Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Leigh Adams
Hi Amanda Leigh, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
A dear friend of mine, Lori Carr, who I met through Austin Pug Rescue, asked me a life-changing question: “Have you ever thought about training dogs?” For six months, Lori encouraged me to take the leap, but I was hesitant. At the time, I was running a small pet-sitting business, working 70-hour weeks, and the idea of starting something new was overwhelming. But deep down, I knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t ignore.
Finally, after months of consideration, I decided to go all in. I traveled to Denver, CO, for three weeks of Bark Busters’ intensive training program. It was a whirlwind, but I was ready! I graduated and they turned me loose, and just like that, I was a dog trainer.
From there, I dedicated myself to honing my craft and building a name and a reputation in Austin. Fast forward to today, I’m proud to be the number one Bark Busters trainer in Texas & number 18 in the entire country for 2024. But beyond the numbers, what truly fulfills me is the impact I’ve had on families and their dogs. With nearly 300 five-star Google reviews, my clients often tell me I’ve transformed their relationships with their pups—and that means everything to me.
Every day, I wake up knowing I get to do what I love: help families create harmony with their dogs. Seeing the relief, joy, and confidence on a client’s face after just one session is the greatest reward. Five years ago, I never imagined I’d be here, but I’m incredibly grateful for this journey. And if you’re struggling with your dog’s behavior, I’d love to help you experience the same transformation so many of my clients have.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Honestly, I’ve been incredibly fortunate—the road has been smoother than most. I inherited an already successful business, which gave me a solid foundation on which to build. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t challenges.
The biggest hurdle came after completing my training—when I had to take everything I had learned and actually apply it in real-world situations. I knew the Bark Busters methodology inside and out and I was grateful for my mentors, but the challenge was learning how to effectively communicate to clients of all ages. I have clients ranging from 18-90 years old. Learning where to be a little tough and where to be soft has really been the place of growth I am most proud of. Every family is different, and I had to find ways to teach that truly resonated with everyone—without losing my signature spark.
It took about a year and a half of refining my approach and working on my ability to connect with people as much as their dogs. Between books, talking with other trainers and trial & error I finally found the secret sauce. Now, nearly four years later, I’ve built more than just a business—I’ve built a thriving, dog-loving community of incredible clients!
Some days I wake up and can’t believe this is my life. But it is and I am beyond grateful for every client, every dog and my amazing friends who have supported me along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Bark Busters of Austin South?
At Bark Busters, I specialize in in-home dog training that helps families build a strong, lasting bond with their dogs. Using natural communication techniques, I work on common behavior issues like barking, jumping, and leash pulling, more severe behavior issues like aggression and separation anxiety, as well as typical puppy training challenges like nipping, chewing, and potty training.
Before joining Bark Busters, I ran my own doggie daycare, boarding, and walking service, where I saw firsthand how many families struggled with their dogs’ behavior. That experience is what ultimately drove me to want to find a deeper way to help people, and now as a Bark Busters Trainer & Behavioral Therapist, I’m able to transform relationships between dogs and their owners in a way that’s truly lifechanging.
What sets Bark Busters apart from other trainers in Austin is our proven, science-backed training methodology, developed over decades of hands-on experience with hundreds of trainers and over one million dogs. Unlike traditional training approaches that rely on treats, punishments, or one-size-fits-all techniques, Bark Busters training is based on the core principles of canine psychology.
We believe that dog behavior must be understood in dog terms, not human terms. Many dog behaviors—whether it’s excessive barking or reactivity or dog aggression—aren’t just bad habits; they’re symptoms of an underlying cause that must be addressed at the root. Our training is designed to work within a dog’s natural social structure, reinforcing clear communication and leadership without fear or force.
Dogs don’t communicate the way humans do, so we teach pet parents how to “speak dog” through body language, voice tones, timing, and social cues—just like dogs naturally do with each other. This results in faster learning, longer-lasting behavior changes, and a stronger bond between dog and owner.
As a lifelong dog lover and dedicated volunteer with Austin Pug Rescue, I’m passionate about helping every dog get the training and guidance they need to stay in their forever home. If you’re struggling with your dog’s behavior or want a stronger connection with your pup, I’m here to help!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
If you’re struggling with your dog and don’t know where to begin, take a deep breath—you’re not alone! I believe in solutions without judgement! Every dog owner faces challenges at some point, and the good news is that change is possible with the right approach.
First and foremost, understand that behavior is communication. Dogs don’t act out just to be “bad” or “stubborn.” Every behavior has a reason, whether it’s fear, confusion, excitement, or a lack of clear leadership. Instead of focusing only on stopping unwanted behaviors, ask yourself: What is my dog trying to tell me?
Dogs thrive on structure and consistency. If one day you let your dog jump on you and the next you scold them for it, they’ll be confused. Decide on the rules and make sure everyone in the household follows them the same way.
Dogs need calm, confident leadership. If your dog doesn’t see you as the one guiding them, they might take on that role themselves, leading to behaviors like excessive barking, leash pulling, or guarding. Your goal is to provide clear, kind direction so they feel safe and know what’s expected. A proper training approach helps your dog feel secure and balanced, which naturally reduces unwanted behaviors.
Dogs don’t learn the same way we do. They don’t speak English, and they don’t respond to reasoning like humans. That’s why Bark Busters focuses on natural canine communication—using body language, voice tones, and social cues that make sense to dogs. When you learn to “speak dog,” training becomes easier and more effective. Every bit of progress will build confidence—for both you and your dog.
If you’re struggling and don’t know where to begin, let’s talk! I’d love to help you and your dog live a happier life together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.barkbusters.com/dog-training-austin-south
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/barkbustersaustinsouth?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/BarkBustersofAustinSouth/
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/izGDgsGymdGgN5Eo6
