We recently had the chance to connect with Amanda Leigh Adams and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Amanda Leigh, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Absolutely! Off-roading is one of my favorite things outside of dog training. I’ve got a lifted Jeep Wrangler that I love taking out on the trails and over big rocks. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of spotting an obstacle, sizing it up, and thinking, “Yeah, I can climb over that in my Jeep!” It’s such an adrenaline rush.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Amanda Leigh Adams and I am a professional dog trainer and small business owner with Bark Busters Home Dog Training. I’ve been with Bark Busters for almost five years. As part of an international company, I combine the credibility of a globally recognized brand with a personal, local approach.
What sets Bark Busters apart is our in-home training, tackling real-life dog behavior issues. Our proven methods are taught worldwide, but each trainer delivers them in their own style in their own markets, so clients get consistent, effective results with a personal touch. Plus, if a client moves, they can seamlessly connect with another Bark Busters trainer at no extra cost, ensuring support wherever life takes them. How great is that?
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work – and life – was my mother. My father passed away when I was young, but I was fortunate to have a mother who made sure I was always cared for and supported. She was the backbone of our family, serving as counselor, teacher, provider, and mother all in one. She truly did it all.
From an early age, she taught me the value of money and responsibility, letting me make choices and experience their consequences. A powerhouse of a woman, she could light up any room with her charm and had an incredible gift for communication. With a master’s degree in child psychology, she knew how to connect with people of all ages and passed that ability on to me. She showed me how to adapt and flex with different personalities, shaping the way I communicate today.
One of her greatest lessons was the importance of failure. She let me stumble so I could learn, grow, and ultimately succeed. She stood by me through both setbacks and victories. Though she has since passed, her legacy lives on in the way I approach life and work every day.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
In my work, I step into people’s homes and into their lives—it’s an intimate, personal space. Like me, my clients see their dogs as true family members, which makes the loss of one incredibly painful. I’ve felt that heartbreak myself, having lost several dogs over the years, including two of my five just this year. The grief can feel endless… until a new dog comes into your life. Suddenly, some of that pain eases, and you’re reminded what it’s like to experience fresh energy and a new personality in the house. Often, that’s when people reach out for help.
I openly share stories about my own dogs—including those who have crossed the rainbow bridge—because it helps clients who are grieving know they’re not alone. It makes training more personal, builds trust, and creates a deeper bond beyond just the lessons. In fact, I include a short video of one of my own beloved dogs who has passed during every lesson. Talking about loss doesn’t erase the pain, but it opens the door for healing, connection, and understanding. Our dogs’ time with us is finite, but sharing their stories keeps their spirit alive.
I also see this reflected in dogs themselves. When dogs have experienced pain, they sometimes channel it into fear or aggression. The key is helping them—and ourselves—find peace with who we are and use that energy to our advantage, without taking advantage of others.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would like to think so! When I walk into a client’s home, I am fully myself—I don’t put on a show or try to be who I think they want me to be. Building trust is at the heart of what I do, but it’s more than that: I aim to be a dog-training partner for life, helping clients without judgment and teaching them skills they can use every day. Being genuine allows me to guide both dogs and their owners with confidence, compassion, and lasting results.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, my clients would definitely miss our weekly pack walks! Once a week, I host a group session where clients can come together and practice the skills we’ve been working on in a safe, controlled environment. Many of the dogs I work with struggle with leash reactivity—not always aggression, but strong reactions to other dogs, animals, or even people.
Leash work is one of my absolute favorite things to teach, because there’s something truly magical about the moment a dog walks calmly at your side on a loose leash, completely free of reactivity. It’s a beautiful culmination of patience, consistency, and hard work—and seeing my clients experience that success with their dogs never gets old.
