
Bark Busters
Initial Situation
Christine Oosdyke’s loves dogs. In 2016, Chris decided to pursue her passion for training dogs full time and purchased a Bark Busters franchise in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.
How the SBDC Helped
Christine was connected with SBDC Consultant Marie Elliott. Marie was able to assist Christine in the process of purchasing a business. After the business was purchased, they began working on calculating financials, how to advertise, and more.
Success
Christine has been able to positively impact many families with the training of their dogs. She looks forward to helping more families in the future.
Christine Oosdyke’s love of dogs started at a very young age. All of her life she had a dog by her side. As soon as Chris was old enough, she got a puppy and trained it on her own. Soon enough, she was testing her techniques out on friends’ dogs, achieving great results. It only makes sense that in 2016, Chris decided to pursue her passion for training dogs full time and purchased a Bark Busters franchise in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.
Bark Busters is not Chris’s first time being an entrepreneur. She graduated from Michigan State University with a horticulture degree and purchased a flower shop in Greenville, Michigan. Years later, she knew she wanted to come home to Grand Rapids to be with family and work with dogs. After a Google search, she found a Bark Busters Grand Rapids franchise for sale and knew it was meant to be.
“It could not have been a more perfect situation. I did some research and then soon after went off the to the bank to get a loan. Everything fell right into place,” said Chris.
Chris was referred to the Michigan Small Business Development Center by Chemical Bank when she applied for a loan to purchase Bark Busters. She was connected with SBDC Consultant Marie Elliott. On her days off, Chris would drive over two hours to meet with Marie while preparing to purchase the business. Together, Chris and Marie have worked on all aspects of running a business. They calculated financial targets to meet, how to set up advertising, and figure out expenses. Chris and Marie looked at the industry, the value of the services provided, and how to leverage an established franchise.
“Marie Elliott is my superstar. We had a great connection from the start and now we are on a friendship level. She is amazing at what she does and truly has a gift for helping entrepreneurs succeed. I couldn't have done any of this without her,” commented Chris.
Chris appreciates the opportunity to help people understand dog communication. She has worked with some really difficult dogs over the years, and loves being able to create an amazing change both for the dog and its family. Typically the “wow” factor happens within the first ten minutes and people are overjoyed with the advances their dog has made. Chris believes that being an entrepreneur and dog trainer is the best career she has ever had.
“I love dogs, and people love their dogs. Everyone wants a well-behaved, well-mannered dog. I am thankful for the opportunity to help make a difference,” stated Chris.
In the future, Chris is looking forward to continuing making an impact on people's lives through dog training. As long as people have a dog, or two or three, there is always an opportunity to help.
“No matter how challenging the dog may seem, I work to find a way to connect with them. I am there to make both the family and the dog’s life easier. It is incredibly rewarding and fun. ”
To learn more about Bark Busters, visit www.barkbusters.com/dog-training-grand-rapids.
- All
- Advanced Tech Companies
- Growing Companies
- New Ventures

The Craft Loft of St. Clair
Read More
Bar Down Creations
Read More
Sunrise Bliss
Read More
Landmark Taphouse & Grille
Read More
OCBA Landscape Architects
Read More
Golden Choice, Inc.
Read More
Fortitude Children’s Therapy
Read More
Ty Gray-El
Read More
Blue Fish Early Learning Center
Read More
White Pine Furniture
Read More
Clicktivated
Read More
IndividuALLytics
Read More
Micro-Lam
Read More
Intecells, Inc.
Read More
Mackinac Technology Company
Read More
Life Magnetics
Read More
Greenmark Biomedical
Read More
Global ET
Read More
Esperovax Inc.
Read More
Celant
Read More
ATLAS Space Operations
Read More
AKTV8
Read More
Bedestrian
Read More
House of Pariah
Read More
Kelly Osborn
Read More
The Butters Hygienics Co.
Read More
Commonwealth Sewing
Read More
Presidential Brewing Co.
Read More
Ed Rehmann & Sons
Read More
INTVO
Read More
Tetra Therapeutics
Read More
Root Functional Medicine
Read More
Bob’s Butcher Shop
Read More
ellembee
Read More
Guided Life, LLC
Read More
Barrel + Beam
Read More
Growing Years Christian School & Child Care
Read More
Heart of Michigan Cafe
Read More
Akervall Technologies, Inc.
Read More
Inhabitect, LLC
Read More
Massman Trucking, Inc.
Read More
Midtown Fresh Market
Read More
Feast Gourmet Kitchen
Read More
Saddleback BBQ
Read More
K-Tec Systems
Read More
Chateau Chantal
Read More
Mid Michigan Upholstery & Awning
Read More
Our Family Friend
Read More
Trenary Home Bakery
Read More
Bark Busters
Read More
Kiss Me Specialty Coffee Shoppe
Read More
Legacy Metal Services
Read More
Ogemaw Pharmacy
Read More
Care Granted, LLC
Read More
Sandlot Sports
Read More
Soil Friends
Read More
Piper & Gold
Read More
Press on Juice
Read More
Roz’s Diner
Read More
Balance Massage Therapy
Read More
Chiquitos Bilingual Montessori
Read More
Cheryl Stevens Studio
Read More
All Dogs Can
Read More
Blarney Stone Broadcasting
Read More
Morris Lawn Care & Snow Removal
Read More
Green Glove Dryer
Read More
Supermercado Mexico
Read More
AureoGen Biosciences
Read More
Flint Podcasting Company
Read More
Witch’s Hat Brewing
Read More
Bon Bon Bon
Read More
Smart Bottoms
Read More
Detroit Kid City
Read More
Mountain Town Brewing Company
Read More