Most people do not leave a successful advertising agency to train dogs. Graham Smith did exactly that, and almost 20 years later he has worked with more than 8,000 dogs and families across Montreal.
Graham is your Bark Busters trainer in Montreal. We asked him what brought him to training, which breeds he cannot resist, and what he wishes every dog owner knew.
What Brought You to Dog Training?
“In the early 2000s, I sold the very successful advertising agency I had founded and decided to pursue my passion: becoming a dog trainer.
I had always been the proud custodian,( I hate the term ‘owner’), of my own dogs, and I had tried to train them myself by reading books and watching videos. That is when I discovered Bark Busters In-Home Dog Training. At first, I was skeptical of the results they claimed to achieve.
I attended a training session with Montreal’s first Bark Busters franchisee and I was completely impressed, not only by the simplicity of the methods, but by the remarkable results I witnessed. I signed up the very next day and have never regretted that decision.
To this day, I am still amazed by how brilliant the Bark Busters system is and, more importantly, by the difference we can make in people’s lives. We do not simply train dogs. We teach people how to communicate with and teach their dogs”
What Is Your Favourite Breed?
“Like most parents would say, I love all my children. I love all breeds!
I especially enjoy the challenge of the tough cases: rescue dogs, abused dogs, aggressive dogs, and dogs with deeply ingrained behavioural issues. What I love most is seeing the transformation, not just in the dog, but in the people I work with. Watching frustration turn into confidence, relief and joy after just the first session is incredibly rewarding.
I have been the proud custodian of eight Golden Retrievers, so I suppose it is fair to say I have a soft spot for the breed, but I have also loved training Staffordshire Terriers, Doodle mixes, small dogs, giant breeds, you name it.
I have never met a dog I did not fall in love with. In fact, the tougher the case, the more excited I get about the possibilities and the remarkable results we can achieve.
I enjoy working with everyone, from first-time dog owners to people who have shared their lives with dogs for decades. Every dog and every relationship is different, and that is what makes this work so fascinating and rewarding.”
What Is a Favourite Moment You Have Had While Training?
“After almost 20 years of training dogs with Bark Busters, I have had more memorable experiences than I could possibly count. But nothing brings me more joy than seeing tears of happiness from someone who thought their dog’s situation was hopeless, and then seeing the realization in their eyes that we have found a way forward.
Those moments are what make this work so rewarding. It is not just about changing a dog’s behaviour. It is about restoring the relationship between the dog and the people who love them.
There have also been some truly unforgettable adventures along the way. A few highlights include rehabilitating two Pit Bulls who had been used as fighting dogs in a notorious court case, training 42 dogs at a private compound over a two-day session, and running a dog training session aboard a private jet on a flight from Florida.
But as impressive as those experiences sound, some of my favourite moments happen in ordinary homes, when a frustrated family suddenly sees their dog responding differently and realizes that life together can be joyful again. Those are the moments I treasure most.”
What Do You Wish You Could Tell Every Dog Owner?
“If you are thinking about getting a dog, contact me before you bring the dog home. I am always happy to offer advice at no charge and help you determine whether the dog is a good fit for your family, your lifestyle and your home. A little guidance at the beginning can prevent a lot of frustration later.
If you have already welcomed a new dog into your home, please reach out as early as possible. The sooner we establish clear communication and good habits, the easier it is to prevent problems from developing, and to make sure the experience is everything you hoped it would be.
Most importantly, there is no such thing as a lost cause. I have seen some incredibly challenging dogs transformed when their people learn how to communicate with them effectively. With the right approach, patience and guidance, there is always a way forward.”
Ready to Work With Graham?
If you live in Montreal, Westmount, Cote Saint-Luc, Hampstead, Outremont, the West Island, Griffintown, Ile Bizard, Pointe Claire, Dollard, Kirkland, Verdun or Nun’s Island, Graham is your local Bark Busters trainer. As a multiple award-winning Behaviour Therapist and Grand Master Trainer, he has helped more than 8,000 dogs and families since 2007 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 ongoing support for the life of your dog.
Call or text Graham at 514-592-1222 to book your in-home training session.
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