Bark Busters Lake Norman

Can NOT believe the difference after one session. I am fostering a dog through ACC CLT. He’s a great dog UNTIL mornings after his walk and the “witching” hour. He would get this energy and jump and get mouthy etc. I couldn’t take him to adoption events because he’d be too over stimulated and just off the walls. Patrick came and before we even got to the dog he took his time to EDUCATE me. I learned more about dog behaviors and how they are “wired”. Understanding what’s behind the behavior completely helps in the how and WHY we are training him in certain ways. Before it was just suggestions on buy this, do this etc. It’s going to be one week and the difference is noticeable. I can’t wait to see where we end up and have so much confidence in my dog getting adopted now!

Trust John & Diane to solidify the bond between you and your dog. The process is simple and effective. It may seem silly making noises and harmlessly spraying your pet with water but it works. Going to physical therapy and playing with wooden blocks and Play-Doh for an hour is silly but it works. This is not your typical dog training where you yell a command and the dog just does it because they are told. John & Diane help you communicate so that you better understand each other. They give you the tools to lead your pack, so your dog can relax. Our latest adoption was very protective of us and barked at any moving object outside. She would bark relentlessly at anyone that would enter our house. In a matter of weeks, John & Diane's loving approach to establishing my leadership of the pack has brought my dog's aggression and anxiety to almost zero. She doesn't rush the window when a trucks drives by or lunge at a pedestrian when on the leash. Their teachings helped my dog understand that she doesn't have to behave aggressively. Now she just relaxes with the rest of the pack. The training never stops and neither do John & Diane. They are available to answer any questions during the process and have been very responsive. Give Barkbusters Lake Norman the chance to bridge the communication gap between you and your dog so you can enjoy your lives together.

Patrick has a great training style and is very obviously a dog lover. On our first visit he was able to show us some very helpful tools and tips to use. He did not rush us through our appointment and spent a lot of time answering our questions. He is very knowledgeable and we look forward to seeing what he can do with our pups. We were very concerned about our large breed’s high anxiety and reactiveness as we are welcoming a new baby soon but he has made us feel like we can definitely get our dog to a much better place!

Patrick Hickey of Barkbusters Lake Norman literally changed my dog life! I decided to foster a pitbull through the Charlotte Animal Control Shelter, and have no experience with pitbulls. She didn’t seem like she'd be as challenging as she ended up being, and I was really struggling. I reached out to him, and within 2, 2.5 hrs sessions, it was like a switch flipped in her brain (mine too.) A previously leash reactive / dog reactive, prey driven, territorial dog who was unmanageable for me became easy. Now she's chill, takes her cues from me, is walking with dogs, we even went to a busy dog bar with no problems, something I thought would never happen. No prong collar, no muzzle, not even a heavy hand.. something 2 other trainers told me I needed. Now I feel equipped, her state of mind is better and more importantly, she's learned emotional regulation. The group walks he offers as part of the package are the real deal, too. Patrick is kind, gentle, community oriented, and genuine. I highly recommend him!!