At Bark Busters, every trainer has a story, a moment that shifted their path toward helping dogs and their families. For Horacio D’Argence, your Bark Busters trainer in Calgary, that moment came early in life, growing up on a working ranch in southern Mexico, surrounded by horses, cattle, and dogs.
A childhood incident that could have been prevented through better communication between a dog and its owner set Horacio on his mission: helping families truly understand their canine companions.
We asked Horacio to learn what drives him, what he loves about working with dogs, and the one thing he wishes every dog owner knew.
What Brought You to Dog Training?
“After a childhood incident that could have been prevented through proper communication and behaviour awareness, I became determined to help others build better relationships with their dogs. Growing up on my family’s working ranch in southern Mexico, surrounded by horses, cattle, and dogs, I developed an innate understanding of animal behaviour and the deep bond between humans and animals.
My mission is simple: help dog owners understand their canine companions so they can enjoy relaxed, happy dogs. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping humans communicate with their dogs. It’s a remarkable experience when I see them reconnect and start to understand each other. It can truly bring a family together around a common goal: creating a happy life with a happy dog.”
What Are Your Favourite Breeds?
“I owe my love for dogs to three specific breeds: the German Shepherd, the Great Pyrenees, and the Labrador Retriever. At different points in my life, these breeds showed me the true essence of canine nature: love, loyalty, a remarkable capacity to learn, and adaptability.”
What Is a Favourite Moment You’ve Had as a Trainer?
“I was once called to help with a severe case of separation anxiety. A young couple had just adopted Max, a beautiful 2-year-old German Shepherd. He was a wonderful, playful dog who was eager to please, but there was one big problem: he couldn’t spend a single second away from his new family.
The couple was highly frustrated because their lives had changed completely overnight. They couldn’t go anywhere – not even for basics like grocery shopping or work. They started isolating themselves from friends and family because Max would panic the moment they left his sight. He would cry, bark, destroy walls, and even hurt himself.
After working closely with Max and his family, we helped him realize there was nothing to worry about and that he was safe in his new home. Today, his owners can live a normal life, and Max can comfortably stay home alone for 4 to 5 hours a day. It truly gave his human parents their lives back.”
What Do You Wish You Could Tell Every Dog Owner?
“If you treat your dog only for who they are today, they will stay stuck in the present. But if you treat them for their full potential, you will find yourself transforming your own behaviour to guide them with absolute patience and clarity.
That’s what I see every day in my work – when owners shift their mindset and start believing in what their dog can become, the whole relationship transforms.”
Ready to Work With Horacio?
If you’re in Calgary, Sundance, Airdrie, Chestermere, Crossfield, Strathmore, Okotoks, High River, or De Winton, Horacio is your local Bark Busters trainer. He specializes in puppy training, aggression, separation anxiety, leash pulling, excessive barking, and general obedience — all in the comfort of your home.
Every Bark Busters training program comes with our Written Lifetime Guarantee, so you’ll have ongoing support for the life of your dog.
Contact Horacio today to schedule your in-home training session or call 587-777-8474.
