Bark Busters promises to change Fido's behavior

Norm and Judi Schaeffler have helped hundreds of families train their dogs right in the comfort of their homes.

The Virginia Beach couple are dog behavioral therapists and certified master trainers who bought a Bark Busters franchise, covering Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, five years ago. The in-home dog training business, developed in Australia in 1989, now operates in 10 countries.

Despite the company's name, it specializes in more than curbing nuisance barking. Other training covers basic obedience, aggressive behavior, leash pulling, jumping, separation anxiety, potty training problems, over exuberance, chewing, digging and destructive behavior.

"We deal with any issues for a companion dog," said Norm, noting they work with any age dog.

"We've worked with everything from a 2-pound teacup poodle to a more than 175-pound mastiff," said Judi.

The Schafflers added that their training methods are 100 percent non-physical and non-food based, and they come with a written lifetime guarantee.

A former builder and developer in the area who later switched to the boating industry, Norm Schaeffler had to rethink his life after Sept. 11, 2001.

"Our boat business came to a halt, so we had to find something else to do," said the dog lover.

The couple, who wed 43 years ago, decided they would team up in the business. They drove to Denver for a monthlong Bark Busters training school with their dog, Bubba, and embarked on their new full-time career.

"We train you to train your dog and make you understand a canine's mentality," explained Judi.

Prices range from $400 to $600 depending on the age of the dog and the severity of the problem. Following a telephone interview, the Schaefflers arrange a two-hour session to work with the dog and its owner, establish a homework sheet and set up a revisit.

Marie and Herbert Sams of River Walk, couldn't get their Westie, Buddy, to stop barking so they called Bark Busters. "We've got him under control now," said Herbert Sams.

Toni Radomski needed help controlling her Belgian Malinois, Max, so her husband, Bruce, a veterinarian who owns the Pet Clinic at Woods Corner, suggested they contact the Schaefflers.

"After the first visit, things were completely different. This simple method was quick and effective. Max quickly learned who the leaders are," said Toni, who had already tried an eight-week group training class with Max.

"We've never met an untrainable dog, but we have met untrainable owners," added Norm. "The most important thing, like raising a child, is that the owner be consistent. We help people to live better lives with their dogs."

Contact Bark Busters at (877) 500-BARK or 943-4000. Visit www.barkbusters.com to rate your dog's behavior.

Sandra J. Pennecke, 222-5200