About Bark Busters West Michigan

About Bark Busters West Michigan

Bark Busters West Michigan is the local franchise of an international in-home training company, run by

Barbara Allen: "I am Barbara Allen, your Bark Busters Dog Trainer and Dog Behavioral Therapist in West

Michigan." The national number published is 1-877-500-BARK (2275).

How the training works

The format is stated plainly and repeatedly: "No group classes. No sending your dog away. Just

practical, personalized training in the comfort of home." Training happens "in your home, where

behavior problems happen and where real-life training matters most."

The method is described as communication-based rather than tool-based: "We apply the same communication

methods, using body language and voice controls, that dogs instinctively follow." The company's scale

is quoted as "For over 35 years, we have trained more than 1 million dogs and their pet parents using

our natural communication techniques that dogs understand."

The site advertises a "Life of Dog Support Guarantee" behind the training.

What is worked on

The published behavior list is long and each item carries its own explanation: **aggression**,

**attention-seeking behaviors**, **barking**, **crate training**, **compulsive behaviors** ("excessive

licking, spinning, or tail chasing"), **digging**, **jumping**, **nipping and biting**, **potty

training**, **puppy training**, **leash pulling**, **reactivity**, **recall**, **resource guarding**,

**separation anxiety**, **sibling rivalry** ("Tension between dogs in a multi-dog household") and

**socialization**.

The franchise network also lists a "Stand Rite No Bite Dog Safety Program" among its services.

Service area

The published list runs right across west Michigan: "Allegan, Allendale, Bailey, Bangor, Baroda, Benton

Harbor, Berrien Center, Berrien Springs, Bridgman, Buchanan, Coloma, Coopersville, Covert, Decatur,

Douglas, Dowagiac, Eau Claire, Fennville, Ferrysburg, Fremont, Fruitport, Galien, Glenn, Grand Haven,

Grand Junction, Grant, Hamilton, Hart, Hartford, Hesperia, Holland, Holton, Hudsonville, Jamestown,

Jenison, Lawrence, Ludington, Macatawa, Mears, Montague, Muskegon, New Buffalo, New Era, New Troy,

Newaygo, Niles, Nunica" and more.

Reviews

The page shows a rating of "4.91 (149 reviews)" and republishes many client notes, several naming

Muskegon-area towns. George and Susan K. of Muskegon: "Barb was very professional and thorough. By the

time Barb had left, Copper was showing improvement!" Wendy O. of Allendale describes the change in

sequence: "Blehu and I went for a walk, and ran into the dog that has attacked him. He lunged and

jumped ONCE from a distance. I corrected him he looked at me and walked forward".