Bark Busters Dog Training Fairfax Burke & Manassas
Specific behaviors to address
Responds within a day
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About
I have been working with dogs since 2013. I have two rescue pitbulls, one that was too dog aggressive to be adopted out. I use a very simple method that doesn't involve shock or prong collars. My goal is to give you to the tools to communicate with your dog in a non-physical way that they easily understand.
The thing I love most about this job is seeing people and their dogs stress free and happy. That's what I have with my dogs and that's what I want everyone to have.
Overview
Hired 2 times
Serves Fairfax, VA
Background checked
1 employee
9 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, and Venmo.
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
36 reviews
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Michael S.
May 19, 2026
We adopted our good boy Buddie from a shelter in December. A sweet boy, but years in a shelter (five!) has made him somewhat a sensitive pup prone to barking to loud noises and strangers approaching. Passing cars on walks yielded barking and lunging, doorbells ringing, more barking. We tried some “do-it-yourself” online things with zero success, and realized actual one-on-one training was the only option. Enter Tommy from Bark-Busters. His initial three-hour in-home training course was amazingly effective, so much so the change in Buddie was almost night and day to us. Upon meeting Buddie for the first time, Tommy immediately knew the kind of sensitive dog Buddie was and tailored his training to suit. His techniques were easy to understand and master and can be practiced anytime we’re with Buddie. No more barking when the doorbell rings, or when a car passes, or a stranger approaches. Buddie’s a lot calmer now which is more in keeping with his overall sweet nature. Highest recommendation!
Betsy L.
Mar 1, 2026
Can't speak highly enough of Tommy Meyerhoeffer! After one in-person session, and a few follow-up check-ins, our cute GSD mix Penny is so much calmer and actually listens to me for a change! Penny lived on the streets for a bit before we adopted her - she is very sweet and affectionate but also very stubborn, and a scavenger on walks, grabbing any bit of food off the sidewalk and lunging at squirrels. She also hated our living room television and would act up in the weirdest ways when it was on -- jumping up on counters and the nightstands in our bedroom, knocking lamps and anything else in the way of her 83-pound body to the ground. Tommy taught us how to address these disruptive behaviors with patience and kindness (trust me, yelling does not work!). We practice every day, and our lovely girl has evolved into a happier, sweeter pup and the chaos at home and on walks has virtually stopped. Tommy's love for all animals is undeniable which makes working with him all the more special. You know he truly cares and wants the best for your dog and for you! I highly recommend Tommy to anyone who wants to address behavioral issues with their dog.
Jessamyn D.
May 27, 2025
Tommy was a game-changer for our household. I reached out in a moment of real stress—my 3-year-old English Bulldog had developed serious behavioral issues, and nothing I tried on my own was working. I was overwhelmed and honestly afraid of where things were heading.
From our very first session, Tommy brought structure and clarity into our home. He taught us how to set boundaries, communicate effectively, and create a calmer, more respectful dynamic among our dogs. The difference was noticeable almost immediately. Our chaotic mornings became peaceful routines, and the tension that used to hang in the air was gone.
Tommy also provides a Lifetime Guarantee of Support, which has been incredibly reassuring. He’s responsive, thoughtful, and truly invested in helping your household succeed—not just for the moment, but long-term. The tools, guidance, and follow-up he offers go far beyond what I expected.
If you’re looking for someone who truly understands dog behavior and how to rebuild trust and balance in your home, I can’t recommend Tommy highly enough.
Teresa C.
Mar 13, 2025
Tommy spent about 3 hours with me and my dog Charlie on our first visit. We learned so much and I saw immediate results using Tommy’s methods. It’s great to share our progress and I can always reach out to Tommy with questions and for guidance! I highly recommend Bark Busters! You won’t regret it!
Sydney P.
Nov 28, 2018
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From Google
If I could give more than 5 stars I would!!! I've never tried dogtraining before but I am beyond pleased with Tommy and all he has been able to offer us. Well worth the investment for greater peace in your own home!!My training needs: My situation with my dogs is quite complex. I have not one, not two, but THREE beagles! They are all between 2 and 4 years old, so they were a little bit 'set in their ways'. Beagles are not the most obedient breed but with Tommy we were shocked at their ability to learn! My dogs were not having simple training issues like chewing on household items or peeing in the house -- their issues were more behavioral like: barking at movement, barking at strangers or guests in our home, barking for food or scratching cabinets for (demanding) food, being possessive of spaces in our home (couches, beds etc), some aggression between the two boy dogs, and always being under our feet (this can be quite dangerous with three dogs always one step away from tripping you up!).Tommy's solutions: After one session with Tommy my dogs behaviors have totally changed, its like night and day! There were so many things that were just ideal about Tommy's training interventions. First, he comes to you. I think this is such a huge plus because for my dogs, anxiety and strangers is an issue. It wouldn't make sense to take them to a new environment where their training can't be retained because they are so distracted by fear, strangers, or other animals. Second, Tommy trains YOU not your dogs. Tommy doesn't do all these tricks with treats or clickers to get your dogs to behave and then just leaves. He observes your dogs and starts to tell you all the behaviors you can engage in to address every single situation you are facing with your pet. Throughout the session, you are doing the work and the commanding. Third, he didn't just come over and address one or a few of the things you might have mentioned to him -- he really takes the time to tackle all problems (big or small) that you are seeing with your dogs. Fourth, Tommy doesn't force you to make any changes to your lifestyle or your procedure with your animals. If your dog is allowed on furniture, kenneled vs. not kenneled etc, this doesn't matter to Tommy. He really works to teach you how to handle your dogs in the way you prefer, not in some prescriptive, rigid format. Moreover, he assigns you 'homework' to continue practicing with your dogs after he leaves, but it isn't something so strenuous that you have to change your lifestyle (take time off work, carve out an hour of your day for more training etc). Finally, he is just an overall friendly and patient guy. I know the idea of a stranger coming to your home may seem uncomfortable at first, but Tommy really put me and my mom at ease during this training. Overall, I would absolutely recommend Tommy to anyone who has considered seeking a dogtrainer. I went back and forth on whether or not this would work and I'm ultimately glad I took the chance on training. I read his reviews (I found Tommy through googling trainers in the area) and thought they all looked nice but that my situation was so much more complex. I really thought "this is going to be the case that Tommy can't fix" -- I mean, three beagles who normally bark endlessly at strangers (among all their other issues) is quite a challenge. I was certainly wrong, and Tommy was more than able to address all our needs. If Tommy can handle my situation and my three crazy dogs, I'm sure he could help you in yours.
Credentials
Background Check
Thomas Meyerhoeffer
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My training is for the lifetime of your dog.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Our first lesson is 2-3 hours. I will show you the exercises to do with your dog and how to practice. I try to keep things light and not push you or your dog too hard, too fast. From there we can schedule follow up lessons as needed, and I am always available for check-ins via email or phone.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have done everything from clicker training to Schutzhund, but I much prefer "speaking dog." There are no harsh punishments and it's in the dog's natural language/culture. My original mentor works in Los Angeles dealing with aggressive dogs and then I went to a course through my current company.
