It’s never too late to follow your passion. Lisa Burke changed hers. After many years in live theatre, she followed a lifelong love of dogs into a second career helping families across Niagara.
Lisa is your Bark Busters trainer in Niagara. We asked her about the dogs who shaped her, the breeds that surprised her, and the moment she loves most in a training session.
Tell Us About Your Life With Dogs
I have had dogs my whole life. I love them for all the reasons that most people do. Dogs give us companionship, loyalty and unconditional love.
Having a dog was a condition of marriage! My husband was uninitiated – a cat person really. He quickly converted to team canine, and we have had dogs ever since. My children do not know a life without a Labrador Retriever in our home.
Which Dogs Have Taught You the Most?
My first dog was an Australian Shepherd and Labrador Retriever cross. I was young and unprepared for the challenges a herding dog would present. I had never heard of Bark Busters back then, but I sure wish I had.
Today I share my home with Holly, a two year old rescue Black Lab. She has been a handful, and she has made me grow as a trainer, but she is becoming a wonderful companion. We have the kind of relationship that I want to help my clients build with their own dogs.
What Brought You to Bark Busters?
My Bark Busters journey started after almost three decades in the live theatre industry, when I decided to follow my love of dogs into my next career. Simply put, I love dogs, and I have always loved working with them.
From the get-go, the Bark Busters method made sense to me. I had unknowingly been using some of the techniques already, and when I tried some of the new ones with my own dog, she responded right away. I was in. The training intensive I did with the company convinced me that Bark Busters was the way.
What Is Your Favourite Breed?
I love introducing my clients to training techniques that make their lives, and their dogs’ lives, better.
Labradors have always been my favourite breed, but I have found new favourites among my clients’ dogs. I have enjoyed working with Chihuahuas, who can pack a lot of big dog attitude into a little body, and I love the goofy energy of Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers.
What Is Your Favourite Moment in a Training Session?
“The best part of training for me is the “a-ha” moment, when a client uses a technique I have taught them and gets an immediate, positive result. My idea of success is seeing my clients succeed.
There is nothing better than returning for a follow up visit and finding a happier, more relaxed dog. The Bark Busters strategy, combined with dedicated dog owners, changes the relationship people have with their dogs.
I am excited to spend the rest of my career helping families and dogs live better together.
Ready to Work With Lisa?
If you live in Niagara Falls, St Catharines, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Welland, Grimsby, Stoney Creek, Port Colborne or Fort Erie, Lisa is your local Bark Busters trainer. She works with dog aggression, separation anxiety, puppy training, leash pulling, excessive barking and general obedience, all in the comfort of your own home.
Every Bark Busters training program includes our Life Of Dog Support Guarantee, so you have our support for the life of your dog.
Call or text Lisa at 905-853-0195 to book your in-home training session.
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