
PermalinkIn only eight weeks, Pepper has completely transformed. After the very first lesson, I saw an immediate change in her behavior. Thanks to James’ incredible guidance and training techniques, she now walks calmly on a leash, listens to me, and—most importantly—we can walk around other dogs without fear of a meltdown. Our walks have gone from stressful to enjoyable, and I finally feel confident handling her.
If you’re struggling with a reactive dog, I highly recommend James. He is patient, knowledgeable, and truly understands how to bring out the best in your pup. Thank you, Bark Busters, for giving us the tools to succeed!
Robert L.
10 months ago
— Raymond, NH
We had our first visit from Mariah last evening, and just from this first training session (for us and the dogs) we're already noticing an improvement.
PermalinkMariah was patient and understanding with us and our dogs, and was not judgemental at all. She is providing sound solutions while teaching us how to apply our new knowledge. Learning to speak dog is so helpful. We're looking forward to continuing to work with Mariah.
I highly recommend Bark Busters in general, and Mariah individually.
Kathy
10 months ago
— Titusville, FL
We’ve only had the initial session but it’s obvious that Todd is a talented trainer. We’re very happy with our choice.
PermalinkEileen & Allen Y.
10 months ago
— Boca Raton & West Palm Beach
John was very thorough and caring. He really helped us and I would highly recommend him to anyone.
PermalinkKylie M.
10 months ago
— Annapolis, MD
Natalie Wexler came over today and helped us with our dog Bear! She was amazing and I was so happy with every tool she gave us to help Bear! Would 100% recommend!
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