Dog Training in Hamilton

Transform Your Dog’s Behaviour at Home

 

Dog training in Hamilton, Brantford, Haldimand
Also Serving: Ancaster, Dundas, Binbrook, Mount Hope, Flamborough, Brant County, Ohsweken, Jarvis, Dunnville, Simcoe & Norfolk County

Michelle Bailey Bark Busters dog trainer Hamilton Ontario
✔ Behaviour Therapist
✔ Grand Master Trainer
✔ Bark Busters Certified

Meet Michelle Bailey

I’m Michelle, and as a Behaviour Therapist and Trainer, I bring a unique perspective: I’ve been exactly where a lot of you are. I grew up surrounded by all kinds of animals, but then I met the dog that changed everything:

I was pregnant with my daughter, and my Heeler/Pittie mix was becoming increasingly aggressive – with people and with other dogs. I turned to Bark Busters in desperation. The transformation I witnessed in my own dog was nothing short of life-changing. That experience proved to me that there’s hope for all dogs!

I became committed to helping dog owners understand their companions and reclaim their peace of mind. As a certified Behaviour Therapist and Trainer, I specialize in helping families with their dogs. I have a special place in my heart for dogs who show aggression  and are misunderstood. 

I’ve been there. I know what it’s like. Let me help you understand what’s going on, help you educate your dog, and give you the peace of mind that you always have support. Nothing gives me more energy than helping dogs and people find happiness together.

Bark Busters - Best Business of 2024
Bark Busters Hamilton - ThreeBest Rated Best Business of 2025
Bark Busters Hamilton - ThreeBest Rated Best Business of 2024

Ready to Transform Your Dog’s Life?

Get Help With Your Dog Today

Tell us a little about your situation and we will be in touch — usually within 24 hours. No obligation, no pressure. Just help.
Call or text
905-853-0195 or contact us using the form below. 

Dog Training in Hamilton, Brantford & Haldimand-Norfolk at a Glance

  • What we do: in-home dog and puppy training that fixes behaviour problems, including barking, pulling, jumping, aggression, separation anxiety and general obedience.
  • Who you work with: Michelle Bailey, a certified Bark Busters behavioural therapist and dog trainer, with over 13 years of Bark Busters training behind the method.
  • Where we train: your own home and neighbourhood across Hamilton, Brantford, Brant County, Haldimand, Ancaster, Dundas, Waterdown, Binbrook, Mount Hope, Flamborough, Caledonia, Cayuga, Dunnville, Ohsweken, Jarvis, Simcoe and Norfolk County.
  • How it works: a first session of 2-2.5 hours where we assess your dog, show you what to change, coach you through the techniques and leave you with a written plan and your next steps. Follow up support can be scheduled as needed. Most owners see a difference in that first session.
  • What it costs: one flat fee per dog that covers the assessment, the training sessions and your follow-up support. Call for a quote on your situation.
  • Your guarantee: the Life Of Dog Support Guarantee, so you can call us for help with that dog for as long as you own them.
  • Book it: call 905-853-0195 or request a free phone consultation below.

Thousands of Dogs Trained In Hamilton

In-Home Training

Certified Behaviour Therapist

Michelle Specializes In

Puppy Training

Establish good habits early and prevent problem behaviours from taking root. We cover toilet training, biting, chewing, crate settling and early socialisation in your own home, from 8 weeks of age.

Separation anxiety in dogs

Give your dog the confidence to stay calm and secure when alone. We work on calm departures, settling routines and gradual alone time so the howling, pacing and destruction stop.

Dog Aggression Issues

Create a safe, peaceful home for your family, guests and other pets. We assess what triggers the aggression, then teach you how to lead your dog through it around people, dogs and visitors.

Leash Training

Transform walks into a relaxed, enjoyable time together. We fix pulling, lunging and reactivity on lead using your normal walking route.

Excessive Barking

Restore peace to your home without disturbing your neighbours. We find out why the barking happens, at the door, the window, the fence or when you leave, and give you a clear way to stop it.

Food Aggression

Feed multiple dogs safely without tension, conflict or stress. We set up feeding routines and teach you how to handle food, bowls, chews and toys without guarding.

Jumping on People

Eliminate door chaos with calm, polite greetings. We practise at your own front door so your dog learns to greet family, guests and delivery drivers with four feet on the floor.

General Dog Obedience Training

Build a stronger bond, transform behaviour and reclaim your peace of mind. We cover recall, walking nicely, staying settled, jumping and general listening, all at home where the habits live.

We Understand How Frustrating
Dog Behaviour Problems Can Be

Your dog means the world to you. But their behaviour is wearing you down.

    • Your home feels like constant chaos.
    • Friends and family have stopped coming over.
    • Walks have become exhausting battles.
    • You’ve tried training classes, different tools, various methods, and nothing has worked.
    • The relentless barking is draining you.
    • Their aggressive moments make you anxious.
    • Seeing them panic when you leave breaks your heart.

It’s a cycle you can’t sustain. But you don’t have to live with it.

Why Our Approach Works Where Others Fail:

  • In-home dog training addresses real-world behaviours
  • No punishment-based methods
  • Tools and techniques designed to work long-term, not just mask the problem
  • We train you, not just your dog
  • Results often visible in the first 2–2.5-hour session
  • We offer Life Of Dog Support Guarantee, which means you’re never alone

Hamilton Dog Owners Just Like You Are Finally Enjoying Well-Behaved Dogs

“We have had an amazing experience with Michelle at Bark Busters. She has provided us with some really great tools to give our dog the life she deserves. Would definitely recommend their services to anyone!”

— Chris, Hamilton

“I have a 9-year-old dog that still has puppy behaviours such as jumping up on people and barking and running to the door, jumping and sitting on visitors’ laps. We have had one lesson, and the program works so well that we have been able to very quickly change these behaviours using the techniques provided. I am very optimistic that we will be able to sustain the changes.”

— Helen, Hamilton

FAQs

How much does training cost?

We offer a one-time fee that includes your initial assessment, training sessions, and our Life Of Dog Support Guarantee. Pricing depends on your specific needs. Call 905-853-0195 for a free quote, or book a consultation to discuss your situation.

How quickly will I see results?

Most clients see noticeable improvement during the first session. Long-term habits take consistency, don’t forget! We schedule follow-up appointments to suit your dog’s needs and help you! Your Life Of Dog Support Guarantee means you always have the support you need.

Do you train all breeds and ages?

Yes! We’ve successfully trained puppies to senior dogs and all breeds. No dog is too old or too stubborn to learn.

What if my dog is aggressive? Is training safe?

Aggression is one of our specialties. Each Bark Busters trainer is trained on our unique “Stand Rite No Bite” system, and must pass a test to make sure they know how to safely approach aggressive situations. We use safe, effective communication techniques, and coach the humans on how to address the root cause of aggression to create lasting change.

Why in-home training instead of group classes?

Dogs behave differently at home, where they’re most comfortable and where problems actually occur. In-home training addresses the exact behaviours causing you stress, in the exact setting where they happen.

What does the Life Of Dog Support Guarantee really mean?

You can call us anytime – weeks, months, or years later – for advice or follow-up sessions. There’s no time limit. We’re here for the life of your dog.

Do I need special equipment like bark collars?

We do not use any form of shock collar. Your trainer will assess and advise you on what your specific dog will need. You do not need to buy anything in advance.

How long are training sessions?

The initial session is typically 2-2.5 hours. This gives us time to assess your dog, teach you effective techniques, and start seeing results immediately. The follow-up sessions are typically an hour.

What areas do you serve?

Michelle offers dog training services in Hamilton, Brantford, Brant County, Haldimand, Waterdown, Caledonia, Cayuga, Dunnville, Ancaster, Dundas, Binbrook, Mount Hope, Flamborough, Ohsweken, Jarvis, Simcoe, Norfolk County & surrounding areas.

Our Service Area

We serve Hamilton, Brantford, Brant County, Haldimand, Waterdown, Caledonia, Cayuga, Dunnville, Ancaster, Dundas, Binbrook, Mount Hope, Flamborough, Ohsweken, Jarvis, Simcoe, Norfolk County & surrounding areas.

Live in one of our larger communities? We have dedicated pages for dog training in Ancaster and dog training in Brantford.