OUR STORY
STRONGER together
In a tale as real as life itself, our story emerged from an unexpected collision of worlds – the “Gringo” from New Jersey and the “Latina” from Colombia. Ours was a love at first sight beginning, and a genuine connection born from a shared love for dogs, a craving for warm weather, music and a deep-seated passion for helping others. The Bark Stop started as an idea and developed into a driving force.
Blending my experience in dog training with Viviana’s talent for capturing every heartfelt moment, we complimented each other's talents and bred them together. Capable of encountering hurdles and trials, facing uncertainties much like any couple navigating life’s twists and turns. Our move to Florida wasn’t just about sunshine...it was about stepping into the unknown with determination and hope.
As we built The Bark Stop Miami and later opened The Bark Stop Orlando, we discovered that growth sprouts from change. We wrestled with setbacks, faced doubts, and traversed obstacles. These experiences, both personal and professional, taught us to adapt, evolve, and persist.
The heart of our business reflects our core values—a commitment to empathetic treatment of dogs, honoring their individuality and nurturing their confidence. Our journey mirrors theirs; just as we’ve weathered life’s storms, we guide our furry friends through their challenges, helping them become the spirited companions we adore.
At The Bark Stop, every setback is an opportunity for growth, every challenge a chance for learning, and every dog a journey toward confidence and joy. We’re not just here to train dogs; we’re here to be a part of their growth and your journey, making strides together in life and in business, shaping a world where resilience, growth, and joy take center stage. 🐾❤️✨
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 | trainer | media manager
"I'm a child of Colombia, a place where warmth isn't just in the weather but in the hearts of the people, where smiles are abundant, and genuine care defines our connections. When Joe proposed the idea of starting a Dog Training business in Miami, I embarked on an uncertain journey. Fueled by love for him and the sun, we evoked The Bark Stop. Initially unsure, the first client's booking validated our decision, paving the way for triumph through unexpected challenges, unveiling strengths I never knew existed.
Interacting with people and their pets is my true joy, and through capturing those moments on camera, I discovered a knack for photography. Sharing these moments transformed me into our company's Social Media Manager, delighting our clients with cherished pet memories. Evolving into an adept trainer with an innate understanding of animal behavior, I curate our day-and-play program and orchestrate memorable birthdays for our beloved furry pals.
This life I'm living today surpasses my wildest dreams, rooted in my passion for spending cherished moments with dogs. It's a life beyond imagination, and I wouldn't trade it for any other.
OUR breed.
OUR MISSION
"At The Bark Stop™️, our mission resonates with a passionate dedication to fostering a relationship of trust, respect, and compassion between dogs and their human companions. We firmly stand for a force-free, fear-free existence, where freedom of choice reigns supreme in every interaction with our canine friends. We adamantly oppose force, prong collars, choke chains, and the archaic concepts of obedience without cause or dominance.
Our core values center on the ethical and humane treatment of dogs, championing a training approach built on scientific evidence and contemporary, up-to-date methods. We believe in guiding our clients to think like a dog, fostering communication as a companion, not a dictator. Understanding a dog’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions is pivotal in our practice.
Professionalism is at our foundation, ensuring the highest quality of service not only for our clients but also for their beloved pets. We encourage a shift in perspective, reaching for the treat bag over punitive methods, advocating a positive, treat-oriented approach in dog training. Our commitment stands unwavering, aiming to transform the human-canine relationship into a harmonious partnership built on empathy, understanding, and force-free techniques, propelling a new era in dog training and companionship."
OUR VISION
“At The Bark Stop™️, our vision is to lead a paradigm shift in the world of dog training, creating a community where dogs are respected as sentient beings with their own thoughts, emotions, and agency. We envision a world where every interaction between humans and dogs is founded on trust, compassion, and an understanding of the dog’s perspective. Our aspiration is to become a beacon of force-free training methods, fostering a culture that values the freedom of choice and treats dogs not as obedient subjects but as cherished companions.
We aim to be at the forefront of modern, evidence-based, and humane training techniques, continuously evolving and integrating the most current scientific knowledge in our practices. Through our commitment to professionalism and unparalleled service quality, we seek to empower dog owners, guiding them to communicate, understand, and bond with their pets as genuine companions.
Our ultimate vision is to redefine the human-canine relationship, inspiring a world where dogs are cherished, understood, and trained with empathy, respect, and the freedom they deserve, forging a future where both dogs and humans thrive in harmonious coexistence.”
OUR PASSION
“At The Bark Stop™️, our passion is fueled by a profound love and dedication to dogs, championing their well-being, happiness, and the preservation of their natural joy. We are fervently committed to revolutionizing the way we interact with and train dogs, aspiring for a world where every dog experiences a life free from fear, force, and coercion.
We are driven by a deep-seated desire to instill in dog owners an understanding of their furry companions’ intricate emotions, thoughts, and unique personalities. Our passion lies in guiding and empowering owners to perceive their dogs as sentient beings, fostering a profound bond based on mutual respect and trust.
We live and breathe the values of force-free, ethical, and humane training, seeking to imbue every interaction with dogs with empathy, patience, and positive reinforcement. Our relentless dedication is to continually refine and offer the most advanced, scientifically-backed training methods, ensuring that dogs are not only obedient but also fulfilled, content, and thriving in their unique individuality.
We are passionate advocates for the celebration of dogs, promoting a world where they are cherished, understood, and trained with love, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to their happiness and well-being.”
