OUR STORY
STRONGER together
Our story is both unique and genuine...The "Gringo" from New Jersey and the "Latina" from Colombia who fell in love at first sight! We may have come from different worlds but our shared love for dogs, warm weather and passion for helping people was how the The Bark Stop adventure began.
We wanted to create something special for us while building an incredible business for our clients and their canine companions. My experience training dogs and Viviana's talent for capturing every moment was a perfect combination. We love the outdoors and sunshine so we moved to Florida and opened The Bark Stop Miami.
We work very hard and our customers trust us. As a result of our success, we have opened up The Bark Stop Orlando!! We are proud to be a part of a community that respects one another, supports small-business, and cares about the world around them.
As partners in life, love and business, we value honesty and communication & believe in treating each other with trust and respect. We compliment each other in ways we never imagined and it shows in everything we do.
We are here to help and can't wait to meet you.
ABOUT JOE
owner | dog trainer | animal lover
Past...
I was born in New York and grew up in NJ. My parents loved us and instilled values that have helped me become the man I am today. We had a little dog and that’s where my love for animals began.
So one day I decided to go to the local Animal Shelter to find the perfect dog, but before I could make it to my destination, the perfect dog found me! That moment changed both our lives forever and we developed a connection unlike any other.
I knew my dog was smart and that training her properly was important. I discovered naturally that the more I rewarded her, the faster she learned. I researched and discovered that using positive reinforcement was the most effective way of teaching. This earned her trust and created a deeper bond between us. I enjoyed this experience so much that I adopted a second dog. It was then that I realized I was destined to care for animals.
Present...
I am a Positive Trainer who uses Reward-based training methods that are the most up-to-date, effective and humane standards of dog training available today...set by the The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers® (CCPDT®).
I adhere to the guidelines set by The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, which supports a Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) approach to behavior modification and training.
I believe in practicing a Fear Free training lifestyle, founded by “America’s Veterinarian,” Dr. Marty Becker, who's mission is prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety & stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them.
I have been professionally mentored by Positive Trainers in both New Jersey and Miami and continue my education daily.
Lastly, I have been personally working with dogs for 20+ years and have a way with animals that you simply can't learn in a classroom or read in a book. This connection and passion for dogs has resulted in me doing what I was meant to do and I've never been happier. Best of all, I'm living a life that I love with the love of my life.
FUTURE...
I long for a world where dog trainers no longer use fear-based methods and never reach for force-based tools like choke chains, prong-collars, and e-collars. I would like The Bark Stop to be known for our compassionate, positive, fear-free training and a professional standard that exceeds your expectations...every step of the way.
ABOUT VIV
vp | media manager | animal lover
I'm from Colombia...where the weather's always warm, the people are all smiling, and we genuinely care about each other. We have a passion for life and we love with all our heart.
When Joe asked me to move to Miami to start a pet care business, I had no idea what to expect. I loved him and sunshine and I knew that together, we could accomplish anything. I took a leap of faith, headed to Miami and we opened The Bark Stop.
Of course I was nervous but after we booked our first client, I knew we had made the right decision. We have overcome some unexpected challenges and have discovered strengths that I never new existed.
I really enjoy working with people and love every moment I spend with their pets. I started capturing those moments on camera and discovered a true talent for Photography. Our clients love the photos I share and now I'm the Social Media Manager for our company.
I never imagined the life that I'm living, and now I couldn't imagine living any other life.
OUR VALUES
OUR MISSION
At The Bark Stop™️, our mission is clear: to empower dogs and their owners through force-free, empathetic training and daycare. We believe in nurturing the incredible bond between humans and their four-legged companions by fostering trust, understanding, and positive interactions.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to create a world where every dog is a confident, well-behaved, and cherished member of the family. We aspire to be at the forefront of modern dog training and daycare, setting the standard for compassionate, individualized care that enhances the lives of dogs and their guardians.
OUR PASSION
Our passion is dogs. We live and breathe it every day. We're dedicated to helping dogs reach their full potential and providing owners with the tools they need to create a harmonious relationship with their canine companions. It's not just what we do; it's who we are.
